The morning air in my kitchen has recently been thick with the scent of freshly pulverized Arabica beans and the gentle hiss of high-end steam wands. I’ve spent the better part of a month oscillating between two machines that have completely disrupted the traditional “espresso vs. drip” divide: the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series (ES701) and its slightly more streamlined sibling, the Ninja Luxe Café (ES601).
These aren’t your typical plastic coffee makers. They are stainless steel statement pieces designed to bridge the gap between a high-end barista station and the “press-a-button-and-leave” convenience of a drip machine. Ninja has clearly aimed for the throat of the traditional Italian espresso brands by injecting some serious “Barista Assist” intelligence into the process. But as I pulled back-to-back shots and frothed countless jugs of oat milk, I realized that while they look nearly identical on the counter, the “Pro” designation on the ES701 isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s a difference of versatility and automation that changes how you interact with your caffeine.
The Key Difference: Versatility and Automation Levels
The fundamental difference between the Ninja ES701 and the ES601 lies in the drink variety and the sophistication of the milk system. The Ninja ES701 is marketed as a 4-in-1 machine, adding an independent hot water system for Americanos and tea, which the ES601 (a 3-in-1 system) lacks.
Furthermore, the ES701 features a Dual Froth System Pro with 5 preset functions (including extra-thick froth) and an XL Milk Jug, whereas the ES601 has 4 preset programs. The ES701 also offers more granular espresso control, including single shots, ristretto, and lungo, while the ES601 focuses primarily on double and quad shots. Finally, the ES701 features a fully Integrated Tamper operated by a lever, while the ES601 uses an Assisted Tamper that requires a bit more manual guidance.
Comparison Table: Ninja ES701 vs. ES601 Espresso Machine
| Feature | Ninja Luxe Café Pro (ES701) | Ninja Luxe Café (ES601) |
| Machine Type | 4-in-1 (Espresso, Drip, Cold Brew, Hot Water) | 3-in-1 (Espresso, Drip, Cold Brew) |
| Espresso Styles | 5 (Single, Double, Quad, Ristretto, Lungo) | 2 (Double, Quad) |
| Froth Programs | 5 (Adds Extra-Thick Froth) | 4 |
| Milk Jug Size | XL Jug | Standard Jug |
| Hot Water System | Independent System (Tea/Americanos) | No |
| Tamping Style | Integrated Lever Tamper | Assisted Manual Tamper |
| Grinder | Conical Burr (25 settings) | Conical Burr (25 settings) |
| Dosing | Weight-Based | Weight-Based |
| Cold Brew | Cold Pressed Espresso & Cold Brew | Cold Pressed Espresso & Cold Brew |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Barista Diary
To see if the “Pro” was worth the extra counter space and cash, I ran both machines through a gauntlet of morning rushes and slow Sunday brunches.
Design: Stainless Steel Sophistication
Both machines are stunning. They have that heavy, industrial stainless steel aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re standing behind a café counter. The ES701 feels slightly more “buttoned up” because the tamper is fully integrated into the machine’s chassis—you just pull a lever on the side.
The ES601 is marginally narrower but requires you to store the tamper and funnel on the side. In my kitchen, the ES701 looked a bit cleaner because everything is tucked away inside. Both feature a built-in storage compartment for baskets and cleaning tools, which is a design touch I wish every manufacturer would adopt. No more digging through the “junk drawer” for a cleaning disc.
Ease of Use: The “Barista Assist” Reality
The “Barista Assist” technology in both machines is a game-changer for anyone who has ever been intimidated by “dialing in” an espresso shot. I intentionally messed up the grind settings to see how the machines would react. Both the ES701 and ES601 gave me a recommendation on the digital screen: “Grind is too coarse, adjust to level 8.”
However, the ES701 felt more “hands-off.” Because of the weight-based dosing and the lever-action integrated tamper, I never once got coffee grounds on my counter. The ES601 uses an “Assisted Tamper,” which is still very good, but it felt a bit more manual. The ES701’s weight-based dosing is incredibly accurate; I checked it with a jeweler’s scale, and it was consistently within 0.2 grams of the target.
Functions: Americanos and the Single Shot
This is where the ES701 Pro really started to pull away for me. I’m a big fan of Americanos in the afternoon. On the ES601, if I wanted an Americano, I had to boil a kettle or run a “clean” cycle to get hot water. The ES701 has a dedicated hot water sprout. It sounds like a small thing until you’re using it every day for tea or to pre-warm your cups.
The variety of espresso styles on the ES701 is also vastly superior. Sometimes I just want a quick single shot of espresso before a workout. The ES601 defaults to a double shot. While you can certainly just drink half, the ES701’s ability to pull a specialized Ristretto (short and sweet) or a Lungo (long and mild) made me feel like I had a much more sophisticated palate than I actually do.
Maintenance: The Froth System Pro
Both machines feature a “Hands-Free” frothing system that whisk-steams the milk while you’re pulling your shot. It is, quite frankly, magic. You put the jug under the wand, press a button, and walk away.
The ES701’s Dual Froth System Pro includes an “Extra-Thick” setting that I used for some experimental lattes. It created a foam so dense I could practically stand a spoon up in it. The ES601 is still excellent, but it lacks that fifth level of foam “oomph.” Cleaning is identical on both: the steam wand is insulated, so milk doesn’t bake onto the outside. A quick wipe and a “purge” button press, and you’re done.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro (ES701) Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Total Versatility: The hot water system makes it a true all-in-one station for tea and Americanos.
- Lever Tamping: The most mess-free tamping experience I’ve ever had.
- More Espresso Styles: Ristretto and Lungo options for true coffee aficionados.
- XL Milk Jug: Perfect for making two cappuccinos at once without refilling.
Cons:
- Price: It carries a premium over the standard model.
- Learning Curve: More buttons mean a slightly longer time spent with the manual.
Ninja Luxe Café (ES601) Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Value for Money: You get the same “Barista Assist” and grinder tech for less.
- Compact Design: Slightly smaller footprint for tight counters.
- Simplicity: Focuses on the “Big Three” (Espresso, Drip, Cold Brew) flawlessly.
- High-Quality Pucks: The assisted tamper still produces a very consistent espresso bed.
Cons:
- No Single Shots: Primarily designed for double and quad shot volumes.
- No Hot Water Spout: You’ll still need a kettle for tea or Americanos.
- Smaller Milk Jug: Better for single servings rather than “frothing for two.”
The Final Recommendation: Which Ninja Wins?
After thirty days of caffeinated bliss, I’ve drawn a very clear line in the sand.
I recommend the Ninja ES701 Pro if you consider your kitchen to be a “home café.” If you frequently host guests (the XL jug and quad shot help!), if you drink Americanos or tea, or if you simply want the most “automated” tamping experience possible, the ES701 is worth every penny. The independent hot water system alone makes it a more functional daily appliance.
- 4 MACHINES IN 1: Brew without limits with no guesswork espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, rapid cold brew, and an independent hot water system. 5 Espresso...
I recommend the Ninja ES601 if you are a dedicated latte or double-espresso drinker who already has an electric kettle. You are getting the exact same high-quality conical burr grinder and the exact same “Barista Assist” brain as the Pro model. If you don’t care about single shots or extra-thick foam, the ES601 provides 90% of the experience for a much more palatable price.
- 3 MACHINES IN 1: Brew without limits with no guesswork espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, and rapid cold brew. 2 Espresso Styles — double shot or quad shot,...
Personally, I am keeping the Ninja ES701. The lever-action tamper is just too satisfying to use, and having hot water on tap has officially retired my old kettle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can these machines make “regular” coffee?
A: Yes! Both have a Drip Coffee mode that uses a specialized “Luxe” basket to mimic a standard drip brewer. It’s significantly better than the “coffee” setting on most espresso machines because it adjusts the pressure and flow rate.
Q: Does the “Cold Brew” take 24 hours?
A: No. Ninja uses “Cold Pressed” technology, which uses lower temperature and pressure to get a cold-brew-style result in about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s much smoother than “iced coffee” which is just hot coffee poured over ice.
Q: Are the grinders loud?
A: They are conical burr grinders, so they have a distinct mechanical whir, but they are significantly quieter than a cheap blade grinder. I was able to make coffee in the morning without waking up my family in the next room.
Q: Can I use non-dairy milk?
A: Absolutely. Both machines have specific settings for plant-based milks. I found the ES701’s “Extra Thick” setting worked wonders for getting almond milk to actually hold its shape.
Q: How often do I need to descale?
A: Both machines have a built-in sensor that will alert you. The kit includes a hard water testing strip so you can program your local water hardness into the machine, ensuring the descaling alerts are actually accurate to your specific needs.
