Ninja ES701 vs. ES601: Is the “Pro” Series Upgrade Worth the Counter Space?

There is a specific kind of thrill that comes with unboxing a Ninja appliance; you know it’s going to be clever, and you know it’s going to try to do everything at once. For the last several weeks, my kitchen has looked less like a home and more like a high-end testing lab as I’ve toggled between the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series (ES701) and its slightly more streamlined sibling, the Ninja Luxe Café (ES601).

Both machines have effectively killed my expensive local coffee shop habit, but they do so with different levels of “flair.” While they share the same DNA of weight-based dosing and guided brewing, the ES701 pushes into “Pro” territory with features that cater to the true espresso aficionado and the multi-drink household. If you’ve been staring at both, wondering if that “Pro” badge actually changes the flavor in the cup, I’ve got the answers for you.

The Key Difference: More Styles, More Foam, and Dedicated Water

The fundamental key difference between the Ninja ES701 and the ES601 lies in the breadth of beverage customization and the milk system’s capability. The Ninja ES701 (Pro Series) is essentially a “4-in-1” machine because it adds an independent hot water system for tea and americanos, which the ES601 lacks. It also expands the espresso menu to include Ristretto and Lungo styles and provides 5 milk froth settings compared to the ES601’s 4.

Furthermore, the ES701 comes with an XL Milk Jug, allowing you to froth enough for two drinks at once, and it includes a Single Basket in the box, whereas the ES601 focuses primarily on Double and Quad shots. In short, the ES701 is the “unlocked” version of the Ninja coffee experience, offering more precision for coffee purists who want to dial in specific shot lengths.

Comparison Table: Ninja ES701 vs. Ninja ES601

Feature	Ninja Luxe Café Pro (ES701)	Ninja Luxe Café (ES601)
Machine Category	4-in-1 (Adds Hot Water)	3-in-1
Espresso Styles	5 (Single, Double, Quad, Ristretto, Lungo)	2 (Double, Quad)
Hot Water System	Independent (Dedicated Spout)	No
Froth Settings	5 (Adds Extra-Thick Froth)	4
Milk Jug Size	XL Milk Jug (Dual Drink Capable)	Standard Milk Jug
Baskets Included	Single, Double, & Luxe	Double & Luxe
Dosing Tech	Weight-Based (Built-in Scale)	Weight-Based (Built-in Scale)
Grinder	25-Setting Conical Burr	25-Setting Conical Burr
Water Capacity	68 Fluid Ounces	4.4 lbs (Sensing Capacity)
Buy NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Barista Experience

Operating these machines back-to-back was an exercise in noticing the “little things” that make a big difference during a hectic morning.

Design: Subtle Shifts in Aesthetics

At first glance, these two look like twins. They both sport that sleek, brushed stainless steel finish that looks incredibly professional. However, when I set them side-by-side, the ES701 felt a bit more substantial. It’s slightly taller and deeper, housing that extra hot water plumbing.

I was impressed by how Ninja kept the built-in storage on both models. Being able to tuck the cleaning disc and brush into the machine’s body is a genius move that keeps my “coffee corner” from looking like a garage sale. The Assisted Tamper lever on both machines remains the star of the show; it’s smooth, mechanical, and ensures I never have a tilted puck.

Ease of Use: The “Safety Net” for Beginners

Both machines utilize Barista Assist Technology, and let me tell you, it’s a lifesaver. On my third day with the ES701, I switched to a darker oily bean. The machine weighed the grounds and immediately displayed a message saying, “Grind 2 clicks coarser.” It was like having a professional barista whispering over my shoulder.

The ES601 offers the same weight-based dosing, which is infinitely better than the “timed” grinding found on most Breville machines. The difference in ease of use comes down to the ES701’s hot water spout. When I wanted an Americano on the ES701, it was a one-touch affair. On the ES601, I found myself either using the steam wand to get water (which is messy) or just boiling a separate kettle.

Functions: Variety is the Spice of Life

This is where the ES701 Pro Series earns its keep. As someone who appreciates a Ristretto (a shorter, sweeter shot), I found the ES701 to be far more versatile. The ES601 is great if you just want a standard latte or a double espresso, but it feels a bit “locked down” compared to the Pro.

The Dual Froth System Pro on the ES701 also has an “Extra-Thick Froth” setting. I used this for a few “dry” cappuccinos, and the foam was so dense it could hold up a spoon. The XL Milk Jug on the ES701 is also a massive upgrade if you’re making coffee for a partner. Frothing milk for two lattes in one go saves me about three minutes every single morning.

Performance: Cold Brew and Drip

Both machines excel at the “non-espresso” stuff. The Cold Pressed Espresso is a feature I didn’t think I’d use, but it’s become my go-to for afternoon pick-me-ups. It’s smooth, cold, and ready in minutes. The Drip Coffee on both models (up to 18 oz) is genuinely well-balanced. It doesn’t taste like “watered-down espresso”; it tastes like a high-quality drip brew.

Ninja ES701 (Pro Series) Espresso Machine

Pros:

• Total Versatility: The independent hot water system is a game-changer for tea and Americano drinkers.
• Pro Shot Styles: Includes Ristretto and Lungo for more nuanced coffee tasting.
• XL Capacity: Froth for two people simultaneously with the larger jug.
• Guided Tech: The most advanced version of Ninja’s Barista Assist.

Cons:

• Higher Price: You’re paying for the “Pro” features.
• Size: Slightly larger footprint than the ES601.

Ninja ES601 Espresso Machine

Pros:

• Best Value: Provides the core “Luxe Café” experience (Grinder/Scale/Tamper) at a lower price.
• Simplicity: Focuses on the most popular drink styles (Double and Quad shots).
• Compact: Fits slightly better under low-hanging cabinets.
• Same Build Quality: Doesn’t feel “cheaper” than the Pro model.

Cons:

• No Hot Water: Lack of a dedicated water spout is annoying for Americano fans.
• No Single Basket: Forces you into brewing at least a double shot every time.

The Final Recommendation: Which Ninja Belongs in Your Kitchen?

I recommend the Ninja ES701 Pro Series if you are a “Coffee Explorer” or live in a multi-person household. If you want the ability to make a Single Ristretto for yourself and then immediately froth a giant pitcher of extra-thick foam for two lattes, the ES701 is worth the extra investment. The independent hot water system alone makes it a more complete “kitchen beverage center.”

I recommend the Ninja ES601 if you are an “Espresso Purist on a Budget.” If you primarily drink double-shot lattes or iced coffees and you already have a kettle for tea, the ES601 gives you the exact same high-end grinder, weight-based scale, and assisted tamper technology for a better price. It is the smartest “bang for your buck” machine in the 2026 lineup.

Personally, I can’t live without the hot water spout, so the ES701 is the one that stays on my counter. It’s the closest I’ve come to having a commercial café setup without the $3,000 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the ES701 take up significantly more space?

A: It’s only about half an inch wider and deeper. If you have a standard-sized counter, you won’t notice the difference, but it might be tight if you have a very crowded coffee corner.

Q: Can I buy the XL Milk Jug separately for the ES601?

A: You can, but remember that the ES601’s software is programmed for the standard jug. The ES701 has a specific “XL” logic in its frothing programs to ensure the milk is heated evenly in the larger volume.

Q: Is the “Cold Pressed” coffee actually cold?

A: Yes! It uses a specific pump frequency and lower temperature water. It’s not “ice cold” out of the spout, but it’s cool enough that it won’t melt your ice cubes instantly like a hot shot would.

Q: Do both machines handle non-dairy milk?

A: Absolutely. Both have settings for dairy and plant-based milks. I’ve found that the “Thin Froth” setting on either machine works beautifully with Oatly or Almond milk.