For anyone who has been trying to get hold of this, it's now available to pre-order again (for now) on Amazon UK: amzn.to/4h4C22z Also Amazon.de: Amazon.de: amzn.to/4gVR9LD The 501 "Essensials" version now available to order on Amazon.de: amzn.to/4h4oWSQ USA/Canada: amzn.to/482TlN0 Affiliate links above, if you order using my links I'll be rich I tell ya, rich beyond my wildest dreams! Well, maybe not, but you'll be supporting the channel so thanks! 🙂
The tip on purging the steam wand into the frother instead of the tray is actually genius! Saves from emptying the tray every other day! Thanks that's a great tip! 👍🏾
Kev, that was both the goofiest and most entertaining video you’ve ever done. Thank you. I would love to more “how to get the best out of this {specific} machine,” type videos. I can’t recall EVER seeing a video like this from anyone else. More, please!! PS: your self-sponsored ads are so great I want to try a bag of Chocolate Brownie! I’m mostly a light roast, single origin guy, but I do love a good, chocolatey medium for espresso and milkies. If I ever visit the UK again, I will definitely seek it out! Cheers from Canada!
Great video for a first time home barista! My machine arrived yesterday. I have lots to learn. Your Chocolate Brownie beans are on their way to me, so I am looking forward to more experimenting next week.
Yepp. I will go for this machine. I have never been one for cold or iced, but I have a feeling next summer I will have a break through. This machine is just my cup of tea. 😂 No problem keeping my wand clean.
I am close to pulling the trigger on one of these, or maybe the ES701UK. I do have a couple of conerns: Regarding the grind size, There does not seem to be a lot of latitude if you are already on 3 (presumably with properly rested espresso beans). What happens as beans age and you need to grind finer... What is the descaling like and ... can you recommend a good bottled water for those of us in a very hard water area? Finally this was a great video - a good balance of levity and content. BTW I like the interplay with you and your colleagues but I do struggle to hear the off camera dialogue. Any chance of you mic'ing them too? Or putting subtitles on for those of us with knackered earholes?
Yeah I know what you mean re the grind size, I do usually end up around grin size 3-6 with most of the beans I use, and yeah if you do end up needing to grind finer than it will grind, which could happen over time as the burrs wear (Sage machines have the internal adjustment specifically for this) then I think it's tough luck ;-), or maybe replacing the burrs. Descaling just like most machines really, easy enough but I'd recommend using filtered water and reducing the amount of descaling you need to do, or - not doing it at all if you're using soft water. I know a lot of people say you should descale even when using soft water, I've never descaled machines, I'm lucky enough to be in a soft water area, I've never struggled with limescale. Some will also say that soft water produces the worst tasting espresso, and therefore you're better off focusing on espresso taste rather than limescale, and just descale your machine. Whether most people have a sensitive enough palate to be able to tell the difference between an espresso made with soft water vs one with a higher mineral content, is another matter ;-), I don't think I do. Bottled water, volvic & Ashbeck are the soft bottled waters that spring to mind, it's just a case of checking the mineral levels, in particular calcium & magnesium. Re the audio, thanks, yeah we've discussed this, in future we'll make sure everyone has a mic so all the dialogue can be properly heard, I also have knackered ear holes (drummer). Cheers :-), Kev.
I have had this uk version since launch here and have used fresh beans and supermarket beans, so far aging over a few days has not changed the grind by much and the finest i have gone is 2 with week old opened beans. The burrs will be available to purchase separately if they do need changing. Descaling wise, ninja allow white vinegar descaling and it doesnt void the warranty as long as you use their recipe guide in the instructions.
Hi Kev, I have this machine also got it on release day and have enjoyed using it thoroughly! I did notice when changing the grind size down it purges and you end up with grounds of varying sizes at the bottom of your portafilter, that will effect your first pull unless you toss them out 👍
Yeah the little pulse purges are just to stop bits potentially jamming the burrs, so yeah you're best ditching them, but if you make a bigger grind adjustment, for example from filter to espresso, I'd recommend pressing and holding start grind, to purge the grinder for a few seconds, otherwise you'll still have a mix of particle sizes in the basket even with those pulse purges from the grind adjustment. Cheers, Kev.
Mine is on its way to me today. Can't wait! I've ordered some of your chocolate brownie blend but I've had to nip to Sainsbury's to grab some Union house blend beans...managed to find a pack with Oct 1st roast date so hopefully they'll be ok 🤷🏻♂️
@@Coffee_Kev thanks Kev...we've tried our first coffees. It seems to like grind size 10 with these beans...tastes very nice but don't have much experience beyond Costa to compare it to! Can't wait to try your beans!
Hi kev love the review hoping to get a 701 is there a difference between uk/eu versions ? as some sites suggest only eu version has hot water spout thx😊
Fantastic video, Kev. Love the fusion of humour and education! Our old Delonghi Magnifico ESAM 4200.S (6 years old) is giving up the ghost. It seems to have a leak. Torn between the Ninja (once available), Revelia, and Sage Barista Touch Impress (refurb, as can't justify it at its RRP right now with Christmas coming up). Is the Ninja a significant upgrade over the older Magnifica bean to cup machines for those of us who aren't overly concerned with dialing in? Decisions, decisions!
Bought the ninja 2 weeks ago, loving it but not convinced the recommended grind sizes are right (recommends grind size 1 for the double basket espresso, and grid size 23 for the single basket espresso - the double is providing better espresso). Just ordered some Chocolate Brownie beans from cworks, so will see what the machine makes out of those......
Not sure if I missed it in the video, but is the espresso timed during extraction or is the glass / cup weighed during the extraction too? Pretty sure the portafilter is weighed so just wondering if the extraction is too.
I've had mine for a couple months. I've been enjoying it, but am not happy with Ninja announcing a pro model so soon after this one. I plan to upgrade now, but am thinking about switching to the Breville Touch Impress over the 701.
I'm interested in a comparison of the double vs quad espresso. I usually make a two double flat white on my lapavoni for my workday morning coffee, how would the quad compare? Also, how does a double compare to a split quad?
Also any tips on when you refill the hopper with entirely different type of beans compared to previous?it seems awfully wasteful to go through dialling 3-4 espressos before the barista assist learns? I thought of starting at grind size of 5 for most new beans anyway rather than the 19-12-7-5 or so that it recommends. What's your opinion on that?
Just wanted to know about setting the water filter up. Didn’t see that in the US version or any other review. I have my Uk version on the way, should i buy filters?
It comes with the filter holder and one filter. Personally if you're in a hard water area I wouldn't rely on the tank water softner alone, I'd get something like the Brita Maxtra filter and the limescale expert cartridges, and properly filter my water, then do the water hardness strip test with this water and input that into the machine.
I wish the grinder just had a little more torque. In my testing, Light roasts need to be fed a few beans at a time on larger settings for the lux basket, & stall immediately with more traditional grind settings. Volume is also an issue with grind settings & light roasts.
Yeah this isn't a machine I'd recommend for light roasts, to be fair - although most integrated grinder machines will struggle with light roasts, so this isn't specific to the Luxe. Cheers, Kev.
I’ve been struggling to get consistent results. I’m using a 1:2 ratio, and sometimes I end up getting nearly 50g espresso instead of the expected 36g. Any tips?
Can you create a lungo out of this machine? Was eying the 501 but that doesnt even have the hot water feature. Espresso is too strong for me while the Americano is too watery.
I’ve had the machine since its launch and have noticed that I’m needing to empty the full drip tray more and more frequently. Today, I emptied and cleaned it, made two lattes, and it was already overflowing and leaking onto the kitchen top. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'm also using the brownie blend, Amazing. Onto my second bag and set up a subscription.
Thank you for the nice video! I want to splurge and buy a new coffee machine, the Ninja Luxe looks like a lot of features for a reasonable price. But more and more it seems to me that I would never use most of those functions, it's quite confusing, I don't like the portafilter, the grinder probably not too much either - from the beginning close to its limits, a lot of cheap plastic, weird design. And that's not yet the clear quality of the service of this Chinese miracle, which can quickly become electronic waste. I guess I will have to keep looking, I just need a coffee machine with perfect espresso and milk frothing, which will be reliable and with a guaranteed lifespan.
This is 601UK, "premier". The 701 "Pro" hasn't been released yet, and that has a tamp lever, no need for the dosing funnel, ristretto and lungo on the menu, and an extra thick auto froth option. Cheers.
For anyone who has been trying to get hold of this, it's now available to pre-order again (for now) on Amazon UK: amzn.to/4h4C22z
Also Amazon.de: Amazon.de: amzn.to/4gVR9LD
The 501 "Essensials" version now available to order on Amazon.de: amzn.to/4h4oWSQ
USA/Canada: amzn.to/482TlN0
Affiliate links above, if you order using my links I'll be rich I tell ya, rich beyond my wildest dreams! Well, maybe not, but you'll be supporting the channel so thanks! 🙂
What milk jugs do you recommend Kev? Want to try that dispensing method 👍
I haven't got the slightest clue about coffe yet, but this guy is a phenomenal chap. Subscribed!
The tip on purging the steam wand into the frother instead of the tray is actually genius! Saves from emptying the tray every other day! Thanks that's a great tip! 👍🏾
Kev, that was both the goofiest and most entertaining video you’ve ever done. Thank you. I would love to more “how to get the best out of this {specific} machine,” type videos. I can’t recall EVER seeing a video like this from anyone else. More, please!!
PS: your self-sponsored ads are so great I want to try a bag of Chocolate Brownie! I’m mostly a light roast, single origin guy, but I do love a good, chocolatey medium for espresso and milkies. If I ever visit the UK again, I will definitely seek it out! Cheers from Canada!
Haha, thanks, very kind of you 😎. Cheers, Kev.
Really informative video Kev. Another home run.
Just received mine today, absolutey love it so far! Can't wait to try all of the features
Have fun! 😎
@@Coffee_Kev Thanks! Just ordered some beans from your site also, I'm sure they'll be great!
lol the rap song made my day 🤣
Can’t wait to see more of the Ninja. I am seriously in love with mine
Appreciate your video …I have this / American model ! Love it and pick up on little tips you show here !!!
Thanks !!!❤
Great video for a first time home barista! My machine arrived yesterday. I have lots to learn. Your Chocolate Brownie beans are on their way to me, so I am looking forward to more experimenting next week.
Thanks, and thanks for your order 😎 Hope you love them, and have lots of fun with the machine. Cheers, Kev.
Currently drinking a latte made by the Ninja Luxe with your Chocolate Brownie beans, couldn't be happier with it! 😁
Ah, excellent!! 😎😎 Thanks! Kev
Yepp. I will go for this machine. I have never been one for cold or iced, but I have a feeling next summer I will have a break through. This machine is just my cup of tea. 😂 No problem keeping my wand clean.
I haven't either to be honest but it is fun, with the cold froth, in rare hot weather.
@@Coffee_Kev Yes. Especially if your not driving, like you suggest. Cheers
Oh it’s amazing!! I had cold foam only once before but now I am hooked!
@@bowreality1564 Great to hear! This will be a new adventure! Cheers
I am close to pulling the trigger on one of these, or maybe the ES701UK. I do have a couple of conerns:
Regarding the grind size, There does not seem to be a lot of latitude if you are already on 3 (presumably with properly rested espresso beans). What happens as beans age and you need to grind finer...
What is the descaling like and ... can you recommend a good bottled water for those of us in a very hard water area?
Finally this was a great video - a good balance of levity and content. BTW I like the interplay with you and your colleagues but I do struggle to hear the off camera dialogue. Any chance of you mic'ing them too? Or putting subtitles on for those of us with knackered earholes?
Yeah I know what you mean re the grind size, I do usually end up around grin size 3-6 with most of the beans I use, and yeah if you do end up needing to grind finer than it will grind, which could happen over time as the burrs wear (Sage machines have the internal adjustment specifically for this) then I think it's tough luck ;-), or maybe replacing the burrs.
Descaling just like most machines really, easy enough but I'd recommend using filtered water and reducing the amount of descaling you need to do, or - not doing it at all if you're using soft water. I know a lot of people say you should descale even when using soft water, I've never descaled machines, I'm lucky enough to be in a soft water area, I've never struggled with limescale.
Some will also say that soft water produces the worst tasting espresso, and therefore you're better off focusing on espresso taste rather than limescale, and just descale your machine.
Whether most people have a sensitive enough palate to be able to tell the difference between an espresso made with soft water vs one with a higher mineral content, is another matter ;-), I don't think I do.
Bottled water, volvic & Ashbeck are the soft bottled waters that spring to mind, it's just a case of checking the mineral levels, in particular calcium & magnesium.
Re the audio, thanks, yeah we've discussed this, in future we'll make sure everyone has a mic so all the dialogue can be properly heard, I also have knackered ear holes (drummer).
Cheers :-), Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev "Pardon?" Heheh! Guitarist, from the pre IEM, 100w Marshall Stack era.
I have had this uk version since launch here and have used fresh beans and supermarket beans, so far aging over a few days has not changed the grind by much and the finest i have gone is 2 with week old opened beans. The burrs will be available to purchase separately if they do need changing. Descaling wise, ninja allow white vinegar descaling and it doesnt void the warranty as long as you use their recipe guide in the instructions.
Hi Kev, I have this machine also got it on release day and have enjoyed using it thoroughly! I did notice when changing the grind size down it purges and you end up with grounds of varying sizes at the bottom of your portafilter, that will effect your first pull unless you toss them out 👍
Yeah the little pulse purges are just to stop bits potentially jamming the burrs, so yeah you're best ditching them, but if you make a bigger grind adjustment, for example from filter to espresso, I'd recommend pressing and holding start grind, to purge the grinder for a few seconds, otherwise you'll still have a mix of particle sizes in the basket even with those pulse purges from the grind adjustment. Cheers, Kev.
Mine is on its way to me today. Can't wait!
I've ordered some of your chocolate brownie blend but I've had to nip to Sainsbury's to grab some Union house blend beans...managed to find a pack with Oct 1st roast date so hopefully they'll be ok 🤷🏻♂️
Exciting! Thanks for your order 😎. Re your Union house blend, yeah they'll be fine if they have a roasted on date . Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev thanks Kev...we've tried our first coffees. It seems to like grind size 10 with these beans...tastes very nice but don't have much experience beyond Costa to compare it to!
Can't wait to try your beans!
Just received mine in the US yesterday....which means that Ninja will release an updated model next week.
Great informative vid Kev. One question regarding the hot water function. Is it hot enough for a good ol cup of tetley?
From Kev's review it looks like the highest temperature is going to be 85C, so you're better off with a kettle
Hi kev love the review hoping to get a 701 is there a difference between uk/eu versions ? as some sites suggest only eu version has hot water spout thx😊
Fantastic video, Kev. Love the fusion of humour and education!
Our old Delonghi Magnifico ESAM 4200.S (6 years old) is giving up the ghost. It seems to have a leak. Torn between the Ninja (once available), Revelia, and Sage Barista Touch Impress (refurb, as can't justify it at its RRP right now with Christmas coming up).
Is the Ninja a significant upgrade over the older Magnifica bean to cup machines for those of us who aren't overly concerned with dialing in?
Decisions, decisions!
Bought the ninja 2 weeks ago, loving it but not convinced the recommended grind sizes are right (recommends grind size 1 for the double basket espresso, and grid size 23 for the single basket espresso - the double is providing better espresso).
Just ordered some Chocolate Brownie beans from cworks, so will see what the machine makes out of those......
Not sure if I missed it in the video, but is the espresso timed during extraction or is the glass / cup weighed during the extraction too? Pretty sure the portafilter is weighed so just wondering if the extraction is too.
Kev as you sponsor your own vids can you do a coffee roasting vid?
Will you be reviewing the Smeg mini pro?
I've had mine for a couple months. I've been enjoying it, but am not happy with Ninja announcing a pro model so soon after this one. I plan to upgrade now, but am thinking about switching to the Breville Touch Impress over the 701.
Yeah I do find the way they've handled the release a bit odd! Ta, Kev.
I'm interested in a comparison of the double vs quad espresso. I usually make a two double flat white on my lapavoni for my workday morning coffee, how would the quad compare?
Also, how does a double compare to a split quad?
Also any tips on when you refill the hopper with entirely different type of beans compared to previous?it seems awfully wasteful to go through dialling 3-4 espressos before the barista assist learns? I thought of starting at grind size of 5 for most new beans anyway rather than the 19-12-7-5 or so that it recommends. What's your opinion on that?
Just wanted to know about setting the water filter up. Didn’t see that in the US version or any other review. I have my Uk version on the way, should i buy filters?
It comes with the filter holder and one filter. Personally if you're in a hard water area I wouldn't rely on the tank water softner alone, I'd get something like the Brita Maxtra filter and the limescale expert cartridges, and properly filter my water, then do the water hardness strip test with this water and input that into the machine.
Thank you Kev. Is the filter holder and the filters same as the ones that are on Amazon for Sage machines?
I wish the grinder just had a little more torque. In my testing, Light roasts need to be fed a few beans at a time on larger settings for the lux basket, & stall immediately with more traditional grind settings. Volume is also an issue with grind settings & light roasts.
Yeah this isn't a machine I'd recommend for light roasts, to be fair - although most integrated grinder machines will struggle with light roasts, so this isn't specific to the Luxe. Cheers, Kev.
Always wipe your wand harry! LOL
I’ve been struggling to get consistent results. I’m using a 1:2 ratio, and sometimes I end up getting nearly 50g espresso instead of the expected 36g. Any tips?
Can you create a lungo out of this machine? Was eying the 501 but that doesnt even have the hot water feature. Espresso is too strong for me while the Americano is too watery.
👏👏👏👏
I’ve had the machine since its launch and have noticed that I’m needing to empty the full drip tray more and more frequently. Today, I emptied and cleaned it, made two lattes, and it was already overflowing and leaking onto the kitchen top. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'm also using the brownie blend, Amazing. Onto my second bag and set up a subscription.
Have you got the link to recommended late art jug
Thank you for the nice video! I want to splurge and buy a new coffee machine, the Ninja Luxe looks like a lot of features for a reasonable price. But more and more it seems to me that I would never use most of those functions, it's quite confusing, I don't like the portafilter, the grinder probably not too much either - from the beginning close to its limits, a lot of cheap plastic, weird design. And that's not yet the clear quality of the service of this Chinese miracle, which can quickly become electronic waste.
I guess I will have to keep looking, I just need a coffee machine with perfect espresso and milk frothing, which will be reliable and with a guaranteed lifespan.
God, Kev, you must get bored shitless trotting out review after review after review. Kudos.
Hahaha, I never get bored of messing with coffee machines to be honest 😆
@@Coffee_Kev Long may it so continue. ;)
I bought this not worth
Is this 601UK or 701UK. Premium or Pro What’s the diff. Getting confused reading diff articles.
This is 601UK, "premier". The 701 "Pro" hasn't been released yet, and that has a tamp lever, no need for the dosing funnel, ristretto and lungo on the menu, and an extra thick auto froth option. Cheers.