Most versatile coffee maker with specialty brew options
Visit Ninja →The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401 is the most versatile drip coffee maker we have ever tested, combining traditional drip brewing with a built-in fold-away frother that lets you make lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks at home without a separate espresso machine. The CM401 features six different brew sizes — from a single cup to a full carafe — and four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew, which is a concentrated coffee designed for mixing with milk. The 50-oz water reservoir is removable for easy filling, and the included glass carafe keeps coffee hot for up to two hours with the programmable warming plate. We tested the CM401 for over a month, brewing everything from standard morning drip to lattes and iced coffee, and were impressed by how much functionality Ninja packed into a single machine at this price point.
Choose from 6 sizes (single cup, travel mug, half carafe, full carafe, etc.) and 4 brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew — a concentrated coffee perfect for lattes.
The integrated frother folds away when not in use and creates silky microfoam from cold milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos — no separate milk frother needed.
Wake up to fresh coffee with the 24-hour programmable delay brew. Set the time the night before and your coffee will be ready when you wake up.
The large 50-ounce water reservoir removes completely for easy filling and cleaning. It also has a clear water window so you always know how much water is left.
| Type | Drip coffee maker with frother |
|---|---|
| Brew Sizes | 6 (single cup to full carafe) |
| Brew Styles | 4 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty) |
| Water Reservoir | 50 oz (removable) |
| Carafe | Glass, 6-cup capacity |
| Frother | Built-in fold-away (cold milk) |
| Programmable | Yes (24-hour delay brew) |
| Warming Plate | Yes (adjustable) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Feature | Ninja CM401 | Keurig K-Elite | OXO Brew 9-Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $170 | $230 |
| Type | Drip + frother | K-Cup pod brewer | Precision drip |
| Water Reservoir | 50 oz | 75 oz | 72 oz |
| Milk Frother | Yes (built-in) | No | No |
| Programmable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
No — the Ninja CM401 is a drip coffee maker, not an espresso machine. Its Specialty Brew mode makes a concentrated coffee that is stronger than regular drip, but it is not true espresso (which requires 9 bars of pressure). Think of it as a very strong coffee that works well mixed with milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
The Ninja CM401 has a fold-away frother on the side of the machine. You fill the frother whisk with cold milk, place it under the brewer, and press the froth button. The whisk spins rapidly to create microfoam. It works with dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, and most plant-based alternatives.
No — the Ninja CM401 uses ground coffee only, not K-Cup pods. If you want pod compatibility, check out the Ninja DualBrew or a Keurig machine. The CM401 is designed for ground coffee enthusiasts who want more versatility than a standard drip maker.
Yes — most parts are dishwasher safe, including the glass carafe, brew basket, and frother whisk. The water reservoir is removable for easy washing. Ninja recommends descaling the machine every 2-3 months depending on water hardness, and the clean cycle indicator lets you know when it is time.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401 is the most versatile coffee maker under $150. Its combination of drip brewing, multiple brew sizes and styles, and a built-in frother means you can make everything from a simple cup of coffee to a latte or iced coffee — all with one machine. While it is not a true espresso machine and the build quality is mostly plastic, the value and versatility are unmatched at this price. For anyone who wants variety without buying multiple machines, the Ninja CM401 is the clear choice.
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