Special Subscribe To Get Notified For Discounts! Register Now

Hands-On Reviews
Tested Shot by Shot
Honest Rankings

NinjaLuxe Café Premier ES601 3-in-1 Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee & Cold Brew - Built-in Grinder, Hands-Free Milk Frother, Assisted Tamper for Cappuccinos & Lattes, Stainless Steel

2,350

$599.00

In stock

Check Amazon Price
  • Brew espresso, drip coffee, or cold brew with one versatile machine.
  • Built-in grinder ensures fresh, aromatic grounds for every coffee creation.
  • Hands-free frother delivers silky microfoam for perfect cappuccinos and lattes.
  • Assisted tamper guarantees consistent, professional-quality espresso shots every time.
  • Sleek stainless steel design adds elegance to any kitchen countertop.

What Works

  • ✓Excellent value for the feature set compared to premium competitors
  • ✓Guided barista assist reduces learning curve for beginners
  • ✓Versatile drink options: espresso, drip, cold brew all in one

What Doesn't

  • ✗No separate hopper for decaf beans
  • ✗Occasional inconsistency in shot volume
  • ✗Thin foam setting can be very loud

Category espresso-machines

Brand Ninja

9/10

Our Score

Best For

Espresso BeginnersCoffee EnthusiastsSmall HouseholdsThose Wanting an All-in-One Solution

Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 Review — 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip, and Cold Review

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier (ES601) is a versatile 3-in-1 coffee machine that combines espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew into one countertop appliance. It features a built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings, a hands-free dual frothing system, and Barista Assist Technology that guides users through every step. Designed for both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers, this machine aims to deliver café-quality results without the steep learning curve. Its integrated storage for accessories and removable water tank add convenience, while the stainless steel finish fits most kitchens. At a price point significantly lower than many premium espresso machines, the Luxe Café Premier offers a compelling mix of features and value.

Product Overview

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is built for variety: it can pull double or quad espresso shots, brew drip coffee in sizes from 6 to 18 ounces, and produce cold-pressed espresso or cold brew coffee. The built-in conical burr grinder provides 25 grind settings, allowing precise adjustment for different drink types. The machine weighs about 4.4 pounds and measures 12.99 inches deep by 13.39 inches wide by 14.57 inches tall, making it a solid but not overly large addition to most counters. Its 1650-watt heating system and 120-volt operation ensure quick heat-up and consistent performance. The included accessories—portafilter, double and luxe baskets, milk jug, assisted tamper, cleaning tools, and a hard water testing kit—cover nearly everything needed to start brewing. The water reservoir and coffee hopper are both removable for easy filling and cleaning. The machine uses reusable filters and accepts both whole beans and ground coffee. The interface uses physical buttons with a guided LCD screen, and the machine includes auto shut-off, a timer, and dishwasher-safe parts for upkeep. Reviewers consistently praise the build quality, describing it as sturdy and refined, with a stainless steel finish that blends into most kitchen decors.

Key Features

3-in-1 Versatility

  • ✓Makes espresso (double or quad shots), drip coffee (6 to 18 oz), and cold brew (cold-pressed espresso or cold brew coffee)
  • ✓Replace multiple appliances with one machine

Built-in Conical Burr Grinder

  • ✓25 grind settings for precise control over extraction
  • ✓Weight-based dosing ensures consistent grounds per shot
  • ✓Works with whole beans or pre-ground coffee

Hands-Free Dual Froth System

  • ✓Spinning whisk and automatic steamer produce silky microfoam
  • ✓Four preset programs: steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, and cold foam
  • ✓Simply pour milk and select style; machine does the rest

Barista Assist Technology

  • ✓Step-by-step guidance on the LCD screen for each drink
  • ✓Automatic precision grinding and real-time temperature/pressure adjustments
  • ✓Assisted tamping ensures a perfectly pressed puck

Cold-Pressed Espresso and Cold Brew

  • ✓Brews at lower temperature, pressure, and pace for smooth, flavorful results
  • ✓Cold brew coffee ready without the 12-hour wait

Convenient Design

  • ✓Built-in storage for portafilter, baskets, tamper, and cleaning tools
  • ✓Removable water and coffee tanks for easy refill and cleaning
  • ✓Dishwasher-safe parts simplify maintenance

Smart and Programmable

  • ✓Programmable timer and auto shut-off for energy savings
  • ✓Machine learns from each brew to improve consistency over time

Build & Materials

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is constructed with a stainless steel exterior that feels solid and premium. The machine's footprint is moderate, taking up about 13 x 13 inches of counter space, but the design makes excellent use of vertical storage. A compartment on the side holds the portafilter, baskets, and assisted tamper, keeping them within reach yet out of the way. The water reservoir is fully removable from the back, and the bean hopper lifts off for filling. All buttons and the display are positioned on the front for easy access.

The included accessories are well-made: the portafilter has a sturdy feel, the milk jug is double-walled, and the tamper has a spring-loaded mechanism that ensures consistent pressure. The grinder housing uses metal burrs for durability. A few reviewers noted that mounting the portafilter can be a bit tight at first, but it loosens with use. The overall impression is of a machine built to last, with no flimsy parts.

Shot Quality

The Luxe Café Premier delivers consistent espresso shots with good crema, thanks to its 15-bar pump and active temperature control. Many reviewers report that the guided system makes it easy to dial in the grind setting, and the assisted tamping removes a major point of error. The machine adjusts pressure and temperature in real-time based on the selected drink, which helps avoid bitter or sour shots. That said, some users experienced occasional variation in shot volume (sometimes 2 oz, other times 1 oz) even with the same beans and grind, though this was not widespread.

The milk frother is a standout feature: the hands-free system produces silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. The thin foam setting can be notably loud, as one reviewer pointed out, but the results are worth it. For drip coffee, the machine brews at a proper temperature and the flavor is well-extracted. Cold brew, especially the cold-pressed espresso, receives praise for its smooth, non-bitter taste. The machine heats up quickly, and from start to finish a caramel macchiato takes about five minutes.

Pros and Cons

What Works

  • ✓Excellent value for the feature set compared to premium competitors
  • ✓Guided barista assist reduces learning curve for beginners
  • ✓Versatile drink options: espresso, drip, cold brew all in one
  • ✓Hands-free milk frother produces professional-quality microfoam
  • ✓Built-in grinder with 25 settings provides precise grind control
  • ✓Comprehensive accessory kit includes everything needed to start
  • ✓Removable water and coffee tanks simplify cleaning and refilling
  • ✓Sturdy stainless steel build and sleek design

What Doesn't

  • ✗No separate hopper for decaf beans
  • ✗Occasional inconsistency in shot volume
  • ✗Thin foam setting can be very loud
  • ✗Water tray fills quickly and can spill when removing
  • ✗Cleaning the frother wand requires careful attention

The Verdict

9

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 is an outstanding all-in-one coffee machine that punches well above its price class. It combines the functionality of an espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and cold brew system with a built-in grinder and automatic milk frother. The guided Barista Assist Technology makes it accessible to beginners while offering enough control for enthusiasts. Build quality is high, and the included accessories are generous. Minor quirks like occasional shot inconsistency and noise on the thin foam setting are easy to overlook given the overall value. For anyone looking to upgrade from pod machines or entry-level espresso makers, this is a top recommendation.

Who Is This For?

Espresso Beginners

The guided Barista Assist Technology and assisted tamper make it easy to learn proper technique without guesswork.

Coffee Enthusiasts

The variety of drink styles, 25 grind settings, and temperature control allow for experimentation and fine-tuning.

Small Households

Enough capacity for multiple drinks in a row, with a 72-ounce water tank and large bean hopper.

Those Wanting an All-in-One Solution

Replaces separate espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and cold brew system, saving counter space and money.

Value Assessment

What You Get

  • 3-in-1 functionality: espresso, drip, cold brew
  • Built-in 25-setting conical burr grinder
  • Hands-free milk frother with four presets
  • Barista Assist Technology for guided brewing
  • Complete accessory kit including tamper and cleaning tools
  • Solid stainless steel construction

What You Pay

$599 retail, often found on sale for $499 or less

Exceptional value. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier delivers features found in machines costing twice as much, with reliable build quality and a user-friendly design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Ninja Luxe Café Premier?
Yes, you can bypass the grinder and use pre-ground coffee. Simply remove the beans from the hopper and use the included scoop to add grounds directly to the portafilter.
How often should I descale the machine?
Ninja recommends descaling every 3-6 months, depending on water hardness. The machine includes a hard water testing kit, and descaling powder is provided. The machine will also display a reminder when descaling is needed.
Is the milk frother easy to clean?
The frothing wand should be wiped clean after each use and purged with steam. The milk jug and whisk are dishwasher safe. The machine also has a self-cleaning cycle for the milk system, which simplifies maintenance.
Can I adjust the grind size while brewing?
The grind size should be set before brewing using the dial on the side of the machine. It is not meant to be adjusted during operation. For best results, start with a medium setting and fine-tune based on taste.
What is the water reservoir capacity?
The removable water tank holds approximately 72 ounces, enough for multiple drinks before needing a refill. Exact capacity is not listed by Ninja, but reviewers report it's ample for a morning routine.

(3) Comments

Exceptional Value and Quality in an Espresso Machine
I typically don't write reviews, but this machine compelled me to. It's the best value automatic or semiautomatic espresso machine available today. Having used top-tier models like Jura, which cost $2,000–$6,000, I'm amazed at how many features and how much quality Ninja packed into this machine for under $500, with interest-free financing for a year. I should have bought ten! Compare it to expensive brands (Jura, Miele, Bosch), mid-range (Gaggia, Breville, DeLonghi), or budget automatics (Kitchen Aid, Philips, Cuisinart) and you won't find a better value than the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier. The pump and boiler power, grinder quality, effortless milk frother, speed, and design all impressed me. If you want great espresso, perfect foam, and fantastic drip at an unbeatable price with top build quality, this is it.
A Coffee Maker That Truly Delivers
My wife had always wanted an espresso machine that wouldn't break the bank. The night she ordered this one, she could hardly sleep from excitement. When it arrived, her joy was overwhelming. We've been using it regularly since May 29th, and it has consistently exceeded our expectations. This is a fantastic product at a fair price. Every component feels robust and well-made. The machine is sturdy, elegant, and looks great on our coffee bar. The stainless steel finish is versatile and matches any kitchen, though Ninja also offers other colors. You could spend more on a premium model, but this one has everything we need. It can make coffee as fast as Starbucks, but we prefer to take our time and enjoy the process. The instructions and videos are clear and boost our confidence. With a bit of practice, you'll feel like a pro barista. This review is lengthy because Ninja has earned it—they've excelled in build, usability, and drink quality. As a veteran, I value products that keep their promises, and this one does. I am extremely satisfied with this purchase and recommend it without any reservations.
Essential Morning Machine
This machine is outstanding! The accessories are stored inside, there are helpful videos and a recipe sticker, the screen guides you, and the tanks are removable for easy cleaning. It learns and adjusts to your taste. My only minor issue is that it's very loud when making thin foam, but I rarely use that setting. Overall, fantastic!

Product Specifications

Coffee Maker Type Espresso Machine
Wattage 1650 watts
Voltage 120
Human Interface Input Buttons
Coffee Input Type Ground, Whole Bean
Power Source Electric
Filter Type Reusable
Capacity 4.4 pounds
Item Dimensions (D x W x H) 12.99" x 13.39" x 14.57"
Number of Items 1
Material Stainless Steel
Included Components Assisted Tamper, Cleaning Brush, Cleaning Disc, Funnel, Descaling Powder, Cleaning Tablets, Hard Water Testing Kit, Double Basket, Portafilter, Luxe Basket, Milk Jug
Model Name Ninja ES601
Model Number ES601
Other Special Features Auto Shut-Off, Dishwasher Safe Parts, Milk Frother, Programmable, Timer
Specific Uses For Product Cappuccino, Espresso, Iced Coffee, Latte, Mocha

Last updated: