The Ninja CFN601 is a hybrid coffee machine that combines espresso (via compatible pods) and drip coffee brewing in one unit, with a built-in frother, a full carafe option, multiple brew styles, and flexible sizing. It aims to please many kinds of coffee drinkers by offering both quick single-serve espresso and larger drip coffee capacity.
What It Does Well
- It offers a lot of versatility: you can make espresso shots (or lungo / over-ice espresso), regular coffee from grounds in various sizes (cup, travel mug, full 12-cup carafe), etc.
- The frother is fold-away and fairly easy to use and clean, which helps for making milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos without needing extra tools.
- Design is nice: adjustable trays for different sized cups, a removable water tank, intuitive buttons, delay brew, keep warm features. These make daily usage smoother.
- For drip coffee lovers, the temperature tends to be adequate (near “hot enough”), and brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice) add flexibility.
- For many people, the espresso quality via pods is “good enough” — decent crema, flavor, especially compared to many entry-level machines. It won’t rival high-end, dedicated espresso machines, but it performs well for its class.
What Could Be Improved / Trade-Offs
- Espresso side is restricted to pods (specifically Nespresso OriginalLine compatible). If you want to use your own finely ground espresso or have more control over pressure, grind, etc., this machine may feel limiting.
- Noise level: some users find it louder than expected for certain modes.
- Price vs alternatives: some feel it’s expensive, especially because some extras (like a reusable filter) are not included.
- Cleaning, while manageable, still requires effort (especially for the frother, capsule bin, etc.).
- A few users mention minor issues like leakage or drips, or flavour differences depending on roast or pod type — light roasts may taste more bitter or less balanced depending on how the machine interacts with them.
User Experiences
Here’s what people who’ve used the Ninja CFN601 over time tend to say — pulling from reviews, forum posts, and user-reports. These go beyond spec sheets, reflecting day-to-day use.
What people generally love:
- Many say they “ditched Starbucks / cafés” because this machine gives them a comparable drink at home. The espresso pods (or lungo / over-ice styles) satisfy their espresso cravings.
- Users appreciate how fast it brews. Especially for drip side: quick startup, minimal warm-up.
- The drip and espresso combo is a big selling point — households where some like drip coffee, others want espresso / cappuccino love having both in one machine.
- The milk frother gets consistently good feedback. Not ultra-high barista level, but quite sufficient for everyday cappuccinos / lattes.
- Features like “delay brew”, warming plate, adjustable trays, large capacity (12-cup carafe) are often cited as useful in real life.
What people bump up against / complaints:
- Some owners say light roasts taste a bit bitter when using certain modes; balancing strength and flavour takes a bit of fiddling.
- Reusable filter: some are annoyed that a reusable filter isn’t included by default, having to buy separately, especially at a premium price point.
- Noise: under espresso / pod mode or during frothing, it isn’t always quiet. For some that’s acceptable; for those expecting near-silent operation, it’s a drawback.
- Capacity vs size: while many say size is decent for what it does, a few mention it takes up significant counter space, especially with the drip carafe, water tank, etc.
- Capsule cost: many users realize that while pods are convenient, they add recurring cost; some try reusable pods, others prefer grounds for cost efficiency.
- Some report minor maintenance issues — drips, occasional leakage, or needing descaling/cleaning more frequently if used heavily.
Verdict
For people who want one machine that can do both espresso-style drinks (via pods) and regular drip coffee, with plenty of flexibility and built-in features, the CFN601 is a strong option. It’s especially good for mixed households, people who appreciate convenience, and those who enjoy experimenting.
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3 Espresso Brew Styles, Single-Serve Coffee & Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Built-in Frother, Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte Maker, Black, CFN601
If you’re a purist about espresso (want to grind your own, get precise shots), or you prefer ultra-quiet machines, or want the lowest cost per shot, then this might not fully satisfy. But as a “multi-use home barista + coffee brewer hybrid,” it’s well regarded by many users after months (or even years) of use.
