Ninja CFN601 Espresso and Coffee System Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Ninja CFN601 suits households that want espresso capsules and ground coffee from one machine. It brews Nespresso Original capsules and offers ground coffee sizes up to a 12-cup carafe.
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The Ninja CFN601 is a good fit if you want capsule espresso and ground coffee in one machine. It accepts Nespresso Original capsules, brews coffee grounds into sizes up to a 12-cup carafe, and includes a fold-away frother.
Its flexibility comes with a larger footprint than a slim capsule machine. Choose it when you have counter space and expect to switch between espresso drinks and brewed coffee; choose a capsule-only option if you want a smaller, simpler setup.
What does the Ninja CFN601 do?
The CFN601 combines Nespresso Original capsule brewing with a separate ground coffee brewer. You can make a capsule espresso or brew grounds for one person, a travel mug or a group.
Ninja Espresso and Coffee Barista System CFN601: Best for mixed coffee routines
- Nespresso Original capsule compatible
- Ground coffee brewing
- 12-cup glass carafe
- Fold-away frother
Combines single-serve capsule espresso with ground coffee brewing for cups, travel mugs and a 12-cup carafe. The fold-away frother supports espresso-based milk drinks.
Pros
- Uses Nespresso Original capsules and coffee grounds
- Three capsule brew styles
- Nine ground coffee sizes and three brew styles
- Fold-away frother and adjustable cup tray
Cons
- Needs counter space for a 14.84 in wide, 17.4 in tall machine
- Espresso capsules are sold separately
- Not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
For capsules, choose espresso at 1.35 oz, lungo at 3.75 oz or over ice at 1 oz. For grounds, pick Classic, Rich or Over Ice, with nine sizes ranging from a cup to a 12-cup glass carafe.
The adjustable cup tray accommodates short espresso cups and travel mugs up to 8 inches tall. A used capsule bin holds up to 20 capsules, and the included set also has a removable reservoir, scoop, warming plate and paper filter kit.
When does this combination help?
It helps when people in your home want different kinds of coffee or when you sometimes serve a group. You can use capsules for a quick espresso drink and grounds for a larger pot without keeping two brewers on the counter.
The Nespresso versus Ninja comparison covers the broader choice between capsule-focused machines and Ninja's mix of brewing styles. If your main priority is finding a machine for Original capsules, see our guide to machines for Nespresso Original capsules.
How much room does the CFN601 need?
Plan for a space at least 14.84 inches wide and 17.4 inches high, then allow practical room to use the machine. Its listed depth is 11.89 inches.
| Detail | Ninja CFN601 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 11.89 x 14.84 x 17.4 in |
| Coffee inputs | Nespresso Original capsules and coffee grounds |
| Capsule brew styles | Espresso, lungo and over ice |
| Ground coffee styles | Classic, Rich and Over Ice |
| Ground coffee sizes | Nine, from a cup to a 12-cup carafe |
| Frother | Built-in, fold-away |
| Carafe | 12-cup glass |
| Used capsule bin | Holds up to 20 capsules |
Measure overhead clearance as well as the counter. Leave access to the water reservoir, cup tray and capsule area, and check how the carafe will sit when you pour.
The CFN601 is 14.84 inches wide, so it will take more space than a 3.9-inch-wide capsule machine. If your counter is tight, compare it with the CASABREWS CM7036E, which is designed around Original capsules and a narrow footprint.
Which capsules work with the Ninja CFN601?
The CFN601 is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules. Nespresso Vertuo capsules use a different system, so they won't work in this machine.
That distinction matters if you already own a Nespresso machine. Our Nespresso machines guide explains the main lines and their differences, and Vertuo versus Original compares how the capsule systems fit different coffee habits.
The Ninja also brews coffee grounds, so you aren't limited to capsules for every drink. Espresso capsules are sold separately.
What drinks can you make?
The CFN601 covers capsule espresso, brewed coffee and espresso-based milk drinks. The capsule side has three brew styles, while the grounds side adds a carafe option for several cups.
Use the capsule espresso or lungo setting as a base for a milk drink. The built-in frother can make cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites, according to Ninja's product description.
For larger servings, choose a ground coffee style and size, from a single cup to the 12-cup carafe. The over-ice options provide a separate brew choice for cold drinks.
If lattes are your main reason for buying a machine, our guide to Nespresso machines for lattes at home compares machines by their milk-drink setup. The CFN601 is useful if you also want brewed coffee, while a capsule-focused model may take less room.
How does it compare with capsule-only machines?
The CFN601 stands out because it brews both capsules and grounds, while the alternatives below focus on a single capsule system. Match the machine to your capsule supply and the drinks you make most often.
| Machine | Capsule system | Ground coffee | Footprint or size detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja CFN601 | Nespresso Original | Yes, up to a 12-cup carafe | 11.89 x 14.84 x 17.4 in |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville | Nespresso Vertuo | No | 14 x 8.6 x 10.4 in |
| CASABREWS CM7036E | Nespresso Original | No | 3.9 in wide |
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville: Best for Vertuo-only brewing
- Vertuo capsule system
- Six cup sizes
- 37 fl oz removable side tank
- One-touch brewing
A compact Vertuo capsule machine for people who want coffee and espresso sizes from one button. It uses Vertuo capsules, not Original capsules.
Pros
- Brew sizes include 5, 8, 12 and 18 oz coffees, plus single and double espresso
- Removable side water tank
- One-touch system
Cons
- Capsules are exclusive to Vertuo machines
- Does not brew ground coffee
The Vertuo Pop+ fits someone who wants Vertuo coffees and espresso sizes from a one-touch machine. It works with Vertuo capsules, including Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo capsules, and has a removable side tank.
CASABREWS CM7036E Capsule Espresso Machine: Best for a narrow counter
- Nespresso Original capsule compatible
- 3.9 in wide
- Four brew sizes
- 21 oz removable water tank
A slim Original capsule machine with four drink sizes for a compact coffee station. It focuses on capsules rather than carafe coffee.
Pros
- 3.9 in wide body
- Ristretto, espresso, lungo and Americano options
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Only compatible with Nespresso Original capsules
- No ground coffee brewing or carafe
The CASABREWS CM7036E is a narrower choice for Original capsules, with four brew sizes: ristretto, espresso, lungo and Americano. It doesn't offer the CFN601's ground coffee brewing or carafe.
What should you consider before buying?
Check capsule compatibility, counter space and your usual serving size before choosing the CFN601. Those three details will tell you whether its extra functions are useful or take up space you don't need.
- Capsules: It uses Nespresso Original capsules, not Vertuo capsules.
- Coffee grounds: It can brew grounds in multiple sizes and styles, including a carafe.
- Milk drinks: Its fold-away frother supports espresso-based drinks.
- Placement: Its width and height need more room than a narrow capsule machine.
- Capsule disposal: The used capsule bin holds up to 20 capsules.
The CFN601 also has Delay Brew, Keep Warm and Clean functions. Consider whether those features fit your routine, rather than choosing by the number of functions alone.
Is the Ninja CFN601 the right choice for you?
The Ninja CFN601 makes sense if you want one countertop machine for Original capsule espresso and ground coffee. It has the range to serve a single espresso or brew a carafe, with a frother for milk drinks.
Pick it if you have room for its 14.84-inch width and will use both brewing methods. If you only want Vertuo capsules, choose a Vertuo model; if you need a slim Original capsule machine, compare the CASABREWS CM7036E.
For a wider view of capsule styles, start with Nespresso machines explained, then compare the closest options in our Original capsule machine guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ninja CFN601 use Nespresso capsules?
Yes. The Ninja CFN601 works with Nespresso Original capsules, which it brews as espresso, lungo or over ice.
It does not use Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
If you already have a capsule supply, check whether it is Original or Vertuo before choosing a machine.
Can the Ninja CFN601 brew regular coffee?
Yes. The CFN601 brews coffee grounds in Classic, Rich or Over Ice styles, with nine sizes from a cup to a 12-cup carafe.
That ground coffee function is its main difference from a capsule-only espresso machine, so it suits homes where people drink both kinds.
Does the Ninja CFN601 make lattes?
The CFN601 has a built-in, fold-away frother for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. You can brew a capsule espresso and use the frother for milk drinks, though the machine's stated capsule options are espresso, lungo and over ice.
How much counter space does the Ninja CFN601 need?
It measures 11.89 inches deep, 14.84 inches wide and 17.4 inches tall. Measure the counter and the clearance above it, including room to use the adjustable cup tray and access the removable water reservoir before settling on a spot.
