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Keurig vs Ninja Coffee Makers: Which is the better choice…

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Two of the biggest coffee brands in the USA will be going head to head today as we look at the features that matter most in this Keurig vs. Ninja review. More specifically, we’ll be analyzing two of their best-selling coffee makers and comparing the features and functionalities of these similar products.

By the end of the article, you’ll be able to see beyond the similarities of these machines and nail down the key differences that’ll make or break them!

 

What is Keurig?

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve, Programmable, 6 to 10 oz. Brew Sizes, Black

The Keurig coffee maker is a beverage brewing system for home and commercial use. Depending on the model, these single-serve machines are designed to brew hot and cold coffees, teas, cocoa, and fruit-based drinks.

With over 400 varieties and over 60 brands to choose from for your K-Cups, Keurig is a global giant in coffee making. It’s now one of the most well-known brands of coffee brewing in the world.

In particular, the Keurig K-Duo coffee maker is one of the brand’s best-selling products, offering both ground coffee and K-Cup pod brewing options. This machine is a single-serve coffee maker that doubles up as a 12-cup carafe coffee maker.

With multiple brew sizes, strong brew options, and programmable features, the Keurig K-Duo is one of the most versatile coffee machines on the market today.

Related: Keurig vs Coffee Maker

What is Ninja?

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

Ninja is a sub-brand of the overseeing company SharkNinja. SharkNinja produces a range of household cleaning products under the label “Shark” and a separate range of food and beverage gadgets under the moniker “Ninja.” The company has been involved in the home product manufacturing business since 1993, making them roughly as experienced as Keurig.

Ninja’s range includes coffee makers, air fryers, blenders, toasters, and even cookware.

One of Ninja’s highest-rated products is the Ninja Dual Brew Pro System. It incorporates double brewing methods so you can choose between ground coffee or K-Cup brewing. In addition, this machine has nine brew sizes, four brew styles, and a built-in frother that folds away for convenience.

Ninja coffee bar models typically come with a one-year limited warranty for any defects related to manufacturing or lack of material quality.

 

How are they different?

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

There is one primary difference between Ninja and Keurig coffee makers. Ninja manufactures drip coffee makers, while Keurig’s specialty is pod coffee makers. Nevertheless, both brands have developed similar products, such as the Keurig K-Duo and the Ninja DualBrew Pro System.

Regardless, the nature and values of each brand seep into the design of each of their products. So, there are still significant differences. For example, the Keurig K-Duo comes in at a shorter height than the Ninja DualBrew, offering a more compact design.

The K-Duo’s control panel uses a push-button system with a small digital display. In contrast, the DualBrew Ninja coffee bar system features a touchscreen design with indicative lights that are intuitive to use. Among many other notable differences, the Keurig machine also comes with a removable drip tray, while the Ninja uses a fold-away tray design instead.

 

How are they similar?

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

The similarities between Keurig and Ninja machines can be summed up by comparing the K-Duo with the DualBrew. As we can see from face value, both machines can brew via K-Cups or ground coffee as preferred, incorporating a hybrid design.

Additionally, both machines are designed to operate as single-serve coffee makers or drip coffee makers, offering a range of brew sizes between 6 and 12 ounces.

Other similarities include the strong coffee brewing options available with both machines. Plus, the inclusion of a 60 oz water reservoir that can be easily removed for refilling and cleaning. Furthermore, both the Keurig K-Duo and Ninja DualBrew are fully programmable (1). Meaning, that you can delay your brew for a predetermined time to flow nicely into your daily schedule.

Finally, both machines also feature a sleek black finish for a classy look that can fit any home interior design and a 12-cup glass carafe.

 

What’s better about Keurig?

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

The Keurig K-Duo has a two-part design advantage over the Ninja DualBrew. First, it lets you rest your carafe and your single-serve mug on their respective drip trays at the same time. This means you can simultaneously brew a pot and a mug of coffee side-by-side rather than taking turns like with the Ninja.

Moreover, you won’t have to move your carafe out of the way whenever you want to brew a single-serve of coffee, as there are two separate dispensers. Unlike the Ninja, which brews single serves and a full carafe out of the same dispenser.

Another reason to consider the Keurig over the Ninja is its warming plate that keeps your coffee hot long after brewing. You can also remove the drip tray to make room for a taller travel mug so you can brew coffee when you’re on the go.

Lastly, you can heat up and brew your coffee with just one push of a button using K-Duo’s smart start feature. With it, you eliminate the usual two-step brewing process from the equation.

 

What’s better about Ninja?

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

The clear advantage of the Ninja DualBrew over the Keurig K-Duo is the vast range of options when it comes to brew sizes and styles. In addition to the four standard brew sizes between 6-12 ounces, the Ninja DualBrew also offers nine unique brewing options. This includes small cup, cup, XL cup, travel mug, XL travel mug, ¼ carafe, ½ carafe, ¾ carafe, or full carafe.

It is far easier to get your desired size using the preset options no matter how you’re feeling on any given day, eliminating the need to adjust the size manually.

The Ninja’s other notable features over the Keurig is the built-in milk frother, which allows you to turn hot or cold milk into a silky-smooth froth. This frother folds away for your convenience and can also be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance duties. Finally, the Ninja DualBrew comes with a hot water dispenser that facilitates tea, oatmeals, hot chocolate, and more!

 

Who should get Keurig?

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

Keurigs are designed for convenient and fast access to coffee above all else, and the Keurig K-Duo is no exception. Customers who derive pleasure from the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker will love Keurig. With the K-Duo, you also get access to full pots of regular coffee via the drip coffee hybrid design.

Offering a more simplistic design, the Keurig K-Duo facilitates simple brewing of between 6-12 ounces of coffee. It also offers a strong coffee brew option for a bolder, richer taste. One thing to keep in mind is this machine does not come with a milk frother, as this is more the Keurig K Cafe forte.

Nevertheless, it is a great option for those wishing to brew carafes and single serves of coffee simultaneously. You’ll love the pause brew feature that lets you pour yourself a cup of coffee mid-brew!

 

Who should get Ninja?

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

Ninja machines excel in the drip coffee-making business, and K-Cup brewing is the secondary function. But, of course, the Ninja DualBrew does exceptionally well to offer both forms of coffee making. Like the Keurig K-Duo, it also allows for single cups and full carafe brewing.

In addition, the Ninja offers a built-in frother and hot water dispenser for more versatility in brewing and making hot chocolate, tea, and oatmeal.

With that being said, the Ninja coffee bar DualBrew model is indeed a great choice for those who want more than just coffee. There is also a considerable range of brew size options and styles, including various specialty drinks for a great coffee flavor.

The Ninja suits any coffee lover who wants to turn a super-rich coffee concentrate into a delicious cappuccino, latte, or iced coffee. You can create your own coffee shop atmosphere within the comfort of your home.

 

Features

 

Brewing Method

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

Both Keurig and Ninja offer these hybrid machines which can brew ground coffee and K-Cups as preferred. However, Ninja prides itself on offering faster K-Cup brewing times than Keurig. This, despite Keurig having invented K-Cups in the first place. The Ninja DualBrew delivers the perfect flavor with even saturation and precise temperature control for super-rich coffee.

On the other hand, Keurig’s K-Dup machine provides the option for specialty coffee brewing as it is compatible with the Keurig gold-tone mesh filter accessory (sold separately). This means you have access to higher-quality coffee that retains the natural oils and flavors of the coffee beans. This allows for a more aromatic and luxurious coffee drinking experience (2).

As such, Keurig ultimately has the better brewing method because of its in-built potential for specialty coffee brewing.

Winner: Keurig

 

Brew Options & Sizes

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

The sheer variety of brew size and coffee options is unrivaled with the Ninja DualBrew. You can choose from a smaller cup to an XL multi-serve, accommodating a large range of coffee drinkers. In addition, they have better options for specialty drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, classic, and rich. This is opposed to Keurig, which offers regular coffee and strong brew styles.

Both machines come with a delayed brew feature that allows you to set the time of your brew to weave it into your schedule. The Keurig, in particular, has a pause-brew feature as well, allowing you to pour yourself a standard cup of coffee mid-brew.

However, this benefit alone is not enough to outweigh the sheer variety in brew choices. The Ninja DualBrew coffee maker offers the cup sizes, giving it the win on this occasion.

Winner: Ninja

 

Control Panel

Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro System 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve for Grounds & K-Cup Pod Compatible, 4 Brew Styles, Frother, 60-oz. Water Reservoir with Separate Hot Water Dispenser & Carafe, Black

There is a clear difference between the control panels of the Keurig K-Duo and the Ninja coffee bar DualBrew system. Keurig uses a simple button system with a digital display screen, while Ninja uses a more sophisticated LED control panel and dial. It has plenty more options to choose from.

Although subjective, most will agree that the aesthetics and greater variety of brewing options would give Ninja the edge in this instance. To explain these differences in more detail, the Keurig’s panel consists of four buttons for brew size. Two buttons to switch between carafe or single-serve coffee maker mode, a potent brew button, and the classic Keurig “K” button.

On the other hand, the Ninja comes with an easy-turn dial that lights up your chosen option. It also features maintenance alerts for cleaning and when brewing is in progress.

The Ninja DualBrew has the edge over the Keurig K-Duo as far as the control panel is concerned. It has greater sophistication in technology, more complete versatility of brewing choices, and convenient alert lights for cleaning and maintenance.

Winner: Ninja

Related: Ninja Coffee Bar Review: Is this coffee maker worth it?

Drip Tray

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

Both the Keurig K-Duo and Ninja DualBrew coffee systems feature drip trays that can accommodate a travel mug, a thermal carafe, or a standard single cup for brewing. The key difference here is that the Keurig technically has two drip trays, so you can rest your glass carafe and single-serve cup on the platform at the same time.

On the other hand, the Ninja has a single drip tray that can only sit one cup or pot at a time. The issue with Ninja in this instance is there is no permanent place for the carafe to sit, as you will have to move it out of the way and let it rest on your kitchen table whenever you go for a single-serve of coffee.

Another key difference between these two coffee giants’ drip trays is that Keurig’s one is removable. In contrast, Ninja’s one is “foldable,” meaning you can’t physically remove it to be washed separately. As such, the Keurig drip tray is a far better choice than the Ninja, and takes the win.

Winner: Keurig

Related: Keurig Duo Review: Is the Keurig K-Duo worth it?

 

Keurig vs Ninja FAQ

 

Do Ninjas take K-Cups?

Ninja models typically brew ground coffee and are pod-free, but machines such as the Ninja DualBrew can take K-Cup pods and brew coffee grounds. The machine works as a hybrid that can switch modes between the drip coffee and K-Cup pod systems.

 

What is better than a Keurig?

Keurig is one of the best pod-based coffee makers in the world that brews specialty beverages using unique K-Cup coffee pods that seal in the flavor and aromas. However, some customers prefer Keurig’s biggest competitors over the brand, including Nespresso, Ninja, Braun, and Technivorm.

 

Is Ninja coffee maker a good brand?

Yes, Ninja coffee maker is a fantastic brand that allows you to brew coffee of any size between a single cup, half carafe, or full pot of coffee as needed. The brand has been in the coffee maker manufacturing business since 1993. They have received highly positive ratings from customers all around the world.

 

Should I buy a Keurig or Nespresso?

If you are set on owning a single-serve coffee machine, there are two main types of coffee makers. Nespresso vs. Keurig is the big debate; the best way to decide is to know which type of coffee you drink more of (espresso versus drip coffee) and decide from there.

 

How long does a Ninja coffee maker last?

Ninja coffee makers are built to last at least five years. They deliver exceptional results throughout their lifespan. They can last up to 10 years or more if treated with care. The brand also offers a one-year limited product warranty for their coffee machines. This will cover you for any defects relating to manufacturing or a lack of quality in materials upon purchase of your item.

Check out: The Best Keurig Coffee Makers for Every Situation

Sources

(1) – https://home.howstuffworks.com/coffee-maker.htm

(2) – https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/aromatic

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