The Ninja Specialty CM401 Coffee Maker is a compact yet powerful coffee maker that can meet all of your caffeine requirements. The best part about this coffee maker is that, despite being loaded with features, it’s not expensive.
For those who enjoy their caffeine fix and can’t live without a good cup of coffee regularly, this is a product they should seriously consider – find out if it’s the suitable model for you with our Ninja CM401 review below.
The Ninja Speciality CM401 is a one-stop shop for all of your coffee needs, whether you want a cappuccino, latte, mocha, or any other coffeehouse-style beverage. It has six different brew sizes, which adds to its versatility.
It’s nothing like a traditional drip coffee maker, and the designer wanted to convey a sophisticated “coffee bar” vibe. That or the Ninja is supposed to simulate the experience of brewing coffee in a science lab. The design revolves around a stylish brew group suspended between a supporting column and the water tank.
A fold-away frother whisk for hot or cold milk and hanging storage for the Ninja Smart Scoop is located on the left side. The intuitive control panel with the water tank above is located on the right side. Even though the water reservoir is made of plastic, I like its attractive ribbed design.
Keep reading to know more.
Basic Specifications
Here’s a table with basic specifications of the Ninja Coffee specialty maker:
| Name | CM410 Speciality Coffee Maker |
| Category | Drip Coffee Maker |
| Housing Material | Stainless steel |
| Carafe Material | Glass Or Plastic |
| Brew Capacity | 50 oz |
| Coffee Filter | Yes |
| Removable Filter | Yes |
| Brew Styles | 4 styles |
| Milk Frother | Yes |
| Weight | 9.2 lb / 4.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 15.0 x 12.0 x 8.8 in / 38.1 x 30.5 x 22.4 cm |
Features
The Ninja CM401 has several features that add to its adaptability. We’ll go over some of the features that make it a worthwhile product.
The Brewing Styles
The Ninja coffee maker can make four different types of coffee brews. Over ice, rich, specialty, and classic are among them. The machine ensures that you’re never bored by providing you with so many options.
Specialty Function: This is the product’s highlight because it allows you to experiment with various coffee types. This function allows a small amount of concentrate to pass through, allowing you to make various types of coffee. This brew provides you with a highly concentrated amount of coffee that can be used to ship a variety of coffees.
Over Ice: If you want to quench your thirst with a glass of cold or iced coffee, this is the way to go.
Rich and traditional brew: These beers deliver on what their names imply. While the classic brew will produce a cup of classic coffee, the rich brew will increase the intensity and provide a stronger flavor. The difference between the two is their strength.
Innovative Features
The Ninja Specialty CM401 excels in terms of design features. Between the water tank and the support bar, the brew group is suspended. This enhances its visual appeal.
The tank’s markings are completely visible due to its transparent exterior, which also contributes to its user-friendly design interface.
This coffee maker’s control panel is truly innovative, making it incredibly simple to use. Because of the presence of a clock, you can choose what time of day you want to brew your coffee.
It’s a remarkably simple machine to operate, with most functions displayed on the interface. For example, the control panel includes two options to help you customize the machine, namely stay warm’ and ‘delay-brew.’
You can choose the latter if you want to delay brewing the coffee, and you can keep your coffee warm and ready to drink by selecting the stay warm option. The rotary dial at the bottom allows you to select the amount of tea you want to brew.
There’re six different brew sizes to choose from. The specialty brew option is highlighted in the design interface, possibly because the creators want it to stand out.
The power button and cleaning option are located at the bottom of the design interface, making it an easy coffee maker to use and navigate.
Build Quality
The CM401 is made of stainless steel, which adds durability as well as aesthetic value to the machine. It’s also an excellent material to use because it keeps costs low without sacrificing quality.
It also serves an important function for a machine like a coffee maker. Stainless steel has a high thermal conductivity, which is required to keep the machine from overheating.
Certain areas of the machine are covered with ABS plastic, making it more durable and providing additional protection.
The Ninja Specialty CM401 coffee maker’s thermal flavor extraction is one of the reasons it has received an SCA Golden Cup for standard brewing, among others. This can give you an idea of the machine’s quality and taste standards.
The flavor enhancer ensures that the flavor of your coffee is not affected in any way. The aroma and flavor are just right, and they combine to make an amazing cup of coffee for you.
As a result, if you make several cups of coffee at the same time, they will all taste the same. The flavor and consistency remain consistent, with no ‘hot spots’ that waste flavor.
Folding Frother
There’s no denying that a frother is an essential component of a coffee maker. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker includes a folding frother that can be used when needed. Otherwise, it simply adds to the compact design element.
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401 doesn’t have the capability of steaming milk.
Although the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker cannot heat milk like an automatic espresso machine, the fold-away frother is a pretty cool feature. Anyway, you won’t mind if you want cold-frothed milk for an iced coffee specialty!
Swing the arm toward the front of the machine, lower the whisk into the milk, and then press the frothing button to access the frother.
When you’re finished, simply twist the whisk clockwise to remove it. It’s ready to go again after a quick rinse under running water!
Accessible Descaling
The elaborate and often complex procedure of descaling and cleaning the machine is frequently emphasized by coffee makers. However, the Ninja Coffee Maker handles this for you, saving you time and stress.
You’re not required to use a specific descaling procedure, but you may use any homemade solution to clean the machine and remove the calcium deposits.
Water Reservoir
The 40-ounce water tank has a handy flip-top lid and minimum fill level indicators for each brew size.
The water reservoir on the CM401 Ninja Coffee Maker is very appealing to me. It complements the overall design, which is both elegant and well-executed.
The reservoir of this specialty coffee maker is easily removable for convenient filling.
Filtered water is always recommended when using a specialty coffee maker. You’ll have better-tasting coffee and won’t have to descale your machine as frequently.
Design
The Ninja Specialty Machine is 12 x 8.8 x 15 inches in size. It’s about two inches narrower than the Hot and cold but otherwise has the same dimensions.
The Ninja’s left side has a fold-away milk frother and hanging storage for the included Ninja Scoop, a handy tool with the number of recommended scoops for each brew size printed on it.
A pull-down platform for single-cup brews is located in the center. The machine’s base accommodates travel mugs and tumblers in addition to the 50-oz. glass carafe. A red light indicates whether or not the warming place is operational.
On the right is a 50-oz. plastic water reservoir with a flip top and markings indicating minimum fill lines for each brew size.
The Ninja Specialty’s design makes it simple to remove the reservoir if you need to take it to a tethered water source; however, I prefer the Hot and Cold Brew System’s reservoir being hidden behind its control panel.
While you’ll still need to make some counter space for the Ninja Specialty, you won’t have to worry about storing unused brew baskets, which is something to consider with the Hot and Cold model.
Ease Of Use
Ninja Coffee’s control panel is straightforward. You can choose the brew size with a single knob. Alternatively, simply press the button that corresponds to the type of coffee you want, and you’re ready to go.
The Ninja Specialty brew times are roughly the same as the Hot and Cold Systems. A full carafe takes about 10 minutes to brew in the ‘classic’ setting.
The Ninja Coffee Maker’s removable parts, including the glass carafe, are top-rack dishwasher safe. The “Clean” button will illuminate if the machine requires a more thorough descaling of calcium buildup.
Is Ninja Coffee Maker Worth It?
Overall, the Ninja Coffee Maker is a versatile machine that comes equipped with everything you need to make a variety of specialty beverages. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a coffee machine that can brew a good cup of coffee in the morning while also handling fancier drinks when necessary.
The Ninja coffee bar is a less expensive option for those who do not require as many features as the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System.
If you want a review of Ninja CM401, check this video out:
How Do You Clean A Ninja Coffee Maker?
Rinse your Coffee Bar regularly to keep it looking good and produce delicious cups of coffee. Rinse the carafe, permanent filter, and filter holder after each use.
Nobody enjoys scrubbing, so make it easier on yourself by not leaving brewed coffee in the carafe for too long. If you spill something on the heating pad, wait until it cools before wiping it clean.
If you notice any coffee buildup inside your carafe, thoroughly clean it with soap and water. You should probably use a soft bottle brush or sponge to avoid scratching your glass carafe. Ninja sells them, but you can also get them at the grocery store.
The carafe can also be placed on the top rack of your dishwasher.
You should also clean the outside of your machine. Wipe away dust and stains with a damp paper towel or cloth. Take extra care with the warming plate, which is a more delicate component of the machine.
Have a look at my other article where I talk about cleaning your coffee machine! Check it out!
The Milk Frother
Your milk frothing wand, in particular, should be cleaned regularly. Fill a cup halfway with warm water to quickly rinse your frother after use. Turn on the frother and hold it below the surface for 20 to 30 seconds.
Unlock the whisk and slide it off for a deeper clean. You can wash it in the sink with soap and water. You can also place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, along with the brew-through lid and water reservoir.
FAQS
Is Ninja CM401 Discontinued?
Yes, the Ninja CM401 coffee bar has been discontinued. However, you can purchase the Ninja specialty coffee maker and Ninja dual brew.
Is the Ninja Coffee Maker Dishwasher Safe?
Though not every component of the Ninja Coffee Bar is dishwasher-safe, many are! The glass carafe, frothing whisk, brew-through lid, water reservoir, and coffee scoop can all be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack.
Alternatives
In terms of brewing tea, I highly recommend the Ninja CP301. It can make a mixed drink by combining coffee and tea. Separate coffee and tea baskets are also included in the machine.
If you prefer a machine with a higher quality frother construction, the Ninja Coffee Bar CF097 with hot and cold frother is an excellent choice.
Summary
- The Ninja Coffee Maker CM401 has a lot to offer in terms of innovation and function, thanks to its multiple brew styles and elegant design.
- It’s good enough to be placed on your counter. With its dimensions and weight, it won’t take much of your counter space.
- For cleaning, you can either use the cleaning solution provided with the machine or you can clean the machine with vinegar.
- The Ninja Coffee Bar is dishwasher safe and has a folding milk frother, which can give you a good creamy texture.
- After spending some time with the Ninja, I have the impression that it’s a solid machine with the features that many readers look for in a drip coffee maker.
- However, since it has been discontinued, you can go for other options that I have mentioned.
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