Espresso Machines

A single shot of espresso (about 1–1.35 oz) contains roughly 60–75 mg of caffeine. A double shot (doppio) brings that to around 120–150 mg. While espresso is more concentrated than drip coffee, it actually has less caffeine per serving simply because the volume is smaller. With a machine like the Ninja® Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601), you can brew a single espresso (1.35 oz) or a lungo (3.75 oz), giving you control over both strength and caffeine content.

Great espresso at home comes down to three things: fresh beans, the right grind, and proper pressure. With the Ninja Luxe™ Café Pro (ES701) or Café Premier (ES601), the process is simplified considerably, both feature an integrated conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings, a built-in scale for weight-based dosing, and Barista Assist Technology that automatically calibrates brew temperature and pressure for you. For the Pro, the integrated tamper handles puck prep at the pull of a lever. Simply load your whole beans, select your drink, and the machine guides you to a perfect shot every time.

Espresso and coffee use the same beans but differ in grind size, brewing method, and concentration. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure (typically 9–19 bars), producing a small, intensely concentrated shot with a layer of crema on top. Drip coffee uses a coarser grind and gravity, resulting in a larger, lighter-bodied cup. The Ninja Luxe™ Café Pro (ES701) handles both in one machine: its 25-grind-setting burr grinder automatically adjusts from fine (for espresso) to coarse (for drip), and Barista Assist Technology optimizes brewing conditions for whichever style you choose.

The basic steps are: (1) fill the water reservoir, (2) add whole beans or grounds, (3) grind and dose, (4) tamp the portafilter, (5) lock it in, and (6) brew. On a traditional machine this takes skill — but Ninja's espresso machines make it much more approachable. The Ninja Luxe™ Café Pro (ES701) automates grind size recommendations, doses by weight with a built-in scale, and tamps evenly via the integrated lever tamper. The Ninja® Espresso & Coffee Barista System (CFN601) goes even simpler, letting you use espresso capsules with its 19-bar pressure system for a consistent shot without any grinding or tamping at all. Both have adjustable cup trays to fit everything from a small espresso glass to a large travel mug.

A latte is a shot (or two) of espresso topped with steamed milk and a small layer of microfoam — typically in a 1:3 to 1:5 espresso-to-milk ratio. Pull your espresso shot first, then steam and froth your milk to a silky, velvety texture. The Ninja Luxe™ Café Pro (ES701) makes this seamless with its Dual Froth System Pro, which steams and whisks simultaneously to produce perfectly textured microfoam hands-free — with 5 preset froth programs including Steamed Milk, Thin Froth, Thick Froth, Extra Thick Froth, and Cold Foam. The Café Premier (ES601) offers 4 preset froth programs and the same hands-free frothing capability. For plant-based milks, both machines handle oat, almond, and soy with ease.

Both machines are part of the Ninja Luxe™ Café series and share core features like Barista Assist Technology™, a built-in grinder with 25 grind settings, weight-based dosing, and hands-free frothing. Here's where they differ:

Brewing versatility: The Premier is a 3-in-1 machine that brews espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew. The Pro upgrades to 4-in-1 by adding an independent hot water system, making it ideal for Americanos, tea, or pour-over-style drinks.

Frothing programs: The Premier includes 4 hands-free froth presets, while the Pro offers 5 presets (adding an Extra Thick Froth option) via the upgraded Dual Froth System Pro, which also comes with an XL Milk Jug for frothing enough for two drinks at once.

Integrated Tamper: The Pro includes a built-in lever-press tamper for mess-free, even puck tamping. The Premier includes an Assisted Tamper tool instead, which is used manually.