Fresh coffee is one of those daily rituals that can completely change how a morning starts. After spending considerable time with both the Ninja CM371 Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew and the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker, I found that each machine serves a slightly different type of coffee drinker.
Although both coffee makers come from Ninja and share several brewing technologies, they differ in capacity, brewing flexibility, cold coffee performance, and overall convenience. If you’re trying to decide between the CM371 and CM401, this detailed comparison will help you determine which model best suits your lifestyle.
Key Difference Between Ninja CM371 and CM401 Coffee Makers
The biggest difference is that the Ninja CM371 is designed for larger households and modern iced coffee lovers, featuring an XL water reservoir and Rapid Cold Brew technology that produces cold brew significantly faster than traditional methods. The CM401, meanwhile, focuses more on versatility for specialty coffee drinks and remains one of Ninja’s most popular all-around coffee makers.
Simply put:
- Choose CM371 if you regularly make large batches and drink a lot of iced coffee.
Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew, 4 Brew Styles,...- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
- Choose CM401 if you want an affordable specialty coffee machine with excellent versatility.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker | Includes 10-Cup Carafe, Fold-Away...- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious...
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja CM371 Coffee Maker | Ninja CM401 Coffee Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew | Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker |
| Cold Brew Feature | Rapid Cold Brew | Over Ice Brewing |
| Water Reservoir | XL Removable Reservoir | Removable Reservoir |
| Brew Sizes | Multiple Sizes Including Travel and Full Carafe | Multiple Sizes Including Specialty Brew |
| Specialty Brew | Yes | Yes |
| Iced Coffee Performance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Built-in Frother | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Large Households & Cold Brew Fans | Specialty Coffee Lovers |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
The first thing I noticed after unboxing both machines was how similar they looked from a distance. Ninja clearly follows a recognizable design language across its coffee makers. However, after using them side by side, the differences became more obvious.
The CM371 feels slightly more modern and refined. The control panel is easier to navigate, and the larger removable water reservoir immediately stands out. I didn’t have to refill it as frequently, which became especially convenient during busy mornings when multiple cups were being brewed.
The CM401 has a more compact footprint and fits comfortably beneath most kitchen cabinets. Even though it is slightly older in design, it still looks premium. The controls are intuitive and organized logically, making it easy to switch between Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty brewing modes.
From a purely visual standpoint, I preferred the CM371. It feels like an evolution of the CM401 with a cleaner appearance and a more contemporary interface.
That said, the CM401 remains attractive and doesn’t look outdated in any kitchen setting.
Winner: CM371 Coffee Maker
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is one area where both coffee makers perform exceptionally well.
When I first started using the CM401, I appreciated how quickly I could understand the controls. The machine practically guides you through the brewing process. Selecting brew size and brew style requires only a few button presses.
The CM371 offers a similarly straightforward experience but improves convenience in a few subtle ways. The larger reservoir reduces interruptions, and the interface feels more responsive. Since I drink coffee multiple times throughout the day, having fewer water refills made a noticeable difference.
Another advantage of the CM371 is how seamlessly it transitions between hot coffee, iced coffee, and rapid cold brew modes. Everything feels integrated into one workflow.
The CM401 isn’t difficult to use by any means. In fact, it remains one of the easiest specialty coffee makers available. However, after using both for several weeks, I found myself preferring the CM371 simply because it required slightly less maintenance throughout the day.
Winner: CM371 Coffee Maker
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
Functions
This is where the competition becomes truly interesting.
Both machines offer multiple brew sizes, including cup, travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe options. Both include Classic Brew, Rich Brew, Specialty Brew, and iced coffee capabilities. Both also feature Ninja’s fold-away milk frother.
The CM401 has earned a loyal following because of its Specialty Brew setting. I frequently used this concentrated brew option for homemade lattes and cappuccinos. The resulting coffee is strong enough to stand up to milk without tasting diluted.
However, the CM371 introduces Rapid Cold Brew technology, which became one of my favorite features almost immediately.
Traditional cold brew typically requires several hours of steeping. With the CM371, I could enjoy a cold brew-style coffee much faster. During warm weather, this feature alone made the machine feel more versatile than the CM401.
I also noticed that iced coffee recipes tasted slightly better on the CM371. The brewing algorithm seems optimized to reduce dilution while maintaining flavor intensity.
For coffee drinkers who mostly consume hot beverages, the differences may not seem dramatic. But if iced coffee and cold brew are part of your routine, the CM371 provides a meaningful advantage.
Winner: CM371 Coffee Maker
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
Maintenance
No coffee maker is enjoyable if cleaning becomes a chore.
Fortunately, both Ninja models are relatively easy to maintain.
The removable reservoirs simplify refilling and cleaning. The fold-away frothers can be rinsed quickly under running water. Most removable components are easy to access and wipe down.
The CM401 requires routine cleaning similar to most drip coffee makers. I never found maintenance difficult, but regular descaling remains important for optimal performance.
The CM371 offers a similarly straightforward cleaning experience. The larger reservoir means fewer refills but slightly larger cleaning sessions when deep maintenance is needed.
Overall, neither machine created significant cleaning headaches.
If I had to choose, I’d call this category essentially a tie. Both are among the easiest specialty coffee makers I’ve maintained.
Winner: Tie
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious...
Pros and Cons of Ninja CM371 Coffee Maker
Pros
- Excellent Rapid Cold Brew capability.
- Large removable water reservoir.
- Modern control panel.
- Produces flavorful iced coffee.
- Multiple brew sizes.
- Built-in fold-away frother.
- Great for larger households.
- Reduced need for frequent refilling.
Cons
- Slightly larger footprint.
- Typically costs more than CM401.
- May offer more cold coffee features than some users need.
Pros and Cons of Ninja CM401 Coffee Maker
Pros
- Outstanding value for money.
- Reliable Specialty Brew mode.
- Versatile brewing options.
- Compact footprint.
- Built-in frother.
- Easy to learn and operate.
- Strong reputation among coffee enthusiasts.
Cons
- No Rapid Cold Brew feature.
- Smaller reservoir compared to CM371.
- Requires slightly more frequent refilling.
- Older design language.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker | Includes 10-Cup Carafe, Fold-Away...- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious...
My Experience Using Both Machines
After switching back and forth between the CM371 and CM401 for several weeks, I realized that both coffee makers consistently produce excellent coffee. Neither machine disappointed me in terms of flavor quality.
The CM401 impressed me with its balance. It offers enough flexibility to satisfy most coffee drinkers without becoming overly complicated. For many households, it remains one of the best coffee makers available in its category.
The CM371, however, felt like the more complete package. The larger reservoir, improved iced coffee performance, and Rapid Cold Brew feature genuinely improved my daily coffee routine.
During summer months, I found myself reaching for the CM371 almost every day. Being able to prepare refreshing cold coffee quickly made a bigger difference than I initially expected.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both the Ninja CM371 and Ninja CM401 are outstanding coffee makers that deliver consistent brewing performance, multiple brew sizes, specialty coffee options, and convenient built-in frothers.
If budget is your primary concern and you want a proven specialty coffee machine, the CM401 remains an excellent purchase. It offers tremendous value and continues to be one of Ninja’s most successful coffee makers.
However, if I were spending my own money today, I would choose the Ninja CM371.
The enhanced iced coffee performance, Rapid Cold Brew capability, larger water reservoir, and updated design provide meaningful improvements that justify the upgrade. It feels like a refined version of everything that made the CM401 popular in the first place.
My Recommendation: CM371 for most buyers, CM401 for budget-conscious shoppers who primarily drink hot coffee.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ninja CM371 Coffee Maker worth upgrading to from the CM401 Coffee Maker?
Yes. If you frequently drink iced coffee or cold brew, the upgrade is worthwhile. The Rapid Cold Brew feature alone adds significant convenience.
Does the CM371 Coffee Maker make better coffee than the CM401?
For hot coffee, both are excellent and very close in quality. For iced coffee and cold brew-style beverages, the CM371 has an advantage.
Do both models include a milk frother?
Yes. Both coffee makers feature Ninja’s fold-away milk frother for preparing coffeehouse-style drinks.
Can either machine make espresso?
No. Neither machine is a true espresso maker. However, both offer a Specialty Brew setting that creates a concentrated coffee suitable for latte-style beverages.
Which model is better for large families?
The CM371 is the better choice because of its larger water reservoir and improved convenience for multiple daily brews.
Is the CM401 Coffee Maker still worth buying in 2026?
Absolutely. The CM401 remains one of the best-value specialty coffee makers available and continues to provide excellent performance.
Which coffee maker would I personally choose?
After using both extensively, I would choose the Ninja CM371 because it offers everything I enjoy about the CM401 while adding better cold coffee functionality and a more convenient overall experience.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Cold Brew for coffee any way you like...
- ICED COFFEE: Bold iced coffee flavor that's never watered down.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select from one of the four, versatile brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or...
- SPECIALTY BREWS: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious...
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