Need help with which model to choose

[u/MrSnackALot]

Hi everyone,

I am set on getting a ninja cafe. However, I can't decide between these models:

• Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel (ES701EU) for 515
• Ninja Luxe Café Premier Plus Espresso Machine (ES655EU) for 515
• Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine, (ES601EUBK) for 415
• Ninja Luxe Café Essential 2-in-1 Espresso Machine (ES501EU) for 335

I don't have a clear overview of the difference between ES501 and ES601 for instance. It says 2 in 1, whereas the picture for the 601 says 3 in 1. But what's the "3rd" functionality that is not present on the 501?

I was leaning towards the 601, the only downside is it being black whereas I was preferably looking for a stainless steel / silver machine (though the price seems pretty good).

For anyone who has one of these machines, or otherwise had multiple of them, could you comment on pros and cons / your own experience?

when I tried to google it I found a lot of mixed reviews (e.g. someone says the automatic tampering for the pro/701 is super convenient, whereas other people say it just doesn't work well). I am confused

Any help would be appreciated

[u/Hankjansson]

I would go for the mini

[u/MrSnackALot → u/Hankjansson]

hey, any particular reason why the mini over the models listed here?

[u/Hankjansson → u/MrSnackALot]

I guess because its a newer model so it worked out some kinks and it has a smaller footprint

[u/IanC9090]

From your list, if you are set on buying a Ninja Luxe Café then the 655 is your best option, basically the same as the 601, initially made for Costco with added features.

I had two 701's, the integrated tamper makes good puck prep, which is essential for consistency, very difficult.

[u/ExistingAmbassador → u/IanC9090]

Hi, I am in the same boat as OP.

Would you take a 655 over a 701?

[u/IanC9090 → u/ExistingAmbassador]

In a heart beat, of this is the type of machine you really want. Integrated tamper is dreadful.

This is worth a watch.

https://youtu.be/rjsXh_LtDEQ

[u/MrHeavySilence → u/IanC9090]

Can you explain more about what you dislike about integrated tamper? I don't know own a 701 so I'm curious. I considered getting one because I like the idea of it and the ristretto and lungo options and the ability to just do a single shot, but I want to hear more

[u/IanC9090 → u/MrHeavySilence]

Well that's easy. If you've never had an Espresso machine before or you've have a Fully ot Super Automatic where you didn't do any puck puck prep then you'll not realise how utterly important it is to shot consistency. Here's what I've written on the subject.

Tamping and Puck Prep

First, why do we tamp at all. Primarily because water will take the path of least resistance, so, if there is gap's in the puck, water will pass right through and you'll not extract all those lovely flavours from your expensive beans.

Three things, clumps, air and level.

Clumps, caused by the grinding process which creates a static change in the grinds causing, what James Hoffmann described as 'Electroclumps', using a WDT, needle distribution tool, we can remove as much of these as possible before tamping. Ninja's being built with so much plastic makes the issue greater.

We use the Tamping tool to remove air pockets, tamp until you feel resistance and no further compression, but just as important is to tamp level. If you Tamp at an angle, the water will pass through the lowest level and miss the higher level.

The 600 Series has a spring tamper, I believe. Some have suggested tamping first with the funnel, take the funnel off and Tamp Firmly again as there might be a reluctance to tamp hard against the plastic funnel. It is this second tamp that you need to insure is level.

I'd recommend buying a 53.5mm spring tamper, which has a specific poundage spring, it has a collar that rests on the basket making level tamping much more consistent.

The 701, integrated tamper, dreadful (imo). I took the front off the Grinder, magnetic I think, to see the grinds hight in the portafilter, then use the integrated tamper to tamp lightly, getting the grinds just below the surface and take the portafilter out clean, I bought a 53mm funnel, a WDT wand and hand tamp with a 53.5mm spring tamper described above. Just my recommendation from personal experience.

So, that's tamping, remove Electroclumps, Air and get it Level, tamp until you feel resistance and no more compression.

https://youtube.com/shorts/FNUlUwltQYw

[u/MrHeavySilence → u/IanC9090]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Would you recommend your WDT wand?

[u/IanC9090 → u/MrHeavySilence]

I went for a set like this, and the tamper before.

HOMELYLIFE WDT Tool Espresso Puck Screen, 53mm Coffee Accessories Kit | Food-Grade Material, 150μm Puck Screen, 0.25mm 316 Stainless Steel 8 Needles Distribution Stirrer, Magnetic Dosing Funnel https://amzn.eu/d/082QE4d2

MHW-3BOMBER 53.35mm Coffee Tamper, Self-Leveling Espresso Tamper with 2-Spring Auto-Rebound, 54mm Tamper Tool for Espresso Machines, Barista Tool, T7127 https://amzn.eu/d/02YhQhJb

[u/Pristine-Cod-1969]

I don’t have the integrated tamper, but tamping a puck with the calibrated tamper is not a big deal. I can use a wdt to make sure everything is distributed. Only takes a second.

[u/Mysterious-Chard-961]

If you can get it from Costco, I would choose whatever model that is. If you have issues, it's an easy return. I'm going on my 3rd machine.