An Honest Review of The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Life, simplified and savored with coffee—that’s not just my motto, it’s infused into everything I create. Coffee has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. Back in my early twenties, I got my coworkers hooked on sugary caffeinated buzzes, and I perfected the coffee selfie before it was even a trend. We made it our mission to capture our smiling faces holding our java chip frappuccinos on our daily Starbucks pit stops.

But the thrill of sugary drinks eventually lost its charm. The overpriced concoctions became less exciting, and my craving for something bolder took over. That’s when a gift from my husband’s grandfather changed everything: a vintage coffee percolator from the '70s. The moment I tasted strong black coffee, I was hooked—an obsession I still proudly carry well into my late thirties.

Over the years, I’ve cycled through a few reliable drip coffee makers. They served me well, until several months ago when my trusty Mr. Coffee sprung a leak. Losing it tasted like betrayal. I relied on an old Black and Decker machine from the '90s to get me through the grieving process.

While black coffee fuels my daily grind, caramel macchiatos remain a favorite occasional treat. So much so that my social media handle, crimsnmacchiato, is a nod to my two signatures: my long red hair and my love of coffee.

I knew it was time for a coffee machine upgrade—something that could offer me my daily beverage of choice while also giving me the option to brew up a special treat. After hours of searching, I set my sights on the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker.

• 4 brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty
• 6 brew sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, XL Multi-Serve, Half or Full Carafe
• 10-Cup Carafe
• Built-in Milk Frother
• Removable Water Reservoir
• Delay Brew
• Stop Drip
• Reusable Coffee Filter
• Clean Cycle

The moment I lifted it out of the box, I knew it was something special. The system is sleek, sturdy, and thoughtfully designed. Within minutes, I had it up and running—priming the system, washing the parts, and preparing for my first delicious mug.

Brewing a full carafe takes less than five minutes, and the scent of fresh coffee fills the space, warm and inviting. The first thing I noticed? The temperature. This coffee is piping hot—hotter than any other machine I’ve owned, delivering a perfect, bold brew that lives up to its promise.

I was thoroughly impressed.

Then, there’s the frother. With the push of a button, it transforms milk into a luscious, velvety foam, effortlessly enhancing specialty drinks. Even better? It twists off for a speedy clean-up.

One surprise was the filter. My stash of 12-cup basket filters from my previous machine? Useless here. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker uses a cone-style filter, but the included reusable filter has been a game changer. While I’ve always ignored the reusable filters in past machines, this time was different. Out of necessity, I gave it a try—and now, I love it! Not only does it brew beautifully, but it also makes it easier to save my used coffee grounds for my plants and compost pile. A small change, but an unexpectedly satisfying one.

1. Intelligent Warming Plate

The hot plate ensures my coffee is steaming straight from the carafe, delivering a fresh, piping-hot pour every time. No more lukewarm disappointments!

2. Stay Warm Function

By default, the hot plate keeps my coffee warm for two hours, but the best part? It’s programmable! I can extend the warming time to up to four hours, ensuring my brew stays perfectly hot for those extra-long mornings.

3. Stop Drip Feature

While I usually rely on the delay brew function to have coffee waiting for me in the morning, I love the Stop Drip option when I need an extra pot. A simple slider on the brew basket lets me pause the drip temporarily—perfect for grabbing a mid-brew mug without the mess.

4. Specialty Brew Setting

With just a press, this feature brews a concentrated 4-ounce coffee shot, ideal for crafting my favorite macchiatos and other specialty drinks. It delivers café-quality richness, right in my own kitchen.

Coffee is more than just a morning wake-up call—it’s a ritual, a pause in the day, a reason to slow down and savor the present moment. It’s infused into every part of my life, bringing inspiration, clarity, and mindfulness. With the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, I’ve found a machine that complements my love for coffee and enhances my daily routine.

Even more exciting is how this upgrade is reshaping my coffee moments. My lovely neighbor and I have long enjoyed coffee dates at our local café, but now, we’re bringing those cherished meetups home. She’s just as thrilled as I am, and we’re already planning many sunrise coffee gatherings, steaming mugs in hand, catching up on life in the soft glow of a new day.

The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is nothing short of amazing. Whether you're a die-hard black coffee drinker or someone who enjoys those special coffee drinks, this machine delivers a perfect cup every time. More than just an upgrade, it's a game changer for coffee lovers. I highly recommend it.