- Capacity
- 12-cup glass carafe
- Water Reservoir
- Removable 60 oz reservoir, Ninja states BPA-free
- Brew Styles
- Classic or Rich strength settings
- Small Batch
- 1 to 4 cup mode to avoid diluted small brews (Ninja spec)
- Delay Brew
- 24-hour programmable delay
- Filter
- Permanent filter included, also takes #4 paper cone filters
- Warranty
- 1 year limited
Ninja
Ninja CE251 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
A budget 12-cup programmable drip machine with two brew strengths and a small-batch mode, for households that want features without spending much.
Some links on this page may earn us a commission. It never changes the price you pay.
All prices
| Store | Price | Checked | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Best price | $69.99 | ✓ AUG 28 | Go to store |
| Ace Hardware | $69.99 | ✓ AUG 30 | Go to store |
Prices were checked on the dates shown and can change at any time. The store page is always authoritative. Shipping and taxes are not included.
| 2026-08-30 | Ace Hardware | $69.99 |
| 2026-08-28 | Ace Hardware | $69.99 |
| 2026-08-28 | Target | $69.99 |
Each line is the price we verified on that date.
Our verdict
Where it wins
- Permanent filter is included, so paper filters are optional
- Two brew strengths plus a dedicated 1 to 4 cup small-batch mode
- Removable 60 oz reservoir fills at the sink instead of pouring into the machine
Where it loses
- Glass carafe sits on a hotplate, and coffee held on heat degrades in taste over time
- Ninja's own site no longer lists the CE251; it is sold through third-party retailers
- 1-year warranty is short next to premium machines
At around $70 the CE251 covers delay brew, strength control, and small batches, which is most of what casual drip drinkers actually use. Buy it if you want a capable machine cheap. Skip it if you want a thermal carafe or expect the manufacturer to stand behind it for more than a year.
Also in drip coffee makers

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
A basic 12-cup programmable drip machine, one of the cheapest ways to get delay brew from a major brand.

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
A temperature-controlled 8-cup drip machine with a vacuum-insulated carafe and a single-cup mode, OXO's current mid-size brewer replacing the older 9-Cup.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
A premium 10-cup drip brewer for buyers who care about brew temperature and long service life more than programmable features.
Common questions
Does it need paper filters?
No. A permanent filter ships in the box, and it also accepts standard #4 paper cone filters if you prefer them.
Can it start brewing before I wake up?
Yes, Ninja states it has a 24-hour programmable delay brew.
How long does the warming plate keep coffee hot?
Ninja states the adjustable warming plate holds coffee for up to 4 hours.
Prices last verified Aug 28, 2026.