Ninja Pod & Grounds | Coffee Maker | XL Single-Serve | K-Cup Pod Compatible | Brews Grounds | Compact Design | Built-In Milk Frother | 68-oz. Reservoir, 6-oz. Cup to 24-oz. Mug Sizes | Stone |PB055AST
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AI Verdict
This 6.56-pound single-serve coffee maker brews 6-24 oz drinks from pods or grounds, featuring a 68-oz reservoir and a fold-away frother for home cafe drinks.
This coffee maker is a strong fit for anyone wanting a single-serve machine that handles both pods and grounds, offering extensive brew size options from 6 oz to 24 oz. The integrated frother and multiple brew styles cater to diverse drink preferences, making it a versatile kitchen appliance.
If you need a machine that brews full carafes in addition to single-serve, look for models with a dual-brew functionality.
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Pros
- Brews both K-Cup pods (6, 8, 10, 12 oz) and ground coffee (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24 oz) for varied preferences.
- Includes a built-in, fold-away frother that handles hot or cold milk and milk alternatives, and is removable for cleaning.
- Features a 68-oz removable water reservoir, reducing refill frequency.
- Accommodates travel mugs up to 8 inches, supporting on-the-go convenience.
- Offers four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty, for diverse coffee preparations.
- Users report fast brewing times and hot coffee output.
Cons
- Some users report coffee grounds ending up in the cup when using K-Cups.
- The frother requires the button to be held down during operation.
- The 'Over Ice' brew setting delivers half the selected volume (e.g., 3 oz for a 6 oz selection), which can be unexpected.
- The power cord is not retractable, though it can be tucked away for storage.
- Some users have noted concerns about the noise level during operation.
Dimension Scores
The machine offers four brew styles and a wide range of brew sizes (6-24 oz for grounds, 6-12 oz for pods), and users report fast brewing and hot coffee.
Users find it easy to use and clean, with a removable 68-oz reservoir and clear controls for brew size and style.
While many praise its compact design and functionality, some user reports of grounds in coffee and machine failure after a few months suggest inconsistent quality.
The auto shut-off feature contributes to energy saving, and single-serve brewing inherently uses less energy than full pots.
Best For
- Individuals who want both K-Cup convenience and the flexibility of brewing with grounds.
- People making a variety of coffeehouse-style drinks at home, including lattes and cappuccinos, with the integrated frother.
- Users needing to brew multiple cup sizes, from a 6-oz cup to a 24-oz travel mug.
- Kitchens with limited counter space, due to its compact design.
Not Recommended For
- Users who strictly prefer a traditional drip coffee maker for larger batches.
- Those who dislike manual frothing, as the built-in frother requires holding a button.
- Individuals sensitive to machine noise during brewing cycles.
Watch Out For
- Expect grounds in your cup if you're using K-Cups; one user reported 'a mouthful of grounds' with different K-Cup brands.
- The 'Over Ice' brew setting reduces the liquid volume by half (e.g., 6 oz selection yields 3 oz coffee), designed for ice dilution but not explicitly stated on the machine.
- The frother only operates while its button is continuously pressed, which isn't a hands-free experience.
- Some users report the machine failing after a few months of use, indicating potential durability concerns.
- Older K-Cup pod adapters might not be compatible due to different nozzle configurations, requiring new ones.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 622356634144 |
| ASIN | B0DLHZKB7W |
| Brand | Ninja |
| Color | Stone |
| Style | Casual |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Capacity | 68 Fluid Ounces |
| Model Name | Ninja PB055AST |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 6.56 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Ninja |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Auto Shut-Off, Lightweight, Milk Frother, Permanent Filter |
| Coffee Input Type | Ground, Pod |
| Coffee Maker Type | Drip Coffee Machine |
| Item model number | PB055AST |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Product Dimensions | 13.07"D x 5.51"W x 13.64"H |
| Included Components | Built-in Frother, Filter, Ninja Pod Adapter, Ninja Smart Scoop, Removable Brew Basket |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Compatible Coffee Pods | K-Cup |
| Specific Uses For Product | Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 10622356634141 |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by how quickly this machine brews coffee and how hot it gets the drink, often exceeding expectations from older coffee makers. The flexibility to switch between K-Cups and personal grounds is a frequently highlighted benefit, simplifying morning routines for many. However, some owners consistently find coffee grounds in their cup when using K-Cups, regardless of the brand. The frother, while praised for its effectiveness with hot and cold milk, requires continuous button pressing during operation.
“Honestly, I was so hyped for this thing but finding grounds in my K-Cup coffee is just annoying, like, why even have the option if it's gonna do that every time?!”
Common Praise
- Brews coffee quickly and at a high temperature.
- The ability to use both K-Cups and ground coffee is highly valued.
- The built-in frother produces silky-smooth froth for hot or cold milk.
- Easy to clean, especially the removable frother and brew basket.
- Compact design fits well on countertops.
- Accommodates various cup and travel mug sizes up to 24 oz.
Common Complaints
- Coffee grounds appear in the cup when brewing with K-Cups.
- The frother requires the user to hold down the button for it to operate.
- The 'Over Ice' brew setting delivers half the selected volume, which can be confusing.
- Concerns about the noise level during brewing.
- Some reports of the machine failing after a few months of ownership.
Ownership Tips
- The 'Over Ice' brew setting is designed to be concentrated, so don't expect a full cup of liquid if you select a larger size.
- Regular cleaning of the frother is crucial, as milk residue can build up quickly.
- The machine beeps when brewing starts and finishes, which is a minor detail but can be a factor in quiet environments.
- The power cord, while not retractable, has a designated area for tucking it away, which helps with counter tidiness.
- The permanent filter for grounds is a convenient alternative to disposable filters, but needs regular emptying and rinsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any K-Cup pod with this machine?
Yes, it is K-Cup pod compatible. However, some older K-Cup adapters might not work due to different nozzle designs, so new ones may be needed.
Does the frother work with cold milk or milk alternatives?
Yes, the built-in, fold-away frother is designed to turn both hot or cold milk, including milk alternatives, into silky-smooth froth.
How large is the water reservoir?
The coffee maker features a 68-oz removable water reservoir, allowing for multiple brews before needing a refill.
What is the maximum size travel mug it can accommodate?
This machine can accommodate travel mugs up to 8 inches in height.
How does the 'Over Ice' brew setting work?
The 'Over Ice' setting brews a concentrated coffee at half the selected volume (e.g., 3 oz for a 6 oz selection) to account for ice melting, ensuring proper dilution.
Is the permanent filter included?
Yes, a permanent filter is included for brewing with coffee grounds.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at single-serve coffee makers, you need to decide if you want the convenience of pre-packaged pods or the flavor control of fresh grounds. This Ninja machine gives you both, which is a big deal if you like variety. Pay attention to the reservoir size, because a bigger one means fewer refills, especially if you drink a lot of coffee or have multiple users. Also, if you're into specialty drinks, a built-in frother saves you from buying another gadget.
68 Fluid Ounces Capacity
This refers to the water reservoir size. A 68-oz reservoir means you can brew several cups (up to 11 of the smallest 6-oz cups) before needing to refill, which is handy for busy mornings or multiple users.
Brews Grounds & K-Cup Pods
This versatility means you aren't locked into one type of coffee. You can use convenient K-Cups for a quick brew or your favorite ground coffee for a more customized flavor and potentially lower cost per cup.
6-oz Cup to 24-oz Mug Sizes
This wide range of brew sizes ensures you can make anything from a small, concentrated shot for a specialty drink to a large travel mug to take on your commute, accommodating various needs throughout the day.
Built-In Milk Frother
A frother lets you create coffeehouse-style drinks like lattes and cappuccinos at home. This one is built-in and folds away, saving counter space compared to a separate frothing device.
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit, look for machines with a larger water reservoir if you brew for many people, or a model with an automatic frother if you prefer hands-free milk preparation.
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