Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System: A Morning Game-Changer
I’ve gone through more coffee makers than I care to admit. Some broke too quickly, others made mediocre coffee, and a few were just too complicated for my pre-caffeine brain to handle. So when I got my hands on the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System (CFN601), I was both excited and skeptical. Could this really be the all-in-one solution it claimed to be?
After several weeks of daily use (probably too much coffee, if I’m honest), I’m ready to share my experience with this versatile machine that’s promising to be everything from a basic brewer to your personal barista.
- BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY: The 19-bar pressure system delivers ultra-flavorful espresso with a silky-smooth crema by brewing at the optimal temperature and pressure.
- COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME: The built-in, fold-away frother allows you to create espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more.
- BREW SINGLE-SERVE ESPRESSO: Choose your favorite espresso capsule and brew up to 3 styles: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz), and Over Ice (1 oz).
- BREW THROUGH COFFEE GROUNDS: Make a Classic, Rich, or Over Ice brew. Select 9 different sizes ranging from cup, to travel mug, to a full 12-cup carafe.
- VERSATILITY TO ENTERTAIN: Treat your guests to an espresso-based coffeehouse drink or brew a 12-cup carafe for the crowd.
Sleek and Smart
Right out of the box, the Ninja DualBrew makes a strong impression. It’s definitely not a small appliance—I had to rearrange my counter a bit to make room—but the space it takes up feels justified by its functionality. The black and stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that fits well in my kitchen, though I think it would complement most decor styles.
What struck me most about the design is how they’ve managed to pack so many features into a machine that doesn’t look overly complicated. The color display is bright and easy to read, even when I’m stumbling around at 6 AM before my first cup. The water reservoir is thoughtfully designed—you can position it in the back or on the side depending on your counter setup, which I found surprisingly helpful in my somewhat cramped kitchen space.
Brewing Up A Storm
The coffee quality from this machine is, well, impressive. I was a bit worried it might be a jack of all trades, master of none situation, but that hasn’t been the case. The standard drip coffee comes out hot and flavorful, and I’ve actually started cutting back on the amount of grounds I use because the extraction is so efficient.
Where this machine really shines, though, is versatility. One morning I’ll use the K-Cup adapter for a quick single cup, the next I’ll brew a full carafe for when friends come over. The specialty brew feature has also changed my weekend routine—making a surprisingly decent latte-style drink without having to change out of my pajamas feels like a small luxury.
I should mention the fold-away frother too. It’s not quite coffee shop quality, but it gets the job done for home use. I’ve found it works best with cold milk for some reason, though that might just be my technique. The brew strength selector is another feature I use more than I expected—sometimes you just need that extra kick, you know?
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.39″ L x 9.13″ W x 15.54″ H |
| Brew Sizes | Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, XL Travel Mug, ¼ Carafe, ½ Carafe, Full Carafe |
| Brew Styles | Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty |
| Pod Compatibility | K-Cup pods and ground coffee |
| Water Reservoir | Removable 60 oz. |
| Frother | Built-in fold-away frother |
| Included Accessories | Glass carafe, Ninja Smart Scoop, Paper filter kit |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile with both pod and ground coffee options
- Excellent coffee extraction and flavor
- Built-in milk frother adds value
- Adjustable water reservoir position
- Multiple brew sizes and strengths
- Intuitive control panel with helpful display
- Specialty brew makes surprisingly decent espresso-style drinks
- Independent hot water dispenser is great for tea or instant oatmeal
Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space
- Somewhat noisy during operation
- Specialty brew isn’t true espresso (lacks the pressure)
- Milk frother doesn’t heat the milk
- Price point is higher than basic coffee makers
- Cleaning the multiple parts can be time-consuming
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking through Amazon reviews, the Ninja DualBrew Pro has an impressive overall rating. Most users seem to share my positive experience, with particular praise for its versatility and coffee quality.
One reviewer noted: “Best coffee maker I’ve ever owned. The ability to use K-cups or ground coffee in the same machine is perfect for our household where preferences differ.”
Another customer mentioned: “The specialty brew makes a surprisingly good latte when paired with the frother. Not quite Starbucks but definitely better than I expected for a home machine.”
The most common criticisms revolve around the size of the machine and occasional issues with the water reservoir. One user commented: “It’s a great coffee maker but be prepared to give up some counter space. It’s significantly larger than my previous brewer.”
Who Should Buy This?
For beginners: This might actually be a bit overwhelming if you just want a simple cup of coffee. However, if you’re looking to explore different coffee styles without investing in multiple machines, it’s a good all-in-one starting point with room to grow.
For intermediate coffee enthusiasts: This is where the Ninja DualBrew Pro really shines. If you appreciate good coffee and enjoy different brewing methods but don’t want to become a full-blown coffee geek with multiple specialized machines, this hits the sweet spot of convenience and quality.
For advanced users: Coffee purists might find the specialty brew lacking compared to a true espresso machine, and pour-over enthusiasts won’t get the same control as manual methods. However, it makes for an excellent daily driver when you don’t have time for your more involved brewing rituals.
You Might Also Like
If you’re considering the Ninja DualBrew Pro, you might want to check out these other popular automatic coffee machines:
Ready For Better Mornings? Get Yours Today!
The Ninja DualBrew Pro has genuinely improved my morning routine and coffee experience. If you’re looking for versatility, convenience, and quality coffee all in one machine, I think you’ll be just as impressed as I am.
- BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY: The 19-bar pressure system delivers ultra-flavorful espresso with a silky-smooth crema by brewing at the optimal temperature and pressure.
- COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME: The built-in, fold-away frother allows you to create espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more.
- BREW SINGLE-SERVE ESPRESSO: Choose your favorite espresso capsule and brew up to 3 styles: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz), and Over Ice (1 oz).
- BREW THROUGH COFFEE GROUNDS: Make a Classic, Rich, or Over Ice brew. Select 9 different sizes ranging from cup, to travel mug, to a full 12-cup carafe.
- VERSATILITY TO ENTERTAIN: Treat your guests to an espresso-based coffeehouse drink or brew a 12-cup carafe for the crowd.
