Best Combo Buy

Ninja CFN601 Espresso and Coffee Barista System

One machine that replaces three: espresso, drip coffee, and pod brewing all in one.

TL;DR
  • 3 espresso styles plus 9 single-serve coffee brew sizes
  • Compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules
  • Built-in fold-away milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
  • 19-bar pressure system for quality espresso extraction
Check current price on Amazon

Best For / Not For

Best for

  • Households where some people drink espresso and others drink regular coffee
  • Anyone who wants lattes and cappuccinos without a separate frother
  • Buyers replacing both a pod machine and an espresso machine

Not for

  • Dedicated espresso purists who want a single-purpose machine
  • Buyers who only drink drip-style coffee
  • Anyone with very limited counter space

Key Details

Espresso styles3 (espresso, lungo, americano)
Coffee brew sizes9
Pod compatibilityNespresso Original Line
FrotherBuilt-in fold-away
Pump pressure19-bar
Milk drinksLatte, cappuccino, macchiato

Espresso Performance

The 19-bar pump delivers espresso with genuine crema. It is not the same as a dedicated premium espresso machine, but it is meaningfully better than the pseudo-espresso from a standard drip machine. The three espresso styles cover the most common orders: straight espresso, lungo, and Americano.

Versatility

The Nespresso capsule compatibility is a major practical advantage. It expands pod variety significantly without needing a second machine. The built-in frother folds away cleanly when not in use and produces consistent foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Nine coffee brew sizes cover everything from a 4oz espresso to a 14oz travel mug.

Value

Replacing a Keurig and an entry-level espresso machine with one unit that does both reasonably well is genuinely good value. If your household has different coffee preferences, this machine handles them without requiring two appliances and two footprints on the counter.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • True versatility across espresso, coffee, and pod brewing
  • Compatible with Nespresso capsules for wide pod variety
  • Built-in frother produces quality foam
  • 19-bar pump delivers genuine espresso pressure

Cons

  • Larger footprint than single-purpose machines
  • More to clean than a simple drip or pod machine
  • Espresso quality does not match dedicated espresso machines at this price

Bottom Line

The Ninja CFN601 is the right machine for households that want both espresso drinks and regular coffee without buying two separate appliances. The Nespresso capsule compatibility and built-in frother push its versatility further than most combo machines. If you drink both types of coffee, buy this.

Check current price on Amazon