Sometimes a plain coffee is just ordinary and it’s fun to dress it up. I usually need to add at least a little milk to my beverages.
The Ninja Coffee Bar System allows you to enjoy acoffeehousee experience at home. This system includes an integrated milk frother and makes 6 brew sizes, 5 brew types – including the Ninja exclusive Café Forte, which amplifies the natural subtle flavors of your favorite coffee.
What’s inside the box?
- 10-Cup (50 oz.) Ninja® Glass or Thermal Carafe
- 50 oz. Removable Water Reservoir
- Ninja Smart™ Scoop
- Permanent Filter
- 4 Single Serve Brew Sizes – Cup, XL Cup, Travel, & XL Multi-Serve
- Built-in Hot & Cold Frother
- 20-Recipe Inspiration Guide
Before using the Ninja Coffee Bar, the water reservoir will need to be filled. The reservoir will hold about 50 oz. I have to refill it after running a full carafe for size. Then the unit should be plugged in, powered up, and pre-heated. Two full carafe cycles should be done with just the water to clean the system before use.
There is an actual CLEAN button on the unit. A regular cleaning is suggested weekly with water. The CLEAN button will illuminate if the machine ever senses there is calcium buildup on it. Then you do want to use white vinegar to descale.
There is a pre-heating light on the unit that will go out after about 3 minutes to alert you it is time to brew some steaming hot coffee. If you don’t have time to wait the three minutes, you can brew before pre-heat is full activated. It just won’t be quite as hot.
The picture below was from before I set it, but there is a digital clock on the front of the unit. A Delay Brew button has also been included for the function of setting a delayed brew time. Before walking away from your set time, make sure that you have the correct sized vessel under the brew basket for the selected size and that the drip stop is in the open position.
The Ninja Coffee Bar has a pull-down cup platform for mugs. An XL cup or tumbler can be used on the Intelligent Warming Plate. The included carafe is also used on the warming plate.
A scoop is included and has a resting place on the side of the unit.
The integrated frother is attached with a counterclockwise twist. I put it on the first time facing the back of the machine per picture below. To use, fill a cup about 1/3 full of milk and place it under the frother. The whisk should be submerged just below the surface of the milk. The milk should then be frothed for 30-45 seconds. Milk can be heated in the microwave for 45-60 seconds for a hot froth. I have only used whole milk, but I did not see a notation that low-fat or skim were not to be used.
The frother whisk is simple to remove – just twisting clockwise. You can hand wash and the manual says it can go in the dishwasher, but I have not personally tried this method.
Here is the back of the unit. There is a spot to wind up the cord if needed.
Below the silver Ninja emblem is a drip stop. You can pause the carafe brew cycle and pour your first cup. Then re-open the drip stop to continue brewing. The drip stop can also be used at the end of the brew to stop drips of coffee from escaping.
The filter is reusable and removable. #4 paper filters can be folded and used inside the filter carrier insert. The brew basket can hold up to 12 rounded tablespoons.
I think the Ninja Coffee Bar is a lot of fun and the creations are tasty. I like the option of brewing hot or over ice and the ability to accommodate different sizes of drinking vessels. The ability to customize the coffee concentrate is pretty awesome too.
There are only two minor things that I wish were slightly different with the Ninja Coffee Bar:
- The carafe has a removable brew-through lid to then clean it. I wish the opening was a bit wider to get a soft, wet washcloth in around at least my fingers and gently scrub the inside of the glass as needed. I do have chunky, short fingers so maybe this option works for someone with slender hands.
- The frother only works with milk. I would love it if it had the power to also whip cream instead of then having to pull out another gadget to whip.
Maybe I am dreaming. A girl can wish, right?
To learn more about the Ninja Coffee Bar, please visit www.ninjacoffeebar.com. This product has a suggested retail price of $179.80 and comes with a 1 year limited warranty.
Disclosure: I received a Ninja Coffee Bar for this review. No other compensation was received. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own.
