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Imagine turning your kitchen into your very own coffee shop. Picture making all your favorite coffee drinks right at home, without sacrificing tons of counter space to a huge machine you might never figure out. This is why, for many coffee lovers, the big question is: Ninja or Nespresso? Which one will make your coffee dreams come true without cluttering your kitchen?
Ninja and Nespresso claim their machines make great coffee and espresso drinks easily. But, who really lives up to the hype?
Ninja Pros and Cons
Pros
- There is lots of variety in the types of coffee you can make
- You can choose to brew a single cup or a whole pot (with higher-end machines)
- Descaling only requires vinegar
- Delay brew option for easy morning coffee
Cons
- You don’t get true espresso
- Daily cleanup takes longer
- Slightly more complicated drink-making process
- Larger than the small Nespresso models
Nespresso Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brews real espresso, with that ever-important crema.
- Very compact for an espresso machine
- Simple cleanup for an espresso machine
- Pre-programmed drink options
Cons
- Original line doesn’t make regular coffee
- Pods are expensive and not environmentally friendly
- Requires a special descaling solution
- There is no delay brew option on most models.
- Small water reservoir on many models
What’s the Difference Between Ninja and Nespresso?
The key difference? Ninja brews coffee, while Nespresso crafts espresso. Perfect for your morning fix!
Ninja brews with coffee grounds or beans, while Nespresso uses convenient coffee pods.
Just like Keurig’s K Cup pods, Nespresso pods are made just for their machines. But, not every Nespresso pod fits every Nespresso machine. So, it’s important to make sure the pods you buy will work with your specific model before you buy them.
Buying coffee pods can be a bit of a pain. Not only do they bump up the cost of your coffee habit, but they’re not great for the planet either. However, certain Nespresso machines let you swap pods for a reusable filter. While this is a greener choice, it does mean giving up some of the conveniences pods offer, as I’ll explain later.
Struggling with kitchen counter space? Nespresso’s got you covered with compact options like the Pixie, needing just a small spot (4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches) to fit in. Nespresso offers a variety of sizes across their range, so it’s worth checking the dimensions of the model you fancy. If you’re considering Ninja, their machines typically require a bit more room, around 10 x 12 x 15 inches.
What Type of Coffee Do Ninja vs Nespresso Make?
Calling the Ninja just a coffee maker doesn’t do it justice. Depending on the model, it offers 2 to 5 different ways to brew your perfect cup.
- Classic coffee
- Rich coffee
- Iced coffee
- Cold brew coffee
- Specialty coffee
Explore brewing options! Except for the basic Ninja, choose from 6 brew sizes to perfect your coffee.
- Cup
- XL Cup
- Travel Mug
- XL Multi-Serve
- Half Carafe
- Full Carafe
Ninja machines don’t make real espresso. They use strong coffee for specialty drinks, and the taste difference is noticeable. If you’re after authentic espresso flavor, Ninja might not be your best choice.
The Nespresso Original line is your go-to for espresso and drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Craving regular coffee? The Vertuo line has you covered. Between us, if you’re looking for a coffee alternative, try an Americano. It’s espresso watered down to coffee strength. The taste isn’t identical, but it’s a top pick of mine. Dive into the world of coffee with these options and find your favorite brew!
Nespresso Vertuo machines offer various brew sizes, while the Original line’s choices vary by model. Perfect for exploring coffee sizes!
- 5 oz coffee
- 8 oz coffee
- 14 oz coffee
- 18 oz carafe (select models, carafe sold separately)
- Single espresso
- Double espresso
How Easy Are Ninja and Nespresso to Use and Clean?
Both machines make brewing a breeze. With Nespresso, a single button press does the trick, even for fancy cappuccinos and lattes. Ninja might ask a bit more from you for those special drinks, but it’s still super straightforward.
Nespresso pods offer a super easy cleanup – just toss the pod when you’re done. On the flip side, the Ninja involves a bit more work. You’ll be handling coffee grounds and cleaning them out of a permanent filter. It’s pretty standard for coffee makers, not harder, but definitely not simpler either.
Regular cleaning is key, especially with hard water. For most coffee machines, a simple vinegar solution does the trick. But, if you own a Nespresso, be ready to buy a pricier descaling solution to keep it clean.
What Models do Ninja and Nespresso Have Available?
Ninja has stopped producing their famous Ninja Coffee Bar. Now, they offer different models with unique features. Among them, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System stands out as the closest thing to the original Coffee Bar, offering both hot and cold coffee options.
- Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer (CE251)
- Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker (CM401)
- Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker (CM407)
- Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System (CP301)
- Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System (CP307)
Nespresso offers two lines: Vertuo and Original. Original is all about espresso, while Vertuo gives you the choice of espresso or coffee. Check out their full lineup here.
Vertuo line
- Nespresso Vertuo Next
- Nespresso VertuoPlus
- Nespresso Evoluo
- Nespresso Vertuo
Original line
- Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Nespresso Essenza Plus
- Nespresso CitiZ
- Nespresso Pixie
- Nespresso Lattissima One
- Nespresso Creatista Plus
- Nespresso Lattissima Pro
- Nespresso Gran Lattissima
How Much Do Ninja and Nespresso Cost?
Ninja coffee makers range from $80 to $300. The basic $80 model makes simple coffee. But, if you spend $160, you get cool features like a frother, iced coffee, specialty brews, and even single-cup brewing. Perfect for exploring coffee lovers!
The Nespresso Vertuo series offers a variety of models priced between $100 and $200, and if you fancy a frother, it’s up to $250. These machines differ in their size, how many used capsules they can hold, and their design features—like models with a swivel-out water tank or an automatic lid. Some can even brew a whole carafe of coffee, not just a single cup. Plus, the latest models come with Bluetooth, allowing you to set brew times and keep track of your capsule inventory, all from your phone.
Nespresso’s original line ranges from $150 to $800. The pricier models boast steam wands, self-cleaning features, improved pressure, and more design upgrades, making them comparable to traditional espresso machines in the same price bracket.
When thinking about costs, don’t forget about the pods! Original Nespresso pods cost between $0.70 and $0.85, while Vertuo pods are a bit pricier, ranging from $0.90 to $1.25 each. This is quite different from using coffee grounds, where making a cup can cost around $0.25 with mid-range options. Good news for Original line machine owners: you can use cheaper, third-party capsules to save money and explore new flavors. However, if you have a Vertuo machine, you’re limited to Nespresso’s own pods due to its special scanning technology. Check out the cost of making coffee for more details.
Additional Features with Ninja vs Nespresso
Some Nespresso machines include a handy milk frother. Ninja coffee makers often have one too, but there’s a catch: Ninja’s frother doesn’t warm up the milk. If you don’t want cold milk to cool down your drink, remember to heat it up first before frothing.
Ninja’s basic coffee makers come with a glass pot. But, if you opt for a fancier model, you’ll get a stainless steel thermal pot that keeps your coffee hot for longer. Most pots hold 50 oz of coffee, except the basic one, which is a bit larger at 60 oz. Looking at Nespresso? Only some Vertuo models offer a separate 18 oz carafe.
Every Ninja coffee maker comes with a detachable water tank, perfect for brewing a full carafe. Depending on the model, especially in the Vertuo line, these tanks can hold anywhere from 37 oz to a generous 54 oz of water. The Original line showcases even more variety, with capacities stretching from 20 oz to 50 oz. Plus, select Vertuo models feature a flexible water tank, designed to snugly fit into any kitchen space. Whether you’re making coffee for one or a crowd, there’s a Ninja machine that’s just right for you.
Ninja vs Nespresso: Which One Is Better?
Both options offer a wide range of choices, making it simple to whip up your favorite specialty drinks as easily as brewing a regular pot of coffee. Plus, they’re designed to fit perfectly on any countertop that can accommodate a standard coffee machine, ensuring they’re a great fit for any kitchen.
Choosing the perfect coffee maker depends on your coffee craving. Fancy a classic cup of joe? The Ninja coffee maker has got you covered. But if it’s a smooth espresso that tempts you, then consider diving into Nespresso’s world of espresso machines. It’s all about matching the machine to your coffee dreams.
If you love both espresso and coffee, Nespresso’s Vertuo line is perfect for you. But, if you don’t mind having strong coffee instead of espresso in your latte, you might consider other options.
