Modern coffee tastes have moved way beyond a simple cup of drip. Consumers want stiff shots of espresso, creamy lattes, and refreshing iced drinks. Kitchen appliance maker SharkNinja, formerly Euro-Pro, believes its new $200 Ninja Coffee Bar (CF092) can satisfy many of these cravings right on your countertop.
The Coffee Bar is a multi-functional machine that offers a variety of brewing styles for different container sizes and even includes a built-in milk frother. It also boasts Auto IQ One Touch Intelligence that claims to automatically detect the type and size of your cup or travel mug. It promises to automatically calibrate a precise temperature, pre-infusion and coffee saturation to deliver superior taste.
Below the reservoir are buttons that engage the various brewing programs, which include Classic Brew, Rich Brew, Over Ice Brew, and Specialty, each designed to create a specific level of strength, from the weakest to the strongest. The system is also smart enough to sense whether you’re using a small travel mug or a large carafe and to adjust the amount of grounds used accordingly.
Unfortunately, all the extra features on the Ninja Coffee Bar can’t overcome its poor brewing performance. As other experts point out, the machine consistently reaches temperatures well above 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot to brew decent coffee.
The Coffee Bar is also a bit taller than other popular models like the Nespresso Vertuoline, which means it may be difficult to fit underneath your cabinetry. And its many accessories will require some counter space as well.
