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If you are fed up with wasting your valuable time in morning lines – no worries! MilkFrotherTop is ready to help you with reviewing and selecting the best kitchen appliances according to your requirements. Moreover, you can make your ideal coffee by yourself and add all the additives you want without waiting while someone prepares it for you. If it’s about you, then you should take a look at Ninja Coffee Bar CF097 which can be considered the best device for preparing cappuccino and any coffee drink.
Design and Key Features
Once you see this device live, you might think that it’s a complicated brewer system with stainless carafe which is too difficult to use by a non-professional user. Luckily, its operation is much easier than it seems. And let’s see what it can do and make sure that it won’t consume more time than you spend on queues.
As it was already mentioned, it looks like a complicated professional machine. In fact, you might think in such way only because of a massive compartment that is a plastic frame for brewing system and stainless carafe. Besides, there is a water reservoir that is situated uncommonly for regular coffee machines – it’s on the top of the main control panel. We’ll review each of these parts individually.
First, the main part is a control panel. It’s totally covered with brushed stainless steel, which adds an irresistible look to the whole unit. On the front side, there is a vertical panel that comprises buttons that run particular programs for preparing a portion of coffee.
But the particularly crucial elements are a dial that adjusts the size of a portion and the buttons that are responsible for selecting the type of coffee.
The dial has 6 options: regular mug, XL mug, travel size, multi-serve, half-carafe and full carafe. Below the dial, there are 3 buttons that switch the modes for rich, classic or over ice brew. Above the dial, there are 2 more buttons: power on and delay brew. Besides, there is a display where you can set the time.
In addition, there are 2 non-adjustable modes; they have fixed size for each type: specialty concentrated that comes in 4 oz size and cafe forte that can be made only in size of 8 oz.
The device has also 2 buttons that are responsible for cleaning and keeping warmth accordingly.
The water reservoir is positioned at the top of the control panel. It’s made of transparent plastic, and the exterior has a ribbed surface. These features allow users to easily track the volume inside the tank, and if it’s necessary – pour more water into it. By the way, the pouring process is quite easy because there is no need to pull out the tank but just flip up the lid. However, the reservoir, as well as the flipping lid, is fully removable. Thus, if you want to clean them, you can pull them out and wash under tap water with a piece of cloth.
The next important part of this device is a brewing system that is held by a special plastic stand. It’s not tough to recognize thanks to stainless cover with imprinted logo Ninja on it.
In order to load a portion of ground, all you need to do is to pull the handle that initiates smooth sliding. In other words, you don’t need to apply much effort. Once the brewer is out, you can see a standard filter with a handle where the portion of ground should be loaded into. By the way, this filter is very easy to clean without leaving any residue, again, thanks to special handle: just empty the filter and then rinse it under running water. That’s it – it’s ready for the next brewing cycle.
Now, we’ve approached the part which is designed to bring us the precious drink – the stainless carafe. Seemingly, there is nothing special about the regular metal pot. However, in the case of Ninja, the carafe is special indeed. It is a thermal carafe that has double walls for keeping the right temperature of just brewed coffee up to 2 hours. Moreover, the capacity is equal to 10 regular cups, and thus preparing coffee once will be enough for 10 people. Isn’t it incredible?
The carafe can be removed and, moreover, closed with a built-in lid that is also unusual because of the brew-through carafe system. And the brewer system has a special valve that can be closed as well, in order to prevent leaking while the carafe is out. This feature is quite valuable if you suddenly stumble, and it causes spilling your coffee around. For sure, it’s not going to be with this carafe.
One more thing – if you remember, there are a few options of sizes; then you might ask how you are going to do that if there is a carafe only. In fact, the manufacturer has equipped this device with the special flipping down holder for cups. That’s it, just switch the mode you want and wait for the drink!
And finally, the zest of this multi-functional device is a frother. As the other parts of this device, this one is also unique. It’s attached to a plastic stand, and it slides out when you need it. Once it’s ready – just pour the frother inside the pot with milk and push the button on the top. If you don’t need it anymore – the stick with metal spring can be detached and washed.
Besides all these parts, there is a small thing that is also attached to a plastic stand – a plastic scoop.
Included Accessories
You may wonder what accessories this device might have. However, luckily, this device is self-sufficient and covers all the user’s needs. It doesn’t require any additional tools or devices, and thus you might not need to buy anything else.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Having reviewed all the feedback from users should help you identify whether this device is good enough for you. Thus, you are invited to check the collected pros and cons from numerous online platforms where this device is discussed.
- Variety of sizes
- Transparent and easy to refill the water reservoir
- Double-walled steel carafe
- Easy to maintain the brewing system
- Delayed brewing
- Ice over brew allows to not melt the ice as hot water does
- It has the auto-clean mode
- The frother is too high, thus it requires a tall container with milk or holding it while frothing
- Half carafe get cold faster than the full size
- The coffee level is not seen in the steel carafe
How to Use Ninja CF097 Brewer System?
In order to make sure that Ninja Coffee Bar CF097 is worth being among your kitchen helpers, you should check how each part of this device works. And luckily, here is a wonderful opportunity to review them.
Espresso Machine
Reservoir for water
Obviously, in order to produce a portion of coffee, the brewing machine requires a portion of water where the ground is dissolved, and this liquid transforms into a unique drink ☕.
Thus, make sure that the water reservoir is full. If it’s not – just pour through the flipping lid on its top. However, the lid can be totally removed, too.
Heating
Once you push the power button, you should wait until the machine gets warm. Usually, it takes not more than 3 minutes. And once it got warm – no need to wait for another heating cycle for brewing one more portion of coffee, as it’s ready for use.
Tamping of ground coffee
In fact, the construction of this device doesn’t require any tamping procedure before brewing. Thus, this is an extremely fast and easy way to make a cup of coffee just by adding a scoop of ground into a brewer with filter – and that’s it. Just make your choice what kind of coffee you want and wait until it’s ready!
Extracting
Unlike the majority of Ninja’s competitors, this machine’s extracting process might make everyone mad. In fact, depending on the size you choose, the brewing implies some pauses where the liquid stops running. You might be furious how come a new device runs out of order too fast, but don’t worry – that’s totally ok with this, just be patient and wait. Meanwhile, you can prepare a frothy additive for your drink, and once it’s finished, you will hear a sound.
Milk Frother
Another peculiar thing in this machine is its frother, which is attached to a plastic stand. As it was mentioned before, while the machine is brewing, there is enough time to froth your milk for your coffee.
The procedure is unbelievably simple: pour some milk into a jug or container, submerge the spring into milk and then press the button. Wait when there will be enough froth and the texture you want and then turn it off. According to the type of coffee drink mix a portion of coffee with frothed milk.
How to Clean Ninja CF097 Coffee Bar®?
In order to keep your device safe for consuming its product as food, it is quite necessary to clean it as frequently as possible. As you might have known, there is a lot of bacteria in places that contacts with moisture. That is why you should know how to clean it correctly.
Daily Using
Every preparing cycle requires cleaning. First, make sure that the machine has finished the brewing cycle. Then take out the filter from the brewing group and empty it. Once it’s free of ground residue, rinse under tap water and put it back into the brewing group.
The next one is the frother. Actually, this element can be cleaned while the machine is brewing, but it depends on the size you choose. Sometimes there is not enough time to wash the frother since the coffee ☕ is ready. However, cleaning the frother won’t take much time – just wash it thoroughly under running water and set it back.
The water reservoir can be cleaned by wiping it in and rinsing under water. The rest parts can also be wiped.
And finally, the carafe. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water, and if it’s necessary, use a foam brush but not a wire one. While the carafe itself is not safe for washing machine, its lid can be washed there, but place it only on the upper rack.
Regular Service
Being one of the smartest, this device requires minimum human interference for thorough cleaning. Indeed, the only type of cleaning it requires is decalcifying. Moreover, the machine performs the cleaning procedure by itself. All you need to do is to supply the necessary solution and run the program.
Besides, this procedure should be held not frequently, and the device notifies you. When the Clean button is lit, it’s time for cleaning. Thus, prepare the solution: there can be either a decalcifying one or white vinegar mixed with water.
In the case of cleaning with vinegar, fill the reservoir with 16 oz of liquid and the rest part of the water, then run the cleaning program.
It will take 60 minutes so don’t press any buttons. Once it’s finished, there will appear a Flush sign on display. That’s when you should pour tank with water to the Max Fill level. Note that the second cycle should be started within 15 minutes after finishing the hour-cleaning cycle. Then press the Clean button again; this process will take 8 minutes.
Another thing you should remember is that both cleaning cycles should be run within full carafe mode, and the empty carafe should be placed under the brewer.
Troubleshooting Tips
Don’t panic if something strange happens with your device. For sure, all of these issues are explicable and solvable. In fact, there are a few problems that can make you worry: the leaking brewing group and not brewing. Both of them can be fixed, while others should be fixed by the specialists.
The first problem is the leaking brewing group. In fact, this case is normal for the device. Thus, don’t worry, just wipe the drops.
Another issue is not brewing. There may be 2 reasons: the water tank is empty or the Drip Stop is on.
The second one may appear when the special valve under the brewing group is closed. However, the brewing process will beep after 20 seconds when the process was run and will stop only after opening this valve. Otherwise, it will beep for 6 minutes.
If these 2 fixes don’t help, then the most likely reason is scale; thus you should perform a descaling procedure.
Where to Buy 🛒 Ninja Coffee Bar CF097?
You might not find any offline or online markets where you can’t buy any modern kitchen appliance. It means that this is not a unique device at all so it’s not available in regular markets. Thus, be sure, except official stores you can find it in any market, including Amazon, Best Buy, eBay, Costco, Walmart, etc.
Price Range
You might be also wondered what the reason for bouncing price range over the sellers. In fact, there are lots of conditions that influence price formation. Moreover, the prices do differ, especially depending on the state you live in. However, don’t be upset since the sellers are not allowed to exceed the recommended price range given by the manufacturer.
Other Key Details You Need to Know
Luckily, the working performance is intuitively simple for any user. Furthermore, it’s clear what you should do once you see this device. However, you may also be curious about what else interesting is in this device.
First of all, the machine is smart thanks to the Auto-IQ program that enables pouring an adequate amount of water and doesn’t overrun it.
Secondly, you can delay the brewing cycle up to 24 hours. Thus, if you want to wake up and not to wait until it’s ready, just set the time the coffee has to be ready at.
Comparison Table
The final decision is always up to a potential user. And MilkFrotherTop tries to provide its readers with the most accurate and expanded information that helps to make a decision and not to be disappointed with it. Thus, you should know this device’s competitors, too.
| Model | Ninja CF097 Thermal Carafe System | Mr. Coffee® Café Barista BVMC-ECMP1106 | Espresso Works (7pc) | Gourmia GCM6000 | KRUPS EA8298 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review | | | | | |
| Material | Stainless steel, plastic | Plastic | Plastic, stainless steel parts | Plastic | Plastic, aluminum |
| Dimensions | 15*15.3*16.3 inches | 11.2*8.9*12.6 inches | 9.8*9*11.5 inches | 14.7*11.4*10 inches | 11.6*14.3*15.4 inches |
| Cup Capacity | 3.8-18 oz | 1.25-15 oz | min 3.6 oz | max 12 oz | min 2.1 oz |
| Water Tank Size | 50 oz | 34 oz | 42.2 oz | 16 oz | 60 oz |
| Wattage | 1400W | 1040W | 1250W | 1080W | 1450W |
| Voltage | 120V | 110-120V | 120V | 120V | 120V |
| Built-In Grinder | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Color | Black, silver | Red/black, silver/black, white/black | Silver, black | Black and silver | Black |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year limited | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
| Features | Auto-IQ, cleaning indicator, sound for readiness, clock display | Dishwasher-safe parts, programmed cleaning cycle | LED indicators, heating tray, removable water tank, stainless steel frothing jug | Makes tea, one-touch operation, automatic frother | Warming tray, one-touch operation, cleaning program |
| Price | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here |
Final Thoughts
There are lots of things that make us confused while choosing the best ones. Especially, if it’s about devices that contact with food or drinks since it’s necessary that they have to be free of chemicals and work for a long time bringing no issues to your health and lifestyle.
The overall impression of Ninja Coffee Bar CF097 is positive. Furthermore, it produces high hopes and trust in it. Thus, it’s highly recommended, at least to be considered as the potential device for you. And who knows, maybe the appliance will never disappoint you and provide you with the ideal coffee drinks ever so you can enjoy using it as long as possible. Alternatively, surf MilkFrotherTop for more reviews; for sure some of the devices will be the perfect ones!
References
- Official Ninja Coffee Bar® System with Thermal Carafe Series – https://www.ninjakitchen.com/
- Ninja coffee bar review.. I didn’t grow it, but I NEED it:) – https://www.youtube.com/
- Need Thoughts on the Ninja Coffee Bar CF097 – https://www.reddit.com/