For coffee lovers who enjoy the rich, bold taste of espresso but also crave a traditional drip coffee experience, the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System offers the perfect balance of versatility, performance, and convenience. Whether you’re starting your day with a strong espresso shot, indulging in a creamy cappuccino, or brewing a full carafe of coffee for the family, this machine delivers barista-quality results from the comfort of your home.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, pros and cons, and how the Ninja CFN601 compares to other leading coffee machines. If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-in-one coffee maker, this guide will help you determine if this Ninja system is the right fit for you.

Why Choose the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System?
Unlike standard coffee makers that offer only one brewing method, the Ninja CFN601 is designed to brew both espresso and traditional coffee, catering to a variety of taste preferences. With its 19-bar pressure pump, built-in milk frother, and multi-size brewing options, this machine brings café-style coffee brewing into your home. Whether you love a bold espresso shot, a rich latte, or a smooth cup of drip coffee, this system provides barista-level quality with minimal effort.
Key Features & Benefits
1. Dual Brewing Capability – Espresso & Coffee in One Machine
This machine is designed for coffee drinkers who enjoy the rich crema of espresso as well as the smooth taste of brewed coffee. The CFN601 allows you to switch between the two effortlessly, making it one of the most versatile coffee makers on the market.
Why It Matters: Most households have both espresso and coffee drinkers, and this machine eliminates the need for separate appliances, saving both space and money.
2. Barista Plus Technology – Authentic Espresso Every Time
With its 19-bar pressure pump, this system mimics the performance of professional espresso machines, extracting bold, flavorful espresso with a rich crema.
Why It Matters: High pressure ensures that the full depth of flavor is extracted from the coffee grounds, giving you a full-bodied, aromatic espresso shot every time.
3. Built-in, Fold-Away Frother – Café-Style Beverages at Home
The integrated milk frother allows you to create creamy lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos in seconds. It works with both dairy and non-dairy alternatives.
Why It Matters: Enjoy barista-quality coffee drinks without needing an expensive, separate milk frother.
4. Adjustable Cup Tray – Brew Any Size Drink
The adjustable cup tray accommodates multiple cup sizes, whether you’re making a single espresso shot or filling a large travel mug.
Why It Matters: Prevents splashing and ensures the perfect coffee-to-mug alignment for each drink size.
5. Removable 60-Ounce Water Reservoir – Fewer Refills
The large, removable water tank allows you to brew multiple cups before needing a refill. It’s easy to detach and refill at the sink.
Why It Matters: Saves time and makes cleaning the machine much easier compared to fixed water reservoirs.
6. Customizable Brew Strength & Sizes
- Espresso sizes: Single shot, double shot
- Coffee sizes: Single cup, travel mug, half carafe, full carafe
Why It Matters: Control your brew strength and volume based on your preferences and caffeine needs.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual brewing functionality – Brew espresso & coffee in one machine
- 19-bar pressure pump – Creates professional-quality espresso
- Built-in frother – Makes lattes and cappuccinos effortlessly
- Adjustable cup tray – Fits everything from small espresso cups to large mugs
- Large water reservoir – Less frequent refilling required
- Fast brewing process – Heats up quickly and delivers coffee within minutes
- Easy to clean – Removable drip tray, water reservoir, and frother
Cons:
- Espresso capsules required – Does not use ground coffee for espresso
- No built-in grinder – Requires pre-ground coffee or pods
- No auto-off feature – Needs to be turned off manually
How Does It Compare to Other Coffee Machines?
Feature | Ninja CFN601 | Nespresso Vertuo | Keurig K-Café | Breville Bambino Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brew Type | Espresso & Coffee | Espresso Only | Coffee & Lattes | Espresso Only |
Pressure System | 19-Bar | 15-Bar | None (Drip Coffee) | 15-Bar |
Milk Frother | Yes, Built-in | Yes, Automatic | Yes, Frothing Wand | Yes, Steam Wand |
Water Reservoir | 60 oz | 40 oz | 50 oz | 64 oz |
Espresso Capsules | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Brew Sizes | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple | Limited |
Auto Shut-Off | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |

Customer Reviews & Testimonials
⭐ “Love that I can make both espresso and coffee in one machine. The frother is amazing!” – Verified Buyer
⭐ “The espresso quality is surprisingly good for a non-traditional espresso machine.” – Verified Buyer
⭐ “Saves so much counter space! I no longer need a separate coffee maker and espresso machine.” – Verified Buyer
FAQs About the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System
1. Can I use ground coffee for espresso?
No, this machine only accepts espresso capsules for espresso brewing. However, it allows you to use ground coffee for drip coffee.
2. Is the frother automatic?
No, the built-in frother is manual, but it’s easy to use and creates high-quality foam.
3. Does it include a built-in grinder?
No, you will need to purchase pre-ground coffee or use a separate grinder for the drip coffee feature.
4. Is it difficult to clean?
No, the removable drip tray, water reservoir, and frother make cleaning easy.
Final Verdict: Is the Ninja CFN601 Worth It?
If you want a high-quality espresso and coffee machine in one compact unit, the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System is a fantastic choice. With barista-level brewing technology, a powerful pressure system, and built-in milk frothing capabilities, it offers everything you need for café-style coffee at home.
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