Ninja Coffee Maker: Can It Brew Espresso-Style Coffee?

Quick answer

• Ninja coffee makers are designed for drip coffee, not true espresso.
• They can brew a concentrated coffee shot, often called “specialty” or “espresso-style.”
• This concentrated shot is great for lattes and americanos.
• It won’t produce the crema or intense flavor of genuine espresso.
• For true espresso, you’ll need a dedicated espresso machine.
• Check your specific Ninja model’s manual for its “specialty brew” capabilities.

While Ninja coffee makers can brew a concentrated coffee shot, for a true espresso experience with rich crema, consider a dedicated concentrated coffee maker.

Technivorm Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Polished Silver, 40 ounce, 1.25l

• Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Buy on Amazon

Who this is for

• You own a Ninja coffee maker and love coffee shop drinks.
• You’re curious if your current brewer can handle espresso-style coffee.
• You want to make lattes, cappuccinos, or americanos at home without buying new gear.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most Ninja coffee makers are drip brewers. They use paper filters or a permanent mesh filter. Some models have a “specialty brew” or “espresso-style” setting. This is your main clue. If it’s not explicitly mentioned, assume it’s standard drip.

Water quality and temperature

Good coffee starts with good water. If your tap water tastes funky, your coffee will too. Filtered water is always best. For espresso-style brews, water temperature is crucial. Most drip machines aim for around 195-205°F, which is good. Too cool, and you get weak coffee. Too hot, and you burn it.

Grind size and coffee freshness

This is huge for any brew method. For espresso-style, you want a finer grind than standard drip, but not as fine as true espresso. Think table salt consistency. Freshly ground beans make a world of difference. Pre-ground stuff loses its magic fast.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is how you get that concentrated punch. For espresso-style, you’ll use more coffee grounds for less water. A common starting point is around 1:2 or 1:3 (coffee to water by weight). Your Ninja manual will likely have specific recommendations for its specialty setting.

Cleanliness/descale status

A dirty brewer is a sad brewer. Coffee oils build up, making your coffee taste bitter or stale. If your Ninja hasn’t been descaled in a while, do it. Mineral buildup also affects temperature and flow.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

Here’s how to get the best “espresso-style” shot from your Ninja, assuming it has the capability.

1. Gather your gear: Get your Ninja coffee maker, fresh coffee beans, grinder, filtered water, and your cup.

• Good looks like: Everything is clean and ready to go.
• Common mistake: Using stale beans or dirty equipment. Avoid this by making it a habit to clean after each use and grind fresh.

2. Select the right setting: On your Ninja, choose the “Specialty Brew,” “Concentrated,” or “Espresso-Style” setting.

• Good looks like: The machine indicates this mode is active.
• Common mistake: Accidentally selecting the regular brew. Double-check the display before hitting start.

3. Grind your beans: Grind your coffee to a fine, but not powdery, consistency. It should feel like table salt.

• Good looks like: Evenly ground particles.
• Common mistake: Grinding too fine (like powder) or too coarse (like breadcrumbs). Too fine clogs the filter; too coarse results in weak coffee.

4. Measure your coffee: Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio. For a single shot, aim for about 15-20 grams of coffee for 30-60 ml of water (roughly 1-2 oz).

• Good looks like: Precise measurement using a scale for best results.
• Common mistake: Guessing the amount. Inconsistent ratios lead to inconsistent taste.

5. Add coffee to the filter: Place the correct filter (paper or permanent) in the brew basket and add your measured grounds.

• Good looks like: Grounds are evenly distributed in the filter.
• Common mistake: Not leveling the grounds or creating a “well” in the middle. This can lead to uneven extraction.

6. Add filtered water: Fill the water reservoir with the amount of filtered water needed for your desired shot size.

• Good looks like: Water level is within the recommended range for the specialty setting.
• Common mistake: Overfilling or underfilling the reservoir. This messes with the brew cycle.

7. Place your cup: Position your mug or carafe under the brew spout. Make sure it’s stable.

• Good looks like: The cup is centered and won’t tip.
• Common mistake: Using a cup that’s too tall or too short, or not placing it correctly.

8. Start the brew: Press the start button. The machine should engage its specialty brew cycle.

• Good looks like: The machine hums and starts dispensing coffee.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to press start. It sounds silly, but it happens.

9. Observe the brew: Watch the coffee extract. It should be a dark, syrupy stream.

• Good looks like: A steady, dark flow.
• Common mistake: Coffee flowing too fast (too coarse grind) or too slow/dripping (too fine grind).

10. Finish and serve: Once brewing is complete, carefully remove your cup.

• Good looks like: A small, concentrated shot of coffee.
• Common mistake: Leaving the hot carafe unattended.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes weak and watery, then try a finer grind because it extracts more flavor.
• If your coffee tastes bitter or burnt, then try a coarser grind because the current grind might be too fine and over-extracting.
• If your Ninja brews very slowly or overflows, then your grind is likely too fine, so coarsen it.
• If your Ninja brews very quickly and the coffee is weak, then your grind is likely too coarse, so fine it.
• If your coffee has an off-flavor, then check your water quality and consider using filtered water.
• If you want to make a latte, then use the “specialty brew” setting to create a concentrated coffee base.
• If your machine is making strange noises or brewing inconsistently, then it’s probably time to descale it.
• If you’re not getting a good crema on your “espresso-style” shot, then understand that Ninja machines don’t produce true espresso crema.
• If you’re unsure about the exact ratio for specialty brew, then consult your Ninja coffee maker’s user manual.
• If your coffee tastes stale even with fresh beans, then ensure your brew basket and carafe are clean.

FAQ

Can I really make espresso with a Ninja coffee maker?

No, not true espresso. Ninja coffee makers can make a concentrated coffee shot that’s like espresso, but it won’t have the same rich crema or intense flavor profile as coffee from a dedicated espresso machine.

What is “specialty brew” on a Ninja coffee maker?

This setting is designed to brew a more concentrated coffee using a different water-to-coffee ratio and often a slower brew cycle. It’s perfect for making coffee-based drinks like lattes or americanos.

How much coffee do I use for a specialty brew?

It depends on your specific Ninja model and desired strength. Generally, you’ll use more coffee grounds relative to the amount of water compared to a regular drip brew. Check your manual for specific recommendations.

What grind size should I use for specialty brew?

You want a finer grind than standard drip coffee, but not as fine as powder. Think about the consistency of table salt. This allows for good extraction in the shorter, more concentrated brew cycle.

Will I get crema on my Ninja’s specialty brew?

You might get a small amount of foam or very light crema, but it won’t be the thick, persistent crema you get from a true espresso machine. The pressure and mechanics are different.

Is it worth it to try the specialty brew if I have a Ninja?

Absolutely, if you enjoy coffee shop drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It’s a great way to get a strong coffee base for these drinks without buying a separate espresso machine.

How do I make an americano with my Ninja?

Brew a shot using the specialty brew setting, then add hot water to your desired strength. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy concentrated coffee.

What if my specialty brew tastes weak?

Your grind might be too coarse, or you might not be using enough coffee for the amount of water. Try adjusting your grind finer or increasing the coffee dose.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• True espresso extraction: This article focuses on what Ninja coffee makers can do, not the high-pressure systems of dedicated espresso machines. For that, look into pump espresso machines.
• Specific Ninja model comparisons: Details on features and capabilities can vary greatly between different Ninja coffee maker models. Always refer to your specific model’s manual.
• Advanced latte art techniques: While you can make lattes, achieving professional latte art requires specific milk steaming and pouring skills, often best learned with a dedicated steam wand.
• Commercial-grade brewing equipment: This guide is for home use. Commercial machines operate on different principles and scales.