Brew 
Thinking About the Pods & Grounds?
This coffee maker review covers the Ninja Pods & Grounds: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
A bigger serving can taste weaker if there isn’t enough coffee in the brew. Match the dose and setting to the mug you’re filling.
Full Amazon Product Name: Ninja Single Serve Coffee Maker - Combo Machine, K-Cup Pods and Grounds
What’s It Like to Use the Pods & Grounds Every Day?
Some mornings a pod is easiest. Other days you might want to use a bag of coffee you already enjoy. The Ninja Pods & Grounds lets you do either. Fit the right brewing parts, add the coffee, choose your cup size, and let it brew.
The choice of coffee is the real benefit. Pods make a quick cup easy; grounds let you try different coffees and adjust how much you use. You’ll have a bit more cleanup when using grounds.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
The Pods & Grounds 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 Pods & Grounds 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
- A bigger serving can taste weaker if there isn’t enough coffee in the brew. Match the dose and setting to the mug you’re filling.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the Pods & Grounds 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 Pods & Grounds 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 Pods & Grounds?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja XL Pods & Grounds Coffee Maker | Pods & grounds | No frother included | No | Coffee for a Bigger Mug |
| Cuisinart PerfecTemp DCC-3200NAS | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | A Bigger Morning Pot |
| Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 49976 | Single cups & a pot | No frother included | No | One Cup or a Pot |
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 Pods & Grounds
Does the Ninja Pods & Grounds Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the Pods & Grounds 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 Pods & Grounds?
Yes. Use the included frother and combine the milk with your brewed coffee.
What Should You Know Before Buying the Pods & Grounds?
A bigger serving can taste weaker if there isn’t enough coffee in the brew. Match the dose and setting to the mug you’re filling.
What Else Should You Compare with the Ninja Pods & Grounds?
Start with the Ninja XL Pods & Grounds Coffee Maker and Cuisinart PerfecTemp DCC-3200NAS. 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 Pods & Grounds 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 Pods & Grounds 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.
