Ninja is a popular name when it comes to coffee bars. Its products offer great ease and are known to be reliable.
In this article, we’ll look at the best Ninja coffee bars for all kinds of budgets and users. We surveyed the market and picked the six best products based on performance, price, features, and ease of use.
1. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System (CP301) – Runner up
First on the list is the CP301 known for its incredible range. There’s a lot to like about this easy to use but an expensive machine. It can serve drinks in multiple sizes, from full carafes to small cups.
There’s also a special tea brew basket that provides great tea, whether you use loose-leaf or tea bags.
This compact machine will look pretty good sitting on your kitchen countertop. Made from plastic, it’s glossy and attractive. Plus, there are silver highlights and sleek indicators that make it look classy.
It’s small, portable, and easy to use thanks to automatic functions. There are no manual modes that may come as a downer for some users because the machine doesn’t let you choose how much water you need.
You can also enjoy chilled drinks thanks to ‘Brew Over Ice’ and ‘Cold Brew’ options. The first option flash-chills hot coffee as it goes into containers with ice. The second option involves using warm water to immerse grounds for about 15 minutes.
It uses programmed volumes based on preset sizes. You can choose from six sizes:
- Full carafe
- Half carafe
- Multi-serve containers
- Travel mugs
- Large mugs
- Small cups
The machine is easy to use. Swivel the knob and select your preferred brew size. The symbols are illuminated hence you will have no difficulty in choosing what you need. The next step is to select the flavor. You have three options to choose from:
- Rich: Uses less water and provides a stronger taste.
- Classic: Uses more water for a classic taste.
- Specialty: This mode uses very little water and produces a concentrated coffee liquid (4 ounces) that serves as a base for foamy drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
The milk frother adds a lot to the experience. It enhances the taste and folds away, making it easier to store the unit.
Pros
- You can choose from a variety of sizes
- The warming plate keeps drinks hot for up to 2 hours
- No cross-contamination thanks to separate coffee and tea filters
- Very versatile offering a variety of tastes
- Easy to use hence no learning curve
Cons
- Doesn’t have an Espresso setting
- The carafe isn’t dishwasher safe
2. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (CE201) – Best Budget Ninja Coffee Bar
If you are looking for an affordable coffee bar then consider the CE201 from Ninja. This beauty comes with a bunch of accessories including a permanent filter, removable water reservoir, Ninja integrated scoop, and 12-cup glass carafe.
It is not only cheap to buy but is also quite affordable to own since you will not have to invest in paper filters. It doesn’t offer as many brew options as our first pick but it wins when it comes to capacity.
This machine offers rich and classic settings, so you can get the taste that suits you more. The removable, large reservoir is quite easy to clean and use. We found it more useful than built-in reservoirs since it doesn’t require to fill it with a carafe.
We loved the flavor this beauty produces thanks to thermal flavor extraction that combines consistent blooming, saturation, and temperature
Since it’s programmable (24 hours), you’ll be able to prepare your coffee while you sleep and enjoy it when you wake up in the morning. But, what we love the most about this machine is the agitator. It circulates the drink while the pot brews to ensure the bottom is as hot as the top.
This is a great feature because it is not uncommon for coffee to get burned or go cold at the top. However, it may not work for some people as the coffee may get ‘too hot’ if you want to drink it right away.
Pros
- Quite an affordable product
- Mid-brew pause lets you enjoy your coffee if you’re in a hurry
- The Small Batch function ensures your coffee doesn’t get diluted
- The filter is of high quality
Cons
- The coffee might be too hot for some individuals
3. Ninja Single-Serve Pod-Free Coffee Maker Bar with Hot and Iced Coffee – (CF111)
CF111 can be a good pick for users looking to make their own specialty coffee beverages. It offers a variety of sizes including:
- Regular Cup
- Large Mug Travel Mug
- Large Multi-Serve
What we like the most about this coffee maker is its ability to create different styles. Your options include:
- Rich: Uses less water and provides a stronger taste.
- Classic: Uses more water for a classic taste.
- Specialty: This mode uses very little water and produces a concentrated coffee liquid (4 ounces) that serves as a base for foamy drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
- Over Ice: It makes great iced coffee. We loved the taste. It doesn’t feel watered down thanks to the right concentration.
- Cafe Forte: This brew offers complex flavors that is good if you enjoy a gourmet experience
The unit comes with an integrated frother that makes it possible to create great drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Like most modern systems from Ninja, this one also features the Auto-IQ One-Touch Intelligence Operating System that makes it easy to prepare your next cup of coffee.
Pros
- It is very easy to use
- Features a see-through water reservoir
- The built-in frother ensures you enjoy a great taste
- Advanced Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology adds to the flavor
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to clean
- Doesn’t come with a programmable timer
4. Ninja Coffee Maker
If you want a unit that looks impressive then gets your hands on the Ninja CF091. We think that this is one of the best Ninja coffee bars due to a variety of features including a detailed manual it comes with that makes it easy to use and maintain the machine.
It also contains a 20-recipe guide that can help you make your favorite drinks the way you like ’em. Made from stainless steel, the machine is quite durable and features a permanent reusable filter, hence there’s no need to worry about having to replace the filter every now and then.
This affordable unit is quite versatile in terms of size and styles. However, its USP is the drip stop level that lets you grab a cup while brewing without spilling coffee all over the counter.
The carafe (10 cups) stays hot thanks to the heating plate. We’re sure you’re going to love the built-in frother as well. For users who want more durability, there’s is also a thermal carafe version that costs a little more.
It also features Ninja’s special Smart Scoop technology. The Coffee Bar is pre-warmed, which means every following cup will be hotter than the first one. The machine only takes about 3 minutes to preheat. Hence, you will not have to wait a lot for your first cup to be ready.
Pros
- Cafe Forte improves the taste
- The removable water reservoir makes it easy to use the unit
- The clean cycle feature makes it fun to use the device
- Suitable for all kinds of people
Cons
- Looks a little bulky
- Coffee may get bitter if the temperature is very high
5. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker (CM401) – Best Overall
If you want a unit that offers everything that Ninja is known for then get your hands on the CM401. It’s known for specialty brews including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiato.
We also loved the iced coffee this unit produces. It tastes incredible and is never watered down. The machine can produce six brew sizes, making it a good option for both individuals and families.
Its fold-away frother makes it easy to use and store. It is quite effective in turning cold or hot milk into a smooth froth. Plus, the unit is also SCA certified and is safe for home. Its amazing Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology ensures you get the best possible taste.
This pod-free machine excels when it comes to variety and can be perfect for a customized brew. It features almost everything we have discussed above including a permanent filter, removable water reservoir, Ninja Scoop with Onboard Storage, and Programmable Delay.
Pros
- The machine is easy to store
- SCA certified
- The permanent filter can help you save money
- Ninja Scoop with Onboard Storage makes it easy to use
Cons
- It cannot make Espresso unless you ground the beans
- The lid for the water fill may not work well for some users
6. Ninja Coffee Maker for Hot/Iced/Frozen Coffee – (CF080Z)
The last on the list is one of Ninja’s most popular products that offer great variety. It features Auto-IQ technology and gives users the ability to choose from various types of coffee including Over Ice, Specialty, Rich, and Classic.
It comes with a 43oz. glass carafe that’s the right size for the whole family. We also love the intelligent warming plate that keeps the drink warm for about 2 hours.
This Ninja coffee bar review will not be complete without mentioning one of these beauty’s best features the programmable system.
You can set it up to prepare your drink for tomorrow so you do not have to get up to work hard. You’ll get your fresh coffee before you go out. This feature makes it a great pick for users who are always in a hurry.
It comes with some amazing accessories including a permanent filter, Ninja milk frother, coffee scoop, and insulated tumbler.
Pros
- Comes with a 40-recipe cookbook with some great recipes
- Pretty good at coffee saturation
- The removable water reservoir makes it easy to use
- Portable at just 8.2 pounds
Cons
- Cannot make French press coffee
- Not the most durable option out there
Why Buy a Ninja Coffee Bar
There are various companies making coffee bars out there, so why should you opt for a Ninja coffee bar? Here are some reasons:
Come With Everything You Need
Depending on the product you have selected, you will get everything you want to prepare a great cup of coffee including a permanent filter, frother, and carafe.
Affordable
You can easily find a reliable coffee bar from Ninja for under $80. Hence, it is suitable for all kinds of buyers.
Warranty
All the coffee bars come with a 1-year limited warranty. Hence, you will not have to worry about the product if anything goes wrong with it in the first year.
Excellent Customer Service
Ninja is known to offer excellent customer support. You can get in touch with the agents online or via phone and they’ll respond back within 24 hours. Most agents are friendly and well-informed.
Ease of Use
Almost all Ninja coffee bars are easy to use and store since they are compact and feature a lot of options including programmable systems. This makes it a lot of fun to prepare coffee. Plus, most units are versatile and can prepare a variety of brews and support different sizes.
Great Durability
The company produces products that are made to last. They come with a 1-year warranty but we found users who have been using Ninja products for over 3 years. Life largely depends on how well maintained you keep your product.
Best Ninja Coffee Bars: FAQ
Does the Ninja coffee bar make Espresso?
Most Ninja coffee makers cannot make Espresso. You can, however, adjust the proportion of water to ground coffee and use the specialty brew to prepare a form of Espresso.
What is the best Ninja coffee bar?
We have covered the 6 best Ninja coffee makers out there and while they’re all great, the best option may depend on your requirements and budget.
The Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother (CM401), for example, can be a good pick for users looking for a machine with a glass carafe.
It’s affordable and SCA certified. If you want a cheaper unit then consider the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Classic and Rich Brews (CE201).
How do I program my Ninja coffee maker?
Most Ninja coffee makers feature the Auto-IQ One-Touch Intelligence Operating System that makes it a breeze to prepare a cup of coffee. You only need to tell the machine what you want and it will prepare it for you.
Can you set a timer on the Ninja coffee bar?
Yes, you can if your Ninja coffee bar is programmable. Turn it on, fill the water reservoir, add ground coffee to the filter, place the carafe under the brew basket, and press the Delay Brew button on the screen. Select the right time, choose your desired brew, and you’re done.
How do I clean my ninja coffee maker?
Clean the outside using water and soap and clean the inside using white vinegar. This may come as a surprise to some but, yes, you can clean the Ninja coffee maker with vinegar.
Conclusion
If we had to choose the one best overall product, we’ll go with the Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother (CM401). It may be a little expensive but it’s worth the price since it is easy to fold and store and works like a charm.
The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Classic and Rich Brews (CE201) would be our best budget pick. It costs less than most coffee bars but has almost everything Ninja is known for.
For the runner up, we’ll go with the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System CP301. It can brew a variety of styles and support various sizes.
At the end of the day, pick what suits you the best.
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