Flavored ground coffee blends gum up the innards of sophisticated, expensive grind/brew/pour espresso and coffee machines. I have a Nespresso machine for wonderful espresso and lungo pours and I have a De'Longhi that grinds and then gives me all kinds of pour choices. But this Fall I wanted pumpkin spice, and some Barnie's blends and an interesting Mexican chocolate flavored coffee that I found. So I went looking online for a machine--not too expensive, but not too cheap either--that would provide me with the means to make a consistently hot, very rich, cup of flavored coffee with cream, worthy of drinking.
I found this machine and I already love it. And it sits nestled between my Nespresso and De'Longhi machines on my coffee bar. In fact--and maybe because it is a novelty for me to be able to have wonderful flavored coffees at my fingertips--I have been using it more often than my other two, more expensive machines. But beware, or be aware: The price you pay for more flavorful coffee, will not be the one-time cost of this machine. It will be the fact that you will go through a bag of ground coffee way quicker than you ever imagined. I accept that. Because this machine makes the best cup of flavored ground coffee that I've ever had.
This machine covers all the bases: Using the included filter in the brew basket, and with an ample water reservoir (56oz) at its back, it brews whatever ground coffee your heart desires, whatever grind, however much grounds you add to the filter, and however much water you press the button for. It has three lighted buttons for choosing a milder (Classic) or stronger (Rich) or even iced coffee. It makes for almost overwhelming opportunities to get the exact coffee you are looking for.
And, hey, if those choices do overwhelm you, you can use the pod adapter in the brew basket and insert any kind of K-cup (not paper though), and just choose the amount of water for a single-serve. (But I don't use K-cup very often, so my review will not be addressing that feature.) And, the machine senses whether you have the filter or pod adapter in the brew basket and proceeds accordingly.
I also have not tried the iced coffee feature. But from witnessing all the different ways this machine can provide you with the perfect strength coffee, I'm positive the iced coffee feature works well. Just use a vessel that can tolerate both hot and cold and fill it with ice, hit the proper button and let the hot coffee trickle into it.
From reading reviews and the manuals that come with this machine, I assume that this is a relatively new product for Ninja. The manuals talk of a 4 ounce pour and a frother arm--both of these features are not included on this machine. And that is not an issue for me, the person who already has both of those features on other machines, but it might make a difference to you. So, to be clear this machine does not create froth (from your own heated milk in your own cup, which will be available on another model), nor does it give you the opportunity to make a 4 ounce pour.
I am plenty okay with the 7 choices (of 6 ounces to 24 ounces) of water volumes. As this is a single pour machine, (then clean the grounds out of the filter basket), I will use my own quality carafe if I want to make enough coffee for a few morning cups or if I am entertaining a guest or two. But, and this is a possible fault: 24 ounces only stretches to three 8 ounce cups of coffee or 4 six ounce cups of coffee with cream, for instance.
And, I'm adding this to my original review: I'd like to find a thermal carafe that fits under the spout of this machine. One that has a pour spout and a lid and no handle. Because I've been using a double-walled stainless steel travel mug and of course those do not have pour spouts--so it's a very messy pour from travel mug to coffee cup. The carafe without its lid would need to be no more than 8" tall and hold at least 26-28 ounces to the rim. I find several on Amazon, but none show the height without the lid. Nor is it obvious if the handle is part of the lid, because I'm thinking a handle would not allow the carafe to fit close enough to the machine's dispenser.
What else I've experienced so far:
--This machine makes coffee that is plenty hot, so hot that I can only take a tentative sip at first (and that is with cream included.)
--It takes longer to brew than a Nespresso machine. It takes less time to brew than a drip machine. And the more water you use, the longer the brewing time. The reason: This machine allows the hot water to sit and stew in the grounds to provide a stronger, richer, flavor. Some quicker machines use pressure to build flavor and richness. But then machines built on the use of pressure do not allow ingredients other than coffee beans, so no flavored coffee grounds.
--Brewing is done in stages that appear as lighted bars on top of the machine. It is nice to be able to see the progress.
--The cup tray raises and lowers easily to accommodate different size vessels. The coffee does pour rather close to the machine. And the spout does not push in or out. It is a bit restrictive if you use certain uniquely-shaped vessels.
--The pod adapter and filter both fit in a storage bin on one side of the machine.
--The included spoon hangs from a hook on the other side of the machine.
--Speaking of spoons and spoonfuls: You may be surprised how quickly you go through a bag of coffee.....
--You will need to make decisions about how much grounds and how much water and what size vessel. You will need to know the volumes of your different cups. Or, if that is something you don't want to do, use the K-cup feature and you'll only need to decide on the water amount and the cup size.
--Cleaning is relatively easy, just the brew basket and filter or pod adapter.
--Descaling is easy too: 16 ounces of white vinegar or a descale solution and water and a 2 quart vessel and push a button. It takes 75 uninterrupted minutes.
Ninja PB041ST Pods & Grounds Single-Serve Coffee Maker, K-Cup Pod Compatible, Brews Grounds, Compact Design, 56-oz. Reservoir
4.3 | 3,464 ratings
Price: 79.99
Last update: 09-10-2024
About this item
BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small footprint.
3 BREW STYLES: Select Classic, Rich, or Over Ice for your grounds or coffee pods.
ULTIMATE BREW VERSATILITY: Brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz. pod brew or choose from a 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or 24-oz. grounds brew. Brew more drink options vs. a leading single-serve coffee maker.
COMPACT DESIGN AND STORAGE: Sleek, compact design takes up little countertop space, with a storage drawer for the brew basket or permanent filter when not in use.
ICED COFFEE: Brew fresh coffee over ice for a flavorful cup or travel mug that is never diluted.
REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Features a removable 56-oz. water reservoir for easy refilling.
THERMAL FLAVOR EXTRACTION DUO: Delivers perfect flavor for grounds and pods with even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee.
ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Machine accommodates up to a 24-oz. travel mug so you can take your coffee on the go.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, permanent filter.
3 BREW STYLES: Select Classic, Rich, or Over Ice for your grounds or coffee pods.
ULTIMATE BREW VERSATILITY: Brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz. pod brew or choose from a 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or 24-oz. grounds brew. Brew more drink options vs. a leading single-serve coffee maker.
COMPACT DESIGN AND STORAGE: Sleek, compact design takes up little countertop space, with a storage drawer for the brew basket or permanent filter when not in use.
ICED COFFEE: Brew fresh coffee over ice for a flavorful cup or travel mug that is never diluted.
REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Features a removable 56-oz. water reservoir for easy refilling.
THERMAL FLAVOR EXTRACTION DUO: Delivers perfect flavor for grounds and pods with even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee.
ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Machine accommodates up to a 24-oz. travel mug so you can take your coffee on the go.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, permanent filter.
Product information
| Brand | Ninja |
|---|---|
| Color | Stone |
| Product Dimensions | 13.07"D x 5.31"W x 13.31"H |
| Special Feature | Dishwasher safe parts |
| Coffee Maker Type | Drip Coffee Machine |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | Modern |
| Specific Uses For Product | Coffee maker |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Brewing coffee and creating coffeehouse-style drinks |
| Exterior Finish | Stone-like finish |
| Included Components | Coffee maker, Ninja Scoop, Removable brew basket, Permanent filter, Ninja pod adapter |
| Operation Mode | Fully Automatic |
| Model Name | Ninja PB041ST |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Package Type | Flat Free Package (FFP) |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| UPC | 622356617581 |
| Item Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| ASIN | B0C29LZNLD |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | PB041ST |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
3,086 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,044 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #5 in Single-Serve Brewers |
| Date First Available | September 6, 2023 |
Top reviews from the United States
I Do The Speed Limit
Just what I needed for excellent flavored ground coffee
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
Tati
Absolutely nothing to complain about. Love from the first site
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
Tati
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
I've made teas, coffees, cappuccinos, I've used cups and grounds. I prefer grounds in general.
The temperature of the drink is hot. Taste is awesome.
There are 4 types of drinks you can brew. You can make classic(1) or rich(2) (the machine will stop a few times for a few moments and start brewing again during the cycle making coffee taste stronger/richer), over the ice(3) or specialty(4), which brews 4 oz and its really strong like expresso. I brew specialty when I'm making cappuccino. It brews very fast too.
I love the frother. It works amazing. You don't get splashes because it has cover over it. I love that its always there and I can pop it out any moment when I need it. It's very easy to clean too. Quarter of twist detaches the frother and I can wash it quickly and pop it right back in with the same quarter of the twist.
I absolutely love the fact that this is not overly complicated machine. It has basic functions that I wanted that all work really well.
The machine is narrow and doesn't take much space on the counter which I really appreciate.
It is a little taller than I thought it would be, but I guess my top kitchen cabinets is high enough that I don't have to move the machine and can open and close the lid with no problems.
The heigh of the machine allows to fill the water tank with almost 48 oz of water. Water tank is easily removable.
The height of the machine also allows for different types of cups. I can put a pretty tall thermos cup and brew straight into it. The most amount you can brew at once is 24 oz.
The machine recognizes which attachment you have inside, for cups or grounds. Attachments are also marked on the outside on their little handles that stick on the outside of the machine when they stored away.
It's so neat and cute. It's made with love.
I'm soooo enjoying it and absolutely loving it. I'm planning to buy it as a gift to my loved ones, that's how much I love it.
The permanent filter is easy to clean. It makes an amazing tea too, not just coffees. Loose leaf or a bag, everything comes out amazing and hot.
The lid over the filter has a hole where the water flows through and has multiple holes on the bottom of the lid, just like shower head, which allows hot water to go evenly through the coffee grounds or tea leaves. Love that.
I was looking for a single cup machine, so mostly I brew 1 or 2 cups only. I never had a problems with overflowing or getting grounds in the coffee. I think people get those problems because they simply put too much coffee grounds which causes it to overflow and get grounds into coffee.
The included permanent filter is not huge, so if you need to brew strong coffee for a large amount of people at once, this is probably not the best choice. But if you brew 1 or 2 cups, this is perfect. Otherwise you could also brew a few times. I don't see any problem with that because it brews amazingly fast.
I do not have any dripping problems either. I brew until the brewing cycle is complete, there is blinking light indicator on top of the lid. When brewing cycle is finished machine makes the light stops blinking and machine makes 3 beeps. Not loud, but I'm able to hear them with working TV, washer and dishwasher. If you remove the cup after those 3 beeps and wipe (i usually just touch it with edge of my cup) the last drop on the spout it doesn't drip. Ever. But even if it was to drip a couple drops, there is a nice really easy to clean dripping tray, that you can place on 4 different heights or remove completely.
I think this machine is worth every penny. I can't tell you enough how much I love this thing. I'm so glad I chose to buy it. I didn't even expect it would be so great.
Not big or bulky, well thought out, looks very very nice, has all nessesary functions that each works amazing. It doen't look cheap at all. It's very pleasing to the eye and stylish.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants versatility, simplicity and style.
I feel like I didn't say enough, didn't give it enough credit for what it is lol.
Whoever was designing this thing is for sure a big people lover. I wanna give them a hug hahaha.
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