Ninja CM401 vs CM300: My Honest, Surprising Pick

Choosing between the Ninja CM401 and CM300 comes down to how much variety you want. Both make great coffee, but the CM401 gives you more options. It has specialty brews and a built-in frother.

I’ve used both at home. The CM300 is simple and fast, while the CM401 makes mornings feel like a café. After years of testing coffee makers, I’ve learned what really matters. Let’s break it down so you can pick the one that fits your routine.

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Is the Ninja CM401 Good?

Yes, the Ninja CM401 is a great coffee maker. I’ve used it for months, and it’s more than just a machine—it’s a daily helper. I use it for hot coffee, iced brews, and creamy drinks. On busy mornings, it saves me time. When friends come over, I love showing off the frother. It feels like having a mini café in my kitchen.

Ninja CM401 Review

This machine offers four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. I use “Rich” when I need a bold start to my day. On hot days, “Over Ice” keeps my coffee cool without watering it down. It gives me options without needing pods or extra tools.

The CM401 also has a built-in frother and brews in many sizes—from a single cup to a full carafe. It doesn’t use pods, which saves money and cuts waste. For me, this machine is the perfect mix of simple and smart.

What I Like

  • Versatile Brewing Options: I can make anything from a regular cup to a latte-style drink. The “Specialty” mode makes strong coffee that pairs well with frothed milk. I use this mode a lot when I want a cappuccino-style cup at home.
  • No Pods Needed: I used to go through pods fast. Now, I use my own coffee grounds. That means I can enjoy my favorite local blends and save money too.
  • Simple to Use and Clean: The controls are clear and easy. The frother flips out and rinses fast. After months of daily use, it still works great. It feels well-made. And since it’s made for U.S. power and outlets, setup was easy.

What Could Be Better

  • No Thermal Carafe: The glass carafe works fine, but coffee cools off fast. I wish it came with a thermal option to keep coffee hot longer.
  • Takes Up Space: It’s not huge, but it’s not small either. If you have a tiny kitchen, it might feel a bit bulky.
  • Frother Isn’t Heated: The frother works well, but it doesn’t heat the milk. I have to warm it first if I want a true hot latte. It’s not a big deal, but worth noting.

Recommendation

If you want a machine that does more than basic brewing, the Ninja CM401 is a smart choice. It’s great for people who like variety—hot coffee, iced drinks, and creamy blends—all without pods.

It plugs into standard U.S. outlets and fits most kitchens. Just make sure you have enough counter space.

I’d recommend it to anyone who wants better coffee at home without a full barista setup. If you need a heated frother or thermal carafe, you may want to look at other models. But for daily use, this one has been reliable and fun to use.

Ninja CM401 Price

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Is the Ninja CM300 Good?

Yes, the Ninja CM300 is a great choice if you want a simple, no-fuss coffee maker. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it works well every time. It doesn’t have fancy extras, but that’s what I like about it.

Ninja CM300 Review

Most mornings, I use it for a quick, strong cup. One press, and it’s ready in minutes. On hot days, I switch to Over Ice. It brews right over the ice without losing flavor—a win for iced coffee fans like me.

This model offers three brew styles: Classic, Rich, and Over Ice. You can brew a single cup or a full 10-cup carafe. The water tank is easy to lift and refill. It comes with a glass carafe and warming plate to keep coffee hot. The push-button controls are simple and clear.

What I Like

  • Smooth, Steady Brews: The CM300 makes rich, even coffee every time. Whether I brew one cup or ten, the taste stays the same. I was surprised that iced coffee still tasted bold.
  • Simple to Use: There’s no menu to scroll or app to download. The buttons are labeled and easy to press. I figured it out in a few minutes. I also like that the water tank clicks in without leaks.
  • Compact but Capable: This machine fits well in my small kitchen. It doesn’t take up much space but still makes a full carafe. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when friends stop by.

What Could Be Better

  • Missing Scoop in Renewed Version: Since I bought a renewed unit, it didn’t come with the scoop. Not a big deal, but check the listing before you buy.
  • No Cold Brew Mode: The Over Ice setting works well, but this isn’t a cold brew maker. If that’s your thing, try a different Ninja model.
  • Brewing Can Be Noisy: It makes a small gurgling sound while brewing. It’s not super loud, but it’s something to know if you’re sound-sensitive.

Recommendation

If you want a simple coffee maker that does hot and iced brews, the Ninja CM300 is a smart pick. It’s great for one person, a couple, or even a small family. I think it’s best for people in the U.S. who want a compact, easy-to-use machine that doesn’t cost a lot.

If you need cold brew or espresso-style drinks, you may want a more advanced model. But for everyday coffee, this one has worked well for me.

I’d recommend the CM300 to anyone who wants a reliable, space-saving coffee maker. Just make sure to check if the one you’re buying comes with all the accessories.

Ninja CM300 Price

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Ninja CM401 vs CM300: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja CM401 and CM300. Each has its perks. But they’re not the same. Here’s how they stack up.

Brewing Speed: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Both machines are quick, but the CM401 is just a bit faster.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Brew TimeAbout 5 minsAround 6 mins
Delay BrewYesYes
Single-ServeYesYes

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 8/10

Coffee Temperature: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

I noticed the CM401 keeps coffee hotter longer.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Brew Temp RangeHot to Very HotHot
Temp ConsistencyExcellentGood
Thermal CarafeNo (Glass)No (Glass)

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 7.5/10

Water Tank Capacity: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Larger tanks mean less refilling. The CM401 wins here.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Capacity50 oz40 oz
Removable TankYesYes
Refill EaseEasyEasy

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 8/10

Filter Quality: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Both models use a reusable filter, which saves money over time.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Filter TypePermanent MeshPermanent Mesh
Paper Filter UseOptionalOptional
Cleaning EaseSimpleSimple

Rating: CM401 – 8.5/10, CM300 – 8.5/10

Brew Quality: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

To me, CM401 gives more depth in flavor.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Rich Brew SettingYesNo
Flavor StrengthBold & FullBalanced
ConsistencyExcellentGood

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 8/10

Ninja CM300 Price

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Performance: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Both perform well daily, but CM401 feels more robust.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Brew Modes42
CustomizationHighMedium
Overall SpeedFastModerate

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 8/10

Ease of Use: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Both machines are simple. But the CM300 may feel easier for beginners.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Button LayoutStraightforwardVery Simple
DisplayClearClear
CleaningEasyVery Easy

Rating: CM401 – 8.5/10, CM300 – 9/10

Value for Money: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

The CM300 costs less and gives good features. CM401 gives more, but it’s not cheap.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Price RangeHigher Mid-EndBudget-Friendly
Feature-to-PriceGreatVery Good
LongevitySolidSolid

Rating: CM401 – 8.5/10, CM300 – 9/10

Read More: Ninja CFN601 vs CFN602

Overall: Ninja CM401 vs CM300

I use the CM401 more often because of the extra brew styles. But the CM300 is a good pick too.

FeatureNinja CM401Ninja CM300
Best ForCustom CoffeeSimple Brews
StrengthFeaturesSimplicity
WeaknessCostFewer Settings

Rating: CM401 – 9/10, CM300 – 8.5/10

Ninja CM401 Price

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FAQs for Ninja CM401 vs CM300

Which is better, Ninja CM401 or CM300?

The Ninja CM401 offers more brew styles and a built-in frother, making it better for coffee enthusiasts. The CM300 is simpler and more affordable.

What are the main differences between the Ninja CM401 and CM300?

The CM401 has four brew styles, a frother, and more size options. The CM300 has three brew styles and no frother, but it’s more compact.

Does the Ninja CM300 have a built-in frother?

No, the Ninja CM300 does not have a built-in frother. The Ninja CM401 includes a fold-away frother for making lattes and cappuccinos.

Do Ninja CM401 and CM300 use coffee pods?

No, both the Ninja CM401 and CM300 use ground coffee, not pods. This helps reduce waste and saves money.

Can both the Ninja CM401 and CM300 make iced coffee?

Yes, both models have an iced coffee brew option. However, the CM401 also has a specialty brew for richer drinks like macchiatos.

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