Ninja CM371 vs Ninja CM401 Hot and Iced Coffee Makers
The Ninja CM371 and Ninja CM401 are very similar coffee makers at first glance. Both can brew hot and iced coffee, offer multiple brew sizes, and include features designed for everyday home use. However, there are a few important differences that may influence which model is the better choice for your kitchen.
The CM371 focuses on brewing flexibility and convenience, while the CM401 adds features aimed at coffee drinkers who enjoy richer coffee concentrates for specialty-style drinks. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences, brew options, design features, and overall value to help you decide which model best fits your coffee habits.
This comparison is based on manufacturer specifications, product documentation, and customer feedback from major retailers. We have not conducted hands-on testing of either model.
Quick Recommendation
Choose the Ninja CM371 if: You want a versatile coffee maker for regular hot and iced coffee and don’t need extra specialty-focused features.
Choose the Ninja CM401 if: You frequently make milk-based drinks and want stronger coffee concentrates for coffeehouse-style beverages.
How We Compared These Models
To compare the Ninja CM371 and Ninja CM401, we reviewed manufacturer specifications, product documentation, feature lists, and customer feedback from major retailers. We evaluated each model based on several factors that matter to coffee buyers, including brewing options, serving-size flexibility, design, ease of use, cleaning requirements, and overall value.
Rather than focusing only on specifications, we also considered how each feature may affect everyday use. For example, we looked at differences in carafe capacity, available brew sizes, specialty brewing features, and maintenance convenience to determine which model may be a better fit for different types of users.
This comparison is intended to help readers understand the key differences between the two coffee makers and choose the model that best matches their coffee habits and preferences. We did not conduct hands-on testing of either product.
Ninja CM371 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Larger 12-cup carafe capacity.
- More serving-size options than the CM401.
- Can brew hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, and specialty-style concentrates.
- Good choice for households that brew different quantities throughout the day.
- Simpler control layout for users who don’t need extra customization.
Cons
- Takes up a noticeable amount of counter space.
- More features than some casual coffee drinkers may actually use.
- Not a true espresso machine.
- Glass carafe requires careful handling.
- Buyers focused on specialty-style drinks may prefer the CM401’s feature set.
Ninja CM371 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supports multiple brew styles, including Specialty Brew.
- Fold-away frother helps with milk-based drinks.
- Dedicated cleaning cycle adds convenience.
- Flexible enough for hot coffee, iced coffee, and coffee concentrates.
- Good option for users who regularly make lattes or cappuccino-style drinks at home.
Cons
- Smaller carafe capacity than the CM371.
- Fewer serving-size options.
- Specialty Brew creates coffee concentrate, not true espresso.
- More buttons and options may feel unnecessary for users who just want basic drip coffee.
- Still requires regular cleaning and descaling despite the cleaning function.
Design and Build Quality
The Ninja CM371 and CM401 share a very similar overall design, so most buyers will find either model fits well in a modern kitchen. Both feature a black finish, a removable water reservoir, and an easy-to-access control panel that keeps daily brewing simple.
In terms of size, the differences are minor. The CM371 has a slightly deeper footprint, while the CM401 is a bit wider. For most kitchens, the extra space required by either model is unlikely to be a deciding factor, but it’s still worth checking your available counter space before buying.
One practical difference is the control panel layout. The CM401 offers additional brewing options, making it a better choice for users who enjoy experimenting with different coffee styles. The CM371 keeps things simpler, which may appeal to households that mainly brew traditional hot or iced coffee without needing extra customization.
Both models are designed for regular home use and include features such as a removable water reservoir and clearly labeled controls. Overall, build quality and day-to-day usability are very similar, with the CM401 gaining a slight advantage for buyers who value additional brewing flexibility.
Brewing Options
When it comes to brewing flexibility, the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are more alike than different. Both models offer multiple brew styles, including Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Cold Brew, and Specialty Brew, allowing users to customize their coffee based on taste and occasion.
For everyday coffee drinkers, the Classic and Rich settings provide two distinct flavor profiles. Classic Brew delivers a balanced cup suitable for daily use, while Rich Brew produces a stronger and more concentrated flavor. Both machines also include an Over Ice setting, which brews a bolder coffee designed to maintain its flavor after ice is added.
One feature that stands out on both models is the ability to prepare cold brew-style coffee in a much shorter time than traditional overnight methods. This can be useful for users who enjoy cold coffee regularly but don’t want to plan ahead.
The Specialty Brew setting is another key feature. It creates a concentrated coffee that can be used as a base for milk-based drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Since both models offer this capability, there is no significant advantage for either machine in terms of available brew styles.
Overall, buyers choosing between the CM371 and CM401 are unlikely to notice a major difference in brewing options. Both provide a versatile range of settings that can handle traditional hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, and specialty-style beverages.
Carafe and Serving Sizes
One of the biggest practical differences between the Ninja CM371 and CM401 is their carafe capacity and serving-size flexibility.
The CM371 includes a larger 12-cup glass carafe and offers more brew-size options overall. This makes it a better choice for larger households, frequent coffee drinkers, or anyone who regularly brews coffee for multiple people throughout the day.
The CM401 uses a slightly smaller 10-cup glass carafe but still provides enough capacity for most homes. While it offers fewer serving-size options than the CM371, it covers the sizes most users need, including single cups, travel mugs, and carafe brewing.
For buyers who value maximum flexibility, the CM371 has the advantage. The larger carafe and additional serving sizes provide more control over how much coffee you brew at one time. However, if you typically make coffee for one or two people, the difference may not be significant in everyday use.
Winner: Ninja CM371
The CM371 earns a slight edge in this category thanks to its larger carafe capacity and wider range of serving sizes.
Ease of Use
Both the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are designed to be beginner-friendly, with clearly labeled controls and straightforward brewing options. Most users should be able to start brewing coffee with minimal setup.
The CM371 may appeal to buyers who prefer a simpler experience. Its control panel focuses on the core brewing functions without presenting too many options at once, making it easy to navigate for everyday coffee brewing.
The CM401 includes additional brewing features, which can make the control panel appear slightly more complex at first. However, the layout remains organized and user-friendly, and most users will become comfortable with the extra options after a short learning period.
In day-to-day use, neither model is particularly difficult to operate. The decision comes down to whether you prefer a simpler interface (CM371) or additional brewing flexibility (CM401).
Winner: Tie
Both coffee makers are easy to use, with the CM371 favoring simplicity and the CM401 offering more customization without significantly increasing complexity.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The Ninja CM371 and CM401 use a similar brewing system, so most users are unlikely to notice a major difference in overall coffee quality between the two machines. Both are designed to produce hot coffee, iced coffee, and concentrated brews while offering multiple brew styles to adjust flavor intensity.
In everyday use, coffee quality depends more on factors such as coffee bean quality, grind size, water quality, and brew settings than on the differences between these two models. Both machines provide enough brewing flexibility to produce a balanced cup or a stronger, more concentrated brew when desired.
Where the CM401 stands out is its focus on specialty-style beverages. The concentrated Specialty Brew setting can be used as a base for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos when combined with frothed milk. However, buyers should keep in mind that neither machine is an espresso maker, and the Specialty Brew feature is designed to create a stronger coffee concentrate rather than true espresso.
Winner: Slight Edge to CM401
Both machines are capable of producing quality coffee, but the CM401 earns a small advantage for users who frequently make specialty-style coffee drinks at home.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are designed with easy maintenance in mind. Removable components such as the water reservoir and filter basket can be cleaned separately, making routine upkeep relatively simple.
A key advantage of the CM401 is its dedicated cleaning cycle. This feature helps guide the descaling and cleaning process, which can be useful for users who want a more convenient way to maintain their coffee maker over time.
For day-to-day cleaning, the overall experience is similar between the two models. Regular rinsing of removable parts and periodic descaling will be necessary regardless of which machine you choose.
Winner: Ninja CM401
While both coffee makers are easy to maintain, the CM401 earns a slight advantage thanks to its dedicated cleaning function, which adds extra convenience for long-term maintenance.
Price and Value
Pricing for the Ninja CM371 and CM401 can vary depending on promotions, retailers, and availability, so it’s important to compare current prices before making a purchase.
From a value perspective, both coffee makers offer a similar core brewing experience. They support multiple brew styles, hot and iced coffee preparation, and a range of serving sizes that make them suitable for most households.
The CM371 may appeal to buyers who prioritize a larger carafe and additional serving-size flexibility. The CM401, on the other hand, offers extra convenience features that may provide better value for users who frequently make specialty-style drinks or want a more feature-rich brewing experience.
Winner: Depends on Your Needs
Choose the CM371 if a larger carafe and greater serving-size flexibility are your priorities. Choose the CM401 if you value additional brewing features and specialty-style drink options. Since prices often fluctuate, the better value will depend on which model offers the features you need at the better current price.
Who Should Skip These Coffee Makers?
While the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are versatile coffee makers, they are not the right choice for everyone. Depending on your coffee habits, another type of machine may be a better fit.
Skip These Models If You Only Brew One Cup Occasionally
Both the CM371 and CM401 are designed to handle a variety of serving sizes, including full carafes. If you only make one cup of coffee every few days, many of their features may go unused. A compact single-serve coffee maker could be a more practical and space-saving option.
Skip These Models If You Have Very Limited Counter Space
Although neither machine is excessively large, they still require a noticeable amount of countertop space. Buyers with small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, or crowded countertops may prefer a smaller coffee maker that takes up less room.
Skip These Models If You Want True Espresso
The Specialty Brew setting on both machines creates a stronger coffee concentrate that can be used in drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. However, these are not espresso machines and do not generate the high pressure required for authentic espresso. If espresso is your main priority, an espresso machine will be a better choice.
Skip These Models If You Prefer Coffee Pods
The CM371 and CM401 use ground coffee rather than single-serve pods. If convenience and quick cleanup are more important to you than brewing flexibility, a pod-based coffee maker may better match your needs.
Skip These Models If You Rarely Drink Iced Coffee
One of the key selling points of both models is their ability to brew iced coffee and cold brew-style beverages. If you only drink traditional hot coffee, you may find that many of the extra brewing options are unnecessary. A simpler drip coffee maker could provide similar results at a lower cost.
Skip These Models If You Want the Simplest Possible Brewing Experience
Both machines offer multiple brew styles, serving sizes, and customization options. While the controls are easy to use, some users may prefer a coffee maker with only a few buttons and fewer settings. If simplicity is your top priority, a basic drip coffee maker may be easier to live with.
Bottom Line
The Ninja CM371 and CM401 are best suited for people who enjoy experimenting with different coffee styles, brewing hot and iced coffee, and having flexibility in serving sizes. However, if you mainly want single-serve convenience, true espresso, or an ultra-compact coffee maker, you may be happier with a different type of machine.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja CM371 and CM401 share many of the same core strengths, including multiple brew styles, hot and iced coffee brewing, and the ability to make coffee concentrates for specialty-style drinks. For many households, either model will provide a similar day-to-day coffee experience.
The CM371 stands out with its larger carafe capacity and wider range of serving sizes, making it a practical choice for larger households or users who frequently brew different quantities of coffee throughout the day.
The CM401 gains an advantage through its additional convenience features and specialty-focused design. It may be a better fit for users who regularly make milk-based coffee drinks and want more brewing flexibility.
Choose the Ninja CM371 if:
- You want the larger carafe.
- You value additional serving-size options.
- You prefer a simpler brewing experience.
Choose the Ninja CM401 if:
- You frequently make specialty-style coffee drinks.
- You want additional convenience features.
- You prefer more brewing customization.
Overall Recommendation
For most buyers, the differences are not dramatic. The better choice depends on which features matter most to your daily coffee routine. If serving-size flexibility is your priority, the CM371 has the edge. If specialty-style drinks and additional convenience features are more important, the CM401 is the stronger option.
