
Is the Ninja CE251 the Best Coffee Maker Under $100?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 24, 2025
Hey everyone, David Miller here.
For the last four years, my morning routine has been accompanied by a soundtrack of gurgles, sputters, and the occasional alarming hiss from my old, trusty—but tired—Mr. Coffee. It made coffee, sure, but it was a functional relationship, not a joyful one. The coffee was...fine. The process was...a chore. I decided it was time for an upgrade, but I wasn't looking to spend a fortune or turn my kitchen into a science lab. I just wanted a great, hot cup of coffee waiting for me when I stumble out of bed. My search led me straight to the Ninja CE251, a machine with thousands of glowing reviews. The question is, does it live up to the hype in a real-world kitchen? I spent the last three weeks finding out.

Is the Ninja CE251 the Best Coffee Maker Under $100?
Tired of lukewarm, mediocre coffee? My in-depth Ninja CE251 review tests its brew styles, heat, and reliability. Is this your new morning hero?
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
Yes, the Ninja CE251 is arguably the best all-around drip coffee maker you can buy for under $100. It consistently brews exceptionally hot, flavorful coffee and packs in smart features that solve real-world annoyances.
Our Rating Breakdown
Overall Score: 9.0/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
- Brew Quality & Temperature: 9.5/10 - The "Rich" brew setting and genuinely hot output are game-changers at this price point.
- Ease of Use: 9.5/10 - A removable water reservoir and dead-simple controls make the daily process effortless.
- Build & Design: 8.0/10 - It's a smart-looking machine, but the heavy use of plastic keeps it from feeling truly premium.
- Features & Versatility: 8.5/10 - The essentials are here and executed perfectly: programmable start, adjustable warming plate, and small-batch setting.
- Value for Money: 9.5/10 - It performs like a machine that costs twice as much. The value proposition is off the charts.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Capacity: 12 Cups (60 oz. Water Reservoir)
- Brew Styles: Classic, Rich
- Key Features: Programmable Delay Brew, Adjustable Warming Plate (up to 4 hours), Small Batch Setting (1-4 cups), Mid-Brew Pause
- Water Reservoir: Removable
- Carafe: Glass
- Dimensions: 10"D x 9"W x 14.5"H
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Ninja CE251 arrived in a well-organized box, nothing fancy but everything was secure. Right away, you notice the design language—it’s a mix of glossy black plastic and brushed stainless steel accents that looks more modern and substantial than its price tag suggests.
Assembly is a non-event; you just wash the carafe, filter basket, and reservoir, and you’re ready. The first thing I truly appreciated, before even brewing a drop, was the removable water reservoir. If you’ve ever done the awkward dance of trying to pour water from a clumsy carafe into a tiny opening at the back of a machine, you know this is a massive quality-of-life improvement. The plastic feels sturdy enough, though it doesn't have the heft of a high-end Technivorm or Breville. It feels well-built for its class.
Putting It to the Test: Real-World Performance
A coffee maker's true test is how it integrates into your daily life. My first order of business was setting the Delay Brew function. A few simple button presses, and it was set to start brewing at 6:30 AM the next morning. Waking up to the aroma of coffee instead of an alarm clock is a simple but profound luxury, and the Ninja delivered it flawlessly.
But the real revelation was the coffee itself. Ninja's "Hotter Brewing Technology" isn't just marketing speak. This machine brews coffee that is noticeably hotter than any sub-$100 maker I've ever used. The first sip from the "Classic" brew setting was smooth, balanced, and—most importantly—hot.
The next day, I tried the "Rich" brew setting. This is where the CE251 truly shines. It slows down the brewing process slightly, extracting more flavor and producing a more robust, intense cup that stands up beautifully to milk or cream. For my afternoon iced coffee, a "Rich" brew over ice was perfect—bold and not at all watery. The "Small Batch" setting also worked as advertised, delivering a properly extracted 4-cup batch without tasting thin.
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- Genuinely Hot Coffee: The brewing temperature is exceptional, resulting in a piping hot cup that stays warm.
- Why this matters to you: No more microwaving your "fresh" cup of coffee. It tastes better and stays enjoyable for longer.
- Removable Water Reservoir: This is the single best convenience feature. Taking the reservoir directly to the sink for a fill-up is a breeze.
- Why this matters to you: It ends the daily frustration of spills and awkward pouring, making your morning routine smoother.
- Classic & Rich Brew Options: Having two distinct brew profiles adds incredible versatility. The Rich brew is fantastic for stronger coffee or for drinks with milk.
- Why this matters to you: It’s like having two coffee makers in one—a daily driver for a balanced cup and a specialty brewer for a bolder taste.
- Intuitive and Programmable: The controls are straightforward, and setting the timer is incredibly easy.
- Why this matters to you: Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee isn't a complicated luxury; this machine makes it a simple, achievable reality.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- Mostly Plastic Construction: While it looks good, the body is primarily plastic.
- Why this matters to you: It doesn't have the premium, "built-for-a-lifetime" feel of more expensive stainless steel models.
- No Permanent Filter Included: You have to use paper filters or buy a permanent gold-tone filter separately.
- Why this matters to you: It's an immediate extra purchase and feels like a small corner was cut to hit the price point.
- Slightly Wide Footprint: It’s not massive, but it takes up a bit more counter space than some simpler models.
- Why this matters to you: If you have a very compact kitchen, you'll want to measure your space before buying.
Is It Built to Last? Durability and Long-Term Value
This is a key question for any appliance meant for daily use. While the plastic build is a minor con, Ninja has a solid reputation for making durable motors and components (think of their blenders). The interface uses simple, tactile buttons, not a complex touchscreen, which means fewer potential points of electronic failure. The glass carafe feels robust, and the overall design is straightforward. For a daily-use machine in this price range, the construction inspires confidence that you'll get several years of reliable service, making its long-term value excellent.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
If the Ninja CE251 isn't quite right for you, there are two excellent alternatives to consider.
- Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 PerfecTemp: A long-time crowd favorite. It often includes a permanent filter and a charcoal water filter out of the box, and also boasts hot brewing technology. Its design is a bit more traditional.
- Braun KF7150BK BrewSense: Known for its sleek design and consistent brewing. It has a very loyal following for its reliability and the smooth, never-bitter coffee it produces.
Comparison Table
Feature | Ninja CE251 | Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 |
---|---|---|
Price | ~$80-90 | ~$90-100 |
Key Feature | "Rich" Brew Setting | PerfecTemp Technology |
Reservoir | Removable | Fixed |
Filter Included? | No (Paper only) | Yes (Permanent & Water) |
Best For | Versatility & Convenience | All-in-one Value |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How hot does the Ninja CE251 coffee get?
Extremely hot. It brews at an optimal temperature range of 195-205°F, and the coffee in the carafe is typically around 180-185°F immediately after brewing. - Is the Ninja CE251 easy to clean?
Yes, very. The removable reservoir, filter basket, and carafe are all easy to wash. The machine also has a dedicated "Clean" cycle button to help with descaling. - Does it come with a permanent filter?
No, it does not. It is designed for #4 paper cone filters, but you can purchase a compatible permanent gold-tone filter separately. - What is the real difference between "Classic" and "Rich" brew?
"Classic" is a standard, well-balanced drip brew. "Rich" uses a slower water saturation process to extract more flavor, resulting in a more intense, robust cup that is excellent for standing up to milk or for making iced coffee. - Can you pour a cup of coffee before the brewing is finished?
Yes. It has a mid-brew pause feature. When you remove the carafe, it automatically stops dripping for about 30 seconds so you can pour a cup. - Is the warming plate adjustable?
Yes, you can set the warming plate to stay on for up to 4 hours and adjust its temperature, which is a fantastic feature to prevent scorching the coffee.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
My old, sputtering coffee maker has been officially retired. The Ninja CE251 hasn't just replaced it; it has fundamentally upgraded my entire morning coffee experience. It consistently delivers on its promises: hot, flavorful, and incredibly convenient coffee. It has solved the "just okay" coffee problem that I didn't fully realize I was tolerating.
Who should buy this? If you are a daily drip coffee drinker who values convenience, a genuinely hot cup, and the flexibility to brew a stronger cup on demand, this is an absolute home run. For under $100, I don't believe you can find a machine that offers a better combination of performance, smart features, and value.
Who should skip it? If you demand a premium, all-metal build or want single-serve pod versatility, you'll need to increase your budget and look elsewhere.
But for the rest of us, this is the one. It’s an enthusiastic recommendation from me.
Audience Growth & Engagement
"Become a WowShopList Insider"
"Love discovering products that are genuinely worth it? I know I do. Subscribe to my exclusive WowShopList Weekly newsletter. Each week, I send one personal email featuring the most unique, innovative, and valuable product I've found—my 'hidden gem' of the week. It's 100% free to join now, and you'll be locked in for life. We plan to make this a paid newsletter in the future, but our founding members will always get it for free."
"We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:"
- The Only 5 Coffee Grinders Worth Your Money in 2024
- Are Expensive Coffee Beans a Scam? We Blind-Tasted Them
- Cuisinart DCC-3200 vs. Ninja CE251: The Ultimate Showdown
- My Search for the Perfect Work-From-Home Coffee Mug
- How to Deep Clean Your Coffee Maker (The Right Way)
- The Best Drip Coffee Makers for Every Budget This Year
"Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one."