Coffee has evolved beyond the standard drip machine or instant brew. Today’s coffee drinkers want variety, convenience, and café-quality taste—without leaving home. The Ninja PB051 Pod Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker delivers just that. With a sleek design, support for both grounds and pods, and a built-in frother, this machine caters to those who crave both versatility and ease in their morning routine.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the key features, design elements, specifications, performance, pros and cons, and who this coffee maker is best suited for. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a devoted caffeine connoisseur, this machine might just be your next favorite countertop companion.
Product Overview
- Brand: Ninja
- Model: PB051 Pod Plus
- Type: Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Compatibility: Ground coffee and single-serve pods (K-Cup compatible)
- Brew Sizes: 6 oz to 24 oz
- Water Tank Capacity: 56 oz removable reservoir
- Frother: Built-in fold-away frother
- Special Features: Multi-brew sizes, pod recognition, drip stop, thermal flavor extraction
- Dimensions: Compact countertop design
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts
- Color: Matte black with silver accents
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Ninja PB051 is its streamlined and modern appearance. Its matte black body with silver accents looks clean and elegant on any kitchen counter. Despite its compact size, it has a solid and sturdy feel, indicating a quality build.
At just under a foot tall, it fits easily under most cabinets, and the sleek profile takes up minimal counter space. The control panel is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a light-up interface that’s easy to navigate, even during groggy early mornings.
The removable water tank sits securely at the back and has a 56 oz capacity—ample for multiple cups before needing a refill. The fold-away frother tucks neatly to the side when not in use, maintaining the machine’s clean silhouette.
Features and Functionality
☕ Dual Compatibility: Grounds & Pods
One of the biggest draws of the PB051 is its flexibility. It works with both coffee grounds and pods, including K-Cup varieties. This gives users the freedom to switch between their favorite ground coffee or the convenience of pods—without needing two machines.
- Use pods for speed and simplicity
- Use grounds for a more customizable brew or eco-friendly option
The machine also includes a reusable filter for grounds, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.
🔄 Multiple Brew Sizes
Whether you’re sipping an espresso-style 6 oz or filling a travel mug with 24 oz, the PB051 offers multiple brew size options:
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
- 18 oz
- 24 oz
This feature makes it perfect for solo drinkers, couples, or households with varying coffee needs throughout the day.
🌀 Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology
This proprietary brewing technology optimizes the water temperature and flow rate based on the brew size and pod type. It results in a richer, fuller-bodied coffee, bringing out the subtleties of your beans or blends.
🥛 Built-in Frother
The built-in fold-away frother is a standout feature for those who enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, or macchiatos. It froths milk to a creamy texture within seconds and works with both dairy and non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Best of all, it detaches easily and is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
🚿 Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
The PB051 is designed with ease-of-maintenance in mind. Key components like the:
- Removable water reservoir
- Pod adapter
- Grounds basket
- Frother wand
are all dishwasher-safe. The machine also has a drip stop feature, allowing users to pause mid-brew without spilling, and an automatic shut-off for safety and energy efficiency.
Performance Review
The Ninja PB051 performs impressively across the board. Here’s how it fares in different scenarios:
🏡 Morning Rush
For busy mornings, the pod compatibility is a lifesaver. Pop in a pod, press a button, and in under two minutes, you’re sipping hot coffee. The thermal flavor system ensures it doesn’t taste like typical watered-down pod brews.
☕ Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Use your favorite ground beans in the reusable filter and customize the strength and size of your cup. The taste is bold, smooth, and far better than drip machines in the same price range.
☕ Specialty Drinks
Add warm milk and use the frother to top your brew for café-style drinks at home. It creates silky foam that elevates even a simple cup of joe.
Noise and Speed
This machine is reasonably quiet for a single-serve brewer. While the pump sound is noticeable during operation, it’s not disruptive. Brew speed is fast—most cups are ready in under two minutes, even with grounds.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Works with pods and grounds for flexibility
- Built-in milk frother for specialty drinks
- Multiple brew sizes from 6 to 24 oz
- Compact and stylish design fits any kitchen
- Easy-to-clean parts with dishwasher-safe components
- Strong, flavorful coffee output using thermal flavor extraction
- Energy-saving features with automatic shut-off
- Perfect for travel mugs thanks to adjustable cup platform
❌ Cons
- No iced coffee setting, although you can brew over ice
- Water tank located at the back, which may be tricky to access under cabinets
- No digital display—buttons only
- No temperature control settings for advanced users
- Grounds basket requires manual rinsing between uses for consistent flavor
Who Is the Ninja PB051 Best For?
The Ninja PB051 Pod Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker is ideal for:
- Busy professionals who need a quick cup in the morning
- Small households or couples with varying coffee preferences
- Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy both pods and grounds
- Latte and cappuccino lovers who want frothy drinks without the café line
- Apartment dwellers and those with limited counter space
- Environmentally conscious users who want to reduce pod waste with reusable filters
It’s not intended for high-volume brewing, so larger families or offices might find it limiting. However, for its purpose—personal, flexible, high-quality brewing—this machine hits the mark.
Final Verdict
The Ninja PB051 Pod Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker strikes a perfect balance between versatility, performance, and compact design. It adapts to your lifestyle, whether you prefer grounds or pods, small sips or large mugs, basic brews or frothy café-style drinks.
With a built-in frother, multiple brew sizes, and strong thermal flavor technology, this machine offers more features than most single-serve units in its class. It’s a reliable, stylish, and user-friendly addition to any modern kitchen.
If you’re looking for a single-serve coffee maker that delivers quality, flexibility, and speed—without sacrificing flavor—the Ninja PB051 is a solid choice worth considering.