What is the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System?
The CFN601 is a $164 dual-function machine that makes espresso from capsules and drip coffee from grounds, plus milk-based drinks.
Its published setup combines 19 bar pressure with a built-in fold-away frother. The fold-away frother covers cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, while the two coffee input formats give buyers a choice between capsules and coffee that has already been ground.
The black machine has a plastic body, weighs 6.9 kg, and carries a one-year warranty. Its 1.77 litre tank is not plumbable, and the specification lists neither a built-in grinder nor a bottomless option.
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System shot quality: what it can actually pull
The CFN601 pairs 19 bar pressure with capsule and ground-coffee brewing, although its specification cannot establish the resulting espresso quality.
The two inputs do different jobs: capsules make espresso, lungo and over-ice espresso, while ground coffee makes classic, rich and over-ice coffee. That broadens the drink list rather than the espresso options, and there is no bottomless option for a visible basket, and no pressure gauge or shot timer to provide those preparation readouts.
Its 19 bar pressure figure describes the pump specification rather than cup results. Capsules and ground coffee establish supported formats, but neither fact supports claims about flavour, consistency, temperature, crema, or extraction quality without measured results.
- Capsules make the espresso; ground coffee makes drip-style coffee. One machine, two separate jobs.
- The published pump pressure is 19 bar, but that figure alone does not establish results in the cup.
- No bottomless option means buyers do not receive the direct basket view that format provides.
- There is no pressure gauge or shot timer to show those variables during espresso preparation.
What you can brew with it
The CFN601 covers capsule espresso, ground-coffee brewing, drip coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites within one countertop machine.
The dual-function design is the central range advantage. Buyers get espresso from capsules and drip coffee from grounds rather than committing to one input system, while the drip and espresso functions cover more than a single coffee preparation category.
For milk drinks, the built-in fold-away frother is specified for cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. It has no built-in grinder, so anyone starting with whole beans needs separate grinding equipment before using the ground-coffee side.
- Choose capsules for espresso drinks and ground coffee for a mug of drip; the machine does not make espresso from grounds.
- The dual-function design includes both drip coffee and espresso rather than limiting buyers to one category.
- Automatic milk preparation specifically covers cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites through the fold-away frother.
- Whole-bean users need a separate grinder because grinding is not built into the machine.
Living with it, day to day
Day-to-day ownership centres on refilling a 1.77 litre tank, supplying capsules or ground coffee, and managing the fold-away frother.
Because the machine is not plumbable, its water supply depends on the 1.77 litre tank. Buyers should allow counter access for refilling and should check the published 376.9 by 302.0 by 442.0 mm dimensions before assigning its position.
The workflow also depends on the chosen coffee format. Capsules and pre-ground coffee can go directly into their respective brewing route, while whole beans require a separate grinder. The frother folds away when it is not being used for the three specified milk drinks.
- Refill the 1.77 litre water tank as needed because connection to a water line is not supported.
- Keep either compatible capsules or ground coffee available for the machine's two documented brewing routes.
- Grind whole beans separately before brewing because the machine does not include a grinder.
- Fold the built-in frother away when automatic milk preparation is not part of the current drink.
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System vs Mattino Pro Mattinata Espresso Machine
The CFN601 offers two coffee input formats and a larger tank, while the Mattinata costs less and provides a dual thermal block system.
At $164, the CFN601 combines capsule and ground-coffee drip and espresso functions, a 1.77 litre tank, 19 bar pressure, and a 1550 watt rating. The Mattinata costs $159.99 and is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a 1.3 litre tank and 1350 watts.
The Mattinata lists a dual thermal block heating system, a high pressure pump rated at 20 bar, and approximately 120 seconds of warm-up time. Both include automatic milk frothing, no bottomless option, and one-year warranties, so the decision turns mainly on format, tank capacity, heating specification, and dimensions.
- The CFN601 wins on input flexibility by accepting both capsules and ground coffee in a dual-function design.
- The CFN601 has the larger documented water tank, at 1.77 litres versus the Mattinata's 1.3 litres.
- The Mattinata wins on price at $159.99, compared with $164 for the CFN601.
- The Mattinata lists dual thermal blocks and an approximately 120-second warm-up time, giving buyers explicit heating information.
Is the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System worth it?
The CFN601 is worth considering at $164 for buyers who will use both coffee formats and the automatic milk function.
The case for its price rests on consolidation. One machine accepts capsules and ground coffee, covers drip and espresso functions, and includes automatic frothing for three named milk drinks. Its 1.77 litre tank is also larger than the Mattinata's documented 1.3 litre capacity.
It is less compelling for buyers focused on semi-automatic espresso hardware or whole-bean preparation. The Mattinata costs $159.99 and lists dual thermal blocks, while the CFN601 has no built-in grinder, pressure gauge, shot timer, or bottomless option. Choose it for format breadth, not those controls.
Who should buy it (and who should not)
The CFN601 best suits buyers wanting capsule and ground-coffee flexibility, while control-focused espresso users and whole-bean households should look elsewhere.
It makes the clearest sense for a household that alternates between capsules and ground coffee and wants drip, espresso, and automatic milk preparation in one machine. The fold-away frother specifically covers cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.
Buyers seeking a built-in grinder, shot timer, pressure gauge, bottomless option, metal body, or plumbed water connection should choose another specification. Semi-automatic shoppers should also compare the $159.99 Mattinata and its dual thermal block heating system.
Buy it if
- You want to alternate between capsules and ground coffee on one machine.
- Your regular orders include cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites with automatic milk preparation.
- You need both drip coffee and espresso functions in the same countertop footprint.
Skip it if
- You want a built-in grinder for a whole-bean workflow.
- You rely on a shot timer, pressure gauge, or bottomless basket for preparation feedback.
- You prefer metal construction or need a machine connected directly to a water line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System good for espresso?
The CFN601 is specified for espresso using capsules or ground coffee and lists 19 bar pressure. It does not include a bottomless option, pressure gauge, or shot timer. Those facts describe its brewing routes and available controls, but they do not establish flavour, consistency, temperature, crema, or extraction quality in the cup.
Can the Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System use ground coffee and capsules?
Yes. The CFN601 is a dual-function drip and espresso machine designed around both capsules and ground coffee. This lets a buyer choose between the two documented input formats without purchasing separate machines for each. It does not include a built-in grinder, so whole beans must be ground with separate equipment before using the ground-coffee route.
Does the Ninja CFN601 have a milk frother?
Yes. The CFN601 includes a built-in fold-away frother and automatic milk preparation. The specified drinks are cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The frother can fold away when it is not being used. Its 1550 watt rating applies to the machine as a whole, rather than serving as a separate measured frothing-performance figure.
Does the Ninja CFN601 have a built-in grinder?
No. The CFN601 does not have a built-in grinder. Capsules can be used through the capsule route, while the ground-coffee route requires coffee that has already been ground. Buyers who start with whole beans therefore need separate grinding equipment, which should be included when planning the total setup and available counter space.
How big is the Ninja CFN601 water tank?
The CFN601 has a 1.77 litre water tank and cannot be connected directly to a water line. That means water comes from the tank and it must be refilled as needed. For comparison, the Mattinata has a 1.3 litre tank, so the Ninja provides the larger documented capacity of the two machines.
Is the Ninja CFN601 worth $164?
It is worth considering at $164 when capsule and ground-coffee compatibility, drip and espresso functions, and automatic milk preparation will all be used. The Mattinata costs $159.99 and offers semi-automatic espresso, dual thermal blocks, and automatic frothing. Buyers wanting format flexibility have the stronger case for the CFN601, while control-focused espresso buyers should compare alternatives.
