Ninja Luxe Cafe. Full Tutorial - Making All Drinks

[@Coffee_Kev]

For anyone who has been trying to get hold of this, it's now available to pre-order again (for now) on Amazon UK: amzn.to/4h4C22z Also Amazon.de: Amazon.de: amzn.to/4gVR9LD The 501 "Essensials" version now available to order on Amazon.de: amzn.to/4h4oWSQ USA/Canada: amzn.to/482TlN0 Affiliate links above, if you order using my links I'll be rich I tell ya, rich beyond my wildest dreams! Well, maybe not, but you'll be supporting the channel so thanks! 🙂

[@bigleemac]

What milk jugs do you recommend Kev? Want to try that dispensing method 👍

[@caffeinedeprivedsodeadbyda4562]

Can I order the European version if I'm in America? Which machine do you think was better the American version or the European version.

[@ianc8683]

Dav, three link for pre-order seems no longer to offer pre-order from Amazon, but other vendors at £860-£899.

[@UK_Adventurer]

Do you know if the ES701UK is going to be better than the ES601UK model?

[@ianc8683]

@@UK_Adventurer not being flippant, but it wouldn't be dearer if it wasn't better, right? It has a Sage Impress type tamping lever and no funnel, that alone makes it better as the 601 reviews have many saying that the funnel has cracked, chipped etc., which Kev did warn might happen as it is brittle plastic. Also it has the added Americano prog, but that might also be being added to the 601. I'm personally waiting for the 701 and I'm a bit angry that all three, 501 (no frills, hot brew only), 601 and 701 didn't come out at the same time. People who will never have cold brew will feel done when the 501 comes out, which is about £100 cheaper.

[@kartikkulkarni8569]

The tip on purging the steam wand into the frother instead of the tray is actually genius! Saves from emptying the tray every other day! Thanks that's a great tip! 👍🏾

[@artistjosephtubb]

Love to see ninja is listening the their customers! Let’s get this updates in the US market!

[@florianulm5263]

I haven't got the slightest clue about coffe yet, but this guy is a phenomenal chap. Subscribed!

[@coreycannon4511]

Kev, that was both the goofiest and most entertaining video you’ve ever done. Thank you. I would love to more “how to get the best out of this {specific} machine,” type videos. I can’t recall EVER seeing a video like this from anyone else. More, please!! PS: your self-sponsored ads are so great I want to try a bag of Chocolate Brownie! I’m mostly a light roast, single origin guy, but I do love a good, chocolatey medium for espresso and milkies. If I ever visit the UK again, I will definitely seek it out! Cheers from Canada!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Haha, thanks, very kind of you 😎. Cheers, Kev.

[@billyheddle8552]

Got my machine and love it, I've come from the sage barista pro and I'll never go back to it even though it did make better tasting coffee. The speed and ease of the luxe is luxury ☕️😎

[@thegreatjacksby7904]

Just received mine today, absolutey love it so far! Can't wait to try all of the features

[@Coffee_Kev]

Have fun! 😎

[@thegreatjacksby7904]

@@Coffee_Kev Thanks! Just ordered some beans from your site also, I'm sure they'll be great!

[@bowreality1564]

lol the rap song made my day 🤣 Can’t wait to see more of the Ninja. I am seriously in love with mine

[@CarlG95]

Had mine since launch, got to say I love it. Really enjoyable to use and it’s creating really good coffee. Winner

[@scotschick1]

Thanks for these videos! I've ordered this as an upgrade to my pod machine and as someone very new to beans and these machines, they are very helpful.

[@matthewnicholas6365]

I've just been out in my garage on the cross trainer watching this video AS my new Lux was delivered. I shit you not, I've ordered 2 bags of your coffee and it's been dispatched within half an hour of the order THAT'S SERVICE!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Brilliant to hear! Thanks for the very kind words, and now let's just hope the postie doesn't mess it up! 😆. Ta, Kev.

[@matthewnicholas6365]

@Coffee_Kev arrived safe n sound, smells divine, will go down a treat when the machine gets unwrapped!

[@jhosoi808]

Is your coffee in the US?

[@CoffeeGeek]

Really informative video Kev. Another home run.

[@o2xb]

Just bought some choc brownie and one other as I finish my last bag of Dark Woods. Great video once again, and thank you! Bilal

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Yepp. I will go for this machine. I have never been one for cold or iced, but I have a feeling next summer I will have a break through. This machine is just my cup of tea. 😂 No problem keeping my wand clean.

[@Coffee_Kev]

I haven't either to be honest but it is fun, with the cold froth, in rare hot weather.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

@@Coffee_Kev Yes. Especially if your not driving, like you suggest. Cheers

[@bowreality1564]

Oh it’s amazing!! I had cold foam only once before but now I am hooked!

[@ronnyskaar3737]

@@bowreality1564 Great to hear! This will be a new adventure! Cheers

[@chrisbmx145]

Currently drinking a latte made by the Ninja Luxe with your Chocolate Brownie beans, couldn't be happier with it! 😁

[@Coffee_Kev]

Ah, excellent!! 😎😎 Thanks! Kev

[@annemariehamel3436]

Appreciate your video …I have this / American model ! Love it and pick up on little tips you show here !!! Thanks !!!❤

[@joec-PC]

Hi Kev, I have this machine also got it on release day and have enjoyed using it thoroughly! I did notice when changing the grind size down it purges and you end up with grounds of varying sizes at the bottom of your portafilter, that will effect your first pull unless you toss them out 👍

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah the little pulse purges are just to stop bits potentially jamming the burrs, so yeah you're best ditching them, but if you make a bigger grind adjustment, for example from filter to espresso, I'd recommend pressing and holding start grind, to purge the grinder for a few seconds, otherwise you'll still have a mix of particle sizes in the basket even with those pulse purges from the grind adjustment. Cheers, Kev.

[@SteveJaszczak]

Mine is on its way to me today. Can't wait! I've ordered some of your chocolate brownie blend but I've had to nip to Sainsbury's to grab some Union house blend beans...managed to find a pack with Oct 1st roast date so hopefully they'll be ok 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Coffee_Kev]

Exciting! Thanks for your order 😎. Re your Union house blend, yeah they'll be fine if they have a roasted on date . Ta, Kev.

[@SteveJaszczak]

@@Coffee_Kev thanks Kev...we've tried our first coffees. It seems to like grind size 10 with these beans...tastes very nice but don't have much experience beyond Costa to compare it to! Can't wait to try your beans!

[@MKTSirHenry]

Where’s the links to the recommended milk jugs you said would be in the description?! Which do you use?

[@MissBunnypenny]

Could you post a link for the milk jugs please? Now watching this video on repeat until the machine is back in stock! 😅

[@markh4430]

I think the one he uses is the WPM #06 Round Spout Pitcher - "Hold Fast Pour Slow"

[@deborahroberts-barter4640]

Thanks - I love it, but may be a bit out of my price range for now!😂

[@jturie]

Just received mine in the US yesterday....which means that Ninja will release an updated model next week.

[@sig310]

How do u know?

[@jturie]

@@sig310 because it’s my luck.

[@ClaireKelly-e1w]

Hi kev. Love your videos. Please help! We’ve just bought this machine and the espresso is only just warm to drink when we want it much hotter. Why is this happening? Also we are hardly getting any coffee coming out on our espressos. Just a tiny amount at recommended grind size 7. Please help 🙏

[@lynnsoeng4090]

Can you create a lungo out of this machine? Was eying the 501 but that doesnt even have the hot water feature. Espresso is too strong for me while the Americano is too watery.

[@goport]

I am close to pulling the trigger on one of these, or maybe the ES701UK. I do have a couple of conerns: Regarding the grind size, There does not seem to be a lot of latitude if you are already on 3 (presumably with properly rested espresso beans). What happens as beans age and you need to grind finer... What is the descaling like and ... can you recommend a good bottled water for those of us in a very hard water area? Finally this was a great video - a good balance of levity and content. BTW I like the interplay with you and your colleagues but I do struggle to hear the off camera dialogue. Any chance of you mic'ing them too? Or putting subtitles on for those of us with knackered earholes?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah I know what you mean re the grind size, I do usually end up around grin size 3-6 with most of the beans I use, and yeah if you do end up needing to grind finer than it will grind, which could happen over time as the burrs wear (Sage machines have the internal adjustment specifically for this) then I think it's tough luck ;-), or maybe replacing the burrs. Descaling just like most machines really, easy enough but I'd recommend using filtered water and reducing the amount of descaling you need to do, or - not doing it at all if you're using soft water. I know a lot of people say you should descale even when using soft water, I've never descaled machines, I'm lucky enough to be in a soft water area, I've never struggled with limescale. Some will also say that soft water produces the worst tasting espresso, and therefore you're better off focusing on espresso taste rather than limescale, and just descale your machine. Whether most people have a sensitive enough palate to be able to tell the difference between an espresso made with soft water vs one with a higher mineral content, is another matter ;-), I don't think I do. Bottled water, volvic & Ashbeck are the soft bottled waters that spring to mind, it's just a case of checking the mineral levels, in particular calcium & magnesium. Re the audio, thanks, yeah we've discussed this, in future we'll make sure everyone has a mic so all the dialogue can be properly heard, I also have knackered ear holes (drummer). Cheers :-), Kev.

[@goport]

​@@Coffee_Kev "Pardon?" Heheh! Guitarist, from the pre IEM, 100w Marshall Stack era.

[@Usernameunknown-w1i]

I have had this uk version since launch here and have used fresh beans and supermarket beans, so far aging over a few days has not changed the grind by much and the finest i have gone is 2 with week old opened beans. The burrs will be available to purchase separately if they do need changing. Descaling wise, ninja allow white vinegar descaling and it doesnt void the warranty as long as you use their recipe guide in the instructions.

[@sdcoffeeroaster]

So the "601" version for the USA doesn't have the hot water or Americano option. I'm wondering if when they sell out here (which is now according to their website) if it will show up and the 701 early next year? GIven how many of these that have been sold, thousands, I'm not surprised there are a few out of box failures according to the reviews but Ninja seems to be making good on getting replacements out for those people based on availability. I'll probably make my Gaggia Brera last a bit longer and wait for the 701 with taping arm and hot water spout.

[@fedesilva2589]

I wonder if you can fit 2 average mugs under this at the same time

[@kartikkulkarni8569]

Also any tips on when you refill the hopper with entirely different type of beans compared to previous?it seems awfully wasteful to go through dialling 3-4 espressos before the barista assist learns? I thought of starting at grind size of 5 for most new beans anyway rather than the 19-12-7-5 or so that it recommends. What's your opinion on that?

[@chrisjohnson9621]

Bought the ninja 2 weeks ago, loving it but not convinced the recommended grind sizes are right (recommends grind size 1 for the double basket espresso, and grid size 23 for the single basket espresso - the double is providing better espresso). Just ordered some Chocolate Brownie beans from cworks, so will see what the machine makes out of those......

[@jennkarlovcec5711]

Love the idea of this machine for my husband - however; as a tea drinker myself, is there a way to make tea/hot water? It seems many of the other machines have a hot water function but can't find any info about this for the Ninja. Thanks!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Jenn, i've answered your question in one of my latest videos. Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2iWdKygZtZ9hdksi=Y4sVhpNRfTR-T-W-&t=524

[@emmaoneill579]

With the option for the rocket espresso machine to be on subscription making it more affordable could a comparison video be done? Would be handy to see them side by side I know they’re doing different things but they may appeal to those wanting a really good espresso set up on a budget?

[@NickPetrides]

How would you make a latte in a tall flask? What settings?

[@ThomasCreighton-x2k]

Hi Kev, we bought a lux off the back off your video, and Jody also bought your coffee today, ive done some research on tamping, grind sizes, over and under extracting etc but we couldnt understand why youre at a 5 grind size when the machine tell us to do a 10 or 12 etc for certain beans, is there any chance of a more in depth explanation on this in a video for us novices?

[@GeorgeK26013]

I’ve been struggling to get consistent results. I’m using a 1:2 ratio, and sometimes I end up getting nearly 50g espresso instead of the expected 36g. Any tips?

[@paulcarpenter7160]

Great video ! One question if I can... When you calibrate the machine what happens if you power it off ?? Do you have to re-calibrate ???

[@hybricechess]

Mine does the same, but worse... What yield are you getting from it? On Strength 3, supposedly 2:1 setting, I'm getting like 60-80g out, which seems very high - and there's no way to adjust the volume of water through. It's on the correct grind setting and such. I'm lost.

[@MorganWilson-p3r]

Thanks for this review! Can you put pre-ground coffee grounds in the larger portafilter for drip coffee?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah you could

[@dundun2011kd]

How do you get the espresso shot and wond to work simultaneously like it state's it can do please

[@Coffee_Kev]

You can't steam and pull shots simultaneously. The cold milk frother will work while brewing, but not the steam wand. Cheers, Kev.

[@adrianscarlett]

I'm interested in a comparison of the double vs quad espresso. I usually make a two double flat white on my lapavoni for my workday morning coffee, how would the quad compare? Also, how does a double compare to a split quad?

[@o2xb]

I make a flat white in a Le Creuset 350 ml mug. Faced with the same dilemma as yourself, after following the flat white recipe in the book being too weak, I have found that dosing a quad shot either via x2 DOUBLE shot (slightly better taste) or using the Luxe Quad shot x1 works perfectly. I keep the milk volume the same (120ml), but double the espresso recommended in the recipe book.

[@ChangeAndBelieveIt]

Fantastic video, Kev. Love the fusion of humour and education! Our old Delonghi Magnifico ESAM 4200.S (6 years old) is giving up the ghost. It seems to have a leak. Torn between the Ninja (once available), Revelia, and Sage Barista Touch Impress (refurb, as can't justify it at its RRP right now with Christmas coming up). Is the Ninja a significant upgrade over the older Magnifica bean to cup machines for those of us who aren't overly concerned with dialing in? Decisions, decisions!

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

Does the taste of the Espresso improve if you use a needle tool to break up clumps in the ground coffee beans?

[@Coffee_Kev]

Distribution is good practice, especially with clumpy grinds, but its unlikely to make a particularly noticeable difference other than a slight improvement in shot to shot consistentcy. Ta, Kev.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

@ Thank you!

[@KanielD]

I wish the grinder just had a little more torque. In my testing, Light roasts need to be fed a few beans at a time on larger settings for the lux basket, & stall immediately with more traditional grind settings. Volume is also an issue with grind settings & light roasts.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah this isn't a machine I'd recommend for light roasts, to be fair - although most integrated grinder machines will struggle with light roasts, so this isn't specific to the Luxe. Cheers, Kev.

[@stuarthay3369]

Hi Kev. Really enjoying your videos. Found yours the most informative and easy to understand. One question though. Once unboxed and setting up, my 1st double espresso the grind settings were high at 14. 2nd one was down to grind recommendation 7, but very little water came through. What caused that? Thanks in advance.

[@deejaypee100]

I’m not getting much coffee in to my cup. Do you know what might be causing this?

[@garethwright8889]

@coffee_kev where can I get some of the glass flat white cups similar to what you use?

[@Nevrix123]

I've had mine for a couple months. I've been enjoying it, but am not happy with Ninja announcing a pro model so soon after this one. I plan to upgrade now, but am thinking about switching to the Breville Touch Impress over the 701.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Yeah I do find the way they've handled the release a bit odd! Ta, Kev.

[@adamton7274]

I cannot find the announcement what is the differences?

[@Jessicakelive]

Do you find that the OZ of liquid when you make a cold brew is less than what you choose? For instance I selected 12oz and got 4oz

Have you or can you compare this to the sage barista express?

[@TheRealMarkPotter]

Not sure if I missed it in the video, but is the espresso timed during extraction or is the glass / cup weighed during the extraction too? Pretty sure the portafilter is weighed so just wondering if the extraction is too.

[@JustinHarveyvivivi]

Thanks for the useful video. How did you manage to get hold of the European version with the hot water button, I can’t seem to find this model anywhere not even from Ninja?

[@paulolford2464]

Ive just got my lux cafe and im using your beans, cherry and caramel, but when im doing a double espresso, the recommend grind says 12 and doesnt alter. Ive got mine set to 17. Any lower than 12 i hardly get any water coming out...can you help?

[@ChrisHanton]

Best type of coffee bean whole or grind

[@Coffee_Kev]

Definitely whole bean!

[@fathemabegum6012]

Kev when are you going to use the eureka mignon oro? We are desperately waiting to hear your thoughts on it

[@1995avish]

Just wanted to know about setting the water filter up. Didn’t see that in the US version or any other review. I have my Uk version on the way, should i buy filters?

[@Coffee_Kev]

It comes with the filter holder and one filter. Personally if you're in a hard water area I wouldn't rely on the tank water softner alone, I'd get something like the Brita Maxtra filter and the limescale expert cartridges, and properly filter my water, then do the water hardness strip test with this water and input that into the machine.

[@1995avish]

Thank you Kev. Is the filter holder and the filters same as the ones that are on Amazon for Sage machines?

[@eddie_1878]

Anyone used a puck screen on this yet? How does it affect the barista assist and grind size?

[@darren7398]

Kev, what brew temperature are you using for an Espresso with these beans? Think it's the HD06 setting.

[@susanbrown7263]

Machine is recommending 25 for a coffee but the dial wont turn to 25. Any ideas why?

[@RyanF91W]

Will you be reviewing the Smeg mini pro?

[@RogerMoles]

Hi kev love the review hoping to get a 701 is there a difference between uk/eu versions ? as some sites suggest only eu version has hot water spout thx😊

[@eddie_1878]

Will the grind size change if i change my beans, but with a similar strength roast? Just wondering how many times I’ve got to waste beans making three test shots!

[@o2xb]

tbh, it normally figures out the grind size with 1-2 espresso shots if you start with size 5 for recently med-dark roasted coffee.

[@mriross]

Have you got the link to recommended late art jug

[@brianaromero7565]

Hi is anyone experiencing a bitter espresso or almost a burnt coffee smell I’ve changed settings and grinding course not sure what to do..

[@grundy1973]

Great informative vid Kev. One question regarding the hot water function. Is it hot enough for a good ol cup of tetley?

[@chrisjohnson9621]

From Kev's review it looks like the highest temperature is going to be 85C, so you're better off with a kettle

[@someguy9520]

Kinda mind blowing how they made a GBW grinder in a all-in-one machine for 550eur I recently got an Itop K64 GBW grinder 500eur, so that's a comparison

[@commentator704]

I'm confused on what the strength button does for your espresso. Can anyone please explain? I leave mine on 3...

[@o2xb]

Ratio of coffee beans to water. He explains it at 10:10

[@mothleen]

Kev as you sponsor your own vids can you do a coffee roasting vid?

[@karenbraddock5738]

Hi - I am getting to grips with the ninja - but I cannot find the tray that you put higher up! Anywhere! Please can you help me 😂 Thanks!

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hi Karen, I've answered your question in one of my recent videos. Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnixe4muZquZpaMsi=DmU0RVhC44Z7XaP8&t=1086

[@jhosoi808]

Is your coffee in US? I’m in California Top of the morning to ya, Cheerio

[@AndrewKeezer]

The metal drip trays on my Ninja Luxe rattle while pulling a shot. Anyone else run into this?

[@stevensaxby9322]

I’ve had the machine since its launch and have noticed that I’m needing to empty the full drip tray more and more frequently. Today, I emptied and cleaned it, made two lattes, and it was already overflowing and leaking onto the kitchen top. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'm also using the brownie blend, Amazing. Onto my second bag and set up a subscription.

[@o2xb]

I'm in the same boat, but that's because I've been pre-heating the machine via water flush settings. Will clean the milk wand into the jug and use espresso setting to pre- heat and see if that makes a difference.

[@Razbo]

Does it matter if the steamer nozzle is thinner, I’m contemplating the 701 over the 601

[@Sharule89]

So again no Lungo?

[@I.AM.W1LL]

Always wipe your wand harry! LOL

[@MLew22]

👏👏👏👏

[@samfuller15]

I’ve seen people say they get better results with the plant based froth option when using dairy milk

[@Coffee_Kev]

The thing is, there's not just one plant milk, there are so many different types, and even different brands of oat for example will react differently when steamed, so it's definitely worth experimenting with both options and seeing which produces the best results for you. The best results come from getting used to manually steaming though, with a bit of practice you'll be able to get the exact texture and temperature you want, manually. Cheers, Kev.

[@skykitchen867]

Does Ninja ever stop? Good grief.

[@rochellerobinson9949]

Water filter?!?! 😢 Why couldn’t the US have this? Why?!?! Loved the rap, but I thought you were giving steps for a game controller cheat. 😂

[@johne7100]

God, Kev, you must get bored shitless trotting out review after review after review. Kudos.

[@Coffee_Kev]

Hahaha, I never get bored of messing with coffee machines to be honest 😆

[@johne7100]

@@Coffee_Kev Long may it so continue. ;)

[@petrarsenjev9079]

Thank you for the nice video! I want to splurge and buy a new coffee machine, the Ninja Luxe looks like a lot of features for a reasonable price. But more and more it seems to me that I would never use most of those functions, it's quite confusing, I don't like the portafilter, the grinder probably not too much either - from the beginning close to its limits, a lot of cheap plastic, weird design. And that's not yet the clear quality of the service of this Chinese miracle, which can quickly become electronic waste. I guess I will have to keep looking, I just need a coffee machine with perfect espresso and milk frothing, which will be reliable and with a guaranteed lifespan.

[@randomshotsbyks]

I bought this not worth

[@monicajack25]

Is this 601UK or 701UK. Premium or Pro What’s the diff. Getting confused reading diff articles.

[@Coffee_Kev]

This is 601UK, "premier". The 701 "Pro" hasn't been released yet, and that has a tamp lever, no need for the dosing funnel, ristretto and lungo on the menu, and an extra thick auto froth option. Cheers.

[@ClaireKelly-e1w]

Hi kev. Love your videos. Please help! We’ve just bought this machine and the espresso is only just warm to drink when we want it much hotter. Why is this happening? Also we are hardly getting any coffee coming out on our espressos. Just a tiny amount at recommended grind size 7. Please help 🙏

[@JoseyJoAC]

Hi How do you change between a single and double dose. I’m putting the single basket in the portafilter and when I press espresso it’s highlighted double. I can’t see anywhere in the manual where I can change this. Some coffees I just want a single shot and not a double so I’m finding the coffee really strong as i’m not able to change it to a single dose. Also can we have the link for the hug recommendations Thanks

[@brianaromero7565]

Hi is anyone experiencing a bitter espresso or almost a burnt coffee smell I’ve changed settings and grinding course not sure what to do..