Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This review is for the CF097, which is almost identical to the CF112 Single Serve system. BY appearances, I can't tell one bit of difference in the hardware and controls between the two. The only difference that I can see between the CF112 and CF097, is that the 097 comes with only two brewing containers, which are a 6 cup insulated metal carafe and a 6 cup clear plastic carafe (to be used for brewing iced coffee). And on the 112 control panel, I see that it contains the icon selections for "Half" (Carafe) and "Full" (Carafe) options, implying that the 112 can also brew the larger quantities if you order the larger two carafes that come with the 097. The full carafe option brews 43 oz.of coffee. So, I believe that all of my review points below will be pertinent to the CF112, certainly as it relates to the features and how the Ninja Coffee Bar functions. And since I saw no reviews on this model number, I thought it might be helpful for you to evaluate this overall system, based on my hands on experience with the slightly different CF097. So, here goes. I am in awe of the thought that went into the design and features of this coffee maker. Flexibility and versatility for anything you wish to do, resides in this incredible machine. Although all exterior parts are plastic, the unit appears to be well built, and it is certainly attractive enough to enhance kitchen decor, sitting on the counter top. Actually it is quite an eye catcher. There are so many features, that it is hard to decide where to start. But first I want to say that the difference between this latest version of the Ninja and its predecessor, is the predecessor used a hand held agitator, to manually plunge an agitator up and down in a dedicated vessel for its "frothing" action. This machine improves on "frothing" by integrating a powered mixer arm and whisk (like a milk shake mixer), which swings out from the body of the new Ninja, to accept the frothing attachment, which attaches and detaches, with a twist of the stem. First of all, the machine has what Ninja says is smart technology built into it, so there is no guessing on your part, on how to get the best cup or carafe of perfect coffee, whether your tastes run from a basic (classic cup or carafe) to a more stout and robust brew which can stand up to added ingredients such as cream, milk, sugar and liquid flavorings, without tasting diluted with those additions. The forethought that went into this machine, matches the perfect balance of quantity of coffee grounds, to the amount of hot water which will be delivered, for the type of specialty drink you wish to brew. There is one crucial design feature, which I believe is the key to Ninja being able to yield a richer and more full bodied flavor in the brew. With most coffee makers, the water heats up to brewing temperature and then immediately flows, in a single stream, into your coffee grounds. However, that leaves quite a bit of flavor behind, since the grounds are hurried in their effusion process (kind of like warming up and stretching before a race or a workout). With the Ninja, the machine first drips just enough hot water evenly, over the grounds, to saturate them really well before starting the brewing cycle (this dripping starts fairly quickly and continues for about 15 seconds to fully saturate the grounds). This delivery of hot water to the grounds is evenly spread out above the filter and the grounds, through 12 evenly spaced holes in a circular pattern, above the filter basket and grounds, in both the saturation phase and the subsequent brewing cycle. After saturating the grounds, the machine pauses momentarily before entering the full brew cycle. This helps to insure that all of the grounds are thoroughly saturated, to coax the maximum flavor and richness out of them. The entire brewing cycle lasts about 6.5 minutes. Thus, I believe that the real magic in this machine is this very smart pre-infusion design feature. Also, when first turned on, there is a 3 minute pre-heat cycle, with a pre-heat light indicator, which goes out when Ninja is ready to brew. What is included with this system is the machine itself, the frothing stem/whisk attachment, a 10 cup metal insulated carafe (not dishwasher safe) which can keep your coffee hot for about 6 hours, and a 10 cup clear plastic "over ice" carafe (which is dishwasher safe). There are no single serve cups or travel mugs included. You will have to purchase those separately or use generic containers, of appropriate size, which you likely already have in your cabinet. Be sure to read all instructions to determine which parts are not dishwasher safe, versus those which are, and those which are only top rack safe. Flexibility is KING in this machine, which blends the best of both worlds... giving you the dual capabilities of both a traditional, "full pot of coffee" machine as well as Keurig style single cup machines. Now you can have both in one. Following are the features (control panel buttons) which give you a vast range of options in one machine. I love that fact that you can simply fill the water reservoir to its maximum fill level (6 1/2 cups) and then forget about measuring water for subsequent brewing cycles, until it exhausts its supply. The side of the main water reservoir contains icons and water levels which correspond to all of the dial selections on the main control panel, so that you can always be sure that you have enough water in the reservoir to complete the brewing cycle for whichever size container you want to brew. But do keep an eye on the water level, in relation to the sizes of vessels to be brewed, because you can't let the Ninja run out of water, during any brewing cycle. The machine calculates and delivers precisely the right amount of water for whichever brewing option you choose (explained below), with dials on the front which you turn to select the desired size of vessel. You can pick from the following sizes of containers, by rotating the top dial in either direction, which illuminates each choice, as it is selected: a) Regular cup brews 9.5 oz. b) XL cup brews 11.5 oz. c) Travel mug brews 14 oz. d) Large travel mug brews 18 oz. e) Half carafe brews 28 oz. f) Full carafe brews 43 oz. After selecting the size that you want to brew, you then pick from 5 options below, for different kinds of drinks and different intensities of flavor. Note: You must always use a container which is several ounces larger than the selection, to avoid overflow. a) "Classic Brew", which equates to a traditional cup of coffee, flavor-wise. b) "Rich Brew", which delivers slightly less water to the grounds, to create a bit more robust and flavorful blend. The main use for this, is when you want to add milk, cream, or liquid flavorings, without diluting the coffee flavor with the additions. Or if you simply like your coffee stronger. I found the Rich Brew to be extremely good, especially when using very high quality beans or grounds (which are recommended to be "medium grind". It is surprising how much better your favorite coffee tastes, when brewed in this machine, versus traditional drip coffee makers, such as my Black and Decker. I think it is due to the pre-soak of the grounds, along with the way the machine's brewing cycle and temperatures work. c) "Over Ice Brew", in which you use the clear carafe, filled to the top with ice. The Ninja then delivers a much more concentrated brew which is designed to be the perfect level of undiluted flavor, in combination with the melted ice. Very clever and functional indeed. You also have the option to do the "Over Ice Brew", with the other sizes of containers, and not just the full carafe. It is critical in all of these options, to fill your appropriate sized cup or mug with ice, to the top, before placing it under the brewing basket. d) "Specialty Concentrated Brew", which is the one which you will use when making iced blended coffee drinks or milk blended (frothed) coffee drinks. And no matter what size of vessel you select, this setting only delivers 4 oz of concentrated brew, to be blended into mochas, lattes, flat whites, or cappuccinos. e) "Cafe Forte", which is basically the same as the above with the exception that it will deliver 8 oz of concentrated brew. To use the frothing feature and attachment, you swing the frothing arm out from the body of the Ninja and attach the frothing whisk. You will pour cold milk, or hot milk (microwaved for 45-60 seconds), about 1/3 full (more or less, according to taste preference) and then submerge the whisk to just below the surface of the milk and hold down the "start" button on top of the frothing arm, to whip the milk into a "froth" by introducing air into it. After which you will add your brewed coffee, in a mix ratio that you prefer, being sure that your "combining" vessel is large enough to accommodate both the frothed milk and the brewed coffee. You will then see 3 layers, with the bottom being un-whipped milk, followed by the middle layer of coffee, and the top layer of frothed milk. Next, insert a spoon and stir lightly for a perfect "flat white" blend. Other features: a) Removable water reservoir and lid, which are dishwasher safe. b) Permanent micro-filter basket which does not require a paper filter (biggie for me), which is removable for cleaning. If you do use a paper filter, you first remove the permanent micro-filter basket. c) A swing down platform for cups/mugs (larger vessels and carafes simply rest on the floor of the Ninja). d) Programmable brewing cycles for delayed start. You can program up to 24 hours in advance and then just leave it on a repetitive start cycle (same time every day), or you can push the "Delay" button to interrupt the normal routine, after which you will have to reprogram back to what you want. e) A cleaning cycle. The Ninja has built in sensors to detect the buildup of calcium or scale, at which point the word "Clean" on the control panel will light up. The clean cycle uses white vinegar and water and takes about 8 minutes to complete. I doubt this will be needed if you are using distilled water, since it contains nothing that would build up. And for the best flavor, the instructions suggest distilled water or filtered, although it is not necessary if you are satisfied with your tap water. f) A "two sizes" scoop which stores handily in a recess on the side of the Ninja. The instruction book tells you how many "Large Scoops" or how many "Small Scoops" to use for each size selection on the control panel. And it also tells you "in tablespoons", in case you lose your Ninja scoop, which snaps into the side of the Ninja for storage. g) Drip stop lever, which you slide, to shut off the flow, in order to interrupt a brewing cycle to extract a cup of coffee before the larger vessel cycle is finished. Doing this, you have to momentarily remove the vessel that is being used. And after you get your quick cup of coffee, you re-insert whichever sized vessel you were filling and then slide the lever back to the open position. h) I love this one...a wonderful Menu/Recipe book which features 20 different recipes (see attached picture), allowing you to be your own Barista, creating your own Starbucks coffee at home. There are 11 hot coffee recipes and 9 cold. The book tells you exactly what to add to the mix for wonderful specialty drinks to shatter the boredom of the "same old, same old". And after viewing these recipes, you can quickly imagine all sorts of variations and flavors which you can concoct by letting your imagination run wild, along with a trip to the flavorings aisle in the grocery store. This machine is a real game changer, when you want to quit paying 6 bucks for a specialty cup of coffee. And if you have well insulated metal containers, you can fill a "big bad boy" to the brim and take it to the office for hours, of hot or cold enjoyment. HINT....The best affordable metal insulated containers on the planet are less than 10 bucks at WalMart..."Ozark Trails" brand in a 32 oz and a 20 oz size (think Yeti 30 to 40 dollar containers, for a fraction of the cost with the same performance). You will find them in the sporting goods section at WM. So with the Ninja and the Ozark Trails, you just slashed the cost of your favorite coffee drinks, to take on the road, and good for all day long. From experience, all summer long at poolside and on the lake, in 100 degree heat, the Ozark Trails can keep iced drinks undiluted for hours, without any noticeable ice melt. Same true for hot drinks, which will stay piping hot for hours. You will not regret the purchase of this very sensible machine.