Brew 
Thinking About the Espresso & Coffee Barista?
This coffee and espresso maker review covers the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
Check the capsule format before stocking up. Nespresso Original-style capsules and Vertuo capsules aren’t interchangeable.
Full Amazon Product Name: Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker, Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Black, CFN601
What’s It Like to Use the Espresso & Coffee Barista Every Day?
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista gives you different ways to make coffee in the same appliance. Use the compatible capsule option when you want espresso, or the ground-coffee option when you want brewed coffee. Follow the directions for the side you’re using rather than assuming the two work alike.
Different people can use different coffee formats. Check exactly which capsules or pods fit the machine, and keep the right brewing parts handy when changing between drinks.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
The Espresso & Coffee Barista includes a frother, so you can make the coffee and prepare the milk separately. Brew your coffee, use the frother as directed, then pour the milk and coffee together.
That’s an easy enough extra step if you enjoy the occasional latte or cappuccino. Just stay below the frother’s fill mark and rinse or wash it after use. Check the included frother’s heating options if you want both hot and cold milk drinks.
What Else Will You Need?
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista coffee maker doesn’t grind beans for you. Preground coffee is the easiest place to start, or you can use a separate grinder and try different beans. Match the grind to the brewing method rather than assuming finer is always better.
Before ordering, check which filter and serving container come with the machine. If you already have coffee tools you like, it’s worth checking that they suit the new brewer.
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Choose the ground coffee you already enjoy.
- Add frothed milk without a traditional manual-steam routine.
Before You Buy
- Check the capsule format before stocking up. Nespresso Original-style capsules and Vertuo capsules aren’t interchangeable.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the Espresso & Coffee Barista to Clean?
Wash the frother after you use it, following the directions for its removable parts. Milk residue is easier to deal with before it dries.
Descaling takes care of minerals inside the water path; washing the removable coffee parts is a different job. Use the products and cleaning steps recommended for this machine.
Leave room to refill and clean it. Before putting the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista under a cabinet, check that you can open the lids and remove the tank or tray. A machine that fits on paper can still be awkward when you use it.
What Could You Buy Instead of the Espresso & Coffee Barista?
Not quite sure this is the one? These machines give you a few other options to weigh up. Look at how they make coffee, what you do with the milk, and whether a grinder is included.
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar SS-4N1NAS | Capsules & carafe | Milk frother | No | More Ways to Make Coffee |
| AMZCHEF 44-Setting Grinder Espresso Machine | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | Yes | Grind Your Beans in One Place |
| De'Longhi Classic Signature | Hands-on espresso | Manual steam wand | No | Espresso with Simple Shot Presets |
You can also browse all our coffee makers, or answer a few questions in Help Me Choose to get a smaller list that suits your drinks and budget.
A Few More Questions About the Espresso & Coffee Barista
Does the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the Espresso & Coffee Barista doesn’t include a grinder. Use suitable ground coffee, or add a separate grinder if you prefer whole beans.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the Espresso & Coffee Barista?
Yes. Use the included frother and combine the milk with your brewed coffee.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Espresso & Coffee Barista?
Check the capsule format before stocking up. Nespresso Original-style capsules and Vertuo capsules aren’t interchangeable.
What Else Should You Compare with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista?
Start with the Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar SS-4N1NAS and AMZCHEF 44-Setting Grinder Espresso Machine. Compare the coffee format, milk steps, and whether you need a separate grinder. The links above take you to each full review.
Is the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista Right for You?
The best choice comes down to what you drink and how much you want to do before that first sip. If the coffee and milk steps above sound comfortable, the Espresso & Coffee Barista is worth comparing with the other machines on your list.
Compare the whole cost before you decide. Include the coffee you’ll keep buying and any grinder or milk accessories you need. Then check the current offer and what comes in the box.
Take a look at the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista CFN601 on Amazon ↗
