Looking for a versatile coffee maker that can brew everything from a rich espresso-style shot to a smooth cold brew? The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has been making waves in the home brewing world, and after testing it extensively, I can see why.
What Makes the Ninja Specialty Stand Out?
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker isn't just another drip coffee maker. It's designed to replace your entire coffee shop experience at home, with features that let you brew:
- Classic coffee
- Rich brew (stronger than classic)
- Over ice (perfectly calibrated)
- Specialty concentrate (like espresso)
- Cold brew (in 10-15 minutes!)
- Cafe forte (the strongest setting)
The Built-In Frother
One of the standout features is the hot and cold frother. This isn't a separate device - it's built right into the brew basket. You can create:
- Cappuccinos
- Lattes
- Macchiatos
- Iced coffee drinks
- And more
The frother works surprisingly well, creating thick, creamy microfoam that rivals what you'd get from a dedicated espresso machine's steam wand.
Performance: How Does It Actually Brew?
I tested the Ninja with several different coffee brands and roast levels. Here's what I found:
Brew Quality
The coffee tastes excellent across all brew modes. The specialty concentrate setting produces a strong, espresso-like shot that works great as a base for milk drinks. The over ice mode is particularly impressive - it brews at a higher temperature and concentration to account for ice dilution.
Speed
- Single cup: 2-3 minutes
- Full carafe (50 oz): 10-12 minutes
- Specialty concentrate: 1-2 minutes
- Cold brew mode: 10-15 minutes (vs 12-24 hours traditional)
Temperature
The coffee comes out at an ideal 175-185°F, hot enough to extract properly but not so hot that it burns the coffee. The thermal carafe keeps it hot for 2+ hours.
Build Quality and Design
The Ninja feels solid and well-built. The 50 oz thermal carafe is double-walled stainless steel, though some users report it can dent if dropped. The control panel is intuitive with clear buttons for each brew style.
The footprint is moderate - it's not small, but not massive either. Dimensions: 9.4" W x 12.6" D x 15.2" H.
Ease of Use
Setting up and using the Ninja is straightforward:
- Add water to the reservoir
- Add coffee grounds to the basket (permanent filter included)
- Select your brew type
- Press start
The machine walks you through each step with indicator lights. The brew basket and carafe are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
Who Should Buy This?
Perfect for:
- Coffee enthusiasts who want variety
- Households that drink different coffee styles
- Anyone who wants to replicate cafe drinks at home
- People upgrading from a basic drip maker
Skip if:
- You only drink basic drip coffee (overbuilt for this)
- You want true espresso (this makes concentrate, not espresso)
- Counter space is very limited
Final Verdict
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker delivers on its promise of versatility. At $169.99, it's priced competitively considering you're getting a coffee maker, frother, and cold brew system in one. The coffee quality is excellent, and the variety of brew styles means you'll never get bored.
The few minor issues (fragile carafe, button wear) are overshadowed by the overall value and performance. If you're looking for one machine that can do it all, the Ninja Specialty is hard to beat.
Our Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
Bottom line: Highly recommended for anyone who wants cafe-quality coffee at home without buying multiple machines.