*NOTE: ex-Starbucks Barista here* As noted, I worked at a Starbucks for a while, and got big into espresso drinks. I no longer work there, but wanted to make more espresso drinks. I ordered this setup to brew pot coffee along with espresso. To start, the pot coffee has great taste, runs well, and is easy to clean. No complaints. Espresso, however, exceeded all expectations. It takes pods (kind of like Keurig), and it is just like in the coffeeshop. You can choose standard espresso, lungo (longer shot), or over ice shots. The taste is perfect with the Starbucks pods, and the quality is top notch. Pros: - Great quality coffee and espresso produced - Easy to clean - Plenty of options, even a frother included - Beautiful aesthetic in the kitchen Cons: - Not super cheap (but much cheaper than pro grade) - Doesn't come with a milk steamer - Can only pull 1 shot at a time Overall, awesome machine for many needs. You get what you pay for (and more imo). The packaging is good when it arrives, and is easy to setup. 100% would buy again if ever needed. Read more
If you're a coffee fan who doubles as an espresso aficionado, you know the struggle of kitchen counter real estate. At one point, my counter was dominated by a coffee maker and two espresso machines (because one wasn’t versatile enough). Enter the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System, the magical all-in-one wonder I never knew I needed. What Makes It Special? Imagine brewing a mellow cup of rich coffee, serving a frothy latte, and crafting a creamy espresso - all with just one machine. Here’s what makes it shine: True Coffeehouse Feel at Home The built-in, fold-away frother creates velvety cappuccinos and lattes that rival your neighborhood barista. It’s easy to use, quick to clean, and makes every cup feel fancy. Two-in-One Perfection This system combines the convenience of a traditional coffee maker with the craftsmanship of a top-tier espresso machine. You can brew coffee grounds (up to 9 sizes, including a full 12-cup carafe) or pop in your favorite espresso capsule for single-serve bliss. Customizable Brews Feeling adventurous? Choose your favorite style with the system’s brewing modes: Classic, Rich, or Over Ice (for coffee) Espresso, Lungo, or Over Ice (for espresso) Barista Plus Technology With its 19-bar pressure system, the Ninja delivers a bold, smooth shot every time. The crema it creates is just beautiful. Why I Chose It Over Others Quite simply, it decluttered my life. I no longer need separate machines for coffee and espresso, and my counter feels twice as functional. Plus, the adjustable tray works like magic for everything from shot glasses to travel mugs. And did I mention the stylish matte black design? It’s a sleek addition to my kitchen setup. The Small Details I Appreciate Tasting Freedom No locked-in pods here! The ability to use both capsules and grounds means I can brew my trusted favorites or explore new options with ease. Thoughtful Accessories It even comes with a Ninja Smart Scoop™ and a glass carafe for those lazy Sunday mornings when a full pot of coffee is non-negotiable. A Minor Consideration If you’re tight on space, the machine’s size might seem a little intimidating at first. But trust me, it’s worth every inch it occupies because it replaces multiple appliances. Final Sip The Ninja® Espresso & Coffee Barista System has completely transformed my mornings (and many afternoons). Whether you’re an over-ice devotee or a latte artist in training, this machine is an empowering way to brew exactly what you want, whenever you want it. If coffee plays a starring role in your day, this gadget is a must-try. Rest assured, your inner barista will thank you. Read more
Love this machine. Love it so much i bought a second one for work. Makes great coffe and fantastic espressos. People at work line up for coffee. The pods are not expensive and can be purchased at most stores and Amazon. I would recommend this coffee maker. Read more
I was excited to get this combo coffee & espresso machine and thought that the price meant it would be a quality product. Unfortunately I was let down by a variety of the machine's shortcomings. My biggest gripe is that it simply does not make the coffee hot enough. Whether you choose the drip coffee or a shot of espresso, it is lukewarm at best. What bothers me the most is the instruction manual offers suggestions as to how to make it hotter, such as prewarming your cup before pouring the coffee in. By offering a suggestion like that, it means the company KNOWS their product is subpar but doesn't do anything to improve upon it? Why is it up to me to come up with creative ways to make it hotter, shouldn't the machine do that? Now onto the Nespresso pods... my first attempt at making a shot of espresso resulted in a crunched and unusable pod. You have to angle the pod just right to make sure that it falls into place correctly. That wouldn't bother me if the slot was big enough to get into, but if you don't angle it correctly you have to jam your fingers inside and fiddle around with it. Overall I found this machine to be non user-friendly and I will not be buying another Ninja product anytime soon. Read more
I have only been using our new coffee maker for a little over a month, but so far I am really enjoying it. We make a pot of coffee daily, it brews a nice cup of coffee and keeps it hot for a while. I use the espresso function only a couple times a week, but it is so easy. Before we had a coffee maker and a separate espresso maker. I never used the espresso maker on my own, I never learned the art of a ground one, so I had to wait on my husband. But now I can brew an espresso when I want. Also the frother works great, just takes holding the button down for 30 to 45 seconds. So far I am very satisfied with my purchase. Read more
