The Ninja Auto Barista Pro offers premium espresso features but demands more user effort and space than similar models.
High-end espresso machine launched
The Ninja Auto Barista Pro is a new espresso machine priced at 899 €, targeting consumers who want a premium automatic coffee machine with a built-in grinder.Premium features and design
The machine has a stainless steel housing, a 53 mm extraction group, 15 bars of pressure, and 13 pre-programmed recipes. It also includes a FrothPerfect frothing system and a milk pitcher for milk-based drinks.Large size and weight
The machine is quite large, measuring 40.2 x 25.4 x 31.5 cm and weighing over 16 kg, making it unsuitable for smaller kitchens due to its size.Dual bean compartments and grinding system
It features two coffee bean compartments, each holding up to 340 g of beans, and an automatic grinding system called Grind IQ that empties after each use to prevent flavor mixing.User experience and usability
The control panel is complex and not intuitive, with menus in English. The water reservoir lacks a handle, and the coffee nozzles are not adjustable, which may frustrate users expecting full automation.High water and coffee usage
The machine uses a significant amount of water and coffee during operation, including 60.4 ml for startup rinsing and 58 ml for shutdown, along with a minimum of 11.9 g of coffee grounds per cup.Extraction precision and inconsistency
The extraction temperature is precise, ranging from 72 °C to 93 °C, but the volume of coffee extracted is inconsistent. A 40 ml setting results in 55.6 ml of coffee, though the extraction time of 34 seconds is a strong point.Noisy and time-consuming grinding
The grinding process is noisy at 62 dB and takes 38 seconds, including a period of grinding without coffee to prevent residue. This ensures no flavor mixing but can be time-consuming for users.Comparison to other models
The Ninja Auto Barista Pro is seen as a paradox, offering high-end features but requiring significant user input and maintenance. It is compared to models like the De'Longhi Rivelia and Philips Série 5500, which are considered more user-friendly and efficient.
