Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer CE251 Coffee Maker Review Black Stainless Steel

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer CE251 Coffee Maker instantly caught my eye with its sleek combination of black and stainless steel accents. It blends seamlessly into my kitchen, giving it a modern and polished look. The build feels solid and durable, and even after daily use, it doesn’t show signs of wear. I noticed that the water reservoir is conveniently removable, making it extremely easy to fill and clean. This is such a small detail, but it makes a big difference when compared to coffee makers that have awkward or fixed tanks. The overall design is intuitive, with buttons and functions laid out in a way that feels natural even for someone who’s not a tech wizard.

Performance and Brewing Options

This coffee maker delivers consistent results, and I was impressed by the richness of the coffee flavor. The custom brew strength control allows you to switch between classic and rich brews, which is perfect when I’m in the mood for something stronger. The 24-hour programmable delay brew is a lifesaver on mornings when I need coffee the second I wake up. I’m also a fan of the mid-brew pause function, which lets me grab a quick cup before the brewing cycle is complete. It feels like a small luxury that I didn’t know I needed.

The glass carafe keeps coffee warm for a decent amount of time without scorching it, thanks to the adjustable warming plate. While some coffee makers often overheat the coffee left on the plate, this one keeps the temperature just right. I tried leaving it for about two hours, and the taste remained consistent without the burnt aftertaste.

Key Benefits

• Programmable brewing options make it easy to set up coffee in advance.
• Customizable brew strength satisfies both mild coffee drinkers and those who like bold flavors.
• The removable water reservoir simplifies refilling and cleaning.
• Compact design that doesn’t hog counter space.

Areas for Improvement

• The glass carafe lid design can be slightly tricky during cleaning since residue tends to build up under the hinge.
• I noticed that the water level indicator isn’t as easy to read in dim lighting.
• The brewing process is relatively quiet, but the beep notifications signaling the end of the cycle might be annoying for some, especially if you’re sensitive to noise.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Operating this coffee maker couldn’t be simpler. The control panel is straightforward, and I never felt overwhelmed by the settings. Cleaning the machine is also a breeze thanks to the removable filter basket and the easy-to-access water tank. I’ve run the self-cleaning cycle once so far, and it worked like a charm. For those of you with hard water, this feature will definitely come in handy.

One small thing I appreciated is the anti-drip design. I’ve had coffee makers in the past that left messy puddles every time I removed the carafe mid-brew. Thankfully, this one lives up to its promise of no spills.

Competing Products

Compared to similar coffee makers, like the Cuisinart DCC-3200 or the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew, this model holds its own in terms of brewing consistency and build quality. The Cuisinart offers more advanced programmability and a larger water reservoir, but I found its design bulkier and less intuitive. On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is great for those who want single-serve options alongside a full pot, but it doesn’t feel as sturdy or durable as this brewer. One standout feature here is the rich brew setting, which delivers a fuller flavor when compared side-by-side with competitors.

Where this coffee maker could improve, though, is in its carafe design, as mentioned earlier. Some competitors have more ergonomic carafes that are easier to handle and clean.

Price to Quality Ratio

For its features and performance, this coffee maker offers great value. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it justifies its price with consistent brewing performance, modern aesthetics, and thoughtful design features like the removable reservoir and brew strength control. If you’re someone who values both functionality and a stylish kitchen appliance, this is worth considering. While there are cheaper options, they often lack the durability and refinement this brewer brings to the table.

To sum it up, this coffee maker strikes a balance between form and function. It doesn’t feel like you’re just paying for a brand name; rather, the price reflects the effort put into crafting a solid coffee machine.

Additional information