Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker with 10-Cup Carafe, Fold-Away Frother, Permanent Filter & Removable Reservoir - 6 Brew Styles, 8 Cup to Travel Mug to Pot Sizes - Black CM401

Product Overview

Many users find the Ninja CM401 simplifies their morning routine. The machine offers six cup sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, Multi-Serve Travel Mug, Half Carafe, and Full Carafe, so you can brew just what you need. A simple knob lets you switch sizes easily. The four brew styles—Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew—allow customization. Specialty Brew creates a concentrated coffee perfect for lattes and macchiatos. For iced coffee, the Over Ice setting brews directly over ice to avoid dilution. The fold-away frother can be used with hot or cold milk, creating smooth foam in about 30 seconds. The 40-ounce removable water reservoir makes filling at the sink convenient, and it has a clear window to show water level. The included Ninja Smart Scoop attaches to the side and has markings for different brew sizes, so you always use the right amount of grounds. The 50-ounce glass carafe has a drip-free spout, though some reviewers note an occasional drip when pouring mid-brew. All removable parts—including the carafe, filter basket, permanent filter, water reservoir, frother whisk, and scoop—are top-rack dishwasher safe. The machine's dimensions (12"D x 8.75"W x 15.04"H) fit under standard cabinets, and it weighs 9.2 pounds. It uses 1550 watts and has a 1-hour auto shutoff for safety. Early users may notice a slight plastic smell, but it typically fades after three or four brew cycles. The machine works with any ground coffee, and you can use the included gold-tone permanent filter or add #4 paper filters for a cleaner cup. Brew temperature measured by one reviewer ranged from 193 to 203°F, well within the ideal range for coffee extraction. The drip-stop feature allows you to pour a cup mid-brew without mess. Overall, the CM401 combines the convenience of a single-serve machine with the capacity of a traditional drip brewer, making it a versatile choice for households with one or multiple coffee drinkers.

Build & Materials

The Ninja CM401 strikes a balance between durability and a compact footprint. The body is made of sturdy black plastic with a brushed stainless steel finish on the front panel, giving it a modern look that fits most kitchen decors. The carafe is tempered glass with a stainless steel rim and a brew-through lid that allows you to pour mid-brew without removing the basket. The water reservoir is BPA-free plastic, as highlighted by reviewers. The fold-away frother is made from plastic and metal, with a whisk that detaches for cleaning. Overall construction feels robust, though the plastic components are standard for this price point. The machine sits on a drip tray that is not removable, but the tray is easy to wipe clean. The permanent gold-tone filter is fine-mesh metal, designed to let natural oils through for fuller flavor.

Cleaning is straightforward: the filter basket swings out after brewing, and the grounds can be dumped directly into the trash. The carafe, reservoir lid, and frother parts all go in the dishwasher. Some reviewers note that after extended use, water can sometimes sit in a small bubble at the bottom of the reservoir, but they recommend leaving the lid open to allow drying. The machine includes a Smart Scoop that clips to the side, which is convenient for measuring grounds. The design also features a drip-stop button that pauses flow when you remove the carafe, minimizing mess.

Shot Quality

While the CM401 is not a true espresso machine, the Specialty Brew setting produces a concentrated coffee that closely mimics espresso-like strength for milk-based drinks. Reviewers report that the brew temperature stays between 193–203°F, which is optimal for coffee extraction. The Rich setting increases extraction time, resulting in a fuller body without bitterness. The Over Ice setting successfully delivers bold flavor that holds up against melting ice. Long-term users who have used the machine 4–5 times daily for eight months report no degradation in brew quality; the machine still produces consistently hot coffee from day one.

The permanent filter allows some fine sediment to pass through, but most users find it acceptable. If clarity is a priority, using a paper filter eliminates this. The frother works quickly, creating thick foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Some reviewers note that the frother cannot make dry, stiff foam like a steam wand, but it is sufficient for home use. The machine has a slight plastic smell initially, but it dissipates after a few uses. No leaking or mechanical issues have been commonly reported, and the auto shutoff works reliably. Overall, the CM401 performs well for its intended purpose, delivering versatile, café-quality beverages with minimal effort.