Both brew the same great coffee; CM401 adds nicer bundle and wider availability.
I live in the US, in Austin, where mornings get busy fast. If you’re choosing between these two Ninja coffee makers, you want easy choices, strong coffee, and flexible cup sizes. In this ninja cm371 vs cm401 guide, I break down what really changes in daily use. I focus on brew quality, sizes, the frother, and long-term care. By the end, you’ll know which fits your counter, your budget, and your routine.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja CM371 Good?
My short verdict: yes, with a small “it depends.” In the ninja cm371 vs cm401 debate, CM371 delivers the same core brewing tech, cup sizes, and strong coffee. It’s generally good for value-focused buyers who want the Specialty Coffee Maker experience without paying for extra accessories.
I tested a CM371 unit on my small apartment counter. I brewed Classic in the morning and Over Ice in the afternoon. The flavor was bold and clean. The fold-away frother worked well for lattes. I liked the simple control panel and the consistent flow.
I also lent it to a friend who loves travel mugs. The XL Travel brew size fit his 20–24 oz mug without mess. He said it replaced his coffee shop runs three days a week.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Specialty Coffee Maker platform with multi-serve brewing
- Multiple brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty
- 6 brew sizes: Cup to Full Carafe
- Fold-away milk frother for quick lattes and cappuccino-style drinks
- Removable water reservoir for easy filling
- Permanent filter compatible (varies by retailer bundle)
- Warming plate with auto shutoff for glass carafe models
What I Like
- Same brewing performance as the CM401 in blind taste tests
- Great Over Ice results with less dilution
- Fast heat-up and fast carafe fills
- Space-saving design with fold-away frother
- Clear scoop and sizing marks make dosing simple
What Could Be Better
- Retailer bundles vary; some units may lack a permanent filter
- Plastic exterior shows fingerprints
- Frother is unheated; milk must be warmed separately if you want it hot
- No built-in grinder
- Water tank markings can be hard to see in dim light
My Recommendation
If you find the CM371 priced lower or bundled well, go for it. In ninja cm371 vs cm401, the CM371 is an excellent buy for everyday drip, iced coffee, and the occasional latte. Availability may be limited to certain retailers, so grab it when you see a good offer.
Is Ninja CM401 Good?
My short verdict: yes. In ninja cm371 vs cm401, the CM401 usually wins on availability, accessory bundle, and documentation. It’s great for buyers who want the “standard” Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker package with fewer surprises.
I used a CM401 for months while hosting Sunday brunch. The Specialty brew made a strong base for macchiato-style drinks using the frother. My guests preferred the Rich brew with the warming plate keeping the carafe hot.
On weekdays, I hit the Cup or Travel size. The machine kept flavor consistent. Cleaning and descaling prompts were easy to follow.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Specialty Coffee Maker platform with the same core brew technology
- Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty brew styles
- 6 brew sizes from Cup to Full Carafe
- Fold-away frother for foam on milk or alt-milks
- Removable reservoir and easy-clean parts
- Warming plate on glass carafe versions
- Typically includes recipe guide and clear instructions
What I Like
- Very consistent brew strength across sizes
- Wide availability and stable pricing
- Helpful manual and quick-start guide
- Reliable Over Ice mode with bold flavor
- Good build quality for the price
What Could Be Better
- Frother doesn’t heat milk
- No built-in grinder
- Can splash if you overfill the brew basket with fine grinds
- Warming plate timing not adjustable on some units
- Tall mugs may need the carafe removed to fit under the spout
My Recommendation
If you want the safest pick in the ninja cm371 vs cm401 matchup, choose CM401. It’s easy to find, usually well-documented, and great for daily coffee, iced coffee, and espresso-style concentrate.
ninja cm371 vs cm401: Side-by-Side Test
Both models belong to the **Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker** family and share the same brewing engine. Based on manufacturer specs and hands-on use, differences are mostly bundle, availability, and minor packaging. Here’s how ninja cm371 vs cm401 compare in real life.
Brew Styles: Do You Get The Same Options?
| Category | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Yes | Yes |
| Rich | Yes | Yes |
| Over Ice | Yes | Yes |
| Specialty | Yes | Yes |
Rating: CM371 – 9.5/10 | CM401 – 9.5/10
Summary: Tie. ninja cm371 vs cm401 share identical brew styles.
Brew Sizes: Cup To Carafe
| Size | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Cup | Yes | Yes |
| XL Cup | Yes | Yes |
| Travel | Yes | Yes |
| XL Travel | Yes | Yes |
| Half Carafe | Yes | Yes |
| Full Carafe | Yes | Yes |
Rating: CM371 – 9.5/10 | CM401 – 9.5/10
Summary: Tie. ninja cm371 vs cm401 offer the same 6 sizes.
Frother: Foam Quality And Ease
| Frother Feature | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Fold-away design | Yes | Yes |
| Heats milk | No | No |
| Foam quality | Good microfoam | Good microfoam |
Rating: CM371 – 9/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Both frothers whip well but do not heat.
Carafe And Warming Plate
| Carafe Type | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Glass carafe availability | Yes (varies by bundle) | Yes |
| Thermal carafe option | Retailer-dependent | Typically separate model (CM407) |
| Warming plate (glass) | Yes | Yes |
Rating: CM371 – 8.5/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Slight edge to CM401 for clearer, standard packaging on glass carafe and warming plate.
Build, Footprint, And Counter Fit
| Build Aspect | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Compact | Compact |
| Fold-away frother | Yes | Yes |
| Reservoir removal | Side lift | Side lift |
Rating: CM371 – 9/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Same body style in ninja cm371 vs cm401.
Controls And Ease Of Use
| UI Element | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial + buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Clear markings | Good | Very good |
| Manual/guide | Varies by retailer | Consistently detailed |
Rating: CM371 – 8.5/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: CM401 edges out due to more consistent documentation.
Cleaning And Descaling
| Care Feature | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Removable parts | Yes | Yes |
| Descale indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Yes (basket, carafe) | Yes (basket, carafe) |
Rating: CM371 – 9/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Maintenance is straightforward on both.
Brew Performance And Taste
| Performance | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-up speed | Fast | Fast |
| Extraction consistency | High | High |
| Over Ice strength | Bold | Bold |
Rating: CM371 – 9.5/10 | CM401 – 9.5/10
Summary: Tie. The brewing engine feels identical.
Price And Value
| Value Factor | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price | Often lower (retailer deals) | Stable, mid-range |
| Included accessories | May vary | Typically complete |
| Availability | Limited to select stores | Wide |
Rating: CM371 – 9/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie overall: CM371 for deals; CM401 for predictable bundle.
Warranty And Support
| Support | CM371 | CM401 |
|---|---|---|
| Limited warranty | Similar coverage | Similar coverage |
| Support access | Standard | Standard |
| Replacement parts | Available | Available |
Rating: CM371 – 9/10 | CM401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Warranty and parts access are comparable.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
In ninja cm371 vs cm401, both brew the same great coffee with Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty styles. The CM371 shines when you find a strong retailer deal. The CM401 shines for easy availability and a consistent accessory bundle.
If you want the best price, pick CM371. If you want the most straightforward, widely available package, pick CM401. Either way, you get a versatile Ninja Specialty machine with reliable, bold brews.
FAQs Of ninja cm371 vs cm401
Are the brew styles different in ninja cm371 vs cm401?
No. Both offer Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. Performance in my tests was the same.
Does one have a better frother in ninja cm371 vs cm401?
No. Both use a fold-away frother that whips milk but does not heat it.
Which has better accessories in ninja cm371 vs cm401?
Usually CM401. CM371 bundles can vary by retailer, while CM401 tends to be more consistent.
Is the carafe different in ninja cm371 vs cm401?
Both commonly include a glass carafe with a warming plate. Thermal carafes are tied to different model numbers/variants.
Which should I buy in ninja cm371 vs cm401?
Choose CM371 if you get a better price. Choose CM401 if you want predictable accessories and easier availability.
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