Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker In-Depth Review 2025

If you’re on the hunt for the best programmable coffee maker of 2025, you’ve likely come across the Ninja CE251 coffee maker. In today’s review, I’ll give you an honest, comprehensive look at this popular 12-cup programmable coffee maker. We’ll cover everything you need to know: features, performance, cleaning tips, pros and cons, comparisons (including Ninja CE251 vs Breville Precision Brewer and Keurig), and answer the question: is the Ninja 12 cup coffee brewer worth it?
Let’s see why the Ninja CE251 is one of the top-rated drip coffee makers and if it truly deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Why Trust This Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker Review?

As a professional product reviewer and daily coffee drinker, I’ve tested dozens of programmable coffee makers over the years—from budget models to high-end brewers. I know what separates a mediocre morning brew from a truly great one. My approach is hands-on, honest, and focused on value for real-life use.
The Ninja CE251 programmable coffee maker caught my eye for several reasons: its popularity on Amazon, strong ratings from outlets like The Spruce Eats, and a feature set that promises both convenience and taste. I brewed with it daily for weeks, tested every setting, and compared it to similar models. Here’s everything I discovered.

Table of Contents

Who Is the Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker For?

Ideal Users

• Families & Households: The 12-cup capacity is perfect for families, roommates, or anyone who entertains frequently.
• Busy Professionals: The programmable timer ensures you wake to fresh coffee. No more waiting groggily for the first cup.
• Customization Lovers: Prefer a bold, rich brew some days and a milder cup on others? The Ninja CE251’s brew strength settings are for you.
• Health-Conscious & Eco-Friendly: Use your own grounds—no single-use pods here!
• Value Seekers: Want premium features without the premium price tag.

Who Might Skip This Machine?

• Espresso Fans: This is a drip coffee maker, not an espresso or specialty drink machine.
• Minimalist Kitchens: The 12-cup size, while compact for its capacity, still takes up more space than a single-serve unit.
• Single-Cup Drinkers: If you only ever make one cup at a time, a Keurig or smaller Ninja model might suit you better.

Product Overview & Summary Box

Below is a quick summary of the Ninja CE251’s essential details and standout features.

Product Name	Ninja CE251 Programmable Coffee Maker
Capacity	12 cups (1.5L carafe)
Brew Strengths	Classic & Rich
Programmable Timer	Yes (up to 24 hours)
Removable Water Reservoir	Yes
Pre-Infusion Feature	Yes (for richer extraction)
Warming Plate	Yes (up to 4 hours)
Sneak-a-Cup	Yes (pause and serve mid-brew)
Dimensions	8.74 x 9.94 x 14.61 in
Warranty	1 year
Price Range	$79–$99 (check latest on Amazon)
Amazon Star Rating	4.4/5 ★★★★☆
Cleaning	Dishwasher safe parts
Best For	Families, busy professionals, value seekers
Alternatives	Breville Precision Brewer, Keurig, Hamilton Beach

In-Depth Ninja CE251 Review

Appearance & Design

The Ninja CE251 coffee maker combines modern style with functional design. Its black and stainless steel exterior gives it a premium look that fits into any kitchen decor. The control panel is simple, with a bright digital clock and clearly marked buttons. The water reservoir is crystal-clear, making water level checks a breeze.
The build quality feels solid, not flimsy, with a sturdy glass carafe and substantial buttons. The overall footprint is compact for a 12-cup coffee maker, so it won’t dominate your counter.

Performance & Features

Brewing Power

The Ninja CE251 coffee maker uses advanced brewing technology with a pre-infusion programmable review feature. During brewing, coffee grounds are evenly saturated before the main brew cycle begins, resulting in richer flavor extraction—a big plus for coffee aficionados.
You can choose between Classic (smooth, balanced) and Rich (bolder, more intense) brew strength settings. Both deliver excellent flavor and aroma, with no bitterness even on the Rich setting.

Programmable Convenience

You can schedule your brew up to 24 hours in advance. Set it before bed and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee—a major morning win. The warming plate keeps your coffee hot for up to four hours without developing that burnt aftertaste.

Removable Water Reservoir Benefits

This is a game changer compared to many competitors. Instead of awkwardly filling the tank with a carafe, just detach the reservoir, fill it at the sink, and snap it back in. It’s easier, less messy, and makes cleaning a breeze.

Sneak-a-Cup Feature Tested

Waiting for the whole pot to finish? No need! The Ninja CE251 coffee maker’s sneak-a-cup feature lets you pause brewing, pour a cup mid-cycle, and resume without drips or spills. This worked perfectly every time in my tests.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Parts like the brew basket, carafe, and water reservoir are all dishwasher safe. For deeper cleaning, run a cycle with vinegar and water every month or so. The clear reservoir lets you easily spot when a clean is due.
Ninja 12 cup coffee maker cleaning tips: Wipe the warming plate with a damp cloth after it cools, and don’t forget to clean the showerhead for optimal performance.

User-Friendliness

Setup is simple—out of the box to brewing in under 10 minutes. The interface is clear, the water reservoir is easy to fill, and the carafe pours without drips.
How to use Ninja 12 cup coffee brewer:

1. Add water to the removable tank.
2. Place a paper filter and coffee grounds in the basket.
3. Choose Classic or Rich.
4. Press “Brew” or program the timer.
5. Enjoy hot coffee in minutes!

Durability & Quality

After several weeks of daily use, the Ninja CE251 showed no signs of wear. The carafe is sturdy, the buttons are responsive, and the plastic parts feel robust. Ninja’s reputation for quality holds up here. The heating plate resists staining and the water reservoir seals tightly with no leaks.

Value for Money

For under $100, you get features often found in pricier models: programmable brewing, pre-infusion, brew strength selector, removable water tank, and a 12-cup capacity.
Compared to high-end machines like the Breville Precision Brewer (which costs two to three times more), the Ninja CE251 delivers 90% of the features at a fraction of the price. For most households, it’s the best programmable coffee maker 2025 for the money.

Pros & Cons

Alternatives & Comparisons

Ninja CE251 vs. Breville Precision Brewer

The Breville Precision Brewer offers more customization (temperature, bloom time, specialty modes) and a thermal carafe option. However, it’s much more expensive (~$250-$300). For most users, the Ninja CE251 programmable coffee maker offers the essential features you actually use, at a much better price.

Ninja 12 Cup Coffee Brewer vs. Keurig

Keurig machines are best for single-serve convenience and speed. However, they use pods (expensive, less eco-friendly) and can’t match the Ninja’s brew quality for a full pot. If you regularly brew for more than one, or care about flavor, the Ninja wins.

Other Alternatives

• Hamilton Beach FlexBrew: Offers single-serve and full-pot modes, but lacks the Ninja’s pre-infusion and overall build quality.
• Mr. Coffee 12-Cup: Cheaper, but fewer features, no removable reservoir, and less reliable brew strength control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Ninja 12 cup coffee brewer worth it?
A: Absolutely. For the price, it offers features, build quality, and coffee flavor that rival much pricier machines.

Q2: Does the Ninja CE251 have a removable water reservoir?
A: Yes! The removable reservoir is one of its standout features for easy filling and cleaning.

Q3: How does Ninja 12 cup coffee brewer compare to Keurig?
A: For single cups, Keurig is faster, but for flavor, value, and brewing multiple cups, the Ninja is superior.

Q4: What are the Ninja 12 cup coffee brewer brew strength settings?
A: Classic (standard brew) and Rich (stronger, bolder flavor).

Q5: Any Ninja coffee maker cleaning tips?
A: Clean the water reservoir and brew basket regularly, descale monthly with vinegar, and wash the carafe in the dishwasher.

Conclusion: Ninja Coffee Brewer Review 2025—Final Verdict

The Ninja CE251 coffee maker is a top pick for anyone wanting a reliable, programmable coffee maker that delivers great-tasting coffee day after day. Its combination of affordability, advanced brewing features, user-friendly design, and easy maintenance make it a smart investment for families, offices, and coffee enthusiasts alike.

Ready to upgrade your mornings? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and see why the Ninja CE251 programmable coffee maker is a top choice for 2025!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Buying Options

The Quick List

We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed these air fryers—all featuring PFAS-free cooking surfaces. Below, you’ll find our top picks at a glance. After that, I’ll walk you through each model, our in-depth testing process, and the research behind our recommendations.

Learn More About Small Appliances:

NutriBullet Ultra NB50500 Perfect for Summer
Ninja BC151BK Blast Review: Is It Worth Buying?
Magic Bullet Personal Blender – Compact 11-Piece
KOIOS Portable Blender – Powerful 900W R