Ninja's Auto Barista Pro Is the First Super-Automatic That Actually Makes Super-Automatic Look Good

Ninja's Auto Barista Pro is the first super-automatic espresso machine that actually looks and functions like a super-automatic. The machine, released earlier this year at $949.99, stands out in a market dominated by European brands charging four-figure premiums for machines that still require a degree of manual intervention. The Auto Barista Pro automates the entire process, from grinding and dosing beans to tamping, brewing, and frothing, all on its own.

Powered by a 1,650W boiler tuned to 9 bars of extraction pressure, the machine boasts a 50-setting grind system that calibrates itself to the user's preferred beans, ensuring consistently high-quality coffee with every cup.

Two key hardware decisions set the Auto Barista Pro apart from its competitors. First, it employs a dual-hopper system with two 340g interchangeable bean hoppers. This innovative feature eliminates the need for a purge cycle when switching between different bean types, making the transition from morning espresso to afternoon decaf virtually instantaneous.

Second, the machine features a bespoke brew group designed from scratch, allowing for significantly larger doses of coffee. With a 53mm basket, the Auto Barista Pro can handle doses ranging from 19g for single shots to over 27g for triple shots, a much wider range than most competitors. This larger dose size results in more even water distribution through the coffee bed, translating to better extraction quality and more consistent flavor.

The machine's Grind iQ calibration system automatically sets the grind size based on a series of test shots, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. While it may not match the precision of a skilled barista with a refractometer, the Grind iQ system produces impressively consistent results for a super-automatic machine. The Auto Barista Pro's menu includes 13 one-touch presets for various coffee drinks, ranging from espresso to cold brew, and even Americanos, which the machine is specifically designed to handle.

The wider, 8-ounce cup setting ensures that the brew group can deliver high-quality drip-style coffee as well.

One unique aspect of the machine is its milk system, which includes a steam wand with a four-hole tip and an integrated thermal probe. The wand automatically re-agitates the steamed milk while the espresso is pulling, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth texture. This feature is not commonly found in other super-automatic machines.

Manual steaming is also available for users who prefer more control over their milk drinks. The Auto Barista Pro also features two user profiles that can be saved, allowing different members of the household to customize their coffee settings based on their individual preferences.

Despite its many strengths, the Auto Barista Pro does have a few drawbacks. Some users have reported inconsistencies in shot volume, with single and double shots often pouring nearly identical volumes, resulting in underpowered single shots. Since the machine lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, any firmware updates would need to be performed through a service center rather than through an overnight patch.

The settings interface is also a small, difficult-to-read display located at the upper-left corner of the machine, which may be challenging for some users to navigate.

However, considering the Auto Barista Pro's competitive pricing of $949.99 from Best Buy or approximately $899 directly from Ninja, the machine offers an impressive array of features that justify its price point. The De'Longhi Rivelia retails for around $1,499, the KitchenAid KF8 for $1,999, and the mid-tier Jura E8 for $2,699. Even the entry-level Jura ENA 4, which does not include a milk system, is priced at $999.

The Auto Barista Pro's dual hoppers, novel brew group, automatic calibration, and 13 drink presets make it an attractive option in a market where European brands typically command significantly higher prices.