Versatile coffee · Updated October 14, 2026
An espresso machine for a household that also wants drip coffee and cold drinks. Here is where its versatility makes sense—and where a simpler brewer may suit you better.
Review method: This is a research-based buying review using current manufacturer information, not a hands-on test. Suitability judgments below are our editorial assessment; cup quality and long-term reliability have not been measured.
At a glance
| Model | Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 |
|---|---|
| Drink styles | Espresso, drip coffee and cold brew |
| Grinder | Integrated grinder with 25 settings and built-in scale |
| Assistance | Barista Assist grind recommendations and brew monitoring |
| Milk | Four hands-free froth programs, including cold foam |
| Workflow | Semi-automatic; assisted tamper |
Who it suits
Our strongest use-case is a mixed household: someone wants a morning latte while someone else prefers a longer black coffee. Before spending money on extra modes, write down the drinks you actually make in a normal week. Occasional curiosity about cold foam is a weaker reason to buy than a daily milk-coffee habit.
It also belongs on the shortlist for someone moving beyond capsules who wants guidance rather than an entirely manual espresso setup. Read our brewing-method guide if you are still deciding between espresso and filter coffee.
Strengths and trade-offs
Reasons to shortlist it
- Several brewing styles in one countertop setup.
- Grinding and weighing are integrated.
- A guided route into portafilter coffee.
Reasons to look elsewhere
- A portafilter still means an active coffee-making routine.
- Extra modes have little value if you never use them.
- Do not assume the Premier has every Pro-model feature.
Automation is most useful when it removes a chore you dislike. If your priority is absolutely minimal daily involvement, compare the workflow with a fully automatic machine rather than treating all “automatic” features as equivalent.
What to check before buying
Make room for the working area, not just the machine: your cup, milk jug, beans and a place to empty used grounds. Look at the cleaning instructions before choosing a milk-based routine; the most attractive drink menu is no help if the upkeep does not fit your morning.
Choose this exact ES601 version deliberately. Ninja uses different model numbers and regional specifications, so a review of a Pro or a UK model is not interchangeable with this one.
Which alternative should you compare?
For an espresso-first premium setup, read the Breville Oracle Jet review. For black coffee and a carafe-centered routine, compare the Fellow Aiden. These are different approaches, not a universal better/worse ranking.
Quick questions
Is the Premier fully automatic?
Ninja describes it as semi-automatic. The guided features should not be mistaken for a capsule-like, one-button process.
Should I buy it for drip coffee alone?
Our view: only if you also have a real use for its espresso or cold-drink functions. Otherwise compare a dedicated drip machine first.
Sources & next steps
Specifications checked October 14, 2026 against Ninja’s official ES601 product information. Check the regional model, current price, warranty and retailer return policy before buying. Features and availability can change.
Continue with our coffee maker buying guide, browse all reviews and comparisons or compare these four modern machines.
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