Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker Review Is This 12-Cup Brewer Worth It

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer CE251 Coffee Maker caught my eye the moment I unboxed it. Its sleek black and stainless steel finish immediately adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. The compact dimensions (9.96″ D x 10.55″ W x 14.61″ H) make it easy to fit on a countertop without feeling overcrowded. I appreciated how the stainless steel finish not only looks premium but also resists smudges and fingerprints, which is a huge plus for someone like me who hates constant cleaning.

The design also feels sturdy and well-thought-out, with a 60 oz. removable water reservoir that’s incredibly easy to carry and fill. This feature alone saves so much hassle compared to fixed reservoirs. The buttons on the interface are intuitive, with a fully automatic operation mode that makes brewing a breeze.

Key Benefits

One of the most impressive positives of this coffee maker is its range of features designed to make mornings easier and coffee tastier. Here’s what stood out to me:

• Custom brew strengths let you choose between Classic or Rich, ensuring your coffee is never bitter but always flavorful.
• The advanced boiler technology guarantees a consistently hot cup of coffee every single time.
• With the 24-hour programmable delay brew, I can set it up the night before, and wake up to the heavenly smell of freshly brewed coffee.
• The adjustable warming plate keeps coffee warm for up to 4 hours, perfect for those who like to sip slowly.
• A small-batch mode ensures you can brew 1-4 cups without sacrificing flavor or ending up with diluted coffee.

Performance and Brewing Experience

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be this impressed by the brewing performance. The dual brew modes are a game-changer. On mornings when I’m groggy, the Classic brew feels smooth and comforting, while the Rich brew adds a punch of boldness that wakes me up immediately. The coffee grounds compatibility means I don’t need to mess with pods, which is more eco-friendly while still giving me full control over my coffee’s flavor.

Another standout feature is the hotter brewing technology, which delivers coffee at the perfect temperature—hot, but not scalding. This is a significant improvement over my old coffee maker, which left my coffee lukewarm half the time. Even when making smaller batches, the flavor remains robust, thanks to the small-batch mode that adjusts the brewing process accordingly.

Areas for Improvement

While I genuinely enjoyed using this coffee maker, there are a few downsides worth mentioning:

• The reusable filter is convenient, but cleaning it can be tedious if you’re not used to it.
• The machine is slightly noisier than expected during operation, which might not be ideal for early mornings in a quiet household.
• The carafe lid design could be improved, as it occasionally drips slightly when pouring.
• It lacks a built-in grinder, so you’ll need pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder if you prefer freshly ground beans.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth keeping in mind depending on your priorities.

Competing Products

When comparing this coffee maker to similar models, a few competitors come to mind, such as the Cuisinart DCC-3200 and the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. The Cuisinart offers a similar 12-cup capacity and programmable features, but it doesn’t have the dual brew strengths that the Ninja offers. On the other hand, the FlexBrew includes a single-serve option, which might appeal to households with diverse coffee needs, although it sacrifices some of the hotter brewing technology that the Ninja excels in.

Where the Ninja stands out is the balance between simplicity and advanced features. The adjustable warming plate and small-batch mode are thoughtful additions that make it more versatile than many competitors. However, if you’re someone who prefers single-serve options or built-in grinders, you might want to weigh those needs against what this coffee maker offers.

Affordable Quality

Considering the features packed into this machine, I’d say it offers excellent cost efficiency. The build quality, programmable settings, and brewing technology are typically only found in higher-end coffee makers, making this a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their coffee game without breaking the bank. It’s also worth noting that this is a renewed product, so it’s been professionally inspected and tested to work like new. This ensures you’re getting a reliable machine at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new model.

For me, the ability to brew a consistent, flavorful cup of coffee every morning is priceless, and this coffee maker delivers on that promise. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the value proposition lies in its durability, ease of use, and premium features. If you’re a coffee enthusiast who enjoys tailoring your brew to your preferences, this machine is well worth considering.

Additional information