Are you in the market for a Ninja coffee maker for your home? It’s no surprise that Ninja is a top choice among coffee enthusiasts, known for its exceptional performance and versatile features. However, with several models available, selecting the best one can be overwhelming.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve evaluated the top Ninja coffee makers based on key factors such as ease of use, brewing technology, programmability, and durability. Ninja coffee makers are renowned for their robust and multifunctional design, often combining the capabilities of multiple coffee machines into one.
One standout model on our list is the Ninja CP307 Coffee Maker, which offers a cold brew system, a milk frother, and advanced coffee extraction technology. This model is perfect for brewing hot coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and even healthy teas.
Ready to find your ideal Ninja coffee maker? Explore the top models and discover their standout features to find the perfect match for your brewing needs.
1. Ninja Cp307 Hot And Cold Brewed System Auto-iq Coffee Maker – Best All-purpose Ninja Coffee Maker
- Brand: Ninja
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 10.01″D x 11.81″W x 15″H
- Special Feature: Programmable
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Capacity: 50 Fluid Ounces
- Material: Plastic, Metal, Rubber
- Item Weight: 11.73 Pounds
- Wattage: 1500 watts
The Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System offers a versatile brewing experience with a range of innovative features. It allows you to brew tea or coffee at a lower temperature over ice, delivering a smooth, naturally sweet flavor in just 10 to 15 minutes. The system is BPA-free and includes a 2.5 ft cord for flexibility.
Equipped with separate brew baskets for coffee and tea, the Ninja coffee maker ensures flavors remain distinct. Its smart basket recognition system identifies what’s in each basket and adjusts the settings automatically, offering six brew sizes from a single cup to a full carafe, and five brew styles including Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Cold Brew, and Specialty.
The machine features a 50 oz (10-cup) thermal carafe that keeps beverages hot for up to 2 hours without needing a warming plate. The fold-away frother turns both hot and cold milk into silky-smooth froth in seconds and conveniently flips away when not in use.
For ease of maintenance, most components, including the water reservoir, frother whisk, brew-through lid, permanent filters, removable filter holders, flip-top lid, and scoop, are dishwasher safe. The thermal carafe should be hand-washed.
Included with the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System are the 50 oz double-walled thermal carafe, separate coffee and tea brew baskets, permanent filters for both coffee and tea, a removable water reservoir, Ninja smart scoop, and a fold-away frother.
Pros:
- Versatile Brewing Options: Offers a wide range of brew styles and sizes, including Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Cold Brew, and Specialty, accommodating various preferences.
- Dual Brew Baskets: Separate baskets for coffee and tea prevent flavor mixing, ensuring distinct tastes for each beverage.
- Smart Basket Recognition: Automatically adjusts settings based on the basket’s contents, simplifying the brewing process.
- Thermal Carafe: The 50 oz double-walled thermal carafe keeps beverages hot for up to 2 hours without a warming plate.
- Fold-Away Frother: Efficiently froths both hot and cold milk, adding convenience and versatility to your coffee and tea preparation.
- Ease of Maintenance: Most parts, including the water reservoir, frother whisk, and permanent filters, are dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning.
- BPA-Free Construction: Made with safe, BPA-free materials, ensuring healthier beverage preparation.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: The coffee maker is relatively large and heavy (11.73 pounds), which may be cumbersome for those with limited counter space.
- Thermal Carafe Maintenance: While the carafe keeps drinks hot, it requires hand washing, which can be less convenient compared to dishwasher-safe components.
- Cord Length: The 2.5 ft cord may limit placement options if electrical outlets are not within close reach.
- Initial Cost: The range of features and capabilities may come with a higher price tag compared to more basic coffee makers.
2. Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker – Best Plastic-free Ninja Coffee Maker
- Brand: Ninja
- Color: Black and Stainless Steel Finish
- Product Dimensions: 8.75″D x 11.99″W x 15.04″H
- Special Feature: Milk Frother, Programmable
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Capacity: 3.1 Pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 3.1 Pounds
- Wattage: 950 watts
- Versatile Brewing: The Ninja Drip Coffee Machine brews super-rich coffee concentrate, ideal for making a variety of coffeehouse-style drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos.
- Iced Coffee Capability: Brews coffee over ice to deliver a flavorful iced coffee without dilution.
- Multiple Brew Sizes: Offers six different brew sizes, from a single cup to a full carafe, accommodating diverse brewing needs.
- Fold-Away Frother: Conveniently transforms hot or cold milk into silky-smooth froth, adding a touch of luxury to your coffee drinks.
- Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for expensive coffee pods, potentially saving up to $200 annually based on daily consumption.
- Sleek Design: Features a stylish black and stainless steel finish, fitting well with modern kitchen decor.
- Programmable: Includes programmable settings for added convenience.
Cons:
- Capacity Limitation: The 3.1-pound capacity might be limiting for larger households or gatherings.
- No Built-In Grinder: Requires pre-ground coffee or separate grinder for fresh coffee grounds.
- Limited Water Reservoir: The water reservoir’s size might require frequent refills for larger brewing needs.
- Instruction Booklet Only: The included instruction booklet might not be as comprehensive as some users would prefer; additional online resources or tutorials might be necessary.
3. Ninja CE201 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – Best Drip Ninja Coffee Maker
- Brand: Ninja
- Color: Black/Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 8.74″D x 9.94″W x 14.61″H
- Special Feature: Programmable
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Capacity: 12 Cups
- Material: Plastic, Metal, Rubber
- Item Weight: 6.48 Pounds
- Wattage: 950 watts
Experience exceptional coffee with the Ninja Drip Coffee Machine, designed to deliver a perfectly hot cup of coffee every time with its advanced boiler technology. The 24-hour programmable delay brew function allows you to prepare your coffee up to a day in advance, so you can wake up to hot, fresh coffee.The adjustable warming plate keeps your coffee fresh and flavorful for up to 4 hours. For added convenience, the 60-ounce removable water reservoir makes filling easy, and the mid-brew pause feature lets you pour a cup before the brew cycle is complete.For smaller batches (1 to 4 cups), use the Small Batch function to ensure your coffee is never diluted. The gold tone permanent coffee filter eliminates the need for paper filters, saving you money and hassle.Included with the coffee maker are a 12-cup glass carafe, Ninja integrated scoop, removable water reservoir, and permanent filter, providing everything you need for a smooth and convenient brewing experience.Pros:
- Advanced Brewing Technology: Features an advanced boiler that ensures your coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature for a hot and satisfying cup every time.
- Programmable Delay Brew: The 24-hour programmable delay brew function allows you to prepare your coffee up to a day in advance, so you can wake up to fresh coffee.
- Adjustable Warming Plate: Keeps your coffee hot and flavorful for up to 4 hours, ensuring that each cup is as good as the first.
- Removable Water Reservoir: The 60-ounce removable water reservoir simplifies the filling process and makes it easy to clean.
- Mid-Brew Pause: Lets you pour a cup before the brew cycle is complete, offering convenience and flexibility.
- Small Batch Function: Ideal for brewing smaller quantities (1 to 4 cups), preventing dilution and maintaining flavor quality.
- Gold Tone Permanent Filter: Saves money and reduces waste by eliminating the need for paper filters.
- Comprehensive Set: Comes with a 12-cup glass carafe, Ninja integrated scoop, and permanent filter, providing everything needed for efficient coffee brewing.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: At 6.48 pounds and with its dimensions, it may take up significant counter space and might be heavier than some other models.
- Material Composition: Constructed from plastic, metal, and rubber, which may not appeal to those who prefer coffee makers made entirely from stainless steel or glass.
- Glass Carafe: While included, glass carafes can be more fragile compared to thermal carafes and may require careful handling.
- Warming Plate: While adjustable, the warming plate can sometimes cause coffee to taste burnt if left on for extended periods.
- Limited Color Options: Available only in black/stainless steel, which may not fit all kitchen decors.
4. Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer – Best Inexpensive Ninja Coffee Maker
- Brand: Ninja
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Product Dimensions: 8″D x 10″W x 14″H
- Special Features: Removable Water Reservoir, Programmable
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Capacity: 60 Fluid Ounces
- Material: Glass, Plastic
- Item Weight: 6.55 Pounds
- Wattage: 1100 watts
The Ninja Drip Coffee Maker combines sleek stainless steel design with advanced functionality to deliver an exceptional coffee experience. It offers two brew styles—Classic and Rich—allowing you to customize your coffee to your taste without any bitterness. The 12-cup glass carafe is perfect for brewing both small and large batches, making it versatile for daily use or special occasions.Equipped with Hotter Brewing Technology, it ensures even saturation and precise temperature control for rich, flavorful coffee. The Small Batch Function lets you brew from 1 to 4 cups without dilution, maintaining full flavor. With a 24-hour programmable delay brew feature, you can set your coffee maker to start brewing up to a day in advance, so you can wake up to fresh, hot coffee.The adjustable warming plate keeps your coffee at the ideal temperature for up to 4 hours, and the removable 60-ounce water reservoir makes refilling simple and convenient. The mid-brew pause feature allows you to pour a cup before the brewing cycle completes. For easy maintenance, the one-touch clean setting makes descaling a breeze. Included with the coffee maker are a 12-cup glass carafe, permanent filter, Ninja integrated scoop, and a 60-ounce removable water reservoir.Pros:
- Customizable Brew Styles: Offers both Classic and Rich brew settings to suit your taste preferences, ensuring a flavorful cup without bitterness.
- Large Capacity: The 12-cup glass carafe is ideal for brewing large batches for gatherings or everyday use, while the Small Batch Function allows for brewing 1 to 4 cups without dilution.
- Hotter Brewing Technology: Provides even saturation and precise temperature control for consistently rich and flavorful coffee.
- Programmable Delay Brew: Allows you to set the coffee maker to brew up to 24 hours in advance, so you can wake up to fresh coffee.
- Adjustable Warming Plate: Keeps coffee at the optimal temperature for up to 4 hours, maintaining its flavor and warmth.
- Convenient Features: Includes a removable 60-ounce water reservoir for easy refilling, a mid-brew pause feature for quick pours, and a one-touch clean setting for hassle-free descaling.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a 12-cup glass carafe, permanent filter, Ninja integrated scoop, and a removable water reservoir.
Cons:
- Material Limitations: The glass carafe, while useful for viewing coffee levels, can be more fragile compared to thermal carafes.
- No Built-in Grinder: Lacks an integrated coffee grinder, so you’ll need a separate grinder for fresh ground coffee.
- Size and Weight: Slightly bulky and heavier than some compact models, which may be a consideration if you have limited counter space.
- Single-Wall Reservoir: The water reservoir does not have a built-in heater, which could be less convenient for those who want to keep water hot or warm for other uses.
5. Ninja CP301 Hot and Cold Brewed System Auto-IQ Coffee Maker – Best Low-maintenance Ninja Coffee Maker
- Brand: Ninja
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 10.01″D x 11.81″W x 15″H
- Special Features: Milk Frother, Programmable, Removable Tank
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Capacity: 50 Fluid Ounces
- Material: Plastic, Metal, Rubber
- Item Weight: 11.73 Pounds
- Wattage: 1500 watts
The Ninja Coffee Maker is a versatile and advanced drip coffee machine designed to cater to all your brewing needs. It features a programmable design with a built-in milk frother that transforms both hot and cold milk into silky smooth froth in seconds—perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and more. The 50-ounce capacity allows you to brew anything from a single cup or travel mug to a full carafe.With the option to brew over ice, you can enjoy refreshing iced coffee or tea with rich, full flavors. The Auto-IQ one-touch intelligence technology simplifies the brewing process, while the specially designed tea brew basket accommodates both tea bags and loose leaf for your preferred style of tea.For optimal performance, ensure proper grind size and coffee amount to achieve the best results. Note that the amount of espresso extracted may vary with adjustments in grind size and amount, and reprogramming might be necessary.The Ninja Coffee Maker includes a removable tank for easy filling, and its 2.5-foot cord length provides flexibility in placement. The thermal carafe, while not dishwasher safe, keeps your coffee hot and fresh. The reusable filter type adds convenience and reduces waste.Pros:
- Versatile Brewing Options: The Ninja Coffee Maker allows you to brew a wide range of beverages, from a single cup or travel mug to a full 50-ounce carafe, catering to various needs and preferences.
- Built-In Milk Frother: The integrated frother can transform both hot and cold milk into silky smooth froth, enhancing your coffee with lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks.
- Brew Over Ice Feature: This function lets you create refreshing iced coffee or tea without compromising on flavor, making it ideal for warm weather or a cool beverage.
- Programmable Design: The programmable feature lets you set your coffee maker to brew up to a day in advance, so you can wake up to fresh coffee without any hassle.
- Auto-IQ Technology: The one-touch intelligence simplifies the brewing process, offering convenience and consistency with each brew.
- Removable Tank: The 50-ounce removable water tank makes refilling and cleaning straightforward, enhancing overall ease of use.
- Reusable Filter: The inclusion of a reusable filter is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.
Cons:
- Performance Variability: The effectiveness of the brew can be influenced by grind size and coffee amount. Achieving optimal results might require adjustment and reprogramming.
- Thermal Carafe Care: The thermal carafe is not dishwasher safe, which can be an inconvenience for those looking for low-maintenance cleaning.
- Limited Cord Length: With a 2.5-foot cord, placement options might be somewhat restricted, requiring you to position the coffee maker close to an outlet.
- Complexity for Some Users: The advanced features and settings might be overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward, no-frills coffee maker.
- Auto-IQ One-Touch Intelligence
Ninja’s Auto-IQ One-Touch Intelligence simplifies your brewing process by automatically adjusting the water volume based on your selected brew size. Whether you’re making a single cup, travel mug, half carafe, or full carafe, this feature ensures the perfect water-to-coffee ratio every time. It pulls water directly from the tank, eliminating the need for manual measurements and ensuring consistency with every brew.
- Single-Serve Flexibility
Ninja coffee makers stand out with their single-serve capability that doesn’t rely on pods or capsules. This allows you to use any type or roast of ground coffee, giving you full control over the flavor and strength of your brew. The Ninja CP307 Auto-iQ is a prime example of this versatility, offering a dynamic and ergonomic brewing experience.
- Brew Styles
Unlike standard coffee makers, Ninja offers a choice between Classic and Rich brew styles. The Classic setting provides a smooth, balanced flavor, while the Rich setting delivers a stronger, more robust coffee. For those willing to invest a bit more, some models include Specialty coffee functionality for brewing espresso-like concentrated coffee, or even various types of tea. The Ninja CP301 Auto-iQ, for instance, can brew coffee over ice for a cold brew experience with just one button press.
- Flexible Brew Sizes
Ninja coffee makers excel in their range of brew sizes. You can easily make a single cup or a full 12-cup carafe, with the machine automatically adjusting the water needed for each size. This feature includes options for extra-large cups, travel mugs, and more. For Specialty drinks, you can brew a concentrated 4-ounce serving, perfect for creating lattes and cappuccinos using Ninja’s fold-away frother.
- Fold-Away Milk Frother
The Ninja milk frother stands out for its fold-away design, which helps save space and simplifies storage. While it doesn’t heat milk, it efficiently froths both hot and cold milk into a creamy, barista-quality texture. Its compact design ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, making it a practical addition for anyone who enjoys milk-based coffee drinks.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which is better – glass or thermal carafe?
Ninja coffee makers offer both glass and thermal carafes, each with distinct advantages.
- Thermal Carafe: These are known for their durability and superior heat retention. They keep coffee hot for up to an hour without a warming plate and are less likely to break if dropped. They are ideal for maintaining coffee temperature without additional heat sources.
- Glass Carafe: Glass carafes are transparent, allowing you to easily see the coffee level. They are equipped with a warming plate that keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours. If you prefer a longer duration of hot coffee and a sleek, modern look, a glass carafe with a warming plate is a great choice.
- How do Ninja coffee makers work?
Ninja coffee makers use a traditional drip brewing method with advanced features. They are equipped with a conical filter (either permanent, reusable, or paper), which allows hot water to steep through coffee grounds before dripping into the carafe or single cup. The machines typically include a water reservoir that measures the right amount of water for brewing. Some models utilize thermal coffee extraction for enhanced blooming and steeping, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful coffee. Note that Ninja coffee makers do not use pods or K-cups; they rely solely on ground coffee.
- How to clean Ninja coffee makers?
Cleaning Ninja coffee makers is straightforward. Many models have a dedicated Cleaning button that runs several cycles with plain water to flush out any deposits or residue. Key components such as the water tank, drip tray, and carafe are designed for easy cleaning, with some being dishwasher-safe, like the Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker. For models with plastic parts, ensure they are BPA-free to avoid odors and residues. Using filtered water instead of tap water can help reduce mineral build-up and extend the life of your coffee maker.Conclusion:The Ninja Coffee Maker is a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts who want barista-quality beverages at home without the expense of an espresso machine. Its versatile design, featuring Auto-iQ technology and a built-in milk frother, allows you to easily brew a variety of coffee styles, from rich lattes to refreshing cold brews.Combining user-friendly features with comprehensive brewing capabilities, the Ninja Coffee Maker offers exceptional value. It provides convenience and performance, making it a great option for anyone who enjoys gourmet coffee without needing additional equipment or a hefty investment. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a coffee aficionado, Ninja’s coffee makers deliver a satisfying and cost-effective solution for your daily coffee needs.