Brew 
Thinking About the CE251?
This coffee maker review covers the Ninja CE251: how it makes your drinks, what you need alongside it, and the tradeoffs to consider before buying.
The warming plate is handy, but coffee usually tastes better when you brew what you’ll drink instead of leaving a big pot sitting for hours.
Full Amazon Product Name: Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel, CE251
What’s It Like to Use the CE251 Every Day?
If you like waking up to a regular pot of coffee, the Ninja CE251 keeps the job familiar. Add water, put ground coffee in the filter basket, set the carafe in place, and start the brew. Once it’s ready, you can pour another cup without making a whole new drink.
The biggest benefit is making several cups at once. Think about how much you actually drink, though. A smaller fresh batch can be nicer than a large pot left waiting all morning.
What About Lattes and Cappuccinos?
Prefer your coffee black? The CE251 handles that on its own. If you love a foamy cappuccino or a creamy latte, you’ll need a separate milk frother, since this version doesn’t include one.
That means one extra step: brew your coffee, froth your milk, and pour them together. If you only make milk drinks occasionally, that may suit you just fine. If cappuccino is your everyday order, you might prefer a bundle with a frother or a machine that handles the milk for you.
What Else Will You Need?
The Ninja 12-cup coffee maker doesn’t grind beans for you. Preground coffee is the easiest place to start, or you can use a separate grinder and try different beans. Match the grind to the brewing method rather than assuming finer is always better.
Before ordering, check which filter and serving container come with the machine. If you already have coffee tools you like, it’s worth checking that they suit the new brewer.
A Few Details Worth Knowing
| What to Check | CE251 |
|---|---|
| Pot Size | 12 cups |
| Water Tank | 70 oz |
What’s Good, and What Should You Think About?
What You Might Like
- Choose the ground coffee you already enjoy.
- Keep the daily coffee routine simple.
Before You Buy
- The warming plate is handy, but coffee usually tastes better when you brew what you’ll drink instead of leaving a big pot sitting for hours.
- Add the cost of a grinder if you want to use whole beans.
How Easy Is the CE251 to Clean?
Empty the used grounds, wash the basket and serving container as directed, and wipe up coffee splashes before they dry.
Descaling takes care of minerals inside the water path; washing the removable coffee parts is a different job. Use the products and cleaning steps recommended for this machine.
Leave room to refill and clean it. Before putting the Ninja CE251 under a cabinet, check that you can open the lids and remove the tank or tray. A machine that fits on paper can still be awkward when you use it.
What Could You Buy Instead of the CE251?
Not quite sure this is the one? These machines give you a few other options to weigh up. Look at how they make coffee, what you do with the milk, and whether a grinder is included.
| Machine | How It Makes Coffee | How You Make the Milk | Built-In Grinder | Who It May Suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Gourmet EHC1210D | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | A Morning Pot on a Budget |
| Cuisinart PerfecTemp DCC-3200NAS | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | A Bigger Morning Pot |
| BLACK+DECKER Programmable 12-Cup | Drip coffee | No frother included | No | Coffee Ready When You Wake |
You can also browse all our coffee makers, or answer a few questions in Help Me Choose to get a smaller list that suits your drinks and budget.
A Few More Questions About the CE251
Does the Ninja CE251 Grind Coffee Beans?
No, the CE251 doesn’t include a grinder. Use suitable ground coffee, or add a separate grinder if you prefer whole beans.
Can You Make Lattes and Cappuccinos with the CE251?
You’ll need a separate milk frother with this version. Brew the coffee, prepare your milk, and combine them in the cup.
What Should You Know Before Buying the CE251?
The warming plate is handy, but coffee usually tastes better when you brew what you’ll drink instead of leaving a big pot sitting for hours.
What Else Should You Compare with the Ninja CE251?
Start with the Elite Gourmet EHC1210D and Cuisinart PerfecTemp DCC-3200NAS. Compare the coffee format, milk steps, and whether you need a separate grinder. The links above take you to each full review.
Is the Ninja CE251 Right for You?
The best choice comes down to what you drink and how much you want to do before that first sip. If the coffee and milk steps above sound comfortable, the CE251 is worth comparing with the other machines on your list.
Compare the whole cost before you decide. Include the coffee you’ll keep buying and any grinder or milk accessories you need. Then check the current offer and what comes in the box.
