Ninja and Cuisinart are manufacturers that make staple appliances in kitchens all over the world. It’s not surprising at all that they also offer numerous coffee makers, giving you plenty of options for how you make your morning cup of joe.
But a lot of these coffee makers, including the Ninja CE251 and Cuisinart DCC-3200P1, look virtually identical. It can increase the difficulty of your decision.
That’s why we’ve created this Ninja CE251 vs Cuisinart comparison. We’ll highlight their similarities and differences, then explain how you can decide which one to get.
QUICK SUMMARY
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Attribute | Ninja CE251 | Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 |
|---|---|---|
Image |
|
|
Carafe Capacity | 12 cups | 14 cups |
Carafe Material | Glass | Glass |
Additional Color Options | No | Yes |
Water Filter | No | Yes |
Cord Storage | Yes | No |
Strong Brew Setting | Yes | Yes |
Ideal Uses | Home | Home |
Pricing |
The Ninja CE251 is the quintessential coffee maker. It has everything you need to make a basic cup of coffee, including a programmable brew setting that lets you set it up to brew 24 hours in advance. Once you brew a carafe, it can even keep your coffee warm for up to four hours. With its built-in cord and scoop storage, it’s the perfect coffee maker for people looking to save on space.
Are you searching for a coffee maker that can look beautiful in just about any setting? The Cuisinart could be precisely what you need, as it’s available in several fashionable colors. Thanks to all the colors you can get it in, the Cuisinart is ideal for anyone who needs a coffee maker with a specific aesthetic.
Similarities
Programmable Brewing
We understand as well as anyone how difficult it can be to function first thing in the morning sometimes. Going through your routine can feel impossible.
Well, the CE251 and Cuisinart help simplify your routine. They each have a programmable brewing setting that allows you to set them up to brew up to 24 hours in advance. Just set them up the night before, and you’ll wake up to a freshly brewed carafe of coffee with no extra effort on your part.
If you’re having a hard time getting out of bed, we’d be willing to bet the smell of fresh coffee will help.
Read Also: Ninja CE251 vs CE201: Which One Should You Get?
Built-in Clocks
Both the CE251 and Cuisinart have clocks on their control panels. Of course, the clocks are primarily there so you can program them to brew in advance.
However, the clocks are useful just at face value, too. You can use them to keep track of the time as you pour yourself a cup without needing to pull out your phone.
Keep Warm Feature
Have you ever drunk a cup of coffee from a pot that was sitting out too long? It tastes cold and unappealing.
This is the last thing you need when you’ve been working hard or you’ve just gotten ready in the morning. Fortunately, both these coffee makers prevent it from happening to you with their warming plates. The plates rest beneath your carafe, keeping it gently heated for you so you don’t have to rush to finish it all before it gets tepid.
Brew Pause
If you’re in a rush, you probably don’t have time to wait the several minutes it takes to brew an entire pot of coffee. Even if you’re not necessarily hurrying, you sometimes just need a coffee now.
With either of these coffee makers, you don’t need to wait to get your cup. They each have a brew pause mode that allows you to halt the brewing momentarily and pour yourself a cup before the pot is done. Then, once you’ve served yourself, the coffee makers will finish making the rest of the carafe for you.
Reusable Filter
Traditionally, you would need to buy a supply of paper filters to make coffee. Over time, this could get expensive, especially the more coffee you drink.
The CE251 and Cuisinart each eliminate that extra expense. Rather than having to keep a constant supply of paper filters on hand, you’ll be able to use their reusable filters. Not only does this save you a little money, but it also helps save a bit of room in your cupboards that would otherwise need to hold boxes of filters.
Want to learn more about other Cuisinart coffee makers? Check out our comparison of the Cuisinart SS-15 vs Cuisinart CHW-12.
Carafe Material
The Ninja and Cuisinart in this comparison both use glass carafes for brewing. There are a few benefits to having a glass carafe.
For one thing, it allows you to see with a glance how much coffee you have left. No more having to lift the carafe and attempt to guess based on the weight of the liquid inside.
For another, glass doesn’t retain odors. You won’t need to deal with furiously scrubbing the carafe to get rid of lingering smells from past brews.
Some also find the look of a glass carafe appealing. It has a crisp, clean look that thermal carafes often just can’t replicate.
Stainless Steel Exterior
Both the coffee makers in this post have stainless steel exteriors. There are a couple benefits to this design.
The first one is simply durability. Many are disappointed by and question the longevity of appliances that are filled with plastic parts, so you may appreciate the trustworthiness of stainless steel.
However, another benefit to the stainless steel is simply how it looks. Stainless steel is a popular look in kitchen appliances these days, so these coffee makers might fit in with the rest of your kitchen beautifully.
Brew Strength Adjustability
Most people don’t want the same thing day in and day out. Our moods changes, and our preferences change with them.
The same thing can happen when it comes to drinking coffee. You may not want to drink the exact same cup every single day, and if you do, you’re likely to get bored of it.
With the Ninja and Cuisinart, you can get some variation. They each have a strong brew setting that makes it possible to brew a more flavorful coffee whenever you’re craving it. Otherwise, you always have the option of making a standard cup whenever you just want something basic.
Read Also: Keurig-K Elite vs Ninja Coffee Bar: Which is Better?
Coffee Scoops
It’s clear that the manufacturers were really thinking about equipping users with everything they need when they created these coffee makers. Both the Ninja and Cuisinart each include coffee scoops that help you measure out grounds for brewing.
Honestly, it’s a small touch. After all, it wouldn’t be difficult to get a scoop of your own. However, it’s still thoughtful and saves you a bit of effort you’d spend looking for a separate scoop.
Small Batch Setting
Are you going to be sharing your coffee with friends and family, or is it primarily going to be for you? Either way, you can use these coffee makers to brew precisely as much as you need with their optional small batch settings.
The Ninja and Cuisinart both have buttons that let you brew smaller four-cup carafes. This is perfect for when you need a personal pot to sip on over the course of a morning or evening by yourself.
It also helps you reduce your waste. Because you’re not brewing more than you need, you won’t be left having to pour leftovers down the drain.
Differences
Brewing Capacity
There are quite a few differences between these appliances, and their brewing capacity is one of them. The Ninja can make up to 12 cups of coffee at once and the Cuisinart can brew up to 14 cups.
This two-cup difference might not be important if you’re going to be the main user of the coffee maker. However, if you’re trying to brew servings for large gatherings, the additional two cups could really come in handy. It might prevent you from having to brew multiple batches to serve everyone.
Ninja CE251 Onboard Scoop Storage
We mentioned earlier that both these coffee makers include coffee scoops for the sake of convenience. Only the Ninja has built-in scoop storage, though.
This means you can keep everything you need to brew your coffee in one spot. By keeping your scoop with your Ninja, you won’t need to worry about misplacing it.
Cuisinart Ready Tone
If you’re busy getting ready in the morning, it can be too easy to overlook a few things. Even if you set your coffee maker to brew shortly before, you might get caught up in something else and forget to go back when the pot is done brewing.
That’s precisely why the Cuisinart has a ready tone. As soon as your coffee is ready, the Cuisinart will play a tone notifying you that fresh coffee is waiting for you.
On top of making sure you never forget the carafe, it also means you don’t have to wait around the coffee machine to see when it’s done. You’ll be notified when you can pour yourself a cup.
Ninja CE251 Brewing Flavor Straw
Unfortunately, some pots of coffee can be inconsistent. One cup might be perfect, and the next might be too strong or even too watery.
The Ninja is designed to prevent this possibility. As the coffee brews, it’s forced through a flavor straw in the center of the carafe that circulates the coffee.
This promotes consistency in flavor by mixing the liquid. Each cup will be as warm and tasty as the last.
Cuisinart Charcoal Water Filter
The quality of your water can vary based on where you’re located. If you’re concerned about the flavor of your tap water interfering with the taste of your coffee, you don’t need to be when you have the Cuisinart.
That’s because it includes a charcoal water filter. With the filter installed, any foul odors and tastes present in your water are cleared away, so you can enjoy the best-tasting possible brew time after time.
Ninja CE251 Removable Water Reservoir
Every coffee maker needs to have a water reservoir in order to brew. Refilling that water reservoir when it runs low is just a part of daily operation.
However, the process of refilling your coffee machine doesn’t need to be a hassle. With the Ninja, adding water when necessary is as easy as can be. You can pull off the reservoir and carry it to your sink for a quick refill or clean.
Cuisinart Color Options
You’ve probably heard someone say before that your home is your castle. As a part of your house, the kitchen is no exception. Many people pour extensive amounts of time and effort into the way their homes are decorated.
If that sounds like you, you’ll likely love all the colors the Cuisinart is sold in. With all the available color options, you’ll have no problem finding one that fits right into your careful designs.
Ninja CE251 Cord Storage
If you’re not planning on leaving your coffee maker on your counter at all times, storage will be at the forefront of your mind. That’s one aspect in which the Ninja truly shines.
Because of its built-in cord storage compartment, putting the machine away is simple. You can tuck the cord into the compartment to keep it out of the way while you carry and store the Ninja.
Which One is Better for You?
The Ninja and Cuisinart are both excellent coffee makers for coffee enthusiasts at home. They’re each packed with features that makes it apparent that the manufacturers were thinking about convenience.
So how do you decide which one is better for you specifically? That will depend on your unique circumstances.
For example, if you’re looking to serve larger groups of people at once, you might prefer the Cuisinart. Its capacity allows it to brew up to fourteen cups at once, which is two more than the Ninja can brew in one carafe.
Furthermore, you may want to spring for the Cuisinart if you’re in need of a coffee maker that can fit in with a specific decorating style. Because of the many colors it’s sold in, it’s a bit more visually versatile than the Ninja.
Want a coffee maker designed to be stored in between uses? Then you might want the Ninja in this comparison, because you can store its cord and scoop inside it.
The Ninja is also a good pick for those looking for the easiest cleaning experience. Its removable water reservoir makes cleaning it a breeze.
Looking for more information on these coffee makers? You can check them out by clicking the links below:
