Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer: A Complete Review

If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, you know that having the right coffee maker can make a world of difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re brewing a single cup or preparing a large pot for guests, your coffee maker needs to be reliable, efficient, and able to deliver a cup of coffee that satisfies your taste buds. One coffee maker that has recently gained significant attention is the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer. Known for its sleek design and advanced features, this coffee maker is creating quite a buzz in the world of home brewing.

In this review, I’ll go through the features, pros, cons, and overall performance of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Key Features of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer

Before diving into the performance and user experience, let’s take a quick look at the essential features that make this coffee maker stand out:

• 2 Brew Styles: Classic or Rich – Customizable brew strengths to suit your personal taste.
• 12-Cup Glass Carafe – Perfect for brewing both small and large batches of coffee.
• Hotter Brewing Technology – Ensures even saturation and temperature control for flavorful coffee.
• Small Batch Function – Allows brewing of 1-4 cups without diluting the taste.
• 24-Hour Programmable Delay Brew – Set your coffee to brew up to a day in advance.
• Adjustable Warming Plate – Keeps your coffee fresh for up to 4 hours.
• Removable Water Reservoir – Easily detachable for quick and convenient filling.
• Mid-Brew Pause – Pour a cup before the brew cycle finishes.
• Clean Setting – One-touch cleaning for easy descaling.

With a 60oz water reservoir and a 1100-watt power rating, this coffee maker is designed for efficiency and convenience. It’s perfect for busy individuals who want a no-hassle brewing experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer has a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel exterior, making it look attractive on any kitchen counter. The 12-cup glass carafe is spacious, perfect for making coffee for yourself or guests. What stands out is the removable water reservoir, which is easy to detach, carry to the sink for refilling, and then snap back into place. This feature is especially useful compared to other models with built-in reservoirs, making filling and cleaning more convenient.

While the glass carafe is sturdy, some users have mentioned that the lid could be a bit tricky to remove, requiring two hands, but this is a minor issue compared to the coffee maker’s overall functionality.

Brewing Performance: Classic or Rich?

One of the highlights of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is its versatility. You have two brewing styles to choose from: Classic and Rich. If you enjoy a milder brew, the Classic option is perfect, while the Rich setting is ideal for those who prefer a bolder, fuller-flavored cup of coffee.

Hotter Brewing Technology

This coffee maker features Hotter Brewing Technology, which ensures that your coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature for extraction. The result? Delicious, rich, and never bitter coffee. Whether you prefer to brew a small batch or a full 12-cup carafe, the Ninja CE251 consistently delivers a cup of coffee that’s hot, flavorful, and satisfying.

Small Batch Function

Not only is this coffee maker great for brewing larger batches, but it also excels when brewing small amounts. If you’re brewing 1-4 cups, the Small Batch Function ensures that your coffee doesn’t get diluted. This is a great feature for those who don’t need to brew an entire carafe daily but still want a bold, flavorful cup.

Wake Up to Hot Coffee

One of the most convenient features of this coffee maker is the 24-hour programmable delay brew. You can set it the night before to have your coffee ready when you wake up, so you don’t have to wait or rush in the morning. It’s like waking up to a personal barista! Plus, with the adjustable warming plate, your coffee stays fresh and hot for up to four hours.

User Experience: Easy to Use and Clean

When it comes to usability, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is designed to make your life easier.

Removable Water Reservoir

The removable water reservoir is a game-changer. Filling it is super easy because you can detach it and bring it to the sink, avoiding any mess or spills. It’s also transparent, allowing you to clearly see the water level, which is helpful to prevent overflows.

Clean Setting

Maintaining your coffee maker is a breeze with the Clean Setting. At the touch of a button, the coffee maker will go into a cleaning cycle to remove any build-up and keep it running efficiently. This is especially helpful for those who want to extend the life of their coffee maker with minimal effort.

Mid-Brew Pause

If you’re impatient like me, you’ll love the mid-brew pause feature. You can pour yourself a cup of coffee before the brew cycle is finished, without making a mess. While it’s a small touch, it’s one that enhances the overall convenience of the machine.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer’s strengths and areas where it could improve:

Pros:

• Customizable brew strength: Choose between Classic or Rich to match your taste.
• Convenient water reservoir: Removable, large opening for easy filling and cleaning.
• Programmed brewing: Set the coffee maker to brew at a later time, so you always have hot coffee ready.
• Hotter Brewing Technology: Ensures evenly brewed, flavorful coffee every time.
• Affordable: Offers great features at a reasonable price.

Cons:

• Carafe lid: The lid can be difficult to remove with just one hand.
• Plastic components: While the overall build quality is sturdy, there’s still plastic involved in some parts, which can be a turn-off for some users.

What Customers Are Saying

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer has received positive feedback from thousands of customers, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Here are some highlights from recent reviews:

• eclaire (February 2024): Loves the removable water reservoir and praises the machine’s ease of use, calling it a “well-designed and highly practical” appliance.
• Klv (February 2025): Appreciates the gold-tone permanent filter and removable water reservoir, mentioning that the rich brew setting makes for great coffee every time.
• Frank A. (January 2025): Highlights the drip-free carafe and the “no-drip” heating plate, which helps keep the counter clean.
• Maggimay (February 2025): Recommends the coffee maker as a “best budget buy”, stating that it makes great coffee at a fraction of the price of high-end models.

FAQs about the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer

1. How long does it take to brew a full 12-cup pot?

It takes about 10-12 minutes to brew a full 12-cup pot, which is relatively quick compared to other drip coffee makers.

2. Can I brew a single cup of coffee?

Yes, the Small Batch Function allows you to brew as few as 1-4 cups without diluting the coffee’s strength.

3. How do I clean the coffee maker?

The Ninja coffee maker features a Clean Setting that runs a descaling cycle to keep your machine in top condition. You can also easily clean the removable water reservoir in the sink.

4. Does the Ninja Coffee Brewer work with ground coffee only?

Yes, this coffee maker is designed to work with ground coffee. It does not use pods or capsules.

Final Thoughts

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use coffee maker. With features like customizable brew strength, Hotter Brewing Technology, and a removable water reservoir, it offers great convenience and excellent coffee quality. Whether you’re brewing a small batch or a large pot, the Ninja Coffee Brewer delivers hot, flavorful coffee every time.

If you’re looking for a coffee maker that combines ease of use, affordability, and top-notch performance, the Ninja CE251 is definitely worth considering. Happy brewing!

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Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer: 4.5/5 Stars