We Tested the Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Machine: Is It Worth the Hype?
At-home espresso has never been more popular, with 14% of Americans now picking espresso or espresso-based drinks as their morning brew of choice. That number has jumped from just 1% as recently as 10 years ago, reflecting how much people cherish that rich, aromatic shot to kick off their day.
Enter: Ninja, the brand known for producing innovative, inexpensive kitchen gadgets. Now they’ve officially entered the specialty coffee realm with the new Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Machine. But at $500, does it deliver on that promise? Here’s what you need to know after spending time with it.
First Look: Stylish Design for Multitasking
The Ninja Luxe Cafe makes a statement in the espresso space. Sporting a stylish, modern aesthetic, this machine is capable of:
- Espresso (of course!)
- Drip coffee
- Quick cold brew
- And will froth milk like nobody’s business.
No other machines in this price range offer such versatility.
Setting it up was a breeze. In just a few minutes, I had the machine calibrated and ready. Its intuitive digital controls and pre-calibrated grind size recommendations remove the guesswork from producing barista-quality coffee at home. This is a gigantic plus if you’re new to espresso machines.
What Is Special About Ninja Luxe Cafe?
One of its best features is its convertible portafilter. While most espresso machines focus only on pulling shots, the Luxe Cafe doubles as a drip coffee filter capable of brewing up to 18 ounces of diner-style coffee.
It even has a cold brew setting, giving you a quick way to enjoy coffee on ice during those blistering hot days. However, the cold brew’s flavor didn’t quite compare with the richness you’d get from brewing the old-school way. Personally, I had better results by pouring a strong espresso over ice.
Yet another feature I loved was the removable bean hopper.
- Easy to clean
- Simple to switch between different bean types.
Whether you’re in the mood for a dark roast or a lighter blend, this feature cuts down on time and effort.
Interesting Alternatives:
The Frothing Game: Ninja’s In-Built Whisk
True to form, Ninja takes milk frothing to another level.
- The machine uses an embedded whisk in an attached milk carafe.
- It produces a range of milk textures: steamed, thin froth, thick froth, and cold foam.
This is perfect for cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty beverages.
It even froths non-dairy milk, which is notoriously tricky with traditional frothers.
Although the dense foam may not be for everyone, the easy cleanup of the whisk was a big win in my book.
Performance Highlights
- Espresso: The Luxe Cafe brewed rich, balanced shots without much effort. The dosing and grind size guidance make it relatively foolproof, even for beginners.
- Drip Coffee: Brewing an 18-ounce pot of coffee took under three minutes, and the results were great.
- Cold Brew: The cold brew setting was functional but created a brew that was weaker than expected. Personally, I found that espresso over ice delivered a better flavor profile.
I also want to highlight the design of the control panel. Despite its versatility, the array of options was intuitive and user-friendly. Within a few uses, I had settings for espresso strength and drip coffee tailored to my preferences.
Is the $500 Price Tag Worth It?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Ninja is known for its value-packed appliances, so the Luxe Cafe’s $500 price tag felt surprising at first. However, established names like Breville and DeLonghi offer similar machines in the $550 range, built on decades of trust in the espresso space.
But few of those machines can double as drip coffee makers like the Luxe Cafe.
That said, Ninja devices are often discounted a few months after launch, so waiting for a deal might make this a better purchase overall.
Best Rival of Ninja?
The Verdict: Who Is the Ninja Luxe Cafe For?
If you’re the type of coffee drinker who enjoys variety — espresso one day, drip coffee the next — the Ninja Luxe Cafe is a great pick.
- The simple interface is beginner-friendly.
- The convertible portafilter and integrated whisk offer unique features that competitors don’t.
Although the cold brew functionality left something to be desired, the machine performs well overall.
At a slightly adjusted price point, the Ninja Luxe Cafe could become a serious competitor in the home espresso market.
For now, this machine is a simple solution for anyone who wants great coffee without overthinking it. Whether you’re an experienced espresso lover or just curious, the Luxe Cafe is definitely worth considering for your kitchen counter
Want more coffee machine options?
Better yet, find the machine for you with our latest 2025 blog review Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee Makers of 2025, which features the highly-rated machines to fit any budget and brewing style!
