Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251 Review Best Drip Brewer for Home Use

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer CE251 Coffee Maker has a modern, stainless-steel finish that effortlessly blends into any kitchen aesthetic. Its compact dimensions (9.96″ D x 10.55″ W x 14.61″ H) mean it doesn’t hog counter space, which is a blessing for anyone who battles with cluttered countertops. The black and silver combination feels premium without being too flashy. The glass carafe not only looks elegant but also feels sturdy in hand. While I used it, the ergonomically designed handle made pouring coffee a spill-free experience. However, the plastic components, though durable, didn’t scream luxury. For a refurbished product, though, everything looked and felt almost as good as new.

Customizable Brewing Options

One of the standout features of this coffee maker is its dual brewing modes. I could choose between Classic and Rich brew strengths, and honestly, both delivered on flavor without the bitterness that some machines tend to produce. The small-batch mode was a godsend when I wanted just 1-4 cups for myself without diluting the taste. I found the 24-hour programmable delay brew option incredibly handy; prepping the machine the night before and waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee felt like a little luxury.

The advanced boiler technology deserves a mention because the coffee consistently came out hot, not lukewarm—a huge plus for someone like me who despises reheating coffee. The reusable filter was another thoughtful touch, as it saved me from constantly buying paper filters. I tested it with both standard coffee grounds and finer blends, and the machine handled both seamlessly.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Operating this coffee maker is a breeze, thanks to the simple button interface. Even setting up the programmable brew didn’t require me to dig into the manual. The removable 60 oz. water reservoir was a feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it. Carrying it to the sink for refilling was far more convenient than dealing with a fixed reservoir.

Cleaning the machine turned out to be surprisingly hassle-free, especially with the adjustable warming plate that kept spills minimal. The glass carafe washed up beautifully, and I appreciated that no water stains were left behind. That said, I noticed the stainless steel exterior is prone to fingerprints, so I had to wipe it down frequently to keep it looking pristine.

Key Benefits

• Customizable brew strengths ensure there’s something for every coffee lover.
• Small-batch mode preserves the quality of smaller servings without compromise.
• Advanced boiler delivers consistently hot coffee every time.
• Removable water reservoir makes refilling quick and mess-free.
• 24-hour programmable delay brew adds unmatched convenience.

Potential Pitfalls

• The plastic components don’t feel as premium as the stainless steel parts.
• Fingerprint smudges on the exterior can be a minor nuisance.
• The glass carafe, while elegant, feels slightly fragile compared to thermal carafe options.

Competing Products

When considering similar models, I compared this coffee maker to the Cuisinart DCC-3200 and the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. The Cuisinart DCC-3200 offers a thermal carafe option, which keeps coffee hot for longer without relying on a warming plate, but it lacks the small-batch mode that I found invaluable. On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew has the advantage of being a single-serve and full-pot brewer, but its brewing speed is slower than the Ninja.

What sets the Ninja apart is its balanced blend of features and performance. It doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The hotter brewing technology and reusable filter are standout features that elevate it above competitors at a similar price point.

Bang for the Buck

The price-to-performance ratio of this coffee maker is impressive. Despite being a refurbished product, it performs like new, and the Amazon Renewed Guarantee provides peace of mind. Other coffee makers with similar features often come with a heftier price tag, making this model a budget-friendly choice for those who don’t want to skimp on quality. While it’s not the most premium option out there, it’s hard to argue with the value it delivers for its price.

For anyone who prioritizes customization and ease of use over flashy extras, this coffee maker is a smart spending decision. If you’re on the fence about refurbished products, rest assured that this one holds up to its promises.

Additional information