Ninja DualBrew Pro CFP301 Coffee Machine Review

Introducing the DualBrew Pro

Do you remember the hit 1980’s TV show, the Transformers? Well, the DualBrew Pro is kind of like that. It can brew a carafe of piping hot coffee, or you can set the carafe aside, flip down the cup holder, and brew a single serve coffee for your mug or travel tumbler. Or, you can insert the K-Cup module, and brew Keurig K-Cups!

On top of its coffee brewing functionality, it can also provide hot water for tea, and froth milk to a very nice texture for cappuccino like drinks.

Finally, you can move the water tank around, from the side to the back, transforming it to an even slimmer machine! Very cool.

Build and Features

The DualBrew Pro remains true to Ninja’s design language. You will find a lot of dual tone elements, such as the screen of the machine, in glossy black wrapped in silver trim. The carafe itself is made of glass, with a matte black surround at the top, and a silver handle.

Speaking of the screen, it makes things really easy, with it’s selection knob in the middle. Using this knob, you can turn towards to left for smaller drinks (starting at 7 ounces), or to the right for a full carafe. Press the knob inwards to start the brew. Pretty easy.

Next, choose the “Brew Style”. This is simply the water ratio that Ninja will use for the extraction.

• Classic: uses the most water, for a regular drink
• Rich: uses slightly less water, for a stronger drink
• Over Ice: uses even less water (since ice takes up volume)
• Specialty: this uses always just 4 ounces of water, for a very strong drink.

On this display, you will also find another capacitive touch button to turn it on and off, on the lower left.

Finally, you can set the time on the machine, and set it to make coffee the next morning. Very nice!

Looking on the right side of the machine, you will find the water tank. This large water reservoir can be moved either to the side of the machine, as pictured above, or to the back, to save space on your kitchen counter.

You’ll also notice some stainless steel trim on the bottom of the machine, under the carafe, and on the top part of the machine as well. This gives a more appealing aesthetic.

Transforming for K-Cups!

Are you a fan of K-Cups? Well if so, Ninja has got your covered. Simply push the cover back atop the machine, and insert the below K-Cup unit right into the top of the machine. Drop in your K-Cup, and you’re off to the races.

How is the Coffee on the DualBrew Pro?

How good the coffee is on the DualBrew Pro has mostly to do with the coffee you’re using, and the water. Use good, freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee, and good water, and it makes a great cup. The temperature is consistent, and the water distribution quite good as well. This leads to a good cup or carafe of coffee.

How about hot water for tea?

Looking at the picture below, you can see a silver ring-shaped knob. This is for a dedicated hot water spout. Turn it towards the front for tea water.

On the front of the machine, choose your water temperature (‘Hot’ or ‘Boil’). I suggest using the ‘Boil’ selection for a hotter tea. You can check my temperature readings for tea water in the video below.

Silky Milk?

Heck yes, this machine also comes with a sweet frother, attached to the side of the machine. Just flip it out, and press the button on the top of the unit for nice silky milk foam. To warm up the milk, just stick a cup of milk in the microwave first.

Pros and Cons of the DualBrew Pro

I think my favorite thing about the DualBrew Pro CFP301 is simply its versatility. It can brew a K-Cup. It can brew with coffee grounds. It can do a single serve, or a whole carafe. It can froth milk. It can heat up water hot enough for tea. It’s a sweet machine. But of course, there’s always pros and cons.

Specifications of the DualBrew Pro CFP301:

– Dimensions: 13.39 in L x 11.42 in W x 17.32 in H

– Weight: 10.12 pounds

– Build Materials: glass and plastic

– 1 year warranty

– 1550 watts

– Country of Origin: China

Find your Dual Brew here: