Compare Ninja DualBrew vs. Ninja DualBrew Pro

I've been using Keurigs for many years but when I ran across the CFP301 on sale, I was intrigued enough to give it a try. I really liked how you could set so many brew sizes and the ability to brew 1/4 carafe if I wanted a few cups without having to make two individual cups. I actually planned to use it mostly with reusable pods, like I've always done with my Keurigs, so I ordered a set that would work with this machine (most will not). The pods I bought look to be good quality, but I've never used them. I've been using pods for so long it never clicked that with a machine like this, using reusable pods makes no sense whatsoever. Just use a regular filter, add your coffee and set the brew size to the size cup you want. But there's more. Much more. With a Keurig or other pod-style machine, you are limited by the size of the pod. They can work a little magic by slow-walking the brew for a travel mug, but it was always weaker than a standard cup and there was little you could do to remedy it except for maybe brewing two pods into one cup. With the Ninja, I can simply adjust the amount of coffee and select the desired brew size. Done. Delicious. This machine, like all of the Ninja products I own, is well engineered. The moveable tank is a fantastic idea and is easy to use. The flip-down cup holder? Awesome! The foldable frother? Very cool, and the way you can just pop it off over the cup to take it to the sink is slick. Even the "smart" scoop is a very nice touch. Everything is so easy to use and convenient. The carafe is well designed and easy to clean. The insert for the carafe ensures the hottest coffee is circulated from the bottom up. Nice! I've had no issues with the temperature of my coffee. It has been nice and hot every time and the hot plate under the carafe makes sure it stays that way. When using a thermal travel mug, I'll either let it cool for a few minutes or plop a small piece of ice into it. It's hot. For filters, I am using Melitta #4 and folding the seams as recommended by Ninja. These are affordable, especially if you buy them in multi-packs. The result is delicious, ground-free coffee. I've read several reviews complaining about grounds in their coffee, but they don't mention their particular setup. Are they using a permanent filter? Pods? I don't know, but I'm not getting any and I'm not sure how I could using the paper filters. As for any negatives, which I feel compelled to include in any review, the only things I can think of are insignificant. The build quality is great, but it is a lot of plastic. For the price-point, it's definitely as good as I think one could reasonably expect. As long as it holds up to plenty of use, it looks good, works very well and I'm happy with it. I do wish there was a little capacitor to power the clock temporarily during brief power outages or if you unplug it for a few minutes. This is a tiny complaint, but I already have two other clocks on other appliances in my kitchen and it's a minor nuisance having to reset all these clocks every time the power blips. I haven't had the machine long enough to do a long-term review but if anything changes, I will update my review. So far, I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend it. Edit (11/2023): I've been using this coffee maker for five months now, and I would now be lost without it. I absolutely love the versatility. My most recent development was to dig out my old 34 oz. French press, which fits nicely under the filter basket. For the best, boldest coffee, I measure the proper amount of coffee into the press and add 24 oz. of hot water from the Ninja for my normal 2 12 oz. cups. Easiest way ever to use the press. If I need a whole pot or just quick cup, I just brew like normal. If someone has a favorite K-cup, the insert works as expected. Selecting the brew size for coffee or water has been consistent and accurate. I really, really love this coffee maker.