Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 review

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine ES601 aims to bring café-quality coffee to home kitchens with its sleek design and user-friendly features. It offers versatility with multiple brewing sizes, from espresso shots to full cups of coffee, and includes a built-in frother for milk-based drinks. While praised for its intuitive controls and compact design, some users note the machine can be noisy and lacks highly customizable settings, which might not appeal to those who enjoy fine-tuning their espresso. The build quality is generally robust, though some plastic components may not be as durable. Performance-wise, it delivers a consistent espresso with good flavor, though the milk frother can be tricky to master. Maintenance is straightforward but requires regular manual cleaning. Compared to competitors, the Ninja ES601 offers a good balance of features and price, making it a solid choice for those seeking convenience and quality without a hefty price tag.

---

If you like this review, you might also like our review on the De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine EC260.

Best offers of the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 at Amazon.com Check price Want to help us grow? When you purchase items through the above links we receive a small commission.

Welcome to the world of brewing excellence with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine ES601. This espresso machine is designed for coffee enthusiasts who crave a cafe-quality experience right from their kitchen. It aims to blend convenience with performance, promising to deliver a rich and aromatic cup every time you use it. But does it live up to the hype?

The Ninja brand is known for its innovative kitchen appliances, and they've put their expertise into crafting an espresso machine that's both versatile and user-friendly. Whether you're a seasoned barista or just starting on your espresso journey, this machine offers a range of features that cater to different skill levels.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have pointed out that while the machine offers a variety of brewing options, it might not fully satisfy the needs of those looking for highly customizable settings. If you're someone who loves to tinker with every aspect of your brew, this might be a slight drawback.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at its design, performance, and what sets it apart from its competitors. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let's dive into the details of the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine ES601 to see if it's the right fit for your coffee cravings.

The design and build quality of the Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Machine ES601 is something you’ll notice right away. This machine sports a sleek, modern look that fits nicely in any kitchen, combining both style and practicality. Its compact footprint means it won't hog all your counter space, which is a big plus for those with limited kitchen real estate.

Constructed with high-quality materials, the Ninja Luxe Cafe ES601 feels sturdy and durable. The body is mostly made of stainless steel, giving it a premium feel while ensuring longevity. However, some users have noted that certain parts, like the drip tray, are made of plastic, which might not be as durable in the long run. Still, the overall build quality is impressive, offering a good balance between aesthetics and functionality.

One cool detail is the intuitive layout of the control panel. It's not overloaded with buttons, making it easy to navigate. The buttons are clearly labeled and have a solid press, which adds to the ease of use. The water reservoir is conveniently located at the back and is easy to fill and remove, thanks to its ergonomic handle. Plus, it has a clear window to let you see the water level at a glance.

While the Ninja Luxe Cafe ES601 looks great and is built to last, it's worth noting that the machine's finish can be prone to smudges and fingerprints. So, if you're a bit of a neat freak, you might find yourself wiping it down more often than you'd like. Nonetheless, if you can overlook this minor inconvenience, the overall design and build quality are definitely commendable.

The Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 is packed with a variety of features designed to enhance your coffee-making experience. At its core, this machine offers multiple brewing sizes, allowing you to enjoy anything from a quick shot of espresso to a full cup of coffee. This versatility is great for households with different coffee preferences.

Brewing Options

With the ES601, you can choose between double and quad espresso shots, as well as various drip coffee and cold brew options. There's even an option for larger coffee sizes, which is ideal for those who need a bit more caffeine to kick-start their day. The control panel is user-friendly, with clear buttons for each brewing option.

Advanced Heating Technology

Thanks to its advanced heating system, the machine heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process. This ensures that each cup of espresso is extracted at the perfect temperature for maximum flavor.

Built-In Frother

The built-in milk frother is a handy addition, allowing you to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos without needing a separate device. The frother is easy to use, although it might take a bit of practice to get that perfect froth consistency.

Adjustable Cup Platform

Another convenient feature is the adjustable cup platform. It can accommodate different cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs.

• Removable Water Reservoir: The 67.6 fl oz (2.0 l) water reservoir is easy to remove and refill, minimizing the hassle of constant refilling.
• No Auto Shut-off Mentioned: The machine does not have an explicitly mentioned auto shut-off feature in the available specifications.

Overall, the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 offers an impressive array of features that cater to both espresso enthusiasts and casual coffee drinkers. While it excels in versatility and ease of use, the build quality of certain components might not be the most robust.

When it comes to performance and brewing quality, the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 generally delivers a solid experience, though it has its quirks. The machine boasts a powerful 15-bar pressure pump, which is a key factor in achieving a rich and flavorful espresso. This high pressure ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, extracting those deep, robust flavors that true espresso lovers crave.

One of the machine's standout qualities is its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, thanks to its advanced thermal block heating system. This consistency is crucial for producing a great shot of espresso, as fluctuating temperatures can lead to uneven extraction. The result is a cup that's both aromatic and full-bodied, with a delightful crema on top.

However, while the ES601 generally performs well, it can be a bit noisy during operation. The sound level might be a bit jarring for those who prefer a quieter brewing experience, especially early in the morning. Additionally, while the machine does a commendable job with espresso, its performance with milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes can be hit or miss. The steamer wand tends to be a bit finicky, requiring some practice to master the perfect milk froth.

Another noteworthy point is the machine's speed. It heats up relatively quickly, allowing you to enjoy your espresso in just a few minutes. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy mornings. However, for hardcore espresso enthusiasts, the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 might require a bit of fine-tuning and experimentation with grind size and tamping pressure to achieve the desired results consistently.

In summary, the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601 offers a strong performance in brewing quality with some room for improvement. It's a capable machine that can deliver a satisfying espresso shot, though it may require a bit of patience and practice to excel in milk-based drinks.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine ES601 is designed for those who love a good cup of espresso without the fuss. It's pretty straightforward, which is a big plus for those who aren't huge fans of fiddling with too many buttons or settings. Ease of use is definitely one of its strong suits.

Setting up the machine is a breeze. Just plug it in, fill the water reservoir, and you're ready to roll. The controls are intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that even a beginner can handle without breaking a sweat. The buttons are clearly labeled, so you won't find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out what does what.

When it comes to maintenance, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series keeps things simple. The parts that need regular cleaning, like the drip tray and water reservoir, are easy to remove and rinse. No need for complicated disassembly or special tools. Just a quick wash, and you're good to go. The machine also features a descaling alert, which is handy to keep your machine in top shape and ensure the taste of your coffee remains spot on.

However, it's worth mentioning that the machine doesn't come with an automatic cleaning cycle. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it does mean you'll need to be a bit more hands-on with its upkeep. A gentle reminder to run a descaling cycle every now and then will keep things running smoothly.

In summary, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine ES601 scores high on ease of use and maintenance, making it a solid choice for those who want a hassle-free espresso experience. Just remember to keep up with the occasional cleaning, and you'll enjoy delicious espressos for a long time.

When you open the box of the Ninja Espresso Machine ES601, you'll find everything you need to start your coffee journey. The main item, of course, is the espresso machine itself, which comes securely packaged to prevent any damage during transit.

Alongside the machine, you'll find a few essential accessories that make brewing easier and more efficient:

• Portafilter: This is your key tool for holding the coffee grounds while brewing. It's well-built and feels sturdy in the hand.
• Single and Double Shot Filters: These allow you to customize your espresso strength, whether you're in the mood for a quick shot or a double dose.
• Milk Frother: The included frother is perfect for creating creamy cappuccinos or lattes, adding that professional touch to your drinks.
• Coffee Tamper: An assisted tamper is included, which helps evenly compress the coffee grounds in the portafilter for optimal extraction.
• Instruction Manual: Easy-to-follow guide that walks you through setup and operation. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you'll find it quite straightforward.

Overall, the box contents are thoughtfully selected to enhance your brewing experience, ensuring you have most of what you need to craft delicious espresso drinks at home.

When you're shopping for an espresso machine, it's always smart to see what else is out there, right? Let's take a look at how the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 stacks up against some of its competitors.

The Breville Bambino Plus is one of the top dogs in the espresso machine game. It’s a bit more expensive, but it offers a faster heat-up time, getting your espresso ready in about three seconds. The Breville also features an automatic steam wand, which is great for those who love silky-smooth milk froth. However, it lacks the versatility of the Ninja, which can handle both whole beans and ground coffee, but not pods.

The De'Longhi Dedica is another popular choice. It's compact and stylish, much like the Ninja, but it packs a 15-bar pressure pump that some coffee enthusiasts swear by for a richer espresso shot. The De'Longhi also offers a more traditional approach with its manual milk frother, which can be a plus or minus depending on your frothing skills. On the downside, it doesn't offer the same multi-functionality as the Ninja, which can brew both espresso and coffee.

The Keurig K-Cafe sits in a similar price range and offers a different kind of convenience. It's super easy to use and has a built-in milk frother, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos. However, it primarily uses K-Cups, which might not satisfy the purists who prefer freshly ground coffee for their espresso. On the flip side, the Ninja’s ability to use whole beans and ground coffee gives it an edge in versatility. In terms of price, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 is competitively priced, offering a balance between affordability and functionality.

Some of the more high-end machines like the Breville Bambino Plus might offer advanced features but at a steeper price point. Meanwhile, budget-friendly options like the Keurig may lack in brewing quality or versatility. To sum it up, if you're looking for a middle-ground option that provides versatility without breaking the bank, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 is a solid contender. However, if speed, advanced frothing, or a specific brewing method is your priority, you might want to explore other options.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 has garnered significant attention from users, and there’s a lot to unpack in their feedback. Many users have praised its efficiency and versatility in brewing a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. They appreciate that it delivers a strong, rich espresso shot, comparable to those from more expensive machines.

Positive Feedback

One thing that stands out in user reviews is the machine's ease of use. People love how straightforward the controls are, making it a breeze to whip up a quick espresso without fuss. The machine's compact design is another highlight, as it fits snugly into small kitchens without hogging counter space. Additionally, users have commended the hands-free frothing system, which works well for making creamy lattes and cappuccinos. Many appreciate the machine’s ability to brew different cup sizes, catering to various preferences and needs.

Areas for Improvement

However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Some users have mentioned that the machine can be a bit noisy during operation. If you're brewing in the early morning, this might be something to consider. Another point raised is the water reservoir's limited capacity. For those who drink multiple cups a day or brew for several people, frequent refilling might become a minor inconvenience.

Overall Satisfaction

Overall, the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 has received a warm reception, with many users expressing satisfaction with its performance and features. While there are a few areas that could use a tweak, the general consensus is that it offers good value for money, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts alike.

Video by: Just A Dad Videos

In wrapping up our review, the Ninja Luxe Café Espresso Machine ES601 emerges as a solid choice for espresso enthusiasts who prioritize both style and functionality. Its sleek design and durable build make it a standout on any kitchen counter. The machine's robust features, like the adjustable brew sizes and built-in frother, cater to a range of coffee preferences, making it versatile for different tastes.

Performance-wise, the ES601 delivers a satisfying espresso experience, with rich flavors and consistent crema. It's a reliable companion for those mornings when you need a quick caffeine fix. However, it's worth noting that the machine can be a tad noisy during operation, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. When it comes to ease of use, the intuitive controls and straightforward setup make it accessible even for espresso beginners.

Maintenance is relatively hassle-free, although regular cleaning is essential to keep it running smoothly. In terms of value, the Ninja Luxe Café Espresso Machine ES601 competes well with other models in its price range, offering a good balance of quality and features. If you're in the market for a user-friendly machine that doesn't compromise on taste, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Overall, while it may not have every advanced feature under the sun, the Ninja Luxe Café Espresso Machine ES601 strikes a commendable balance between performance, design, and price. Whether you're a seasoned coffee lover or just starting your espresso journey, it's a machine that promises to enhance your daily brew.

---

---

Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.