Ninja Prestige Dual Brew Coffee Maker CFN801 review

The Ninja Prestige Dual Brew CFN801 is easiest to understand as two separate brewing lanes sharing one cabinet: a grounds brewer that can serve a cup or a carafe, and a pressurized station for small espresso-capsule drinks. That distinction matters when shopping. “Pods and grounds” can mean very different capsule formats, and this page describes original-style espresso capsules rather than the everyday K-Cup coffee pod route found on some dual brewers. If your kitchen already has both capsule and ground-coffee habits, the CFN801 may replace two countertop machines. If you need one precise pod ecosystem, verify the capsule format before treating “dual” as interchangeable.

Choose between the capsule and grounds paths

On the grounds side, SharkNinja lists Classic, Rich and Over Ice coffee, with a stated span from a single cup through a 12-cup carafe. The product-detail text calls this up to nine sizes, while another promotional caption says ten. The maker does not publish a complete size-by-size volume table on the U.S. listing, so I would rely on the broad cup-to-carafe range rather than buy it for a particular intermediate mug or carafe fill. If a named output size is essential, check the exact guide and controls for CFN801 before committing.

Over Ice is useful when you want hot-brewed grounds coffee to meet a glass full of ice; it is not evidence of an overnight cold-steep cycle. The page does not list a grounds Cold Brew mode. Likewise, it gives no measured timing or serving temperature for these recipes. The “Rich” label is a named recipe choice, not an independent strength test. For a large pot, select grounds and the carafe route; for a single cup, the brewer is not limited to capsule use.

Espresso capsules are a different format

For the capsule side, the U.S. page says “original-style espresso capsules” and lists Espresso at 1.35 ounces, Lungo at 3.75 ounces and Over Ice at 1 ounce. It also calls this four capsule styles, but only names those three in the available product details. I would not assume the unlisted fourth setting or any capsule size that is not shown. These are compact espresso-style servings, not a larger coffee-pod menu. The page advertises a 19-bar system and crema; those are manufacturer claims, not a lab test or a promise that every third-party capsule behaves identically.

A used-capsule bin is described as holding up to 20 capsules, which can reduce loose spent capsules on the counter between emptying. The brewer still asks you to load, brew and dispose of capsules separately from filling and cleaning the grounds basket. A household that switches between both routes every drink will handle more parts than one using either path alone.

Milk foam is an extra, not a complete espresso station

The product page also lists a fold-away frother for dairy or plant-based milk. That can help turn a capsule shot into a latte-like drink, but the listing does not specify whether the frother heats milk, how it is operated, or whether it is a steam wand. If your requirement is to steam and texture milk on the machine, do not infer that capability from the word “frother”; compare a model with a documented steam wand, such as the Cuisinart Barista Bar SS-4N1NAS. If all you need is an included way to foam milk, the CFN801’s listed tool is relevant, though its exact handling details should be confirmed in the instructions.

Counter fit and ownership questions

The listed footprint is 8.5 inches long by 10.79 inches wide by 16.18 inches high, and the weight is 9.48 pounds. Check cupboard clearance and room for the carafe and removable components, not just the small front width. SharkNinja lists a one-year limited warranty. The product page does not provide the reservoir capacity, filter package, warming-plate temperature choices or hold time in its readable details, so those are not reasons to choose it without checking the exact package documentation. A product photo shows a glass carafe and warming controls, but staged objects in a photo do not establish the box contents or operating schedule.

Similarly, the page does not list a built-in grinder, separate hot-water dispenser or a grounds Cold Brew menu. If whole-bean grinding, measured hot-water dispensing or cold-steep convenience is essential, treat those capabilities as unconfirmed rather than assuming a “barista” label includes them. For care, plan to keep capsule-side residue and wet coffee grounds separate; consult the supplied cleaning and descaling instructions for the actual schedule and steps.

Who should compare it with another Ninja?

Consider CFN801 if you genuinely want both loose grounds and original-style espresso capsules, sometimes make a carafe, and value a compact capsule-bin/frother combination. The more detailed Ninja CFN601 review is a useful alternative if you want a documented 60-ounce reservoir, nine named grounds sizes, 12-cup glass carafe and adjustable warming plate; that machine is described with Original capsules and not standard K-Cup pods. If the daily convenience you mean by “pods” is K-Cup coffee rather than espresso capsules, compare the DualBrew CFP201 instead: it is a grounds-and-pod appliance, not an espresso capsule station. Those are materially different routines.

The CFN801’s current product page gives enough to see its purpose, but leaves several purchase-level details less explicit than a manual-backed model assessment. Match your needs to the exact capsule format and drink routes you will use, not the number of drinks pictured. For specifications and current package details, consult the manufacturer’s CFN801 listing and its exact instructions.