Ninja Luxe Café Pro Review: Time for Barista School

Ninja, known for its air fryers, has ventured into the world of coffee machines with the Ninja Luxe Café Pro (ES701), the top-of-the-range model offering 10 more drinks than the Luxe Café Premier. This semi-automatic machine is a versatile ‘3-in-1’ with options for espresso, filter coffee, and cold brew. It features a hands-free Dual Froth System and a grinder with ‘Barista Assist Technology’. Priced at £699/$749, I tested the Luxe Café Pro for two months to determine if it’s worth the investment.

Design & Build
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is a stylish and compact coffee machine with a smart design. It lacks a touchscreen, opting for buttons, dials, and a backlit screen for user interaction. The machine includes a large bean hopper, a mug holder for four espresso mugs, and a handle for tamping the ground beans. However, some downsides include the tricky water tank access, a small removable drip tray section that often falls out, and the handle not locking in place during grinding.

Drinks, Features & Performance
The Luxe Café Pro offers a wide variety of drink options, from espresso to filter coffee, with multiple size and strength settings. The machine excels in producing flavorful coffee, with a rich and full-bodied taste. The Barista Assist technology provides recommendations for grind size but may have occasional glitches. The Dual Froth System works consistently well, producing excellent froth for various milk types. Additionally, the hot water option is convenient for making tea or hot beverages.

Price & Availability
Priced at £699.99/$749.95, the Ninja Café Luxe Pro is a premium coffee machine available in a chrome model. While popular and often out of stock, it can be found on various retailers like Amazon, Very, and Argos. For a more budget-friendly option, the Café Luxe Premier (ES601) is priced at £549 and offers similar features.

Should You Buy the Ninja Café Luxe Pro?
The decision to purchase the Ninja Café Luxe Pro depends on your preferences and needs. If you seek a machine that offers a wide range of drinks, assistance with grind size and milk frothing, and a hands-on barista experience, then the Luxe Café Pro is a great choice. However, if you prefer a simpler coffee routine or don’t require as many drink options, the Luxe Café Premier may be a better value alternative. Ultimately, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro brings the coffee shop experience to your kitchen, with a few minor drawbacks to consider before purchasing.