The Ninja CE251 and CM401 serve entirely different coffee drinkers: the CE251 excels at brewing large, consistent pots of hot drip coffee, while the CM401 functions as a versatile single-serve and specialty cafe station. In our testing, we found the CE251 is the clear winner for high-volume traditional brewing, whereas the CM401 justifies its higher price tag with unmatched drink variety. Neither machine requires pods, saving you money on groceries.
Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer (Refurbished)
The Ninja CE251 is a straightforward 12-cup coffee maker offering a 60-ounce capacity for heavy coffee drinkers. It features a removable water reservoir for quick sink filling and an advanced boiler that consistently delivers a hot cup of coffee. You can choose between Classic or Rich custom brew strengths to ensure a flavorful pot.
For early risers, the 24-hour programmable delay brew allows you to prepare grounds a day in advance, while the adjustable warming plate keeps coffee fresh for up to four hours. Unlike the CM401, this traditional brewer lacks single-serve sizes and specialty iced coffee functions, excelling instead at producing large volumes of standard drip coffee.
Pros
- 60-ounce, 12-cup capacity for heavy coffee drinkers
- 24-hour programmable delay brew
- Adjustable warming plate keeps coffee fresh for up to four hours
Cons
- Lacks single-serve sizes and specialty iced coffee functions
Verdict
The Ninja CE251 is a reliable, high-capacity drip brewer ideal for households that consume multiple cups of standard hot coffee each morning.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401
The Ninja CM401 is a versatile coffee maker built for users who want variety. It offers six different brew sizes on the control panel, ranging from a single cup to a full carafe, using standard grounds instead of expensive pods. The machine features four distinct brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew.
The Over Ice setting brews fresh cold coffee without watering it down, while the Specialty Brew creates a super-rich concentrate for lattes and cappuccinos. Trading the simplicity of a basic 12-cup brewer for personal barista flexibility, the CM401 requires slightly more effort to select sizes and styles but provides unmatched convenience for households with diverse coffee preferences.
Pros
- Six different brew sizes from a single cup to a full carafe
- Four distinct brew styles including Over Ice and Specialty Brew
- Uses standard coffee grounds instead of expensive pods
Cons
- Requires slightly more effort to select sizes and styles each morning
Verdict
The Ninja CM401 is an excellent all-in-one coffeehouse alternative for users who want to easily switch between single-serve hot coffee, iced drinks, and rich concentrates.
Brew Capacity and Sizes
Consider how much coffee your household consumes. Traditional models offer a 60-ounce, 12-cup capacity for heavy coffee drinkers. Versatile models provide up to six different brew sizes, ranging from a single travel mug to a full carafe, allowing you to adjust the volume daily.
Brewing Styles
Standard machines focus on Classic or Rich settings for hot drip coffee. If you prefer cold or milk-based drinks, look for machines with Over Ice and Specialty Brew functions that create super-rich coffee concentrates for lattes and macchiatos.
Programmability and Convenience
For early risers, a 24-hour programmable delay brew and an adjustable warming plate ensure a hot pot is ready when you wake up. Both styles feature removable water reservoirs for easy refilling at the sink and use standard coffee grounds instead of expensive pods.
Conclusion
Choose the CE251 for large, reliable pots of hot drip coffee. Opt for the CM401 if you want single-serve iced coffees and espresso-style concentrates. Check your kitchen clearance and select the model that fits your daily caffeine routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy paper filters for these Ninja coffee makers?
Both machines typically come with a reusable permanent filter. You can use standard paper filters if you prefer a cleaner cup of coffee with less sediment. Just be sure to remove the permanent filter before inserting a paper one.
Can the Ninja CM401 make real espresso?
The CM401 does not use high pressure to brew, so it cannot make true espresso. It uses a Specialty Brew setting to create a highly concentrated coffee shot. This concentrate works exceptionally well as an espresso substitute for milk-based drinks like lattes.
Are the water reservoirs removable on both models?
Yes, both the CE251 and the CM401 feature removable water reservoirs. This allows you to easily carry the tank to your sink for refilling. It also makes cleaning the water tank much easier.
Do these machines require special coffee pods?
Neither machine requires coffee pods of any kind. You can use your favorite standard ground coffee for all brew sizes and styles. This saves you money and reduces plastic waste over time.
