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Ninja Coffee Bar 44 oz. Black/White Coffee & Espresso Maker - Dual Brewing System, Built-in Frother, 4 Brew Styles, 12-Cup Carafe, Removable Water Reservoir

2,513

$439.88

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  • Brew rich espresso or full carafes with the versatile 44 oz. capacity.
  • Dual brewing system lets you craft espresso and drip coffee simultaneously.
  • Enjoy specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with the built-in frother.
  • Programmable delay brew ensures fresh coffee ready when you wake up.
  • Compact design fits neatly on countertops while delivering café-quality results.

What Works

  • ✓Versatile brew sizes and styles accommodate different preferences.
  • ✓Built-in frother produces quality foam for milk-based drinks.
  • ✓Programmable timer delivers coffee at a set time.

What Doesn't

  • ✗Clean light may come on too frequently, even after cleaning.
  • ✗Brew cycle is longer than pod-based machines.
  • ✗Frother feels less durable than the rest of the machine.

Category espresso-machines

Brand Ninja

8/10

Our Score

Best For

Coffee enthusiasts who want varietySingle-serve drinkers who also entertainThose switching from Keurig to a more sustainable option

Ninja Coffee Bar Review — Versatile Single-Serve and Carafe Coffee Maker Review

The Ninja Coffee Bar is a full-featured coffee maker designed to replace both single-serve pod machines and traditional drip brewers. It offers six brew sizes, from a 4-ounce specialty shot to a full 44-ounce carafe, along with five brew styles including classic, rich, iced, and café forte. A built-in frother adds latte and cappuccino capability without needing a separate appliance. The machine also includes a programmable timer, a permanent filter, and a clean cycle reminder. It appeals to households where different people want different coffee strengths and serving sizes. While it is not an espresso machine, its specialty brew produces a concentrated shot suitable for milk-based drinks. The Ninja Coffee Bar aims to deliver café-quality results with the convenience of a countertop appliance.

Product Overview

The Ninja Coffee Bar comes in several versions; this model includes a glass carafe with a heated plate, a permanent filter, and a detachable milk frother. The machine measures roughly 10 inches wide and 15 inches deep, with a height of about 15 inches including the water reservoir. The water tank holds 44 ounces, enough for a full carafe or several single servings. Brew sizes include 4 oz Specialty (for concentrated shots), 8 oz Cup, 10 oz Travel Mug, 14 oz XL Cup, 22 oz Half Carafe, and 44 oz Full Carafe. Brew styles are Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty, and Café Forte, which adjusts brew time and temperature to alter strength and flavor. The permanent mesh filter eliminates the need for paper filters, though some users add a paper filter for finer sediment. A fold-down platform accommodates shorter cups. The frother operates with a simple button press and detaches for rinsing. A clean cycle uses vinegar or a commercial cleaner, and the machine alerts when cleaning is due. The carafe features a non-slip handle and a drip-free pour spout. The control panel includes a backlit LCD display, buttons for brew size and style, and a programmable timer that can be set up to 24 hours in advance. Build materials are primarily plastic with stainless steel accents and a glass carafe. The machine weighs 10.1 pounds. Some reviewers noted that the brew cycle takes longer than a Keurig—about 5 minutes for a full carafe—but the resulting coffee is hotter and stronger.

Key Features

Six Brew Sizes

  • ✓Brew anything from a 4 oz specialty shot to a 44 oz full carafe.
  • ✓Fold-down platform allows tall travel mugs to fit under the brew head.
  • ✓Single-serve options reduce waste compared to brewing a full pot.

Five Brew Styles

  • ✓Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty, and Café Forte adjust flavor and strength.
  • ✓Over Ice brews a concentrated cup that doesn't water down when poured over ice.
  • ✓Specialty brew creates a 4 oz shot ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.

Built-in Milk Frother

  • ✓Detachable frother whips hot or cold milk into foam in about 30 seconds.
  • ✓Stainless steel coil and one-button operation make it easy to use.
  • ✓Rinses clean quickly under running water after each use.

Programmable Timer

  • ✓Set the clock and program the machine to brew at a specific time up to 24 hours in advance.
  • ✓Lets you wake up to fresh coffee without waiting.
  • ✓Easy to adjust using the dial and buttons on the control panel.

Permanent Filter

  • ✓Reusable mesh filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
  • ✓Easy to clean: rinse under water or place in the dishwasher.
  • ✓Produces a smooth cup with less sediment than some paper filters.

Drip Stop and Pause Feature

  • ✓Allows you to remove the carafe mid-brew without dripping onto the hot plate.
  • ✓Brewing pauses when the drip stop is engaged, preventing overflow.
  • ✓A smart feature that many buyers appreciate for quick pours.

Clean Cycle Reminder

  • ✓The machine alerts you when it's time to run a cleaning cycle.
  • ✓Uses vinegar or a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup.
  • ✓Helps maintain coffee quality and extend the machine's lifespan.

Build & Materials

The Ninja Coffee Bar is constructed primarily from sturdy plastic with a brushed-metal finish on the front panel and a stainless steel drip tray. The carafe is thick glass with a wide-mouth opening for easy cleaning and a comfortable handle. The filter basket is plastic but feels solid, and the permanent mesh filter fits securely inside. The frother attaches magnetically to the side of the machine and twists to lock. The control panel uses responsive buttons and a smooth dial for navigating settings. The water reservoir is translucent with clear volume markings and detaches for filling at the sink. Overall, the build quality is good for the price point; multiple reviewers describe it as 'fantastic construction' and 'premium-feeling buttons.' However, the frother itself feels lighter and slightly less substantial than the rest of the unit.

The machine's footprint is moderate for a drip coffee maker with a carafe. The cord is about 30 inches long, which is adequate for most countertop layouts. The permanent filter has a large plastic handle that stays cool even when the grounds are hot, a thoughtful design detail. The drip stop lever on the filter basket is easy to operate and effectively halts brewing when engaged. The carafe lid flips open with a thumb button and closes securely to retain heat. The machine's weight of just over 10 pounds gives it stability, and rubber feet prevent sliding. The only minor criticism is that the measuring scoop does not snap firmly into its side-mounted holder, though it stays in place with friction.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Versatile brew sizes and styles accommodate different preferences.
  • ✓Built-in frother produces quality foam for milk-based drinks.
  • ✓Programmable timer delivers coffee at a set time.
  • ✓Permanent filter saves money and reduces waste.
  • ✓Drip stop allows mid-brew pouring without mess.
  • ✓Clean cycle reminder helps maintain performance.
  • ✓Strong, hot coffee with less bitterness than some drip machines.

What Doesn't

  • ✗Clean light may come on too frequently, even after cleaning.
  • ✗Brew cycle is longer than pod-based machines.
  • ✗Frother feels less durable than the rest of the machine.
  • ✗Cup size markings are in 'cup' increments, not ounces.
  • ✗Heated plate can cause over-extraction if carafe left on too long.

The Verdict

8

The Ninja Coffee Bar is a highly versatile coffee maker that does a commendable job of replacing both single-serve pod machines and carafe brewers. Its brew style and size options give users excellent control over their morning cup, and the built-in frother is a genuine convenience for milk-based drinks. Build quality is solid overall, though the frother feels less premium. The most notable drawback is the clean light that some owners report coming on persistently despite proper maintenance. For those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee drinks and want a single appliance to handle everything from a quick cup to a full pot, this machine delivers. At its price point (especially if found on sale), it offers good value for coffee enthusiasts.

Who Is This For?

Coffee enthusiasts who want variety

Six brew sizes and five styles let you tailor each cup to your mood or drink type.

Single-serve drinkers who also entertain

You can brew a quick single cup in the morning and a full carafe for guests without a separate machine.

Those switching from Keurig to a more sustainable option

Permanent filter and fresh ground coffee reduce waste and offer better flavor control.

Is It Worth the Price?

What You Get

  • Versatile brewing from single cup to full carafe.
  • Built-in milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
  • Permanent filter and programmable timer.
  • Refurbished unit tested to work like new.

What You Pay

$439.88 for this refurbished model (prices vary; new units may cost less).

Good value for coffee lovers who want versatility and convenience, but consider the clean light reports before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many brew sizes does the Ninja Coffee Bar have?
It offers six brew sizes: 4 oz Specialty, 8 oz Cup, 10 oz Travel Mug, 14 oz XL Cup, 22 oz Half Carafe, and 44 oz Full Carafe.
How do I fix the clean light if it won't turn off?
First, check that the drip stop lever is open. If not, open it. Then ensure all parts are properly seated. If the light persists, run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a descaling solution. Some users report the light comes on frequently even after cleaning; Ninja support says it is normal and can be ignored if coffee quality is fine.
Can I use paper filters with the permanent filter?
Yes, some users add a paper filter inside the permanent filter for finer sediment removal. It is not required but is compatible.
How long does a full carafe take to brew?
Reviewers report it takes about 5 minutes to brew a full 44 oz carafe, plus a 3-minute warm-up time. This is longer than a Keurig but typical for a drip machine.
Is the frother dishwasher safe?
No, the frother should be hand washed. It detaches easily and rinses clean under running water. The whisk coil can be removed for thorough cleaning.

(3) Comments

First impressions of the Ninja Coffee Bar with glass carafe and heated plate
My review is based on first impressions after using the Ninja Coffee Bar (carafe model with heated plate) for less than a week. Despite reading about early failures, I find it a welcome addition. Setup was standard, but the clean cycle surprised me by slowly running vinegar for an hour before quickly clearing the reservoir—smarter than other pots. The pre-heat button can be turned off, so leaving it on daily is safe if you keep pre-heat off. The copper filter has a large, fixed handle that prevents burning and rinses easily. The drip stop halts brewing if closed, preventing overflow. The measuring cup doesn't snap in but stays secure. Brew sizes lack ounce markings, but the heated plate only activates for carafe/half carafe brews. Clean cycle beeps for dirt or a closed drip stop; check the lever if it won't clear. Coffee taste is better than typical pots, closer to McDonald's quality than Starbucks. The frother works quickly but can be messy; I use it with cold milk and rinse after. Frothing time varies with milk type. Overall, a smart and reliable coffee maker.
Detailed Comparison Between Ninja and Keurig Coffee Makers
After using a Keurig for 6-7 years, it started acting up. I bought a new Keurig 2.0 last year but disliked it so much I never used it. Decided to try a regular coffee machine and chose the Ninja. Build quality is excellent, not cheap plastic as some reviews claim. I recommend running two full clean cycles before first use; I only ran one and noticed a slight plastic taste initially, but it disappeared after the first brew. The coffee is very strong, even on classic brew setting. I prefer weaker coffee, so I may adjust the amount of grounds. The machine is well-made but requires more effort than a Keurig: longer heat-up time (3 minutes), longer brew time (5+ minutes), and cleaning after each use. The frother feels a bit cheap. For casual coffee drinkers who want convenience, I still prefer a Keurig, especially the original models (not the 2.0). The Ninja is the best drip coffee maker I've used, but it's more work.
Warning: Read This Before Buying
Bought a Ninja coffee bar from Amazon; clean light appeared within 2 weeks. Cleaning with vinegar didn't help; using a special cleaning solution also failed. Customer support said to ignore the light or pay $19.95 for a replacement part that might fail again. Product also has issues with cup sizes requiring manual stop. Defective product with no permanent fix.

Product Specifications

Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine (Drip with specialty brew)
Operation Mode Fully Automatic
Human Interface Input Buttons, Dial
Filter Type Reusable (Permanent)
Capacity 44 oz water reservoir; 44 oz glass carafe
Item Weight 10.1 pounds
Color White
Material Glass, Plastic, Stainless Steel
UPC 622356540049
Part Number 189982
ASIN B01HSMVHQS
Condition Refurbished (tested and certified to look and work like new)

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