I should start this off by sharing something important: I’ve never owned a coffee maker before. I know, that probably sounds shocking (if not a little weird) coming from a shopping editor at The Kitchn, but let me explain. I’m actually not a coffee drinker — well, not a consistent one. I’ll have a cup of coffee maybe three times a year (love the taste, hate what it does to me), but on a day-to-day basis, I’m a tea girl all the way.
That being said, I’m still someone who loves to entertain, so I’ve always kept a French press and coffee on hand for guests. However, this has led to more clutter than I’m happy with in my studio kitchen. This left me on the hunt for the Golidlocks of coffee makers. The answer? Ninja’s Hot & Cold Brew System, an all-in-one device that makes coffee, tea, and every cafe drink in between.
Design Features That Stand Out
When I first came across this coffee machine, there was one feature that stood out first: its ability to make both coffee and tea. This machine is able to do so thanks to its two separate brewing baskets, one designed especially for coffee and the other for tea (both of the bagged and loose-leaf varieties). Not only can it do that, but it also has a specialty function so you can make all of your favorite coffeehouse specials, be it a latte, cappuccino, or regular drip coffee. And to top it off, you don’t have to choose between a hot or cold drink either as this machine can make a hot pot of coffee or a drink over ice.
When I first received this coffee maker, I was beyond excited to put it to the test. The first thing I want to call out about this machine is its compact size. My mother has a different Ninja coffee system that is quite large, so I was nervous about how big this one was going to be. However, I was beyond pleased — and honestly surprised — to find it takes up no more room than a blender (think Vitamix-size) would. As for its performance, it truly lives up to the hype. There are a lot of options to choose from, and it does all of them with ease. An iced-matcha? No problem. A cozy cappuccino? You got it! A delectable pot of joe (or tea!) the whole room will enjoy? Coming up. Oh, and I should also mention that the double-walled carafe also keeps your coffee hot for over two hours (it was still warm after three for me!)
While this machine makes specialty drinks, it’s important to note that it doesn’t make espresso. The base for the machine’s specialty drinks is a shot of concentrated coffee (it is a drip brewer after all) so coffee purists should keep this in mind.
Should You Buy the Ninja Hot & Cold Brew System?
All in all, the Ninja Hot & Cold Brew System is a phenomenal find, but I would specifically recommend it if you’re looking for something that:
Where to Buy the Ninja Hot & Cold Brew System
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