Coffee makers have come a long way from being just drip machines. Today, single-serve brewers like Ninja’s PB051 and PB041 give us the flexibility to brew with both pods and grounds, while also letting us experiment with brew sizes and styles.
I had the chance to try both of these models side by side, and let me tell you—the differences are subtle, but they matter depending on what kind of coffee drinker you are. If you’re debating between the Ninja PB051 and PB041, this detailed comparison should help you figure out which one is the smarter buy for your kitchen.
Key Difference Between Ninja PB051 vs PB041 Coffee Maker
The main difference between the Ninja PB051 and PB041 lies in brewing versatility and extra features.
- The PB051 offers 4 brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty) and comes with a built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
- The PB041, on the other hand, has 3 brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice) and skips the frother, keeping things simpler and slightly more affordable.
So, if you want more café-style options at home, the PB051 is the winner. But if you want straightforward brewing with fewer bells and whistles, the PB041 holds its ground.
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
Comparison Table: Ninja PB051 vs PB041 Coffee Maker
| Feature | Ninja PB051 | Ninja PB041 |
| Brand | Ninja | Ninja |
| Color | Black | Stone |
| Dimensions | 13.07″D x 5.51″W x 13.31″H | 13.07″D x 5.31″W x 13.31″H |
| Capacity | 1.6 Liters | 3.5 Pounds (56 oz reservoir) |
| Special Features | Programmable, Built-in frother | Dishwasher safe parts |
| Brew Styles | 4 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty) | 3 (Classic, Rich, Over Ice) |
| Reservoir | 56 oz removable | 56 oz removable |
| Travel Mug Size | Up to 8″ mug | Up to 24 oz mug |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Wattage | 1500 W | 1500 W |
| Voltage | 120V | 120V |
| Weight | ~9 lbs | ~8.5 lbs |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design & Build Quality
Both machines share Ninja’s signature sleek, vertical design that doesn’t hog too much counter space. The PB051 in black looks modern and professional, while the PB041 in stone gray gives a softer, more neutral vibe that blends better with light-colored kitchens.
In terms of size, they’re nearly identical, though the PB041 is ever so slightly slimmer in width. Both feel sturdy, with a solid water reservoir that slides in and out with ease.
For me, the PB051 wins here just because of the integrated frother, which tucks away neatly when not in use, keeping the overall design functional without extra clutter.
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
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Ease of Use
Both machines are designed for convenience, and it really shows. Brewing with either pods or grounds is super simple.
- With the PB041, it’s as easy as selecting your brew size and hitting start.
- The PB051, however, gives you an extra button for Specialty brews, plus the frother that lets you whip up milk for cappuccinos or lattes in under 30 seconds.
The learning curve is minimal on both, but I found myself gravitating toward the PB051 because I could make café-style drinks without needing an extra gadget.
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Brew Styles & Versatility
Here’s where the models really split.
- PB041 offers: Classic (regular coffee), Rich (bolder cup), and Over Ice (iced coffee without dilution).
- PB051 offers those same three plus Specialty, which creates a concentrated brew that mimics espresso shots for lattes and macchiatos.
I tested both with pods and grounds, and while they both make a good cup, the PB051 simply offers more flexibility. That Specialty mode is perfect for days when you want something fancier than plain drip.
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
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Coffee Quality
Honestly, both brewers deliver smooth, flavorful cups thanks to Ninja’s Thermal Flavor Extraction Duo system. It maintains precise temperature and saturation, ensuring grounds don’t go under- or over-extracted.
That said, I noticed the PB051 brewed a slightly stronger and richer cup when using Specialty mode with grounds. If you’re big on iced lattes or cappuccinos, this difference is noticeable. If you’re a plain black coffee drinker, the PB041 will suit you just fine.
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Reservoir & Mug Sizes
Both models come with a 56-oz removable reservoir, which is great for multiple cups without constant refills.
- The PB041 can accommodate travel mugs up to 24 oz, which is handy for commuters.
- The PB051, however, maxes out at around 8 inches tall, meaning some oversized mugs don’t fit unless you brew smaller portions and pour into them later.
This is one area where the PB041 definitely shines for people who want to brew directly into a tall mug before heading out the door.
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
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Frother Functionality
This is exclusive to the PB051, and it’s a game changer. The fold-away frother makes hot or cold milk foam in seconds, which let me create a café-style cappuccino without buying a separate frothing wand.
The PB041 doesn’t have this feature, so if you love creamy, foamy drinks, you’ll miss it.
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Both machines are easy to clean since the reservoirs, brew baskets, and adapters are dishwasher safe. The frother on the PB051 detaches, which makes it equally easy to rinse off.
No major differences here—maintenance is low effort across both.
Ninja PB051 Coffee Maker
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
Pros:
- 4 brew styles including Specialty (espresso-like shots)
- Built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Programmable settings for more control
- Compact but versatile
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit very tall travel mugs
- Slightly pricier than the PB041
Ninja PB041 Coffee Maker
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small...
Pros:
- 3 solid brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice)
- Slightly slimmer design
- Fits up to a 24 oz travel mug
- Easy to use, dishwasher-safe parts
- More budget-friendly
Cons:
- No Specialty brew mode
- Lacks a frother for café drinks
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After spending time with both brewers, I’d say the decision really depends on your coffee routine.
If your idea of a perfect morning is a straightforward cup of coffee, sometimes iced, sometimes bold, the Ninja PB041 is the smarter choice. It’s simple, reliable, and accommodates bigger mugs, which is ideal for travel-friendly coffee.
But if you enjoy coffeehouse-style drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos—and you don’t want to buy an extra frother—the Ninja PB051 is worth the upgrade. That Specialty brew mode combined with the built-in frother makes it much more versatile.
For me personally, the PB051 edges out because I like experimenting with different coffee styles at home. But for budget-conscious buyers who don’t care about foamy milk or concentrated brews, the PB041 will more than do the job.
Final Verdict:
- Choose PB051 if you want café-style versatility in one machine.
- Choose PB041 if you just need a reliable, everyday single-serve brewer with travel-friendly options.