Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System
Disclosure: As an affiliate marketer, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support the blog at no additional cost to you.
Quick Summary
- Brand: Ninja
- Product Type: Coffee Maker
- Price Range: Mid-Range ($$)
- Best For: Coffee enthusiasts who want the flexibility of both drip coffee and espresso drinks in one machine
- Verdict: A feature-rich coffee system that delivers excellent results when it works properly, but reliability issues are a concern
Scoring Breakdown
When I first unboxed my Ninja Coffee & Espresso System, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design. As someone who values counter space, I loved how this machine combined both coffee and espresso capabilities without looking bulky.
Let me tell you about my journey with this interesting piece of kitchen tech.
Features and Benefits
During my time with this machine, these features have stood out:
- Dual functionality for both drip coffee and espresso
- A surprisingly effective built-in milk frother
- Flexible brew sizes (from single cups to full carafes)
- Rich and Classic brew strength options
- Nespresso pod compatibility
- Programmable delay brew feature
- Adjustable warming plate
- Spacious 55oz water reservoir
My Daily Experience
The first thing I noticed was how intuitive the machine is to use. I’m not a morning person, but even in my pre-caffeine haze, I can operate this thing without thinking too hard.
The coffee maker produces a rich, flavorful brew, and I’ve been genuinely impressed with the espresso quality from the Nespresso-compatible side.
I particularly love the frother. Initially, I was skeptical about a built-in frother, but it’s exceeded my expectations. I’ve even successfully made thick, creamy froth with almond milk for my dairy-free friends.
One minor annoyance is the water reservoir placement at the back of the machine. While it’s generously sized, I sometimes have to pull the machine forward to refill it, especially under my cabinets.
Who Should Buy It
From my experience, this machine is perfect if you:
- Love both drip coffee and espresso drinks
- Share a household with people who have different coffee preferences
- Want to save counter space
- Enjoy making cafe-style drinks at home
Who Should Not Buy It
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Only drink drip coffee or only drink espresso
- Need to make multiple espresso shots quickly
- Specifically want a steam wand instead of a frother
- Have limited overhead cabinet space (it’s a bit tall)
Alternatives to Consider
If this machine isn’t quite right for you, I’d suggest looking at:
- Breville Barista Express (for serious espresso enthusiasts)
- Moccamaster (for premium drip coffee)
- De’Longhi All-in-One (alternative combo machine)
Common Questions I’ve Gotten About My Machine
Q: Can you use K-cups in this machine? A: No, the espresso side only works with Nespresso-compatible pods, while the coffee side uses ground coffee.
Q: How’s the warming plate? A: I love that it’s adjustable – I can set it to keep my coffee warm for exactly as long as I need.
Q: Does it make true espresso? A: While it makes a very good espresso-style drink that I enjoy daily, it’s not quite the same as what you’d get from a traditional espresso machine.
Accessories I’ve Added
To enhance my experience, I’ve invested in:
- A reusable coffee filter
- A Nespresso pod organizer
- A quality coffee grinder for the drip coffee side
My Final Verdict
After months of daily use, I can say the Ninja Coffee & Espresso System has genuinely improved my coffee routine. It’s not perfect – the water reservoir could be more accessible, and sometimes I wish it had a proper steam wand instead of just a frother – but it’s incredibly versatile and makes great coffee.
Ready to upgrade your coffee game? Check current price
Want to make cafe-style drinks at home? Browse compatible pods