The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier ES601UK is a do-it-all espresso machine that promises barista-quality coffee at a bargain price. But is it worth the effort? In this Ninja Luxe Cafe review, we put it to the test.
Ninja Luxe Cafe: Key Features and Specs
The Ninja Luxe Cafe is an assisted espresso machine that requires more manual input than a fully automatic bean-to-cup model, but offers greater control over your brew. It retails for £549.99, making it significantly cheaper than competitors like Sage's Barista Express Impress (£1,199.95) or Oracle Jet (£1,699).
Design and Build Quality
The machine features a tall portafilter that accommodates three basket sizes: single, double, and a large 'Luxe' basket that holds up to 40g of coffee. This allows you to brew everything from a standard espresso to a long filter-coffee-style drink or even a quad espresso. The build feels sturdy, though the plastic components may not match the premium feel of higher-end models.
Performance and Coffee Quality
In our testing, the Ninja Luxe Cafe produced rich, flavorful espresso with a good crema, especially when using the double basket. The assisted nature means you still need to grind, dose, and tamp manually, but the machine guides you with pressure sensors and pre-set brew times. However, we encountered some quirks: the water tank is awkward to refill, and the drip tray can overflow if you're not careful.
Comparison with Sage Models
| Feature | Ninja Luxe Cafe | Sage Barista Express Impress | Sage Oracle Jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £549.99 | £1,199.95 | £1,699 |
| Type | Assisted | Assisted | Fully automatic |
| Basket sizes | 3 (single, double, Luxe) | 2 (single, double) | 2 (single, double) |
| Cold brew | Yes | No | No |
| Filter coffee | Yes (up to 530ml) | No | No |
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Affordable price, versatile brewing options (espresso, americano, filter, cold brew), good espresso quality, easy-to-use interface.
- Cons: Manual effort required, water tank design is awkward, occasional overflow issues, plastic build feels less premium.
Is the Ninja Luxe Cafe Worth Buying?
If you're willing to invest a little more time in your morning routine, the Ninja Luxe Cafe delivers excellent value. It's a great entry point for espresso enthusiasts who want to learn the craft without spending a fortune. However, if you prefer a fully automatic machine that does everything for you, you might want to consider a bean-to-cup model like the Sage Oracle Jet.
FAQ
Does the Ninja Luxe Cafe make good espresso?
How does the Ninja Luxe Cafe compare to Sage machines?
Is the Ninja Luxe Cafe easy to clean?
In conclusion, the Ninja Luxe Cafe is a compelling choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers who want to explore espresso making. It's not perfect, but at this price, it's hard to beat.
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