Ninja‘s shiny new coffee machine, the AutoBarista Pro, was only released at the end of last month but I’ve already spotted a version that’s cheaper by £100 and available to buy now (via Ninja for £799.99).
This pared-back version of Ninja’s super-automatic bean to cup coffee machine has a few differences from the original which I wrote about in detail in my preview. But there’s one that’ll disappoint decaf fans in particular: the two bean-hopper system (which is one of my favourite features of the £899.99 machine) is missing, as well as a few different drinks and milk frothing options.
Here’s a look at the key differences so you can work out which one best suits your morning brew routine.
Cheaper by £100, though missing a few of the flourishes of the original machine, this is the option to go for if you don’t mind missing out on the interchangable bean hopper system and upgraded drinks menu.
This Pro version of the machine has 13 drinks programs compared to the standard’s 10 and a Brew Two function which allows you to pull two shots of espresso at the same time.
With an £100 price difference, I predict that there will be plenty of people interested in the standard version of the AutoBarista over the professional, but it’s worth weighing up whether the features you lose are ones you might want in the future.
Let’s start with what I see as the most important difference: the lack of interchangeable bean hopper system with the standard version.
The ability to swap between different types of coffee, including to decaf beans in the afternoon, is something that you can usually only get with much more expensive machines. It’s excellent for making the most of your coffee machine without over-caffeinating or for those with partners or family members that have different coffee tastes. With two hoppers you could have one darker and one lighter roast on the go at the same time for those who want to switch between the two.
(Image credit: Ninja)
The other reason that the standard machine is more affordable is because it has a slightly diminished menu of drinks. There are 10 options available when brewing coffee: Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte, Filter Coffee, Cold Brew, Cold-Pressed, Over Ice, and Hot Water.
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You’ll find those same drinks with the pro version alongside three more for your money: Cortado, Café Crema, and Lungo. And the ability to pull two shots of espresso at the same time – great for busy mornings if there’s two of you using the same machine.
The new Ninja AutoBarista Pro Coffee Machine ready for testing in my kitchen.
(Image credit: Future)
The automatic milk frother, which I think is the best feature on Ninja’s Luxe Café machine too after trying it, is slightly altered in terms of programs between these two machines. While the standard machine offers 4 presets (Steamed Milk, Thin Froth, Thick Froth, and Cold Foam), the pro version has the same and more with the addition of Extra-Thick Froth too.
For the £100 price difference, it’s definitely worth thinking about whether these differences would have an impact on the drinks you’d be making every day. If you’d be sticking to a flat white for most of the time, then you could save yourself a substantial chunk off your shiny new machine.
Or if this impressively kitted out new machine is out of the bounds of what you’re looking to spend, then I’ve included some alternative highly-rated options below that you can consider instead.
This is the latest machine to join the ranks of Ninja’s excellently regarded bean-to-cup coffee machine range. First came the sellout success of the Ninja Luxe Café (which I awarded five stars to in my review), followed by the even more capable Luxe Café Pro series.
Then, just last month, there was the hugely popular drop of the brand’s first super-automatic machine – the Ninja AutoBarista Pro – which I’ve been trying (and loving in my kitchen).
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Despite all of that success, there’s undoubtedly been a gap in Ninja’s range ready to be filled by a more affordable option. That’s where this much more compact and affordable machine is bound to be a total winner. Here’s how it compares to the rest of the sellout machines.
It may have ‘mini’ in the name but how compact is it really for small kitchens? The short answer is that it’s 30% smaller than the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, which is certainly a bulky machine, and measures up at 34.11cm high, 30.91cm wide and 26cm in length.
Situated next to the Luxe Café in the promotional images, it’s clear to see that this should be the Ninja coffee machine of choice for anyone who has been put off from the range thus far because of the bulky machine sizes.
(Image credit: Ninja)
Whilst having a much smaller footprint (and price tag), it seems there’s been no skimping on quality features with the Mini from a first glance. Its control panel looks extremely in-depth despite its smaller size and the machine still boasts the Barista Assist Technology that I loved in my reviews of the OG Luxe Café. With this tech even beginners will find it exceptionally easy to get into pulling espresso shots that are finely tuned to their coffee tastes.
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And crucially, this machine is still kitted out with an automatic milk frother too for the price, which makes it a brilliant buy for its price tag. As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor, I trawl through press releases about new coffee machines everyday and it is very rare to get all of the features built into this machine for a sub £500 sum.
(Image credit: Ninja)
As a latte lover, the automatic milk frother is my favourite thing about every Ninja coffee machine I’ve tried – it makes wowing your guests with latte art or a perfect flat white so easy. And vegans haven’t been left out of the equation either as this Mini machine is equipped for plant milk too. In my experience I’ve found steaming oat milk with the Luxe Café as seamless as with dairy.
(Image credit: Ninja)
Given the breadth of features packed into this slimmed down machine for under £500, I predict that this is going to be Ninja’s most popular coffee offering for a long while. So if you like the look of this compact coffee maker, I’d snap it up fast!
In what seems to be a bid to capture the entire bean-to-cup coffee machine market, Ninja has unveiled an automatic model for the first time – a departure from the brand’s existing range.
As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to receive and unbox this machine and so far, I’ve been absolutely wowed by the features packed in for the price tag. Here’s everything that’s new with this impressive new release as well as the difference between this and the Luxe Café and the Luxe Café Pro (both of which I awarded 5 stars to in my previous reviews).
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Ninja
Autobarista Pro Automatic Espresso Machine
1. It’s packed full of automatic features
If you’ve considered buying the Luxe Café before (which is a semi-manual machine) but were put off by having to pull your own espresso shots, this the machine for you.
The AutoBarista Pro has a very capable touchscreen from which you can choose 13 different one-touch drinks. Whenever you want a coffee all you’ll need to do is select your drink from the screen and pop milk into the jug to be frothed. From there, the machine will set the grind, brew and froth settings.
(Image credit: Future)
I think this more hands-off approach will be a huge hit with those looking for a bean-to-cup machine that’s more like versions from competitors like De’Longhi and Philips. After recently testing out the De’Longhi Eletta Explore, I can totally see the appeal in these more laidback machines.
With the AutoBarista Pro once your coffee has brewed and your milk has frothed all there’s left to do is pour it over your coffee, meaning there’s still a chance to improve your latte art at home!
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2. It features two interchangable bean hoppers
When I was unboxing this machine I was very excited and impressed by the swappable bean hoppers included in the box. The ability to swap out two different types of beans (perhaps to switch to decaf in the afternoons or to meet different coffee tastes in one household) is something usually reserved for much more expensive machines – if it’s even included at all.
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The two bean hoppers stacked together.(Image credit: Future)
Showing how to remove the swappable bean hopper.(Image credit: Future)
I think the fact that it’s built-in to this machine is a huge plus. After a preliminary try, I found the process to unscrew the hopper very easy which will be encouraging for anyone looking for a double hopper system.
This is one feature I’m very excited to try out for decaf coffees in the afternoon!
3. Personalised user programs
Dedicated user profiles is something that I am always into when I test automatic bean-to-cup machines, as it makes rushing out of the door with a coffee so much easier when you have your preferences saved.
It’s just one of the big upgrades with this machine as opposed to the more pared-back screen on the Luxe Café. When initially turning it on, I noticed it had a very swish opening sequence, with the coffee icons appearing one by one, as well as full colour on the screen.
(Image credit: Future)
The number of coffee profiles is limited to just 2, but I’m intrigued to get stuck in and see how easy they are to program and use day-to-day.
This is just a small snapshot of everything I’ve noticed so far as I unbox and get to grips with this machine – not even touching on the easy cleaning features (which sound so useful) as well as the huge range of drinks available including cold brew.
I’ll be testing this machine as soon as I can to let you know exactly how it performs in my kitchen but I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed from my first look.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed, when Aldi‘s range of Specialbuys can double up as the perfect Christmas gift as well as being a total bargain.
I personally think there’s no better choice from the supermarket’s limited edition range than the new Espresso Maker for the coffee-lover in your life which will set you back just £49.99 and is available from this Sunday the 7th of December in stores.
Sure this compact espresso maker probably isn’t going to make it into our list of the best coffee machines but for anyone who wants to see if an appliance like this will actually be worth the investment in their kitchen, it’s a great place to start. Here’s the full details on this coffee maker.
Aldi
Espresso Machine
This machine features a touch control panel for under £50 (which is kind of crazy).
This compact espresso machine might be hundreds of pounds cheaper than top-rated alternatives like the Sage Bambino but what can it offer in terms of features?
Well it’s kitted out with what Aldi call ‘touch panel control’, single and double shot options, hot water and steam functionality and a built-in milk frother wand. The drip tray under the wand and the portafilter can be removed for you to clean.
Our Editor Rebecca Knight got a sneak peek of this machine earlier in the year.
(Image credit: Future / Rebecca Knight)
There have been so many coffee machine launches this year, including popular machines like the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series and even the under £100 Salter Professional Espirista Coffee Machine – both of which we’ve reviewed here at Ideal Home. This version from Aldi is by far the cheapest one I’ve seen, though I can’t speak to the quality of this particular Specialbuy.
As with all of Aldi’s one-off kitchen appliances, like the brand’s under £25 hot chocolate makers, which are also back this week, this espresso machine is very much a limited edition buy, so make sure to be in store on the 7th of December if you want to grab one.
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If you don’t manage to swoop at the right moment, there are plenty of other quality bean-to-cup coffee machines in our guide, all of which I’ve tried and loved as Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor. Below you’ll find my favourite pick (and it’s under £150).
De’Longhi
Dedica
I loved this shiny stainless steel espresso machine when I tried it. It’s simple to use and makes great coffee.
Are you picking up a coffee machine as a gift this Christmas?
