Finding the right coffee maker can feel like a journey. You want one that brews consistently, offers options, and, of course, doesn’t leave you with a mess. I got the Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker after reading about its dual brewing options on versusandreviews.us, and it’s been a solid addition to my kitchen. I’ll go into the specifics of what impressed me about this coffee maker, from setup to brewing, to the details that make a real difference for coffee lovers like myself.
Why I Liked Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Ninja CM371 looks sleek and modern. It’s a machine that could fit well into almost any kitchen setup. The size is surprisingly compact given all it can do. Its brushed metal and matte black finish give it a professional look, and the design is functional without feeling bulky.
The control panel is user-friendly. Buttons are clearly labeled, and there’s a dial to switch between brew types. You’ll see options for hot and iced, which is the core of this machine. The carafe is solid too—no thin glass or flimsy handle. It feels like it can handle daily use, which was reassuring.
Easy Setup and Customizable Options
One of the first things I appreciated was the setup process. All I had to do was rinse the parts and run a quick clean cycle. No special tools or complicated instructions here. Within minutes, the Ninja CM371 was ready to brew.
Then, I noticed the options. This machine gives a lot of flexibility in terms of brew size, from a single cup to a full 10-cup carafe. There’s even a “travel mug” size option, which is perfect for people who like to take their coffee on the go. You can adjust the brew strength as well, with settings for Classic and Rich brews. The Rich setting gives a fuller flavor, especially nice if you like your coffee strong but not bitter.
Brewing Hot Coffee: Smooth and Flavorful
When I first brewed a full pot of coffee, the Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker impressed me with the taste. The Classic brew was smooth, and the Rich brew was bold without any harsh bitterness. The coffee brewed consistently each time, with an even extraction of flavors. I even experimented with different beans and found that this coffee maker could handle both light and dark roasts well.
The brew speed is pretty decent too. In around 8–10 minutes, you have a full pot of coffee ready to go. And if you can’t wait, there’s a “pause and pour” feature. I used this when I was in a rush, and it’s a handy feature, especially on busy mornings.
Iced Coffee Feature: Fresh and Not Watered Down
The Ninja CM371 is built for hot and iced coffee, so I was eager to test the iced feature. I’ve used other machines before where the iced option just means brewing hot coffee over ice. This machine, though, adjusts the brew strength so that the ice doesn’t dilute the coffee as much. It delivers a concentrated brew that’s bold, even after the ice starts to melt.
I tried both plain iced coffee and added some milk to see how it would hold up, and both options turned out delicious. There was no need to add a ton of sugar or syrups—the coffee’s natural flavors came through. Plus, the iced coffee brewing process is quick. I could have a chilled coffee ready in just a few minutes, which is great on hot days. After some usage I tried comparing the Ninja CM371 with Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401.
Carafe and Drip Stop Feature
One feature I found particularly useful is the drip-stop lever. After you’ve brewed your coffee, you can pull this lever to prevent any remaining drips from making a mess. This might seem small, but it really keeps the counter cleaner, especially when you’re brewing in a hurry.
The carafe itself is large, holding up to 10 cups. I didn’t have to worry about constantly refilling it when friends were over. The lid fits tightly, so it doesn’t spill or leak even if you pour a little faster. I did notice, though, that pouring slowly gives the best control over your coffee flow—especially useful with larger mugs.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Surprisingly Easy
Maintaining a coffee maker is often where the trouble starts, but this Ninja coffee maker is pretty easy to care for. The machine has a “clean” button, so when it needs descaling, you just press that, and it runs a cleaning cycle with water and vinegar. The parts that come into contact with coffee are removable, so you can wash them easily by hand.
The carafe and filter holder are both dishwasher-safe, which saves a lot of time. And since the machine has a permanent filter, there’s no need for paper filters. This is both eco-friendly and convenient, and I found that it didn’t impact the taste of the coffee at all.
Programmable Timer: Wake Up to Fresh Coffee
This Ninja coffee maker also has a timer feature, which was a game changer for me. You can set the machine to start brewing at a specific time, so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. Programming it was easy—just set the clock and use the “delay brew” button. The machine even remembers your settings for the next day, which is convenient.
The coffee tasted just as good with the timer as when brewed immediately, which was a relief. I didn’t experience any loss in freshness or flavor. The machine keeps the coffee warm in the carafe for up to two hours, so you don’t feel rushed to drink it.
What Could Be Improved
Although I really like this coffee maker, there are a couple of minor areas that could be improved. First, the machine does produce a bit of steam during the brewing process. It’s not overwhelming, but if you’re in a small kitchen, it’s noticeable. Placing it under a cabinet isn’t the best idea unless there’s ventilation.
Second, the carafe isn’t thermal, so if you want to keep your coffee hot for several hours, you’ll need to transfer it to a thermal carafe. For regular use, though, the glass carafe works just fine.
Energy Efficiency and Auto Shut-Off
One last feature worth mentioning is the energy-saving mode. The Ninja CM371 has an auto shut-off that kicks in after two hours. It’s not only convenient but also saves on electricity. I sometimes forget to turn off appliances, so this was a nice bonus.
Final Thoughts: Why the Ninja CM371 Stands Out
After using the Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker for a while, it’s clear that this machine was designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. It can handle both hot and iced coffee without sacrificing taste, and the customizable options let you tailor your brew just the way you like it. The build quality is solid, and it fits easily into any kitchen space.
For anyone who loves a mix of hot and iced coffee, this machine is a solid investment. It’s versatile, easy to use, and has a thoughtful design that keeps cleanup to a minimum. Overall, I’d say the Ninja CM371 is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers who want quality without fuss.
