Ninja CE251 vs Empstorm EM-12D 12 Cup Coffee Makers
Choosing the right coffee maker can make a big difference in your daily routine. If you’re trying to decide between the Ninja CE251 and the Empstorm EM-12D, you’re in the right place. Both of these 12-cup coffee makers have their strengths, but they cater to different needs. In this comparison, we’ll break down what each machine offers so you can figure out which one suits your lifestyle best. Whether you’re looking for advanced features or simplicity, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, the Ninja CE251 12 cup coffee brewer stands out with its sleek and modern appearance. This coffee maker is designed with a stainless steel finish that not only adds to its visual appeal but also ensures durability. The overall build feels sturdy and reliable, giving you confidence that it will last over time.
One of the highlights of the Ninja CE251 is its glass carafe. The glass not only enhances the aesthetic but also plays a crucial role in preserving the coffee’s flavor. The carafe is thoughtfully designed with an ergonomic handle that makes pouring easy and comfortable. The spout is well-crafted to minimize spills, which is a common issue with other coffee makers. Additionally, the brew-through lid is a smart feature that helps keep your coffee hot, allowing you to enjoy a warm cup even if you don’t get to it immediately.
On the other hand, the Empstorm 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker has a contemporary design but with a different focus. Its design leans more towards being compact and lightweight, which could be a significant advantage if you have limited counter space. The combination of plastic and stainless steel in its construction makes it less durable compared to the Ninja CE251. However, this also contributes to its lighter weight, making it easier to move around or store when not in use.
The Empstorm also comes with a glass carafe, similar to the Ninja, but its design is more basic. It lacks some of the thoughtful touches found in the Ninja, such as the ergonomic handle and the spill-resistant spout. While it may not have the same level of sophistication, its simplicity might appeal to those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills coffee maker.
Brewing Options and Customization
When comparing both models regarding brewing options and customization, the Ninja CE251 offers a versatile experience that lets you tailor your coffee exactly the way you like it. This machine provides two main brewing settings. The first is the Classic Brew, which is perfect if you enjoy a standard cup of coffee with a balanced flavor. The second option is the Rich Brew, which gives you a stronger, more intense coffee flavor. This is ideal if you prefer a bolder taste or like your coffee to pack a bit more punch. The ability to switch between these two settings means you can easily adjust the strength of your coffee to match your mood or preference.
Another great feature of the Ninja CE251 is its small-batch setting. This is particularly useful when you only want to brew a small amount of coffee, like when you’re making less than four cups. Even with a smaller quantity, the machine ensures that the coffee is still rich and flavorful. This thoughtful option prevents the watered-down taste that sometimes happens when brewing smaller batches in other machines.
On the other hand, the Empstorm 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker also offers some level of customization, though it is a bit more basic compared to the Ninja. It provides a standard brew setting that produces a good cup of coffee, and it also has an option to control the brew strength. While this gives you some flexibility, it doesn’t offer the same variety of choices as the Ninja.
However, the Empstorm does have a programmable timer feature, which is a convenient addition. This allows you to set the machine to start brewing at a specific time, up to 24 hours in advance. Whether you want to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee or have a pot ready when you get home from work, this timer can make your daily routine smoother. This feature is similar to what the Ninja offers, making both machines handy for those who like to plan ahead.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
When it comes to ease of use and maintenance, the Ninja CE251 really shines as a user-friendly coffee maker. The design is straightforward, with each function having its own dedicated button. This makes it easy to operate without the hassle of navigating through complex menus or settings. Whether you want to program the machine to start brewing at a specific time or simply select your preferred brew strength, the buttons are clearly labeled and responsive, ensuring a smooth experience every time you use it.
One of the standout features of the Ninja CE251 is how easy it is to keep clean. The parts that come into contact with coffee, such as the filter holder, carafe, and water reservoir, are all dishwasher-safe. This is a huge time-saver, as you can simply pop them in the dishwasher instead of spending time scrubbing them by hand. Additionally, the machine comes with a handy self-cleaning feature. This feature is incredibly convenient because it helps maintain the machine’s performance over time, reducing the buildup of coffee oils and minerals that can affect taste and functionality. With just the push of a button, the self-cleaning cycle takes care of the hard work, keeping your coffee maker in top shape.
On the other hand, the Empstorm 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker is also designed with ease of use in mind, but it takes a more basic approach. The interface is simpler and might appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward coffee-making process. The controls are easy to understand, but they lack the dedicated buttons found on the Ninja, which means you might need to get familiar with how the machine works before you feel completely comfortable using it.
In terms of maintenance, the Empstorm requires a bit more hands-on effort. Unlike the Ninja, the Empstorm’s parts are not fully dishwasher-safe, which means you’ll need to wash more components by hand. While this isn’t necessarily difficult, it does require more time and attention. The machine itself is easy to wipe down, which helps keep it looking clean on the outside. However, it doesn’t have a self-cleaning function like the Ninja, so you’ll need to be more proactive about regular maintenance. This includes descaling the machine to prevent mineral buildup and ensuring that the internal components stay clean and functioning properly.
Performance and Coffee Quality
When discussing performance and coffee quality, the Ninja CE251 stands out for its ability to consistently brew a well-balanced cup of coffee. Whether you’re making a single cup or an entire carafe, the coffee quality remains reliably good. One of the key features that contribute to this consistency is the Flavor Straw. This feature is designed to circulate the coffee throughout the brewing process. By doing so, it ensures that every cup has the same strength and taste, preventing any unevenness in flavor. This is especially important if you’re brewing a full pot and want to make sure the last cup tastes just as good as the first.
Another advantage of the Ninja CE251 is its adjustable warming plate. This warming plate is designed to keep your coffee hot for up to four hours, which is perfect if you enjoy sipping your coffee slowly throughout the morning. You can adjust the temperature of the warming plate to suit your preference, ensuring that your coffee stays at the ideal drinking temperature without becoming too hot or too cool. This flexibility adds to the overall convenience and user-friendly nature of the machine.
On the other hand, the Empstorm 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker also delivers a decent cup of coffee, though it might not be as consistent in flavor as the Ninja. The Empstorm lacks a feature like the Flavor Straw, which means the coffee at the bottom of the carafe might end up being slightly stronger than the coffee at the top. This can happen because the coffee isn’t circulated as effectively during the brewing process, leading to a potential difference in strength between the first and last cups.
The Empstorm’s warming plate does its job well in keeping the coffee hot, but it doesn’t offer the same level of adjustability as the Ninja’s. This means you won’t have as much control over the temperature, which might be a consideration if you’re particular about how hot you like your coffee. While the warming plate keeps the coffee warm, it might not maintain the exact temperature you prefer for as long as the Ninja’s adjustable option.
Which one is quieter?
Between the Ninja CE251 and the Empstorm 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker, the Ninja CE251 is generally considered quieter during operation. The Ninja CE251 has a reputation for smooth and relatively silent brewing, which can be a significant advantage if you’re making coffee early in the morning or in a quiet environment.
The Empstorm, while not overly loud, tends to produce a bit more noise during the brewing process, likely due to its more basic build quality and components. If minimizing noise is a priority for you, the Ninja CE251 might be the better option.
Price and Value
The Ninja CE251 is priced at a mid-range level, offering good value for its features and build quality. It’s a reliable machine with a lot of functionality, making it a solid investment for coffee lovers who want more control over their brew.
The Empstorm is generally more affordable than the Ninja, which might make it an attractive option if you’re on a budget. However, you might have to sacrifice some of the advanced features and build quality that the Ninja offers.
Final Verdict
When it comes to the final decision between the Ninja CE251 and the Empstorm EM-12D, it really depends on what you value most. If you’re looking for a coffee maker with consistent performance, advanced features, and easy maintenance, the Ninja CE251 is the better choice. It offers more customization, better coffee quality, and a self-cleaning function that makes it easy to use every day.
On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler, no-frills machine and don’t mind doing a bit more manual cleaning, the Empstorm EM-12D could be a good fit. It’s straightforward and does the job, but it lacks the extra features that make the Ninja stand out.
