Ninja Luxe Premier ES601EUGM 3-in-1 Espresso Maker Cold Brew Filter Coffee Maker with 4 Automatic Foam Presets, Metallic Grey

This isn't your average pod machine, nor is it a fully manual espresso setup that demands your undivided attention before you've had your first sip of caffeine. The Ninja Luxe Premier ES601EUGM is a 3-in-1 coffee station that aims to find the perfect middle ground, blending automated convenience with the hands-on control needed for quality coffee. For those looking to upgrade from a super-automatic machine or streamline a complex morning coffee ritual, this review will determine if Ninja has successfully threaded the needle.

Key Takeaways

• Best For: Coffee drinkers graduating from super-automatic machines or those who want to simplify their semi-automatic workflow without sacrificing quality.
• Pros: Versatile 3-in-1 functionality (Espresso, Drip, Cold Brew), a highly-praised automatic milk frother with multiple presets, and a built-in grinder with consistent weight-based dosing.
• Cons: The headline "Barista Assist" feature is widely reported as inconsistent and unreliable, manual puck preparation is still required for best results, and the automated shot pulling lacks the precision of manual methods.
• Bottom Line: A powerful and versatile coffee hub that delivers excellent results, especially with milk drinks. Its value shines for those who are willing to ignore its flawed "smart" guidance and apply some basic barista skills.

Product Overview

The ES601EUGM is designed as a comprehensive home café solution. It combines a grinder, espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and milk frother into a single, substantial unit.

• Brand: NINJA
• Model: Luxe Premier ES601EUGM
• Dimensions: 34.4D x 35.5W x 37.2H centimetres
• Weight: 17 Kilograms
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Brewing Methods: Espresso, Cold Brew, Drip Coffee
• Key Features: Built-in conical burr grinder, 4 automatic milk foam presets, dishwasher-safe removable parts (top rack).
• Included Components: Foam Jug with Built-in Whisk, Built-in Grinder, Cleaning Brush, Filter Holder, Single Basket, Double Basket, Deluxe Basket, Funnel, Auxiliary Cap, Cleaning Kit, Water Hardness Test Kit, Recipe Instructions.
• Operation Mode: Fully Automatic (with manual overrides)

Features & Performance

Design and Build Quality

Constructed primarily from Stainless Steel and weighing a hefty 17 kilograms, the ES601EUGM feels solid and substantial on the countertop. Its metallic grey finish gives it a premium look that fits well in modern kitchens. The unit's footprint is considerable, so ensure you have adequate space before purchasing.

Grinder and Puck Preparation

A standout feature, according to user feedback, is the built-in grinder. It's consistently praised for dosing the correct weight of coffee grounds every time. However, this is where the automation ends for the ES601EU model. Users must still distribute and tamp the grounds themselves. Ninja provides a helpful funnel to minimize mess, and enthusiasts report that using a Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT) tool significantly improves shot consistency and reduces channeling.

Espresso and Coffee Quality

For those moving from typical fully automatic machines, the consensus is clear: the Ninja produces a far superior espresso shot. However, achieving that quality requires some user input. The machine allows you to select your dose and desired output, but for a precise 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g of coffee in, 36g of espresso out), users recommend using a scale and stopping the shot manually. Left to its own devices, the machine might pull a longer shot, closer to a 1:2.5 ratio.

Milk Frothing

This is arguably the machine's most successful feature. With 4 automatic foam presets, it creates consistently good microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. One user described the automatic results as "7/10 milk," which saves considerable time during a busy morning. For those who want perfect latte art, a manual steam wand option is also available to achieve "10/10 milk."

The "Barista Assist" Feature

Across community discussions, the "Barista Assist" feature is the most significant point of criticism. This function is intended to guide the user on the correct grind size. However, users universally report that it is inconsistent, frequently changes its recommendation, and often suggests a grind size that is far too coarse for a proper espresso extraction. The overwhelming advice from owners is to ignore this feature entirely and dial in the grind size manually, a process that yields much better and more consistent results.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent All-in-One Functionality: Combines a capable grinder, espresso machine, and milk frother, saving counter space.
• Superior Automated Frothing: The automatic milk frother is a highlight, producing quality foam quickly and consistently.
• Consistent Grinder Dosing: The grinder accurately dispenses the selected weight of coffee beans.
• Better-Than-Automatic Quality: Delivers espresso quality that users feel is a massive step up from bean-to-cup super-automatic machines.
• High Value Proposition: The ES601EU model offers most of the core functionality of the more expensive ES701EU for a significantly lower price.

Cons

• Unreliable "Barista Assist": The primary smart feature is a source of frustration and is best ignored.
• Manual Intervention Required for Precision: To achieve ideal espresso ratios, users must use their own scale and stop the shot manually.
• Puck Prep is Still Necessary: Does not eliminate the need for manual distribution and tamping for the best shots.
• Steam Wand Cleaning: The steam wand on the ES601EU is reported to be more difficult to clean than the one on the higher-end model.

Comparison: Ninja ES601EU vs. ES701EU

Feature	Ninja Luxe Premier ES601EU	Ninja Luxe Premier ES701EU
Tamping	Manual (funnel provided)	Integrated Lever Tamper
Steam Wand	Standard design	Thicker, easier-to-clean design
Milk Frothing	Approx. 45 seconds	Approx. 30 seconds
User Control	More hands-on "barista feel"	More convenient, automated process
Price	Lower (approx. €400 reported)	Higher (approx. €700 reported)

Real-World Experience & Aggregated User Insights

Across Reddit community discussions, a clear picture of the ES601EUGM emerges. It's a machine for the pragmatist. New owners who expect a perfect, hands-off experience are often initially disappointed by the finicky "Barista Assist" and the need for manual overrides. However, users who treat it as a semi-automatic machine with excellent convenience features—like the grinder and frother—are overwhelmingly satisfied.

One user, a parent to a young child, praised its ability to make a cafe-quality latte in minutes while holding their baby, a feat impossible with a fully manual setup. Another, who was tired of their extensive Sage Bambino workflow, found the Ninja struck a "golden balance between making the process faster without compromising on the end result." The key to success is embracing its strengths (automation where it works) and manually handling the parts that require a human touch (puck prep and shot timing).

Pricing & Value

The Ninja Luxe Premier ES601EUGM positions itself as a high-value proposition. Based on user reports, it can often be found for nearly half the price of the top-tier ES701EU model. For the significant cost savings, the primary trade-offs are a manual tamping process and a slightly less advanced steam wand. For many, as one user put it, "I can tamp my own grounds for the price difference." The value comes from getting the same core brewing technology and superior-to-super-auto quality for less.

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Who Should Buy It / Who Should Avoid It

Who Should Buy It

• The Upgrader: Anyone currently using a pod system or a super-automatic machine who wants a noticeable leap in coffee quality.
• The Time-Saver: Espresso lovers who appreciate the craft but need to streamline their morning routine.
• The All-in-One Enthusiast: Individuals who want espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew capability in a single, cohesive unit.

Who Should Avoid It

• The Purist: Baristas who demand absolute precision and control over every variable and are not willing to compromise.
• The Hands-Off User: Those looking for a true "push-button" experience with no manual input required.
• The Tech Optimist: Anyone buying the machine solely for its "smart" features like Barista Assist will likely be disappointed.

Final Verdict

The Ninja Luxe Premier ES601EUGM is a compelling and capable machine with a distinct personality. It succeeds brilliantly as a convenient, high-performance coffee station, let down only by an over-ambitious and under-developed smart feature. Its grinder is accurate, its automated milk frother is exceptional, and its ability to produce quality espresso is undeniable. If you can ignore the flawed guidance of its "Barista Assist" and are willing to perform the simple, quick steps of manual tamping and timed shots, you are rewarded with a fantastic balance of speed, convenience, and quality that is hard to beat for the price.

FAQs

• Is the built-in grinder on the ES601EUGM good? Yes, user feedback consistently praises the grinder for its ability to dispense a precise and consistent weight of coffee grounds.

• Do I still have to tamp the coffee myself with this model? Yes, the ES601EUGM requires you to manually tamp the coffee grounds. It includes a funnel to help with the process and reduce mess.

• Is the "Barista Assist" feature helpful? Based on extensive community feedback, the Barista Assist feature is not reliable. Most experienced users recommend ignoring its grind size suggestions and dialing in your coffee manually.

• How does this machine's coffee compare to a super-automatic (bean-to-cup) machine? Users who have switched from brands like Philips and De'Longhi report that the espresso quality from the Ninja is significantly better.

• Are parts of the machine dishwasher safe? Yes, according to the product specifications, removable top parts are safe for the top rack of a dishwasher.