Ninja Programmable Xl 14-Cup Coffee Maker Pro Review

If you’re a coffee lover searching for a reliable and versatile coffee maker, the Ninja Programmable Xl 14-Cup Coffee Maker Pro might just be the answer to your caffeine cravings. This machine boasts a range of features designed to enhance your brewing experience while delivering rich, flavorful coffee every time. From its programmable timer to its impressive brewing technology, the Ninja DCM201 promises convenience and quality in one package.

In this review, I’ll dive into the key features that set this coffee maker apart, including its unique brew styles, ease of cleaning, and the overall taste of the coffee it produces. Let’s explore what makes this machine stand out in the crowded market of coffee makers.

Overall Design and Look

The Ninja programmable xl 14-cup coffee maker pro has a modern design with a sleek black color scheme that will fit in with any kitchen decor like Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus . The front of the machine features a digital control panel with a digital clock, making it easy to schedule your coffee brewing. The panel also includes various buttons for customizing your coffee experience, such as setting the brew strength, delay brew, and more.

The coffee maker is compact, with dimensions of 10"D x 7.87"W x 14.35"H, making it perfect for countertops with limited space. It's also lightweight, weighing only 6.4 pounds, making it easy to move around.

The carafe is also black and has measurement markings on the side, so you can easily see how much coffee you've brewed. The coffee pot has a comfortable black handle and a beige interior, which adds a touch of warmth to the overall design.

The Ninja brand logo is prominently displayed on the coffee maker, giving it a professional and high-quality look. Overall, this coffee maker looks like a great addition to any kitchen, and I'm sure it will make a delicious cup of coffee every time.

Water Reservoir

After using the Ninja DCM201 XL Pro Coffee Maker, I can honestly say the removable 70-ounce water reservoir is a standout feature. Unlike the typical built-in reservoirs, this one lifts out smoothly, which means I can carry it directly to the sink without juggling water pitchers or worrying about spills. It’s easy to handle, and the latch snaps securely into place, which makes it both functional and reliable like Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Coffee Maker.

The larger capacity has been incredibly practical, especially during busy mornings when every minute counts. I can get several brews out of one fill-up, and it’s a real timesaver. Not having to refill the reservoir constantly feels like a luxury, especially if I’m hosting or need to brew multiple cups back-to-back. With other coffee makers I’ve used, I always ended up overfilling and spilling as I tried to pour water into awkwardly-placed reservoirs. Here, the process is smooth and spill-free.

Another bonus is that since the reservoir detaches, it’s super easy to clean. I just pop it off, give it a quick rinse, and it’s ready to go, ensuring the water is always fresh. This design element also seems to make a difference in flavor, delivering a cleaner, more consistent cup.

User Interface

The Ninja Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro has a sleek black design that exudes modernity and sophistication. The digital display is clear and easy to read, making it simple to navigate through the various settings and features. The multiple control buttons are strategically placed and clearly labeled, allowing for intuitive operation.

The digital clock is a convenient feature that adds to the overall user experience, and the measurement markings on the carafe are thoughtful touches that make it easy to measure out the perfect amount of coffee. The buttons for customizing the coffee experience are also well-designed, offering a range of options to suit individual tastes.

I particularly appreciate the inclusion of convenient functions like the freshness timer, delay brew, brew pause, and clean cycle functionality. These features make it easy to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee at the perfect time, and the clean cycle function ensures that the coffee maker remains in good working order.

Glass Carafe

The 14-cup carafe on the Ninja Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro is ideal for those moments when you need to serve a crowd. It’s well-sized, sturdy, and designed to keep coffee warm and flavorful for longer than a standard carafe. When hosting guests, I found this size convenient, as it can hold enough coffee to keep everyone’s cups full without constantly brewing a new pot. The glass is durable, and the spout is designed for an easy pour with minimal dripping. 

The Small Batch Function is a standout feature as well. Many coffee makers tend to dilute the flavor when brewing small amounts, but Ninja has tackled this issue directly. By adjusting the brewing cycle, the Small Batch Function ensures that even when you’re only making 1–4 cups, you still get a rich, full-bodied flavor. I tested it, and the taste was just as robust as a larger brew. For those times when you only want a cup or two, this feature keeps flavor at its peak.

Variable Warming Plate

The Ninja XL Pro’s variable warming plate has genuinely impressed me, and it’s clear they designed it with coffee lovers in mind. After brewing, the plate automatically kicks in and gives you options to keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours. With three temperature settings (Low, Medium, and High), it’s easy to tailor the heat to what I need, whether I’m sipping over a long morning or sharing a pot with guests.

The three temperature choices feel like a nice luxury. Some warming plates can overheat or even give the coffee a burnt flavor over time, but this one keeps it consistent. Even after a few hours on the warmer, the coffee tastes fresh and enjoyable, with no signs of overcooking. For longer drinking sessions, I tend to use the “Low” setting, which preserves the flavor while keeping it warm.

In terms of practicality, the automatic 4-hour shut-off feature is another great touch. I’ve forgotten to turn off warming plates on other machines, but with the Ninja XL Pro, I know it’ll shut down on its own—convenient and energy-saving.

Brewing Technology

The Ninja DCM201 XL Pro’s Hotter Brewing Technology is an absolute highlight, especially for those who appreciate a truly flavorful cup. This feature ensures even saturation and precise temperature control throughout the brewing process, which directly impacts the coffee’s taste and richness.

When I brewed with this machine, I noticed the coffee came out hotter than on typical coffee makers. The temperature was just right—not scalding, but definitely hot enough to enhance the flavors without over-extracting or creating any bitterness. The even saturation is particularly impressive; each coffee ground receives an equal amount of water, resulting in a balanced, rich taste in every sip.

Compared to other machines, which often fluctuate in temperature and can sometimes lead to underwhelming brews, the Ninja XL Pro’s technology really does deliver a bolder and more consistent flavor. If you’re someone who finds your coffee going cold or tasting weak, this feature alone is worth considering.

24-hour programmable

The 24-hour programmable delay brew on the Ninja Ninja Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro is one of the most convenient features for anyone with a busy morning schedule. Setting it up is easy, and once you program your preferred time, the machine takes care of the rest, ensuring a hot cup of coffee is waiting as soon as you’re ready to start your day.

I tested this by setting it up the night before, and it worked perfectly. Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee already brewed is a small luxury that made my morning feel much smoother and stress-free. The timer was accurate, and there was no need to worry about setting it repeatedly; I just set it once, and it became part of my morning routine. It’s also ideal for people with early morning schedules or families, as it means no one has to fumble around trying to brew coffee while still half-asleep.

This feature has an added convenience for those who tend to rush in the morning and want to save every bit of time. Knowing that I can prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance makes mornings easier and more enjoyable.

2 Brew Style

The Ninja XL Pro’s 2 Brew Styles feature is simple but effective. You can choose between Classic and Rich settings, each offering a unique taste. The Classic option is smooth and balanced—perfect for a regular morning cup. It’s not too intense, just a nice, easy drink.

Switch to the Rich setting, though, and you get a bolder flavor. It’s fuller-bodied and stands up well to milk without tasting bitter. I found both settings flavorful, with each brew delivering what it promises.

This feature is also great for different preferences. The Classic brew works if you’re in the mood for something light, while the Rich setting is ideal for a stronger, more intense cup. Both options keep the coffee tasting fresh and smooth.

Classic and Rich options add versatility, and the quality of each is impressive. A third setting would make it perfect, but for now, it’s a solid 88/100 for delivering tasty, customizable coffee every time.

Coffee Taste

The coffee produced by the Ninja Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro is truly impressive. The Hotter Brewing Technology ensures even saturation and optimal temperature control, which means that every cup I’ve brewed has been rich and flavorful. The Classic and Rich brew styles cater to different preferences, and both deliver a distinct taste.

When I use the Classic setting, I get a smooth, balanced cup. It's perfect for mornings when I want something light and refreshing. The flavor is full-bodied, without any bitterness, making it easy to drink black or with a splash of milk.

Switching to the Rich setting brings out a bolder flavor profile. The coffee is deeper and more intense, ideal for those moments when I crave something stronger. Even after sitting for a while, the taste remains robust and enjoyable.

Overall, the quality of the coffee is consistently excellent. It truly showcases the bean’s characteristics without any over-extraction. Whether I’m brewing a full carafe for guests or just a small batch for myself, each cup is satisfying and delicious.

I would rate the coffee taste a solid 92 out of 100. The machine delivers exceptional flavor with no bitterness, thanks to its thoughtful design and technology. The only improvement I could suggest is offering even more customizable brewing options for those who like to experiment with their coffee. But overall, the taste is fantastic and keeps me coming back for more.

Special Features

The Ninja Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro is equipped with several special features that enhance the overall brewing experience. The auto shut-off function adds an important layer of safety, automatically powering down the machine after a set time. This means I can brew my coffee and not worry if I forget to turn it off, providing peace of mind.

The programmable timer is a game-changer. I can set it up the night before, and it allows me to wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s perfect for busy mornings when every minute counts.

Additionally, the cup warmer keeps the coffee at an ideal drinking temperature after brewing. I love being able to take my time with my first cup without worrying about it getting cold too quickly.

Clean-up is made easier with the dishwasher-safe parts. Many components can go right into the dishwasher, which saves me from a tedious hand-washing routine.

Lastly, the permanent filter is a fantastic feature. It removes the necessity for disposable paper filters, making it both environmentally friendly and budget-friendly. I simply rinse it out after each use, making the brewing process more convenient.

Overall, these special features work seamlessly together to make the Ninja XL Pro a highly functional coffee maker. I’d rate it a 95/100. It’s packed with conveniences that simplify the coffee-making process and enhance the overall experience, though a few more customization options would have made it perfect.

How to Clean

Cleaning the Ninja XL Pro is straightforward and user-friendly, making maintenance a breeze. After each brew, I simply rinse the permanent filter and the brew basket to remove any coffee grounds. They are designed to be dishwasher safe, so I can easily toss them in the dishwasher for a more thorough clean if I prefer.

The carafe also requires some attention. I make sure to wash it with warm, soapy water after each use to keep it clear of any coffee residue or stains. The wide opening makes it easy to reach inside for a good scrub, or I can place it in the dishwasher as well.

For the water reservoir, I remove it to clean thoroughly. It’s large enough to hold a good amount of water, so I ensure that it’s emptied and rinsed regularly to avoid any buildup or unwanted odors.

The exterior of the machine can be wiped down with a damp cloth to keep it looking sleek and tidy. I recommend avoiding any harsh cleaners to protect the finish.

Overall, the cleaning process is efficient, requiring minimal effort and time. I appreciate that many components are dishwasher safe, making the upkeep much easier and ensuring my machine stays in great condition for a long time.

I would rate the cleaning process a solid 87 out of 100. It’s simple and quick, with most parts being dishwasher safe, which saves time. The only downside is that I still need to wash some parts by hand, but overall, it’s a hassle-free experience.

Final Verdict 

The Ninja XL Pro is an exceptional coffee maker that combines convenience, versatility, and impressive brewing technology. Its standout features, like the programmable timer, auto shut-off, and various brew styles, cater to a range of preferences and ensure a hassle-free experience. The Hotter Brewing Technology delivers rich, flavorful coffee consistently, whether you prefer a classic cup or a bolder brew.

Cleaning the machine is straightforward, with many parts being dishwasher safe, making maintenance easy. The thoughtful design and attention to detail truly enhance the coffee-making process, providing a satisfying experience from start to finish.

While it could benefit from a few more customization options, the overall performance and quality of coffee make the Ninja XL Pro a worthwhile investment. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient coffee maker that delivers great taste and convenience.