Ninja CM371 vs Ninja CM401 Hot and Iced Coffee Makers
Choosing between two coffee makers can be challenging, especially when both models come from a brand known for quality and innovation like Ninja. The Ninja CM371 and Ninja CM401 Hot & Iced Coffee Makers are popular choices for coffee enthusiasts. Both offer the ability to brew hot and iced coffee, but they have some differences that might make one a better fit for your needs than the other. Let’s take a closer look at these two machines to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
After comparing both models’ design and build quality, I honestly say, “the Ninja CM371 and CM401 both have their own unique features”. The Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker is designed with a sleek, modern look. It has a compact footprint, which makes it easy to find a spot for it on most kitchen countertops. Measuring 12.32 inches in depth, 9.13 inches in width, and 15.08 inches in height, it’s not going to take up too much space. The machine is built with high-quality materials, so you can expect it to last for a long time. Its control panel is straightforward, with easy-to-read buttons that make operating the coffee maker a breeze.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401, on the other hand, also boasts a stylish design. At first glance, it might look very similar to the CM371, but there are some key differences. The dimensions of the CM401 are 8.75 inches in depth, 11.99 inches in width, and 15.04 inches in height. While it might seem like there’s not much difference in size, these slight variations can make a difference depending on your counter space. Just like the CM371, the CM401 is made from durable materials, ensuring it can handle daily use without any issues.
One of the standout features of the CM401 is its control panel. It’s more advanced than the CM371, offering more options for customizing your brew. This is a big plus if you like to experiment with different types of coffee or adjust your brew strength. The CM401’s user-friendly design focuses on providing more versatility without complicating the brewing process.
Brewing Options
Both the Ninja CM371 and CM401 offer a range of brewing options that cater to different coffee preferences, but the CM401 takes things a step further, adding a bit more versatility to your daily coffee routine.
I try to start with the Ninja CM371, this model gives you four distinct brew styles to choose from. You can select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty Brew, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Each brew style is tailored to bring out different flavors and strengths in your coffee. The Classic brew is perfect for those who prefer a balanced, traditional cup of coffee, with a smooth flavor that’s great for everyday drinking. If you like your coffee a bit stronger and bolder, the Rich brew style is for you. It enhances the coffee’s flavor, making it more intense and full-bodied.
The CM371 also includes an Over Ice option, which is ideal if you enjoy cold coffee. This setting brews coffee that’s strong enough to maintain its flavor even when poured over ice, so you won’t end up with a watered-down drink. Additionally, the CM371 offers a Cold Brew setting, allowing you to make smooth, fresh cold brew coffee in as little as 10 minutes. This is a great feature for those who appreciate the smooth, less acidic taste of cold brew but don’t want to wait for hours to enjoy it.
The Specialty Brew mode on the CM371 is another highlight. This setting allows you to brew a super-rich coffee concentrate, perfect for creating a variety of coffeehouse-style drinks at home. Whether you’re craving a latte, macchiato, or cappuccino, this mode makes it easy to whip up these delicious drinks without needing any extra equipment.
Now, moving on to the Ninja CM401, you’ll find that it offers the same great brewing options as the CM371, but with a few added touches that enhance your coffee-making experience. Like the CM371, the CM401 gives you the Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Cold Brew, and Specialty Brew settings. This means you can enjoy the same range of coffee flavors and strengths, tailored to your taste.
However, the Specialty Brew mode on the CM401 really stands out. Just like the CM371, this mode allows you to create a concentrated coffee that’s perfect for making lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks. The difference is that the CM401 is designed with even more attention to detail in its Specialty Brew mode, making it easier and more efficient to create these coffeehouse-style beverages at home.
Carafe and Serving Sizes
When it comes to carafe and serving sizes, the Ninja CM371 and CM401 both offer a range of options that cater to different needs, making them highly accommodating for various coffee preferences.
The Ninja CM371 comes equipped with a 12-cup glass carafe, making it ideal for those who need to brew larger quantities of coffee, whether for a family gathering or to have a pot ready for the entire day.
The CM371 doesn’t just stop at a full carafe, though. It offers eight different brew sizes, allowing you to customize the amount of coffee you brew to suit any situation. These sizes range from a small cup, which is perfect for a quick morning pick-me-up, to an XL cup if you need a bit more to get your day started. If you’re on the move, the travel size and XL travel size options are especially convenient.
Additionally, the CM371 provides the flexibility to brew a quarter, half, or full carafe, which is great for adjusting the quantity based on how many people you’re serving.
On the other hand, the Ninja CM401 also offers a glass carafe, but with a slightly smaller capacity, holding up to 10 cups of coffee. While it doesn’t match the CM371 in terms of carafe size, it still offers a good range of serving options, particularly for those who might not need to brew as much coffee at once. The CM401 provides six different brew sizes, which cover most needs effectively. These sizes include a regular cup, XL cup, travel mug, and multi-serve travel mug, allowing you to make just the right amount whether you’re brewing for yourself or preparing coffee to take with you. Like the CM371, the CM401 also lets you brew a half or full carafe, offering enough flexibility for small to medium-sized gatherings.
Both the CM371 and CM401 include a fold-away frother, which is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy specialty coffee drinks. This frother allows you to make creamy lattes, frothy cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style beverages at home. It conveniently folds away when not in use, keeping your kitchen counter neat and your coffee maker compact.
Ease of Use
The Ninja CM371 is built for simplicity. It features a straightforward control panel that’s incredibly easy to use. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a coffee maker that does its job without adding unnecessary complexity.
On the other hand, the Ninja CM401 offers more advanced features but still maintains user-friendliness. At first glance, the extra options might seem a bit much. However, the control panel is designed to be intuitive, so you won’t feel lost. Plus, the Ninja 401 comes with a comprehensive instruction manual. This guide is detailed, helping you understand how to use every feature effectively. Even with all its additional capabilities, the CM401 ensures that you can brew your perfect cup of coffee without any hassle.
Performance and Coffee Quality
Both machines deliver excellent results that will satisfy most coffee enthusiasts. The Ninja CM371 is known for producing a rich, full-bodied coffee that many users rave about. It’s a reliable machine that consistently delivers the same great taste with every brew. Whether you’re brewing your first cup of the day or your third, you can count on the CM371 to give you a satisfying and flavorful coffee experience each time.
The Ninja CM401, however, takes things a step further by offering more versatility in its brewing options. While it also produces a rich and robust coffee like the CM371, the CM401 is designed to cater to a broader range of taste preferences. If you enjoy experimenting with different coffee strengths, this model allows you to do just that. It offers multiple brew styles, so whether you prefer your coffee strong and bold or mild and smooth, the CM401 has you covered.
One of the standout features of the Ninja CM401 is its Specialty mode, which allows you to create café-style drinks right in your kitchen. This feature is a significant advantage for those who love indulging in lattes, cappuccinos, or other specialty beverages but don’t want to invest in a separate espresso machine. With the CM401, you can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks without leaving the comfort of your home, making it a great choice for coffee lovers who appreciate versatility in their brewing options.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In my experience, keeping your coffee maker clean and well-maintained is crucial. It not only helps the machine last longer but also ensures your coffee tastes great every time. Fortunately, both the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are designed to make maintenance easy and less time-consuming.
One of the key features of these models is the inclusion of removable parts. The water reservoir and filter basket can be easily detached and are dishwasher-safe. This means you can place them in your dishwasher, press start, and let it handle the cleaning. There’s no need for scrubbing or hand-washing, which saves you time and effort. This feature reduces the hassle of regular cleaning and ensures that these critical components are always spotless, which contributes to better-tasting coffee.
Where the Ninja CM401 stands out is with its built-in cleaning function. This feature is incredibly useful for maintaining the machine’s internal components. With just the push of a button, the CM401 automatically cleans its internal parts, including the brewing system, without needing to disassemble anything. This ensures that any residue or buildup that could affect the flavor of your coffee is removed efficiently. The automated cleaning process not only saves you time but also ensures that your coffee maker remains in top working condition with minimal effort.
This feature is particularly beneficial for those who want to minimize maintenance tasks and avoid the tedious job of manually cleaning the inner workings of their coffee maker. Over time, the built-in cleaning function can significantly extend the lifespan of your machine by preventing the buildup of coffee oils and mineral deposits that can lead to malfunctions.
If reducing maintenance time and keeping your coffee maker in optimal condition is important to you, the Ninja CM401 might be the better choice. Its self-cleaning function provides an extra layer of convenience that the CM371 does not offer. While both models are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, the CM401’s additional feature gives it a slight edge in hassle-free upkeep.
Price and Value
When it comes to picking a coffee maker, price is a big deal. You want to make sure you’re getting good value for your money. The Ninja CM371, while generally pricier than the CM401, gives you a lot for what you pay. It’s a dependable machine that consistently brews great coffee. If you’re after a straightforward coffee maker that can also whip up iced coffee, the CM371 is a solid choice. Its higher price is worth it because it delivers rich, full-bodied coffee and offers the flexibility to brew both hot and iced beverages.
Now, the Ninja CM401 is easier on the wallet but still packs a punch when it comes to features. Even though it’s more affordable, it doesn’t cut corners on what it offers. This model is ideal for those who love to mix things up with different coffee drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a regular cup of joe, a strong brew, or a fancy café-style drink, the CM401 has got you covered. Its multiple brewing options let you customize your coffee to your liking, making it a great pick for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy variety.
If you’re someone who likes to experiment with different coffee styles and want a machine that can keep up with your evolving tastes, investing a bit more in the CM401 might be worth it. It’s a coffee maker that grows with you, giving you more options and features as you dive deeper into the world of coffee.
Final Thoughts
So, which one should you choose? The Ninja CM371 is a great option if you want a reliable, easy-to-use coffee maker that can brew both hot and iced coffee. It’s perfect for someone who values simplicity and consistency.
The Ninja CM401, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re looking for more options and the ability to create specialty drinks at home. Its additional features make it a more versatile choice, and it’s worth considering if you’re willing to spend a bit more for those extra capabilities.
In the end, both the Ninja CM371 and CM401 are excellent coffee makers that deliver great results. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and how much flexibility you want in your daily coffee routine.
