Ninja Luxe Café and More: All-in-One Espresso Machines Explained
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Ninja is best known for kitchen machines that do several jobs at once, and its espresso lineup follows that pattern. Instead of a machine that only pulls shots, most Ninja models combine espresso with regular drip coffee and cold brew, and the Luxe Café machines add a built-in grinder and a scale that weighs your coffee for you. For a first-time buyer, a Ninja all in one espresso machine can replace both the drip coffee maker and the espresso machine on the counter.
The six machines here split into three families: the capsule-based Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker (CFN601), the 3-in-1 Luxe Café Premier models with a grinder, and the 4-in-1 Luxe Café Pro Series that adds more espresso styles and a separate hot water system.
Ninja Espresso Machines Compared
| Model | Coffee input | Drink types | Built-in grinder | Weight or size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso | Whole bean, ground | Espresso, drip, cold brew | Yes, 25 settings | 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 in |
| Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker (CFN601) | Nespresso Original capsules, coffee grounds | Capsule espresso, drip up to 12-cup carafe | No | Not listed |
| Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso & (ES601GM) | Whole bean, ground | Espresso, drip, cold brew | Yes, 25 settings | 25.7 lb |
| Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series (ES701) | Whole bean, ground | Espresso, drip, cold brew, hot water | Yes, 25 settings | 27.1 lb |
| Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso (ES601GY) | Whole bean, ground | Espresso, drip, cold brew | Yes, 25 settings | 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 in |
| Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series (ES701BR) | Whole bean, ground | Espresso, drip, cold brew, hot water | Yes, 25 settings | 27.1 lb |
Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso for Beginner Home Baristas
Best for: Pro Series in the ES701BR version
Pros
- Four machines in one
- Insulated steam wand, XL milk jug
- Froths for two drinks
Cons
- Heaviest at 27.1 pounds
- Tall 14.84-inch footprint
Best for: Premier features in a green color
Pros
- 25-setting conical burr grinder
- Cold-pressed espresso option
- Four preset froth programs
Cons
- Dishwasher-safe parts not listed
- Two espresso styles only
Ninja
Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, Espresso, Cold Brew, Hot Water, ES701
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series
Best for: Home baristas wanting more drink options
Pros
- Five espresso styles incl. ristretto, lungo
- Independent hot water system
- Lever-operated integrated tamper
Cons
- Heaviest at 27.1 pounds
- Finish color not listed
Best for: Guided espresso in a gunmetal finish
Pros
- Weight-based dosing with built-in scale
- Grind size recommendations
- 70-ounce water capacity
Cons
- Heavy at 25.7 pounds
- Two espresso styles only
Best for: Beginners wanting espresso, drip and cold brew
Pros
- Built-in conical burr grinder, 25 settings
- Hands-free Dual Froth System
- Large accessory kit with tamper
Cons
- Two espresso styles only
- No hot water function listed
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso machine is Ninja’s guided answer to the question of how to make café drinks without training. It is three machines in one: espresso in double or quad shots, drip coffee in classic, rich or over-ice styles, and two cold options, cold-pressed espresso or cold brew coffee. Drip and cold brew come in sizes from 6 to 18 ounces. A built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings grinds fresh beans. A burr grinder crushes beans between two ridged surfaces for an even grind, which matters because uneven grounds make espresso taste sour or bitter.
Ninja calls its helper system Barista Assist Technology. The listing says it handles automatic grinding, weight-based dosing (the machine weighs the coffee instead of guessing by time), assisted tamping, and real-time temperature and pressure adjustments. Tamping means pressing the grounds into a firm “puck” so water flows through evenly. The Dual Froth System combines a spinning whisk with an automatic steamer, with four presets: steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth and cold foam. The description mentions a 70-ounce removable water reservoir.
This model comes with the fullest accessory list in the group, including a portafilter, milk jug, double and Luxe baskets, assisted tamper, cleaning brush and disc, funnel, descaling powder, cleaning tablets and a hard water testing kit. It suits a beginner or a gift recipient who wants everything in one box. If you want more espresso styles or a hot water tap, look at the Pro Series below.
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker for Capsule Espresso and Big Carafes
Ninja
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker, Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Black, CFN601
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker
Best for: Capsule espresso plus a 12-cup carafe
Pros
- 19-bar pressure with Nespresso Original capsules
- Brews grounds up to 12-cup carafe
- Fold-away frother and delay brew
Cons
- No built-in grinder
- Manual frothing, not hands-free
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker, model CFN601, works differently from the Luxe machines. Instead of grinding beans, it brews espresso from Nespresso Original capsules, the small pre-filled pods you pop in and brew. It uses a 19-bar pressure system; “bar” is a measure of pressure, and espresso needs high pressure to push water quickly through tightly packed coffee. Capsule styles are Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz) and Over Ice (1 oz).
It also brews regular coffee from grounds in classic, rich or over-ice styles and nine sizes, from a single cup up to a full 12-cup carafe. A fold-away frother lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites, the cup tray adjusts for an 8-inch travel mug, and a used-capsule bin holds up to 20 pods. Delay Brew, Keep Warm and Clean functions round it out, and it uses a touchscreen and paper filters.
This is the pick for households that entertain or need a full pot of coffee in the morning, and for anyone who prefers the ease of capsules over grinding beans. It gives way to the Luxe models if you want fresh-ground espresso or cold brew. For a simpler, more traditional pump machine, see our look at a budget-friendly home espresso maker.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso & in Gunmetal for Guided Grinding
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso & Rapid Cold Brew, model ES601GM, is the Premier Series in a gunmetal finish. It shares the 3-in-1 menu: double or quad espresso, three drip styles and two cold styles. Its listing puts extra focus on grind-size recommendations: the machine watches each brew and suggests a finer or coarser setting for the next one, which helps you avoid sour or bitter shots without guesswork.
The 25-setting conical burr grinder, built-in scale for weight-based dosing, assisted tamper and Dual Froth System with four presets all appear here. It works with dairy or plant-based milk, hot or cold. Cold-pressed espresso brews at lower temperature and pressure for a smoother shot, which Ninja pitches for espresso martinis. The water capacity is listed at 70 fluid ounces, and it weighs 25.7 pounds.
This model suits a new home barista who wants the Premier features and likes the darker gunmetal look. It gives way to the Pro Series if you want single shots, ristretto or lungo.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series ES701 for More Espresso Styles
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series ES701 is a 4-in-1 machine. Along with espresso, drip coffee and rapid cold brew, it adds an independent hot water system, handy for tea, Americanos or warming cups. The espresso menu grows to five styles: single, double, quad, ristretto (a shorter, stronger shot) and lungo (a longer, milder shot).
The biggest hardware change is an integrated tamper operated by a lever, so you press the grounds without a separate tool or spilled coffee. The Dual Froth System Pro uses an insulated steam wand and an XL milk jug, with five presets including extra-thick froth, and can froth enough milk for two drinks. It keeps the 25-setting grinder, built-in scale and grind recommendations. Water capacity is 68 fluid ounces and it weighs 27.1 pounds. The listing does not specify the finish color.
This is the model for someone who drinks espresso daily and wants room to experiment. If you only need double shots and lattes, the Premier models do the job with a slightly smaller footprint.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso in Green for a Colorful Counter
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso, model ES601GY, is the Premier Series in a green finish, according to the listing title. The features match the gunmetal version: 3-in-1 brewing, a 25-setting burr grinder, weight-based dosing, grind recommendations, assisted tamper, the Dual Froth System with four presets and cold-pressed espresso.
The listing gives its dimensions as 12.99 by 13.39 by 14.57 inches and lists auto shut-off, a programmable timer and a milk frother. Unlike the other Premier listings, it does not mention dishwasher-safe parts, and its weight is not given. It suits a gift-giver who wants the Premier experience in a brighter color that stands out in the kitchen.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series ES701BR for the Full 4-in-1 Setup
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series ES701BR is another version of the Pro Series. The listing matches the ES701 feature for feature: four machines in one with an independent hot water system, five espresso styles, a lever-operated integrated tamper, the Dual Froth System Pro with an insulated steam wand, XL milk jug and five froth presets, plus the 25-setting grinder and built-in scale.
It also has 68 fluid ounces of water capacity, a 27.1-pound weight, and dimensions of 13.39 by 12.48 by 14.84 inches. The listing adds adjustable brew strength and programmable settings. The model suffix differs, which usually means a different finish, but the listing does not name the color, so check the product photos before ordering if color matters for a gift.
How to Choose the Right Ninja Espresso Machine
First, decide between capsules and fresh beans. The CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Maker uses capsules and has no grinder, which is quick and tidy. Every Luxe Café model is an espresso machine with grinder, which gives fresher flavor and more control but takes a little more cleanup.
Second, think about how many people you are brewing for. The CFN601 is the only model here that brews a full 12-cup carafe. The Luxe machines brew drip coffee and cold brew up to 18 ounces at a time, which suits one or two coffee drinkers.
Third, count your espresso styles. The Premier models give double and quad shots, while the Pro Series adds single, ristretto and lungo plus hot water and a lever tamper. If you are wondering which Ninja espresso machine to buy for a curious beginner, the Premier is plenty; for a daily espresso fan, the Pro Series offers more room to grow.
Finally, check your counter. The Luxe machines are around 14.5 to 15 inches tall and weigh about 25 to 27 pounds where listed, so measure under your cabinets. If space is tight or you travel often, a portable espresso machine might suit better.
And if the person you are shopping for only ever drinks plain drip coffee, a standard drip coffee machine is simpler still and takes up less room than any of these all-in-one models.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Ninja ES601 and ES701?
The ES601 Premier models are 3-in-1 (espresso, drip, cold brew) with two espresso styles and an assisted tamper. The ES701 Pro Series is 4-in-1, adding independent hot water, five espresso styles, a lever-operated integrated tamper and the Dual Froth System Pro.
Does the Ninja CFN601 espresso and coffee maker grind beans?
No. It brews espresso from Nespresso Original capsules and drip coffee from pre-ground coffee. There is no built-in grinder.
Can Ninja machines make espresso, drip and cold brew?
The Luxe Café Premier and Pro Series models do all three. The CFN601 makes capsule espresso and drip coffee, including over-ice styles, but its listing does not mention a cold brew function.
Do the Luxe Café machines froth plant-based milk?
Yes. The listings say the Dual Froth System handles dairy or plant-based milk and can make hot or cold microfoam, including cold foam for iced drinks.
What does weight-based dosing mean?
The machine has a built-in scale that weighs the ground coffee for each drink. Ninja notes that many machines grind for a set time instead, so you would have to weigh the grounds yourself.
Which Ninja all in one espresso machine is best as a gift?
For a beginner, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso comes with a large accessory kit. For a family that wants full pots and quick capsule shots, the CFN601 is the more practical choice.
Related reading: delonghi drip coffee machine.
