ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Breville is a versatile 3-in-1 espresso machine priced at $500 that can produce drip espresso, cold brew, and hot or cold foam with ease.
- With its comprehensive array of features and tools, this Ninja espresso machine empowers users to craft the perfect shot of espresso they’ve ever savored within the comfort of their own kitchens. The machine’s user-friendliness allows for seamless operation, while its intelligent settings automatically adapt to the characteristics of your preferred espresso beans and local water hardness.
- Can the heating system be activated remotely or scheduled to warm up the home before my morning descent? I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who typically favors a Keurig or lighter espresso.
Espresso machines often come with a hefty price tag, earning the reputation as high-end kitchen appliances. Growing up within a coffee-rich culture, my experience changed when I moved to the US – I’ve been disappointed that espresso is often viewed as a luxury item rather than an integral part of daily life. The 3-in-1 espresso machine finally arrived at my doorstep.
In Caribbean cultures, such as those found in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, a passion for strong espresso is a common thread. In every home across the islands, a stovetop espresso maker holds pride of place, and serving an espresso or cortadito to guests is a time-honored tradition that begins with the very first offering.
Experiencing culture shock upon relocating to the US, I was struck by the vastly different cultural perception of espresso – it’s often viewed as a luxury rather than an everyday staple. Exasperated by the lack of satisfying results from my drip espresso machine, I found myself repeatedly indulging in expensive lattes from Starbucks and other coffee shops to satiate my craving for a rich, bold cup. I stumbled upon a stovetop espresso maker at a discount store and promptly relocated it to its permanent residence on my stove.
Since that time, various espresso machines have occupied my countertops, including a Keurig and most recently, a budget-friendly De’Longhi model. While the DeLonghi espresso machine produces exceptional brews, its fiddly operation, lengthy heating cycles, and maintenance demands can be frustrating, making it a hassle to create even the smallest servings.
While typically pitched espresso machines, I rarely inspect them since they don’t leave an impression. The Ninja Luxe Café distinguishes itself in various ways, primarily for its thoughtful design.
This versatile 3-in-1 espresso maker seamlessly crafts espresso, drip espresso, and cold brew using freshly ground coffee beans. The machine also features a built-in milk frother that effortlessly transforms dairy and plant-based milks into scalding or refreshing foams, offering adaptable options for all.
Does the Ninja Luxe Café espresso machine automatically adjust its grind setting based on the type of coffee beans used?
The machine’s sophisticated capabilities enable it to discern the roast and quality of the espresso beans within, thereby providing guidance on the optimal grind setting required for your desired espresso. For optimal results, a more precise grind is typically preferred when brewing espresso, whereas drip brewers often employ a slightly coarser texture. As the brewing process concludes, the device refines its parameters based on the performance of the previous shot, taking into account the grind’s influence and providing a precision-guided recommendation for the optimal weight-based setting the next time around.
With a built-in scale, precise measurement is ensured, eliminating the need to manually weigh grounds and alleviating concerns about achieving the perfect espresso.
After a brief exploration of the Ninja Luxe Café, I discovered that I wouldn’t be satisfied with my usual coffee setup at home, featuring a trusty mocha pot and reliable DeLonghi espresso maker. This sleek, high-tech espresso machine simplifies the brewing process to an unprecedented level, rendering manual measuring and scooping a relic of the past; its innovative design seamlessly dispenses used coffee grounds with greater ease than its DeLonghi counterpart. Given larger espresso machines are notorious for their technical issues, one would expect a smaller option to be the more appealing choice.
All the essential components you require to fully utilize the Ninja Luxe are included: the machine itself, a portafilter, double and larger Luxe baskets, a funnel for effortless bottom espresso pouring, a milk jug, adjustable cup tray, assisted tamper for precise grind tamping, and a dedicated cleaning system.
As soon as assembly is complete, the Ninja Luxe’s streamlined design allows for seamless operation: simply place the included funnel over the portafilter and effortlessly insert it under the grinder. With a deliberate motion, I initiate the machine’s sequence, select my preferred espresso profile, heed the device’s guidance on optimal grind settings, and begin the grinding process with calculated precision.
I then firmly tamp the newly poured espresso using the supplied tamper, remove the funnel, and proceed to place the portafilter into the espresso machine, initiating the brewing process. When crafting a cappuccino, latte, macchiato, or flat white, you may start frothing your milk at any point – either before or after pulling the perfect shot of espresso.
As soon as the brewing process is complete, I meticulously clean the frother tip, thoroughly wash the portafilter and milk jug, and the espresso machine is ready for its next cycle of use. With a simple press of the “purge” button, the milk frother efficiently rinses out any residual milk from its internal components. As the Ninja Luxe Café operates, the frother dispenses hot water directly into a drip tray that accommodates the milk jug and any cups in use. This tray slides out effortlessly, allowing me to clean it thoroughly at the end of the day.
While I enjoy making espresso with the Ninja Luxe Café, what really stands out to me is the ability to produce a richly flavored, high-caffeine drip espresso that surpasses traditional methods by a significant margin? While the modern aesthetic draws inspiration from the earthy tones of freshly harvested coffee beans, the bold design surprisingly outshines my humble stovetop espresso machine in terms of sophistication.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Who can purchase the ? While this initial impression may not accurately represent a Keurig or drip espresso machine alternative, it seems that the primary goal of these devices is to provide a more authentic and richer espresso experience compared to what standard coffee makers can offer. Despite this, it’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy crafting unique beverages at home and experimenting with diverse coffee styles. While the Ninja Luxe Café’s price tag of $500 may seem steep to some, its exceptional build quality and operational efficiency make it a truly worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts seeking a premium brewing experience.
While the Ninja Luxe Café has some drawbacks, they far outweigh the benefits for me. Specifically, I’d love to see an “auto-start” feature on the espresso maker that allows it to heat up before I even leave my bedroom in the morning.
This device stands out as one of the top performers I’ve reviewed so far this year. With remarkable consistency, this product exceeds the lofty standards set by its unparalleled efficiency and intuitive usability. Is there really a coffee maker that’s worth stealing?
