Why the Ninja DualBrew Pro Might Be Your New Favorite
The Ninja DualBrew Pro coffee maker is designed to cater to all your caffeine cravings, allowing you to brew everything from traditional drip coffee to single-serve pods. With four distinct brewing styles, it’s perfect for both casual coffee drinkers and aficionados alike.
Pros and Cons of the Ninja DualBrew Pro
Reasons to Consider
Compatible with both coffee grounds and pods, plus it can boil water.
Offers four different brewing methods.
Includes a handy frothing tool.
Features a removable water reservoir for easy filling.
Potential Drawbacks
Requires a fair amount of counter space.
When it comes to coffee, the right machine can make all the difference. With more people working from home, investing in a quality coffee maker has never been more essential.
With so many brewing options available, including espresso, latte, and cold brew, it can be overwhelming to choose a single machine that meets all your needs without breaking the bank. While some opt for high-end espresso machines, the costs can add up quickly.
This is where the Ninja DualBrew Pro shines. It allows you to brew both drip coffee and K-Cups, and it comes equipped with a milk frother, iced coffee setting, and even an independent water line for tea. I decided to put this machine to the test in my home to see how well it performs against other top contenders in the market.
Specifications of the Ninja DualBrew Pro
| Capacity: | 96 fluid ounces |
| Dimensions: | 9.13" x 11.39" x 15.54" |
| Weight: | 9.69 pounds |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Settings: | Grounds, pods, classic, rich, over ice, specialty, hot water, milk frother |
| Included Accessories: | Base with removable water reservoir, Ninja pod adapter, brew basket, 60-ounce glass carafe, removable frothing tool, ninja smart scoop, paper filter kit |
Unboxing the Ninja DualBrew Pro
The Ninja DualBrew Pro comes well-packaged with a user manual and quickstart guide. This machine accommodates a variety of brewing styles and features a display that adjusts based on the selected brew type, updating you throughout the brewing process. While it’s relatively compact, it’s worth noting that it does take up considerable height on your countertop.
When brewing coffee grounds, you can prepare anywhere from 8 to 55 ounces, while pods can be brewed in sizes ranging from 6 to 12 ounces. The hot water setting allows for 2 to 60 ounces. To start the brewing process, fill the water vessel and run a 55-ounce brew cycle in the carriage. The detachable water reservoir makes refilling easy, and the brew basket is used for either pods or grounds, secured in place by the Ninja pod adapter.
Using the Ninja DualBrew Pro
To begin using the Ninja DualBrew Pro, select your preferred brewing method and size. Available brewing styles include rich, classic, over ice, and specialty. Classic brews provide balance, while rich brews deliver a bolder flavor. The over ice brew is specially designed to prevent dilution when served over ice, and the specialty setting is aimed at coffee drinks like lattes and macchiatos, with a smaller brew size of just 4 ounces.
The machine heats water to a consistent temperature, ensuring that all coffee grounds are evenly saturated for optimal flavor extraction. You can place either a travel mug or a carafe on the warming plate, or use the cup platform for a standard mug. Once you’ve made your selections, hit the Start Brew button and monitor the progress with the illuminating progress bar. The machine will beep several times to signal that your brew is complete.
Testing the Coffee Pod Functionality
If you prefer the convenience of coffee pods, brewing with them is straightforward. Simply install the Ninja pod adapter over the brew basket, ensuring the alignment with the “Lock” indicator. While switching between pod and ground brewing can be a bit tedious, the ability to do both within one machine is a significant advantage.
After securing the adapter, place your compatible K-Cup into the top compartment, select your desired brew size (6 to 12 ounces), press down the handle to pierce the pod, and hit the round button to begin brewing. You can pause the brewing process at any time using the drip stop feature.
Testing Coffee Grounds
The Ninja DualBrew Pro does not include a coffee grinder, so you will need to either grind your own beans or purchase pre-ground coffee. When brewing with coffee grounds, use the provided Ninja Smart Cup to measure your coffee, following the recommended scoop guidance printed on the scoop's handle.
I found this method to be my favorite since it reduces waste compared to pods, and I could adjust the amount of grounds to create a stronger brew. The machine effectively saturated the coffee grounds, resulting in a consistently rich and balanced flavor.
Frothing Milk
If you enjoy creamy coffee drinks, the frothing tool is a great addition for creating frothed milk or creamer. To use it, swing the frother arm into position and attach the frothing whisk. Submerge the whisk just below the surface of the milk, then press and hold the frothing button for 30 to 45 seconds. Once done, remove and clean the frother.
While the frother produced a pleasant foam with oat milk, I found it less effective with almond milk, which turned out bubbly but not quite foamy. Keep in mind that this frother does not heat the milk, so you’ll need to do that separately.
Hot Water Functionality
The Ninja DualBrew Pro also allows you to boil water for tea, oatmeal, or hot chocolate. To activate the hot water mode, simply turn the dial to the water droplet icon, and hot water will be dispensed next to the coffee outlet.
Keeping Your Coffee Warm
The warming plate is designed to stay on for two hours when brewing at least a quarter of a carafe in classic or rich mode; otherwise, it turns off automatically. You can also manually activate the warming plate for up to four hours by pressing the “Keep Warm” button, indicated by an illuminated triangle icon. I noticed that coffee in an open mug cooled down more quickly, so it’s best to either use a travel mug or carafe or activate the warming plate beforehand.
Flavor Profile of the Coffee
The flavor of the coffee brewed by the Ninja DualBrew Pro varies with each setting, maintaining a good balance without being diluted. The specialty setting is tailored for espresso-based drinks and pairs well with milk or creamer, although it may not completely replace a traditional espresso machine due to its milder flavor. The classic brew produces a rich taste that is satisfying without being overwhelming, while the over-ice option ensures a concentrated brew to prevent dilution.
In general, the Ninja DualBrew Pro delivers a reliable cup of coffee every time, allowing you to stop the brew if you accidentally select the wrong size.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After brewing with pods, you can easily remove the used pod from the Ninja pod adapter, which can then be taken out of the machine for cleaning.
The machine features modular components that are simple to detach, making the cleaning process quick and efficient. All parts, including the Ninja pod adapter, frothing tool, and water reservoir, are dishwasher safe for added convenience.
Customer Feedback
The Ninja DualBrew Pro enjoys a strong reputation among users. Many praise its versatility, especially in households with diverse coffee preferences. The ability to adjust settings and experiment with different pods has garnered positive reviews, with users appreciating how quickly it brews coffee and the warming plate’s ability to keep coffee hot for up to four hours.
However, a few users reported minor issues with the filter allowing some grounds to remain in their cup, and a handful wished for a bolder flavor in the espresso setting.
Comparing the Ninja DualBrew Pro
Other coffee makers in our test kitchen
When comparing the Ninja DualBrew Pro to other coffee makers, the De'Longhi All In One Combination Coffee Maker comes to mind. While both machines are versatile, the DualBrew specializes in drip coffee and single-serve options, whereas the All In One excels at making espresso and lattes. If you mainly use K-Cups, the DualBrew is your best choice, but for authentic espresso, the All In One is preferable. Notably, the DualBrew is typically around $100 less expensive, depending on current promotions.
Although the DualBrew allows you to froth milk, it does require some practice, whereas models like the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic can create lattes and cappuccinos with no extra effort.
Moreover, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is relatively tall, so if you have low cabinets, you might want to consider a more compact pod machine like the Nespresso Vertuo Next.
Is the Ninja DualBrew Pro Worth It?
Retaining a price of $230, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking the convenience of brewing with both coffee grounds and pods in one machine. With thoughtful features like a frothing tool, an illuminated display, and a removable water reservoir, every detail is designed with user-friendliness in mind. For anyone in search of a dependable coffee maker for home use, this machine stands out as a top contender.
Our Testing Process
Our testing methodology for coffee makers is thorough. We evaluate each machine based on its ability to make standard coffee types, including espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. Espresso testing examines flavor extraction, while Americano assesses balance and temperature. Cappuccinos are evaluated for their milk-frothing capabilities, focusing on texture and consistency across both dairy and non-dairy options.
We ensure to test every function the machine offers and assess overall value for money by comparing it to other models on the market and gathering user feedback. For a deeper understanding of our testing process, you can check out our dedicated page on how we evaluate coffee makers.
