Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer In-depth Review

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Who Is Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker for?

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer with 12-cup Glass Carafe is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who value convenience, flavor, and flexibility. Its user-friendly features and programmable options make it a great fit for busy individuals, families, or even small offices seeking a reliable and efficient coffee maker without breaking the bank.

Who might find the Ninja CE251 coffee maker less suitable for their needs

• Those seeking a coffee machine that provides a barista-like experience.
• Individuals looking for a coffee maker that uses capsules (e.g., k-cups, Nespresso capsules, or other coffee pods).
• People with limited counter space who need a smaller coffee machine.
• Those who prefer an extremely quiet coffee maker.

Key Features about the Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer:

Ninja CE251 is designed to work with 120V power supply and is suitable for use in Canada and the US only. Attempting to use a converter for non-US/non-Canadian outlets will void the warranty in case of any defects or damages.

The brew basket of the Ninja coffee maker CE251 is spacious enough to hold approximately 12 tablespoons of coffee grounds. To brew filtered coffee, the permanent gold mesh filter can be replaced with a #4 paper filter, which is the only filter size accepted by the machine to avoid overflow.

The 60oz glass carafe provides ample capacity, with each cup calculated at 5oz. However, it’s crucial not to exceed 60oz of water in total, as this may lead to overflow and spillage.

Despite its capabilities, the Ninja 12 cup programmable coffee brewer CE251 is relatively lightweight, weighing about 7 pounds, thanks to its stainless steel and glass construction.

The dimensions of the coffee maker are 10 inches deep, 10.5 inches wide, and 14 3/4 inches tall, making it a slightly large appliance. Additionally, the upward opening brew basket necessitates extra space, so it may need to be pulled out from under top cabinets for refilling.

The coffee maker features a removable 60oz water reservoir, conveniently located on the right-hand side of the machine, just above the control panel. The transparent plastic reservoir is marked with lines to indicate the water level, and it flips open for easy refilling and cleaning.

The Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer comes with a range of unique perks to enhance the coffee brewing experience. Its Hot Expert Brewing Technology ensures proper brewing temperatures and temperature stability, unlocking richer and more complete coffee flavors through pre-infusion and saturation.

A manual mid-brew pause feature allows users to enjoy coffee faster and extend extraction time for stronger flavors if desired. The machine also offers two coffee strength options: Classic and Rich, catering to individual preferences.

The ability to program the coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance ensures a fresh brew waiting in the morning, and the automatic clean function simplifies maintenance.

For those who prefer their coffee hotter for longer, the keep warm plate can be adjusted to maintain the ideal temperature for up to 4 hours.

Ninja CE251’s performance was highly rated, delivering delicious coffee with depth, flavor, and richness. It brews a 12-cup carafe in about 12-14 minutes, and its sophisticated technology maintains an optimal brewing temperature throughout the process.

The only drawback noted was the machine’s noise level, with beeping and gurgling sounds during operation. Nevertheless, cleaning the coffee maker is a breeze, with many dishwasher-safe parts, although it is advised not to put the fragile glass carafe in the dishwasher.

Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker Overall Pros and Cons  

Like every coffee machine, the CE251 Ninja comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Programmable timer for brewing convenience.
• Versatile brew types for various coffee preferences.
• Generous 12-cup capacity, ideal for gatherings.
• One fo the best coffee makers under $100.
• Glass carafe retains coffee flavors naturally.

Cons:

• Lacks a built-in grinder for fresher coffee.
• Limited control over brewing temperature.
• Carafe design could be more ergonomic.
• Some users reported minor issues with the display.

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Notable Differences

Ninja 12 cup programmable coffee brewer CE251 stands out with its larger capacity, accommodating a 12-cup glass carafe, ideal for serving more coffee at once. In contrast, the Krups Simply Brew is a 5-cup stainless steel drip coffee maker with lower wattage, suitable for smaller households. The Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio is versatile, offering a 2-way coffee maker with single-serve and carafe options, but its capacity is in between the Ninja and Krups models. The Ninja CE251 further excels with its programmable features, allowing users to schedule brewing times, while the others may lack such options.