Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer Review

There’s nothing like a freshly brewed cup to start the day off right. But let’s face it, not all coffee makers are created equal. Some are clunky, some are complicated, and some just can’t seem to get the flavor right.

That’s why I was excited to try out the Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer. With its sleek design and promise of customizable brewing options, I was hoping it would be the perfect addition to my morning routine.

So, is it worth buying? In this review, I’ll share with you my all experience with this particular model to help you decide if it’s the right coffee maker for you.

Overall Look and Design

The Ninja CE251 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is designed with a modern touch that blends stainless steel and black accents. This combination gives it a sleek appearance, making it a good fit for most contemporary kitchen setups. The design isn’t just about looks, though. The coffee maker has a relatively slim profile, measuring 9.9 x 10.5 x 14.6 inches. This compact size is impressive, especially considering that it can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once. Despite its ability to brew a large quantity, the coffee maker only weighs about 7 pounds, making it easy to move around if needed.

However, there's a downside that some users have pointed out. A large portion of the coffee maker's parts are made of plastic. The plastic components can make the coffee maker feel less durable and give it a somewhat cheaper feel. This choice of materials may be a disappointment, especially for those who were expecting a more solid build.

When it comes to the overall design, the Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer doesn’t stray too far from the standard layout of similar coffee makers. The water tank is located at the back of the machine, positioned next to the brew basket area. This setup is fairly common and easy to use. The carafe, along with the warming plate, is placed directly beneath the brew basket, allowing the freshly brewed coffee to stay warm until it’s ready to be served. The control panel, which is where you’ll manage all the brewing settings, is conveniently situated right under the water tank. This layout is simple and functional, but it doesn’t offer anything particularly unique or innovative compared to other coffee makers in its class.

Carafe of Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer

When it comes to the Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer's glass carafe, it's not exactly something that's going to blow your mind. For starters, the handle is ergonomic, which means it's comfortable to hold and easy to grip. The brew-through lid is a nice touch, allowing you to pour coffee without having to remove the lid altogether. And let's not forget the spout - it's well-designed and does a great job of minimizing spills when you're pouring coffee into your cup.

Now, I want to talk about the carafe's Flavor Straw feature. I know, I know - the name is a bit of a mouthful, and it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. But trust me, it's actually a pretty cool feature. The Flavor Straw sits inside the glass carafe, and its job is to circulate the coffee as it brews. This means that the coffee is evenly distributed throughout the carafe, so you don't end up with a weak first cup and a super-strong last cup.

In other words, you'll get consistent coffee every time you pour a cup. No more suffering through a weak or bland cup, only to find that the coffee at the bottom of the carafe is way too strong. With the Flavor Straw, you'll get the perfect balance of flavor every time. 

Water Reservoir of Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer

There are times when it feels like manufacturers are playing a joke on us with how difficult they make the simple task of filling a water tank. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to pour water into a coffee maker, only to end up with a puddle on my kitchen counter. It’s a frustrating experience, to say the least, and it often makes me wonder if there’s a better way.

That’s why I was genuinely relieved when I discovered the Ninja coffee maker. It comes with a 60-ounce (1.7-liter) removable water reservoir. The water tank is designed with clearly labeled level markers, so you always know exactly how much water you’re adding. This small detail can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Not only does this removable reservoir make filling the water tank a breeze, but it also adds a layer of convenience that’s hard to beat. You can take the reservoir to the sink, fill it up, and pop it back into place without any hassle. And the best part? It’s much easier to keep clean. You don’t have to worry about trying to clean a fixed water tank or, worse, wonder about what might be lurking in there. With the removable tank, you can keep things hygienic, ensuring that your coffee is always made with clean water.

Boiler of Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer

Ninja markets the CE251 as having an advanced boiler that promises a “perfectly hot cup of coffee.” This is due to the aluminum boiler, which is specifically designed to regulate the brewing temperature. The idea is to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process, ensuring that your coffee is brewed just right each time.

Now, I know that many of you will be pleased to hear about this feature. Consistent brewing temperature sounds like a great idea, and it certainly has its appeal. But it’s important to remember that water can sometimes be too hot for brewing coffee. If the water temperature is too high, it can lead to over-extraction, which can make the coffee taste bitter and unpleasant.

I’ll admit, before testing the Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer, I had my concerns. I wondered if the manufacturer might have gone a bit too far with this feature, potentially making the water too hot for brewing. However, as I went through my review of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, I was relieved to find that the machine actually brews coffee at the ideal temperature. The water consistently reached around 198 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius), which is right in the sweet spot for making a great cup of coffee. This temperature is high enough to extract the flavors from the coffee grounds without overdoing it. So, despite my initial worries, the Ninja 12 cup coffee maker delivered on its promise of a perfectly hot cup of coffee, without compromising the quality of the brew.

User Friendly Control Panel

The Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer offers several options that allow you to control the strength and taste of your coffee, making it easy to get your brew just the way you like it. There are different brew settings available, including the Classic Brew, which is great for a regular cup of coffee, and the Rich Brew setting, which is perfect if you prefer a stronger, more robust flavor. These options give you flexibility, so you can tailor your coffee to your personal taste preferences.

One of the things that makes this programable coffee maker so user-friendly is its programmable features. Each feature has its own separate button, so you don’t have to navigate through a complicated menu to find what you’re looking for. This means you always know exactly what settings you’re working with, which is a real time-saver, especially when you’re in a hurry.

Another convenient feature is the automatic brew function. This allows the machine to start brewing automatically, up to 24 hours in advance, as long as you’ve set it up to do so. This is especially handy if you want to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee without having to do anything in the morning.

The Ninja CE251 also includes a pause feature, which is a great option if you need to grab a quick cup before the brewing process is finished. This feature lets you pause the brewing, pour yourself a cup, and then resume brewing without any mess. For those times when you only need a small amount of coffee, the small batch option is perfect for brewing less than four cups.

What really sets this coffee maker apart, in my opinion, are the extra features that enhance its performance. The warming plate, for example, is adjustable and can keep your coffee warm for up to four hours. You can select how long you want your coffee to stay warm, which is a nice touch if you like to savor your coffee over a longer period. If you forget to set the timer, the hot plate will automatically turn off after two hours, giving you peace of mind, especially if you’re in a rush and forget to turn it off manually.

These thoughtful extras, like the sneak-a-cup feature and the adjustable warming plate, make the Ninja CE251 a standout coffee maker. They add convenience and flexibility to your daily coffee routine, ensuring you get a great cup of coffee every time.

Easy to Clean Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer

One of the things we really appreciate about the Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer is how many of its parts and pieces are dishwasher-safe. This includes the permanent filter, the glass carafe, the brew-through lid, the removable filter holder, the water reservoir and its lid, and even the scoop. Having these parts be dishwasher-safe makes cleaning up so much easier compared to other models, where you might have to hand wash more items.

Speaking of handwashing, we found that cleaning the carafe by hand is also pretty simple. The opening is wide enough that you can easily fit your hand inside to give it a thorough wash. This is a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re trying to clean up quickly.

As for the main unit of the coffee maker, it’s easy to maintain as well. The showerhead, water reservoir shelf, and other surfaces wipe down easily with just a wet cloth. However, the hot plate is a bit more demanding. It tends to collect coffee drips, which can burn and leave marks, so it might need more regular and rigorous cleaning to keep it looking good.

In addition to daily cleaning, there’s also some monthly maintenance you’ll want to keep up with. Over time, limescale can build up inside the coffee maker, even if you’re using filtered water. This buildup can affect how well the Ninja works and can also impact the taste of your coffee. To prevent this, it’s important to descale your machine about once a month.

The process is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to add a mixture of water and descaling solution to the water reservoir. Then, press the Clean button on the machine. The cleaning cycle will take about 30 minutes to complete. Once it’s done, it’s a good idea to run a brew cycle using just water to make sure the machine is fully rinsed and ready for your next brew.

Keeping up with these cleaning and maintenance tasks will help ensure that your Ninja CE251 continues to make great coffee and stays in good condition for a long time.

How Ninja CE251 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer Compare with Other Coffee Makers

Final Verdict

The Ninja CE251 Coffee Brewer is a solid choice for coffee lovers. It brews great-tasting coffee with options for both classic and rich flavors. The design is user-friendly, with clear buttons and an easy-to-read display. One standout feature is the small-batch option, perfect for when you need fewer than four cups. The warming plate keeps your coffee hot for up to four hours, which is a nice touch. Additionally, the self-cleaning feature makes it super easy to keep everything in great shape. While it may not have all the high-end features of some models, the CE251 offers excellent value for its price. Overall, it's a reliable coffee maker that delivers consistent performance, making it a great addition to any kitchen. If you're looking for a dependable brewer that’s easy to use and clean, this Ninja 12 cup programable coffee maker is definitely worth considering.