Ninja CM401 vs CM371: Revealing My Daily Choice

Choosing between the Ninja CM401 and the CM371 can be tricky. Both are amazing coffee makers. I have used both in my own kitchen. They each shine in different ways.

The Ninja CM401 is like a mini coffeehouse. It focuses on creamy lattes and special drinks. The CM371 is an iced coffee genius. It makes smooth cold brew in minutes.

I will guide you through a balanced review. We will look at the pros and cons of each. My hands-on experience will help you decide. Let’s find your perfect coffee match.

Is Ninja CM401 Good?

I’ve been using the Ninja CM401 for a while now. It makes my mornings calm and easy. I like how it brews hot or iced coffee fast. Each cup tastes smooth, rich, and fresh. It feels like a small café in my kitchen.

The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker has four brew styles and a Fold-Away Frother. The removable water reservoir makes filling simple. It uses grounds, not pods, which saves money and cuts waste. For busy people who love good coffee, it’s a smart, easy pick.

What I Like

When I first used the Ninja CM401, I was amazed. It made my mornings calm and easy. This coffee maker feels smart, simple, and designed for people who love good coffee without any fuss. It’s like having a tiny café right at home. 

• Versatile Brew Styles – I like how it offers four brew styles. I can choose Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty Brew with one touch. It fits my mood every time.
• Fold-Away Frother – The Fold-Away Frother makes soft, creamy foam in seconds. It works with dairy or plant milk. It feels like crafting a real café drink at home.
• Removable Water Reservoir – The removable water reservoir is a blessing. I just lift, fill, and click it back. No spills, no mess, just smooth refilling.
• No Pods Needed – I love that it uses coffee grounds, not pods. It saves money and reduces waste while letting me choose my favorite roast.
• Specialty Brew Function – The Specialty Brew Function makes a rich, bold base for lattes or cappuccinos. It’s strong, smooth, and always satisfying.
• Easy to Clean – Cleaning is quick and simple. The carafe and parts are dishwasher-safe. It keeps my countertop clean and ready for the next cup.
  

What Could Be Better

After using the CM401 carafe coffee maker for a while, I noticed a few small things. They’re not big issues, but worth mentioning.

• Learning Curve – The controls took me a few tries to learn. There are many brew styles and sizes. Once I figured them out, it felt simple.
• Temperature Consistency – Sometimes, my coffee cools down a little too fast. The taste stays great, but I wish it stayed hot longer.
• Frother Button Hold – The frother works very well, but I must hold the button. A one-touch option would make it easier.
• Permanent Filter Cleaning – The mesh filter is eco-friendly, but it needs more cleaning. Paper filters are faster, though it’s nice to have both options.

Recommendation

If you love coffee, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is worth it. It makes smooth, rich drinks fast and easy. I like how it fits busy mornings and slow weekends alike. The Fold-Away Frother adds fun, café-style foam in seconds.

It’s simple to clean, and the removable water reservoir saves time. There is a small learning curve at first, but it’s easy once you try. For anyone who wants café flavor at home, this machine is a joy to use.

Is Ninja CM371 Good?

I’ve been using the Ninja CM371 for a few weeks now. It quickly became my go-to coffee maker. Brewing feels simple and fast, and the taste is rich every time. I like how it makes both hot and iced coffee with ease. It saves me time and makes mornings feel calm.

The Thermal Flavor Extraction gives smooth flavor in every cup. Its Cold Brew Mode makes fresh iced coffee in minutes. The removable water reservoir makes cleaning quick and easy. For busy people or coffee lovers, the Ninja CM371 is a smart, reliable choice.

What I Like

After using the Ninja CM371, my mornings feel easier. This machine makes coffee simple and fun. It feels like having a small café at home. Here’s what I enjoy most:

• Many Brewing Choices: I love that it brews a cup or a carafe. The single-serve to carafe coffee maker feature fits my daily needs. One cup before work or a full pot for friends — both taste great.
• Full, Smooth Flavor: The Thermal Flavor Extraction gives rich, deep taste every time. My coffee feels balanced — never bitter, never dull.
• Cold Brew in Minutes: The Cold Brew Mode is fast and easy. I get smooth iced coffee without waiting all day.
• Pod-Free Brewing: I like that it doesn’t need pods. I can use any ground coffee I want. It saves money and reduces waste.
• Simple to Clean: The removable water reservoir makes cleaning easy. I rinse and refill with no mess.
• Built for Coffee Lovers: This drip coffee maker gives me control. From classic brews to bold flavors, it fits every mood.

What Could Be Better

Even great machines can improve. The Ninja Hot & Iced XL coffee maker is amazing, but a few small things could be better.

• Takes Some Space: It’s a bit tall on my counter. Not a big deal, but plan space before buying.
• Many Settings to Learn: The buttons offer lots of brew choices. It can feel confusing at first. But after a few tries, it’s easy to use.
• Glass Carafe Could Stay Hotter: The carafe is fine but cools fast. A thermal version would keep coffee warm longer.
• A Bit Noisy: It makes a soft pump sound while brewing. It’s not loud, just noticeable in a quiet room.

Recommendation

If you love coffee that’s rich and smooth, try the Ninja CM371. It makes both hot and cold drinks with ease. I like how it works as a cold brew coffee maker for quick iced coffee. The easy cleaning parts make life simpler after every brew. It’s great for busy people who still want fresh flavor. The size is a bit tall, so check your space first. Overall, it’s a smart, reliable choice for daily coffee joy.

Details Comparison: Ninja CM401 vs CM371

I have spent time with both of these popular Ninja brewers. They are both fantastic. But they serve different coffee lovers. Let’s break down the details to find your perfect match.

Brewing Speed

Both models brew fast, but the CM371’s Rapid Cold Brew feature gives it a small edge. The CM401 still performs well but takes a bit longer for full carafes.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9/10 

Coffee Temperature

The CM401 keeps coffee hotter for longer, while the CM371 focuses on balanced extraction and smooth cold brews. Both produce consistent warmth.

Rating: 

• CM401: 9/1
• CM371: 8.5/10

Brew Quality

Both make rich, non-bitter coffee, but the CM371 stands out for its smooth cold brew. The CM401 excels in flavor depth for hot brews.

Rating: 

• CM401: 9/10
• CM371: 9.5/10

Water Tank Capacity & Placement

Both come with easy-fill reservoirs, but the CM371’s auto-metering tank feels smarter and more convenient for daily use.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9.5/10

Filter System & Quality

Each has a reusable filter, cutting down on waste. The CM371’s filter feels easier to clean and less prone to clogging.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9/10

Noise Level During Brewing

Both models are fairly quiet, but the CM371 runs smoother—especially during cold brew mode.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8/10
• CM371: 9/10

Maintenance & Cleaning

The CM371 wins again for easy cleaning. Its parts detach smoothly and fit well in the dishwasher.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9.5/10

User Interface & Controls

Both have intuitive controls, but the CM371 offers clearer buttons and a smoother selector dial.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9/10

Footprint & Design

Both look sleek, but the CM371 has a modern edge. It fits better under cabinets and feels more compact.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8/10
• CM371: 9/10

Build Quality & Materials

Both are built strong, with durable plastic and glass parts. The CM401 feels heavier, while the CM371 offers a balanced, lighter frame.

Rating: 

• CM401: 9/10
• CM371: 9/10

Included Accessories

Both include the basics, but the CM371 adds small design tweaks that make storage easier.

Rating: 

• CM401: 8.5/10
• CM371: 9/10

Value for Money

Both deliver great value, but the CM371 edges out with faster cold brew and smarter design. The CM401 remains a great pick for strong, hot coffee lovers.

Rating: 

• CM401: 9/10
• CM371: 9.5/10

My Honest Opinion

If you love hot coffee, the CM401 is a great pick. It brews rich, smooth drinks and works well for lattes.

The CM371 is best for hot or iced coffee lovers. Its Rapid Cold Brew saves time and tastes smooth.

Both are easy to clean and use. The CM371 is slightly faster and simpler for daily use.

If you want café-style drinks or more control, choose the CM401. If you need speed and convenience, the CM371 fits better.

FAQ’s

Joshua Miller

Hi, I’m Joshua Miller, a U.S.-based food lover, review writer, and Co-founder of KitchenWink.com. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Culinary Technology, and for over five years I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets like air fryers, blenders, and other cooking tools.

I’m also a home cook, so every product I review is tried in real kitchens—not just in theory. My reviews are based on real results, simple fixes, and tips that anyone can use. With both formal training and hands-on testing, I make sure my advice is clear, honest, and practical.

My goal is simple: to help home cooks choose the right tools and make cooking easier every day.