Ninja Luxe Cafe Premiere Series ES601UK Review

Review Summary

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premiere Series ES601UK is Ninja’s ambitious entry into the high-end coffee machine market, aiming to provide café-quality espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew at home. This 3-in-1 machine includes a built-in grinder, scale, and hands-free frother, catering to both espresso aficionados and casual coffee drinkers who want a convenient, versatile coffee solution. Here’s our in-depth review after thoroughly testing its features and performance.

Who It’s For

• Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with various brew styles, from espresso to cold brew.
• Households with diverse tastes where some prefer espresso shots while others want drip or iced coffee.
• Users looking for convenience with features like hands-free frothing and automatic grind size adjustments.
• Beginners in home espresso seeking a machine that simplifies complex brewing techniques.
• People who value all-in-one appliances and want to minimize countertop clutter.

Design & Build Quality

The Ninja Luxe Cafe is a striking machine with a modern stainless steel finish and black accents that give it a premium look. It’s a solid, sturdy appliance that demands space with its dimensions of 12.99 x 13.39 x 14.57 inches, which may feel bulky for smaller kitchens. Ninja has thoughtfully designed the layout, with a large, easy-to-read display covering most of the machine’s front panel. The display provides clear guidance on settings and alerts, making it accessible even for beginners.

Each component, from the 70 oz removable water reservoir to the integrated 25-setting conical burr grinder, feels well-made and durable. The machine is equipped with smart storage solutions: a compartment for the tamper, funnel, and extra baskets, keeping accessories organized and accessible. This thoughtful storage feature is rare in home coffee machines, helping minimize clutter around the machine.

Brewing Performance & Options

The Luxe Cafe Premiere excels in versatility, offering three main brewing modes: espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. Espresso options include double or quad shots, while the drip coffee menu offers classic, rich, and iced coffee selections. Additionally, the machine’s cold brew feature provides smooth, full-bodied results by brewing over ice or with a dedicated cold press method. This multi-functionality makes it an excellent choice for households with varied coffee preferences.

One of the standout features during our testing was the automatic grind size adjustment. The machine’s display suggests an ideal grind size based on the selected drink, simplifying the process for users who may not be familiar with grind adjustments. The integrated conical burr grinder performed well across settings, providing a consistent grind that delivered balanced extractions for both espresso and drip coffee.

Milk Frothing & Specialty Drinks

The Ninja Luxe Cafe ES601UK includes a hands-free frother that creates thick, creamy foam for cappuccinos and lattes, along with options for thin froth or cold foam. The milk frothing process is simple: add milk to the provided jug, place it under the steam wand, and select your froth level. For those who prefer manual control, there’s also a hidden manual frothing feature accessible by holding the “Start Froth” button for three seconds.

Our testing showed that the frother works well with dairy milk, achieving a microfoam texture ideal for latte art. It’s compatible with plant-based milks, though these tend to create less stable foam. The machine’s automatic purge function is a thoughtful addition, ensuring the wand is clean after each use, minimizing buildup and ensuring consistent frothing performance.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

Ninja has designed the Luxe Cafe with user-friendliness in mind, making it one of the most approachable 3-in-1 machines we’ve tested. The display guides users through every step, from grinding to frothing, and offers real-time alerts if components are missing, such as “Add Beans” or “Install Funnel.” This intelligent interface reduces errors and makes it easier to produce quality coffee with minimal trial and error.

Maintenance is equally straightforward. The machine features a built-in scale for accurate dosing, reducing mess and ensuring consistency. Automatic cleaning cycles, including descaling and milk system purging, take the hassle out of regular upkeep. We appreciated that the machine includes alerts for cleaning tasks, preventing any neglect that could affect performance over time. Most removable components, such as the water tank and drip tray, are easy to access and clean, though the water reservoir’s location at the back may be inconvenient for tight spaces.

Additional Features

Beyond its main brewing functions, the Ninja Luxe Cafe ES601UK includes several thoughtful extras. The built-in grinder with 25 settings provides excellent control over grind size, catering to both espresso and coarser drip coffee needs. The machine also includes a hot water function, though it lacks a dedicated spout for hot water, which may limit its versatility for tea or Americanos.

The hands-free frother adds considerable value, producing consistent results for both dairy and plant-based milks. This feature, combined with the wide array of brewing options, makes it easy to prepare a variety of café-style drinks at home, from cappuccinos to cold brew, without needing multiple machines or barista skills.

Overall Score - 5/5

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premiere Series ES601UK is an impressively versatile coffee machine that excels at delivering quality espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. Its user-friendly interface, thoughtful design, and hands-free frother make it an ideal choice for users seeking a complete coffee solution without a steep learning curve. While it’s on the larger side and lacks a hot water spout, these are minor trade-offs in what is otherwise a well-rounded machine. At its price point, the Luxe Cafe offers a strong value for those looking to elevate their coffee game at home.