Ninja CE251 Coffee Programmable Brewer Review – Comprehensive Insight

Description

My Honest Review of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer

Owning a coffee maker that blends sleek design with functionality is a game changer, and the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer didn’t disappoint. As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I rely heavily on a good cup of coffee to kickstart my day, and this machine had its chance to shine—or fail—over the past month. Spoiler alert: it mostly shone, but there are a few quirks you should know about.

The Day My Kitchen Turned into a Coffee Laboratory

Picture this: a cold Monday morning, groggy me stumbling into the kitchen, grumbling about the lack of caffeine in my veins. This is when the Ninja Coffee Brewer was put to the test. With its two brew styles—Classic and Rich—I was curious to see if it could actually deliver that “never-bitter” promise plastered across its marketing materials.

I opted for the Rich brew style because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like their coffee with a punch? After fiddling with the settings (thank you, easy-to-navigate controls), I set up the 24-hour programmable delay brew feature for the next morning. The result? A steaming pot of coffee with depth and flavor that made my previous coffee maker feel like a relic of the Stone Age.

The Good, The Great, and the “Hmm…”

Let’s start with the detachable 60oz water reservoir. This feature is so convenient I can’t believe it’s not standard in all coffee makers. Filling it up over the sink was effortless, and the transparent design allowed me to keep an eye on the water level. Plus, the self-cleaning descale setting saved me from what I usually dread: scrubbing away coffee residue.

The adjustable warming plate was another lifesaver. My mornings are chaotic, and sometimes I don’t get to my coffee until an hour later. The warming plate kept my brew hot without scorching it, and it stayed that way for up to four hours.

However, no coffee maker is perfect. While the “pause mid-brew” option lets you sneak in a quick cup before the pot is full, it’s not as seamless as you’d hope. A few drops of coffee inevitably find their way onto the plate when you pull out the carafe. A minor issue, but worth noting.

How It Stacks Up Against Competitors

Having previously owned a Cuisinart and tested a Keurig, I couldn’t resist comparing them. The Cuisinart excels in simplicity; it’s a single-button operation for the most part, but it lacks the versatility of the Ninja’s two brew styles and adjustable warming plate. The Keurig, on the other hand, is the king of speed and convenience but is notorious for the environmental impact of its pods.

Where the Ninja shines is in its balance of quality, versatility, and functionality. It delivers coffee that tastes better than both competitors and has a design that’s far more user-friendly than the Keurig’s pod system.

Is It Worth the Investment?

The Ninja sits comfortably in the mid-to-premium price range for coffee makers. Considering the programmable features, detachable reservoir, and adjustable warming plate, it offers excellent value for money. While some may balk at its price compared to budget coffee makers, the flavor quality and added features make it a worthwhile investment for any coffee lover.

Design and Build Quality

The stainless steel finish is sleek and modern, blending seamlessly into my kitchen. At 8”D x 10”W x 14”H, it’s compact enough for most countertops without looking bulky. The buttons and controls are intuitive, and the display is clear—no squinting required. The carafe is sturdy, though the lid’s design could use improvement; twisting it off can feel unnecessarily cumbersome when you’re in a rush.

In summary, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is a standout for anyone who values flavor, versatility, and user-friendly features. It has its quirks, but they’re minor compared to the overall performance. Coffee lovers, rejoice!

Pros

• Two Brew Styles: Offers Classic and Rich options for versatile brewing preferences.
• Detachable Water Reservoir: Makes filling and cleaning incredibly easy, minimizing spills.
• Adjustable Warming Plate: Keeps coffee warm for up to 4 hours without compromising flavor.
• Self-Cleaning Option: The built-in descale setting reduces maintenance time.
• User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive buttons and a clear display make programming simple.

Cons

• Pause Mid-Brew Function: Tends to drip a few drops onto the warming plate during use.
• Carafe Lid Design: Requires twisting to remove, which can feel less convenient than flip-top options.
• Non-Skid Feet: While great for stability, the machine can be cumbersome to slide back under cabinets.
• Multiple Lids: Separate lids for the reservoir and filter compartment add extra steps to setup.

What Comes with the Product

• Ninja 12-Cup Coffee Brewer (Black/Stainless Steel)
• Glass Carafe
• Coffee Scoop
• Removable Water Reservoir
• Instruction Manual
• Quick Start Guide

How to Use Guide

1. Set Up: Place the coffee maker on a flat surface and connect it to a power source.
2. Prepare the Water Reservoir: Detach the water reservoir, fill it with water up to the desired level, and reattach it.
3. Insert the Filter: Open the filter compartment, place a coffee filter, and add coffee grounds (use one scoop per cup).
4. Choose a Brew Style: Use the buttons to select Classic or Rich brew.
5. Program Delay Brew (Optional): Set the 24-hour timer for fresh coffee when you wake up.
6. Start Brewing: Press the Brew button and wait until the cycle completes.
7. Pause Mid-Brew (Optional): Pull out the carafe to pour a quick cup, then return it to continue brewing.
8. Post-Brewing: Use the adjustable warming plate to keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours.

Warranty & Support Information

The Ninja Coffee Brewer comes with a 1-year limited warranty, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use. To claim warranty service, you’ll need proof of purchase. Additionally, customer support is accessible online and via phone, providing assistance for troubleshooting and replacement parts. The brand also offers a detailed FAQ section and downloadable manuals on their website, ensuring users can resolve issues efficiently.

Additional information