SHARP x Ninja
Coffee lovers rejoice — just in time for colder weather, the new Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series 4‑in‑1 Espresso Machine has arrived. It combines espresso, drip, and cold‑brew capabilities in one compact countertop unit, letting you make barista‑style drinks at home.
Being a bit of a coffee fiend myself, the initial read of this machine’s capabilities immediately caught my attention. I love finding new coffee shops and bean roasters, but my at-home coffee routine has always been a basic one. This hasn’t been for lack of interest — so many top-shelf espresso machines just felt a bit daunting, and with so many variables involved in getting the perfect espresso pull, not to mention the thought of “oh god, how does a frother even work”, I always found myself holding back from taking the plunge into the at-home barista life. Being presented with a turn-key solution with smart settings to simplify the process, removing those barriers, I was eager to see how simple at-home latte life could really be.
Straight out of the box, a QR code on the unit links to a short startup video (there’s also a paper manual included for those who prefer written instruction). After a water flush and two quick grind calibrations— no more than 10 minutes from unboxing — the machine was ready to go. For espresso, the grinder includes a built-in tamper: once the grind is complete, pull the lever twice, move the portafilter from the grinder to the grouphead and press brew. The result? A clean, rich espresso (double) shot with a consistent golden-brown crema. For someone who’s used to manual espresso machines, the process was surprisingly straightforward.
That ease of use isn’t accidental. Ninja’s various premium kitchen tools have always been user-friendly, and this machine is no different. Thanks to its dedicated Barista Assist Technology™, you’re getting intelligent grind-size recommendations, weight-based dosing, and real-time automated adjustments for temperature and pressure to deliver balanced, café-quality flavours without extensive trial and error.
Especially as the weather cools, and hot drinks become part of the morning routine, this machine is quickly becoming an essential part of my morning ritual. The quality and consistency remain top notch, and the tactile experience of it all just feels great. I haven’t gotten into fancy flavours just yet but prefer starting the day with an almond milk latte that’s significantly cheaper than buying coffee each morning, and I’m avoiding the waste of disposable cups in the process.
It’s also useful for holiday hosting, being able to offer up a wide variety of coffee drinks reliably, makes entertaining much easier. Consider stocking up on flavoured coffee syrup or alternative milks if you want to get creative with your drink options for guests.
Buying any kind of home espresso machine can be a daunting task, but for those looking to step up their at-home coffee experience, this model makes a strong case. It pairs a wide range of smart features, with a professional-feeling build. At a retail price of $999.99 it’s not inexpensive, but it’s priced lower than many premium European models on the market.
Bottom-line: Whether you want a no-guess espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, rapid cold brew or a dependable hot water system, this all-in-one unit covers a lot of ground and delivers consistent results.
