Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 Review

Espresso capsules and ground coffee on one 19-bar machine, with a fold-away frother and 10 grounds sizes

Original-style espresso capsules on one side and ground coffee on the other: the Ninja Prestige Dual Brew CFN801 coffee machine pulls a 19-bar espresso or fills a 12-cup carafe from the same spot on the counter. A fold-away frother handles the milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

Spec-led review. Built from the manufacturer’s published specification and price rather than hands-on testing. Figures we could not find stated are left blank instead of estimated. Updated when we get one in.

Where you can buy itUS confirmed

Confirmed on Amazon US, which is where this link points. Availability in other Amazon stores has not been checked, and a regional store may substitute a different product.

Our rating
6.5/ 10
Decent
8 of 8 scored, out of 95.5 points · 4.5 not judgeable from specs

How we rate pod & capsule machines : what each criterion measures, and what we cannot.

Drink Quality (pump pressure not scored)8.0 / 10
worth 13.5 of 95.5 · 4.5 unpublished · well evidenced
how we got 8.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 100% published.
Pump pressure19 bar, not scored in this category—
Capsule systemOriginal-style espresso capsules, or coffee grounds2.5 / 3.0
Milk systemBuilt-in fold-away frother, for dairy or plant-based milk1.5 / 2.5
Drink sizesCapsules: Espresso 1.35 oz, Lungo 3.75 oz, Over Ice 1 oz; grounds: 10 sizes from a single 2.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 7.5 between them and this one took 6.0, which is 8.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 13.5 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

Capsule System & Choice6.8 / 10
worth 16 of 95.5 · thinly evidenced
how we got 6.8

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 35% published.
Not locked to one suppliernot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Third-party capsulesnot in our data1.75 / 3.5
Reusable capsuleYes, it brews coffee grounds directly3.5 / 3.5

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.75, which is 6.8 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 16 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

The 6.5 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 3.25 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Running Cost Per Cup6.2 / 10
worth 16 of 95.5 · thinly evidenced
how we got 6.2

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 25% published.
Cost per cupnot in our data2.5 / 5.0
Cheaper third-party podsnot in our data1.25 / 2.5
Refillable optionYes, it brews coffee grounds directly2.5 / 2.5

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.25, which is 6.2 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 16 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

The 7.5 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 3.75 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Ease of Use & Speed6.5 / 10
worth 12 of 95.5 · thinly evidenced
how we got 6.5

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 30% published.
Warm-upnot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Auto shut-offnot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Drink sizesCapsules: Espresso 1.35 oz, Lungo 3.75 oz, Over Ice 1 oz; grounds: 10 sizes from a single 3.0 / 3.0
Milk frothernot in our data1.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.5, which is 6.5 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 12 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

The 7.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 3.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Build Quality & Reliability7.5 / 10
worth 12 of 95.5 · well evidenced
how we got 7.5

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 100% published.
Weight4.30, published as 9.48 lbs3.0 / 3.0
Warranty1 year1.5 / 4.0
Capsule bin203.0 / 3.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 7.5, which is 7.5 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 12 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

Maintenance & Cleaning6.9 / 10
worth 8 of 95.5 · thinly evidenced
how we got 6.9

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 38% published.
No descaling programme needednot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Tanknot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Capsule bin203.0 / 3.0

The rows that apply here are worth 8.0 between them and this one took 5.5, which is 6.9 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 8 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

The 5.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 2.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Machine Value for Money4.3 / 10
worth 8 of 95.5 · well evidenced
how we got 4.3
Waste & Disposal5.0 / 10
worth 10 of 95.5 · thinly evidenced
how we got 5.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 0% published.
Capsule materialnot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Take-back scheme namednot in our data1.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 5.0 between them and this one took 2.5, which is 5.0 out of 10. That 0 to 10 result is what the criterion's 10 of 95.5 points are then scaled by.

The 5.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 2.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

The verdict

The Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 is a single-serve espresso system that also brews grounds. It takes original-style espresso capsules in Espresso, Lungo and Over Ice styles through a 19-bar pump, brews grounds in 10 sizes up to a 12-cup carafe, and has a built-in fold-away frother and a 20-capsule used bin. Ninja lists it at $279.99.

Pros

  • Takes original-style espresso capsules and coffee grounds
  • 19-bar pressure system with Barista Plus Technology
  • Three capsule styles: Espresso, Lungo and Over Ice
  • Grounds in 10 sizes, up to a 12-cup carafe
  • Built-in fold-away frother for dairy or plant-based milk
  • Used capsule bin holds up to 20

Cons

  • Wattage and water tank size not published
  • No In the Box list, so accessories are unconfirmed
  • The frother is built in, with no hand-steaming wand
  • $50 more than the CFN601 on Ninja's list prices
  • One year warranty
  • Original-style capsule brand not named
From $279.99Warranty 1 year

Ninja puts espresso capsules and ground coffee on one machine with the Prestige CFN801, then adds a 19-bar pump and a fold-away frother for milk drinks. Ninja lists it at $279.99 on its US store, and the page was read on 2026-11-02.

What is the Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801?

Ninja calls it a single-serve espresso system that also brews coffee grounds, with brew sizes running from a single cup to a travel mug to a 12-cup carafe. It takes original-style espresso capsules for espresso, lungo and over-ice drinks, and it takes grounds for Classic, Rich and Over Ice brews in up to 10 sizes. A built-in, fold-away frother handles cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks. The color is Stainless Steel and the warranty is one year.

It is the newer, pricier sibling of the Ninja CFN601, which uses the same two-route idea. The Prestige name signals a step up, and the sections below set out what changes on paper.

Ninja Prestige CFN801 specs

SpecAs published
BrewingOriginal-style espresso capsules or coffee grounds
Pump pressure19 bar, with Barista Plus Technology
Capsule stylesEspresso 1.35 oz, Lungo 3.75 oz, Over Ice 1 oz
Grounds stylesClassic, Rich, Over Ice
Grounds sizes10, from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe
MilkBuilt-in fold-away frother
Used capsule binHolds up to 20 capsules
Size (L x W x H)8.5 x 10.79 x 16.18 in
Weight9.48 lbs
ColorStainless Steel
WarrantyOne year limited

Ninja does not publish a wattage, a water tank size or a pre-heat time on this model, so those are unknown. Ninja also gives no body material, so plastic or metal is left open.

How the Ninja Prestige brews: capsules, grounds and over ice

The capsule route is the espresso route. Ninja credits Barista Plus Technology and a 19-bar pressure system for an espresso with a silky-smooth crema, brewed at the optimal temperature and pressure. Those are the maker's words about what the machine is built to do. Nobody here has pulled a shot, and 19 bar is a pump rating, not the pressure at the coffee, so read it as a spec and not a taste promise.

The capsule styles are Espresso at 1.35 oz, Lungo at 3.75 oz, and Over Ice at 1 oz. The over-ice capsule drink is a small, concentrated pour meant to go over a full glass of ice. Ninja says to use original-style capsules and does not name a capsule brand, so confirm that the capsules you like are the right format before you stock up.

The grounds route is closer to a small drip machine. You can make Classic, Rich or Over Ice coffee in 10 sizes, from a single cup up to a 12-cup carafe. Having both routes means the same machine can make a quick espresso for one person and a pot for the rest of the house. Ninja lists the 2-in-1 versatility as the headline feature.

Ninja Prestige CFN801 frother and drink sizes

The frother folds away into the body when you are not using it. Ninja says it works with dairy or plant-based milk and describes it as cafe-style, which points to cappuccinos and lattes. It is a built-in frother and not an automatic milk system, and Ninja does not state a milk temperature or a foam setting. If you want to steam milk with a wand you control by hand, this is not that.

The range of sizes is wide for one machine. Capsule drinks run from 1 oz to 3.75 oz, and the grounds side covers everything from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe. That makes it useful for a household where one person has an espresso and another fills a thermos.

What is in the box and how to clean it

Ninja does not list an In the Box section for this model, so the accessories are not confirmed here. Cleaning notes are also missing. What is published is the used capsule storage bin, which holds up to 20 capsules and is meant to make recycling easier. You would empty it every so often, and Ninja states no rule for descaling, so check the owner's guide for the routine.

The fold-away frother is the part to keep an eye on after milk drinks, because milk residue is the usual cleaning chore on any frother. Ninja does not say whether it comes apart.

Ninja Prestige CFN801 vs Ninja CFN601

The Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System lists $229.99, so the Prestige costs $50 more. Both are 19 bar, both brew espresso, lungo and over-ice capsule styles at the same 1.35 oz, 3.75 oz and 1 oz sizes, both have a built-in fold-away frother, and both hold 20 used capsules. On grounds, the CFN601 is listed with 9 coffee sizes up to a 12-cup carafe, and the CFN801 with 10.

The CFN601 record here also lists a 1.77 litre tank, 1,550 watts and a plastic body; Ninja publishes none of those for the CFN801. If the extra size and the Prestige styling are worth $50 to you, the CFN801 is the newer machine. If you only want the two-route idea at the lower price, the CFN601 does the same job on paper.

Ninja Prestige CFN801 vs Nespresso Lattissima One

The Nespresso Lattissima One lists $129, 1,400 watts and a two-year warranty, with espresso and lungo plus 3 milk recipes. It takes capsules only, with no grounds route, so it costs about half as much for a narrower job. The Ninja's extra $150 or so buys the grounds side, the carafe sizes and an over-ice capsule style; the Nespresso's offer is its three milk recipes.

Is the Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 worth it?

At $279.99, it is the dearest of the Ninja capsule and grounds machines on this site, and the case for it is the same as for the CFN601 with more headroom: you will use both routes. A household that wants espresso capsules and also brews a pot has a clear use for it. If you will only use capsules, the Nespresso route is cheaper. If you will only brew grounds, a drip coffee maker costs far less.

Because nobody has tested it for this site, claims of silky crema and flavorful espresso stay Ninja's claims. What the specs do show is a 19-bar pump rating, three capsule styles, 10 grounds sizes, a frother and a one-year warranty. Missing wattage and tank size are the gaps worth checking before you buy.

Who should buy the Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 (and who should not)

Buy it if you want an espresso-style drink from a capsule and a full pot from the same machine, if you like milk drinks and want a built-in frother, or if you want an over-ice option on both routes. It also suits a counter that has room for one machine and not two.

Skip it if you want to control the shot yourself, since there is no portafilter or hand-steamed milk here. Skip it if you will only ever use one route. Skip it if you want a published tank size and wattage before you decide, since Ninja does not state either. And skip it if the CFN601 at a lower price already covers what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What capsules does the Ninja Prestige CFN801 use?

Ninja says original-style espresso capsules and does not name a brand. It brews Espresso at 1.35 oz, Lungo at 3.75 oz and Over Ice at 1 oz.

Can the Ninja Prestige CFN801 brew ground coffee?

Yes. It brews Classic, Rich and Over Ice coffee in 10 sizes, from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe.

Does the Ninja Prestige CFN801 have a milk frother?

Yes, a built-in, fold-away frother that Ninja says works with dairy or plant-based milk for cappuccinos, lattes and similar drinks.

How many bars of pressure does the CFN801 have?

Ninja lists a 19-bar pressure system with Barista Plus Technology. That is a pump rating and not a measured brewing pressure.

Where do the used capsules go?

The used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 capsules, which Ninja says makes recycling easy.

What is the difference between the CFN801 and the CFN601?

The CFN801 is listed at $279.99 with 10 grounds sizes, against $229.99 and 9 sizes for the CFN601. Both list 19 bar, three capsule styles and a fold-away frother.

Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 appears in

More on pod & capsule machines

Background reading that puts this review in context.

Alternatives to Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801

See all Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 alternatives →

Other Pod & Capsule Machines options we've reviewed.