For any major coffee lover, the Ninja brand is something you’ve likely heard of, as the USA-based manufacturer is consistently offering high-quality options to bring a café experience right into your home. This brand goes beyond offering a single type of coffee maker and instead has drip brewers for those who want a bold style and steam-powered espresso-style machines for those who prefer that. With all the options on the market, it can be challenging to decide which is the best Ninja coffee maker for you.
That’s precisely why we wanted to offer some insight into the eight best coffee makers from the brand and all the things that make them worth adding to your kitchen. We’ll tell you all about the best coffee makers and then take you on a journey through what features are most important for the appliance you take home.Best Pick
The Ninja CF091 Coffee Maker is a solid choice, which comes with a 10 cup glass carafe, a built-in frother, and a reusable filter to make creating coffee simple and straightforward.
Budget Pick
When looking to save money on Ninja machines, you can’t go wrong with the Ninja CE201 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, which offers hot brewing technology, 24-hour programmability, and a gold-tone permanent coffee filter.
Quick Comparison: Top 8 Best Ninja Coffee Makers
1. Ninja CF091 Coffee Maker
For one of the most impressive looking coffee makers on the market, you don’t have to look farther than the Ninja CF091, which offers a huge variety of features and a detailed manual to ensure you can easily use and maintain the coffee maker. The machine is made from durable stainless steel and has a modern look that will fit most home kitchens while adding a touch of flair. The carafe stays hot thanks to the heating plate underneath it, so you can be sure you’re enjoying a steaming beverage even if you don’t get to it right away.
There are five different brew types to choose from when using this model, so you can get creative with your coffee every morning. You can also choose from six brew sizes ranging from a single cup to an entire carafe, so the coffee maker works for an individual or a large group. The versatility will appeal to anyone who wants something a little more interesting than a traditional cup of coffee in the morning.
As far as the negatives go, there aren’t too many to be aware of. However, one slight downside is that it needs to be cleaned on a fairly regular basis, so you may need to do more maintenance than you expected. Some users have also experienced issues with the coffee maker starting to leak after moderate use, which necessitates a replacement.
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2. Ninja CE201 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Another of the top Ninja machines is the CE201, which offers a selection of features for a great price, something that may appeal to anyone who is budget-minded but appreciates excellent coffee. This is a reasonably compact coffee maker at about 9 x 10 x 15 inches, and it weighs in at only six and a half pounds. It can serve up to 12 cups of coffee before it needs a water refill, which will be handy in a home with lots of coffee drinkers.
This is a personal use coffee maker that has a special brew cycle if you want one to four cups of coffee, and it includes a brew-pause option for moments when you need to take a cup before the brew cycle is over with. It has two brew styles, including classic and rich, which means it may not be right for those who want specialty brews or iced coffee. However, it does have a flavor straw in the carafe to ensure all coffee is consistent from the first cup to the last.
You can expect coffee made with this machine to stay hot for about four hours after being made thanks to the adjustable heating plate. However, some people will prefer to choose a model that has more than two modes since the ones offered are fairly basic for the Ninja brand. On the other hand, those who are happy with a traditional cup of coffee may find it meets their needs perfectly.
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3. Ninja CF080Z Coffee Maker with Four Brew Sizes
This is one of the Ninja options that includes Auto IQ One Touch Intelligence, which lets you choose a brewing style and a size before the machine determines how much water to use based on those two factors. It offers all of the significant brewing styles from classic and rich to specialty brew for layered beverages and ice if you’re in the mood for something cold and creamy to start your day.
It has a programmable option for a delayed brew if you want to enjoy coffee at a specific time of day without having to walk to the kitchen and get the machine working. This is ideal for those who get up at the same time every day to get ready for work who want a cup of coffee to start things off right. It also includes Thermal Flavor Extraction for quality coffee that includes temperature calibration, pre-infusion, and coffee saturation steps.
The biggest problem to note with this model is that the clean light can sometimes come on and refuse to turn off, which makes it nearly impossible to make a cup of coffee. There have also been reports of leaking by a few people who have used the machine in the past. Keep in mind that these things are both rare and unlikely to occur, but it’s worth being aware of.
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4. Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker
The CM401 from Ninja is an advanced machine that measures in at 12 x 8 x 15 inches and weighs just over 13 pounds, which makes it reasonably tall but quite narrow as long as you have sufficient vertical space. This model uses ground coffee and features a wide selection of brewing strengths, so everyone in the house can have a tailored cup of coffee, just like a café would offer. It can even create a highly concentrated shot that tastes similar to an espresso.
This coffee machine offers the option of a glass or a thermal carafe, depending on which you’d prefer to have in your kitchen. It also comes with additional extras like a measuring scooper, so you don’t have to guess on how much coffee you want to add to achieve the result you’re hoping for.
Through thermal flavor extraction, the Ninja coffee maker blends the right amount of water using automated controls based on the settings you punch in, which makes it one of the easiest systems you could use. It also has a drip-stop button if you need to pause or stop brewing in the middle of the process. The only real negative with this machine is that the brewing process is a bit louder than average.
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5. Ninja Hot and Cold CP301 Brewer System
While any Ninja coffee maker can brew a great cup of joe, one of the most unique aspects of this coffee maker is that it has a tea brew basket, so those who enjoy tea, whether loose-leaf or in a bag, can also use the product to brew it up. It’s a compact model that is made of glossy plastic with sleek, elegant indicators.
This easy-to-use coffee maker that has illuminated symbols and a swivel knob that creates your favorite coffee or tea beverage in just a few moments. It even has separate filters and baskets for the tea and coffee options, so you don’t get any strange flavors in your mug, regardless of what you prefer to drink. With the addition of tea brewing, this model may have the most to offer of any Ninja brewer on the market right now.
Another perk of this machine is that it has a heavy-duty warming plate that keeps your beverages hot for hours. However, as with other Ninja coffee makers, sometimes the clean warning will come up and not leave the screen even after cleaning. Some users have also experienced issues with the water reservoir leaking.
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6. Ninja Coffee Bar CF091 Auto-IQ Programmable Coffee Maker Renewed
The Ninja CF091 is an impressive-looking coffee maker that offers a selection of great features and a detailed manual to help you use and maintain the machine so it will last many years. It comes with a detailed recipe guide to help you recreate your favorite caffeinated beverages with a variety of styles and sizes to choose from. It is made from stainless steel for durability and comes with a permanent reusable filter, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it every day.
One of the things that stands out with this model is that it has a drip-stop function that lets you take a cup of coffee while the machine is still brewing to prevent spilling coffee on the counter in your kitchen. It offers a heating plate for the carafe to ensure it stays nice and warm until you finish drinking all you want. It is also one of the Ninja coffee makers that can use ground coffee for those who prefer that to beans.
Something to note is that there is no way to stop brewing without pushing a button since this isn’t provided automatically. It also has a heating plate that only stays on for two hours, which is less than the four hours offered by some other models. Those who immediately drink the coffee probably won’t notice or care about this, though.
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7. Ninja CF020 Coffee Brewer
This CF020 coffee brewer from Ninja is one of the models that offers Auto IQ One Touch Intelligence to make coffee creation a breeze since the machine determines the right amount of water to use based on your specifications. You can choose from a variety of different sizes when using this machine so you can fill a cup just for yourself, get a travel mug full of coffee for transport, or even make a full carafe for times when you have company over.
This coffee maker has a sleek design and is fairly compact as long as you have the vertical space for it to sit in your kitchen. Its components work well for times when you are entertaining but can also be used with cups and mugs when it is being used for a single person. This is also one of the more reasonably priced options, so it will likely appeal if you’re on a tight budget.
In some cases, this machine will get stuck in the cleaning cycle mentioned for other brewers above, which can be an issue. It’s also been known to have issues where it pushes through too much water and creates a brew that isn’t strong enough. However, overall, it works well and has many features that you might be looking for.
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8. Ninja Hot and Cold CP301 Renewed Brewer System
This renewed CP301 offers separate filters for tea and coffee to ensure a beverage for every taste. It comes with a large 50-ounce carafe that works well when you have a group of people over, and the heating element keeps your coffee or tea hot for two hours at a time. It also has several different modes for rich coffee, classic coffee, and specialty coffee, the last of which makes an espresso-style coffee.
Even with all these features, the coffee maker itself is easy to use and can be transported easily due to its small size. It also comes at a reasonable price since it’s a renewed version that has been tested to ensure the best possible performance. If you are on a budget, this could be a great choice that offers plenty of features you won’t find even on the more expensive models.
On occasion, this item has shipped without all of its parts or has components that don’t work the way you expect them to. There are also cases where the coffee maker has started leaking water after some amount of use. However, these aren’t common issues and likely won’t come up if you make this your purchase choice.
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Things to Know When Purchasing the Best Ninja Coffee Maker
When you’re considering your options for a Ninja coffee maker, there are several different things you should look for. While your own preferences will come into account, things like the need for extra features like a frother, preference for traditional or modern coffee, and the amount of coffee you go through in a day will also play a part in your decision. Below we’ll be looking at the different aspects to consider, as well as offering extra information about the Ninja brand specifically.
Amount of Coffee You Need Each Day
The most important thing when choosing a Ninja coffee maker is that it meets your specific needs, especially when it comes to how much coffee you and other family members drink every day. Ninja has a wide variety of coffee makers that range from single-serve options to machines that brew several mugs or a full carafe of your favorite coffee. If you often enjoy entertaining your coffee loving friends, a Ninja coffee maker with a large capacity might be the best option.
However, those who have a smaller kitchen and might only drink a cup or two a day may want to choose a smaller machine that has fewer special features.
Considering Your Preferred Style of Coffee
One of the things you can be sure you’ll get with any Ninja coffee maker is a great level of versatility, but that doesn’t mean that every model is exactly the same. Some come with a frother and others don’t, and the newer models are the only ones that come with the option to have your coffee over ice if you prefer cold caffeinated beverages. If any of these things are important to you, make sure the coffee maker you’re considering offers them.
Space Available in Your Kitchen for a Coffee Maker
Something that can sometimes slip the mind is the importance of checking whether the coffee maker you want is going to fit in the space where you want it to be. While the horizontal space is important, don’t forget to check the height, as well, to be sure the machine will fit. You don’t want to purchase a coffee maker just to find out that your cabinets are in the way and you have nowhere to place it.
Make Sure You’re Prepared to Grind Your Own Beans
In many cases, Ninja coffee makers are designed for you to purchase and grind up your own beans. This makes for the best tasting and freshest coffee, but it is also something new for some coffee lovers. Before you purchase one of these machines, be sure that you have a way to grind beans, whether you’re using a manual or an automatic bean grinder.
Things that Make the Ninja Coffee Makers Stand Out
Often, the best way to differentiate between the features offered by two machines is by considering when they came onto the market. The older models are called coffee bars and will have a CF in the name; this is based on the fact that these machines had the largest amount of brew options compared to competitors at the time.
If you see products on Amazon marked as renewed, these are often the older coffee bars. It might make you wonder if these are outdated, but that is not the case. Many of these models are still highly-rated while being offered at discounted prices, which is ideal for someone who is on a budget.
On the other hand, newer models are designated by CM, CE, and CP, and while they aren’t designated as coffee bars, they still have a high level of versatility. T
Understanding How a Ninja Coffee Maker Operates
A Ninja coffee maker uses the same brewing concept as traditional coffee makers. There is a reservoir with water that is heated up and then pushed upwards into a brewing chamber where the water runs over the ground coffee. Ninja is one of the best coffee maker manufacturers and wants to stay that way, so nearly all of them are going to use one of the brewing technologies below:
- Auto IQ One-Touch Intelligence – This term is often seen on various Ninja coffee makers and essentially refers to the machine doing everything for you. Once you load in the ground coffee and fill the water container, these machines determine the amount of water needed for various coffee styles. This can help eliminate stress over guessing how much water you need and making adjustments to the water tank.
- Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology – Another form of technology that makes Ninja unique is this one, which ensures that your water for coffee is heated to the correct level. It also controls the bloom, infusion, and saturation levels so you can be sure that you are getting the best possible coffee every time.
Reasons to Choose a Ninja Coffee Maker
Since there are several high-quality coffee maker manufacturers on the market today, you might wonder why Ninja is one of the best options for your kitchen. There are several reasons, and we’re going to list some of the most important ones below:
- All-Inclusive Coffee Makers – In many cases, Ninja coffee makers offer all the items you need to start making coffee. This includes the coffee maker itself as well as a carafe, a permanent filter, and a frother. There are some exceptions, so make sure you choose a model with these accessories if it’s important to you.
- Inexpensive Options – While some of Ninja’s coffee makers can be a bit expensive, that isn’t the case for all of them. In fact, if you look through your options, some of these coffee machines can be purchased for less than $100. This makes the brand ideal for all kinds of shoppers, even those on a budget.
- Offers a Warranty – All Ninja machines come with a one-year limited warranty to offer you peace of mind. You know when you go into the purchase that if a problem occurs in the first year, the manufacturer will take care of it. This isn’t true of all coffee maker manufacturers, so Ninja is a cut above the rest in this department.
- Fantastic Customer Service – One of the things that sets Ninja apart is that they offer a high-quality level of customer service. Agents representing the company can be reached through phone or online and a response will be provided within 24 hours. In most cases, the agents are well-informed, friendly, and ready to help you with whatever you need.
- Simplicity of Use – Nearly all of the coffee makers from Ninja are simple to use and easy to store due to being compact and having a huge number of options, including programmable systems. Many of the units are versatile and can prepare brews of all types in several different sizes.
- High Durability – Ninja’s products are known to be high quality and made to last. While they do offer a year-long warranty, some users have been working with the same machine for three years or more. Maintaining the machine regularly is the best way to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Conclusion
Anyone who is looking for a reliable and versatile coffee maker that creates all your favorite caffeinated beverages should look toward the Ninja brand. Each of the eight options above will fit the needs of most people; it’s just a matter of deciding which one is best for you.
When you’re looking for the best Ninja coffee maker for your home, think about how many people are going to use it, what kinds of coffee it lets you create, and how much space you have available on your countertop.