After using the Ninja 12-Cup coffee maker for a few weeks, I found it delivers a good balance between convenience and quality. The coffee tastes rich and hot, whether I brew a single cup or fill the carafe.
I enjoy having two brew styles to choose from. The adjustable warming plate keeps my coffee hot without burning it.
Filling the water reservoir is easy. I also appreciate the delay brew feature, which lets me prepare coffee the night before.
The brewing time is longer than some machines. The size takes up a fair amount of counter space.
Overview of the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer
The Ninja coffee brewer is easy to use and versatile. I can make just one cup or a full 12-cup pot without losing flavor.
Choosing between classic or rich brew lets me adjust how strong I want my coffee. The water reservoir is large and easy to remove for filling, which saves time.
The warming plate keeps my coffee hot for hours, though it can dry out the coffee if left on too long. The delay brew feature is helpful for setting up coffee the night before.
Brewing takes a bit longer than with some other machines. Still, it fits well for daily use and small gatherings, making consistent, hot coffee without bitterness.
Key Features
Using this coffee maker over the past few weeks gave me a clear sense of its strengths and drawbacks. It balances convenience with control, letting me get a good cup without much effort.
Some features stood out more than others depending on how I used the machine.
Custom Brew Strengths
I like that I can choose between two flavors: Classic and Rich. This makes it easy to switch things up depending on my mood.
The coffee stays consistent and doesn’t get bitter, even when brewed stronger. Sometimes the difference between the two brew styles is subtle, but having control over strength is still helpful.
Hotter Brewing Technology
Ninja uses what it calls “hotter brewing technology.” I noticed the coffee was warmer than with my previous drip makers, and the flavor was clearer.
The water spreads more evenly over the grounds, which helps avoid weak spots in the coffee. Brewing takes a little longer, but I think the extra time is worth it for better taste.
Large Removable Water Reservoir
The removable 60-ounce water reservoir makes filling simple. I can carry the tank to the sink instead of moving the whole coffee maker.
It holds enough water for a full 12-cup pot, so I don’t need to refill it often. The reservoir feels heavy when full, so I hold it carefully.
24-Hour Delay Brew
The 24-hour delay brew is practical for planning ahead. Setting the brew time means I wake up to fresh coffee without pressing any buttons.
It works reliably, and programming it is simple. Sometimes I forget to empty the machine before resetting the timer, which causes a brief error, so I need to watch for that.
Pros and Cons
When I used this coffee maker, a few things stood out that helped me decide if it’s worth buying. Here are the main advantages and drawbacks I noticed.
Pros
- Tastes great: The coffee comes out flavorful without bitterness. The two brew styles let me pick how strong I want it.
- Brews any amount: I can make a full 12-cup pot or a small batch without the coffee getting watered down.
- Easy to use: The controls are straightforward, and programming the delay brew means I wake up to fresh coffee.
- Convenient features: The removable water tank makes filling simple, and the pause function lets me grab a cup before brewing finishes.
- Keeps coffee warm: The adjustable warming plate keeps my coffee hot for hours without burning it.
Cons
- Brewing speed: It takes longer to brew compared to some other machines, which can be inconvenient if I’m in a rush.
- Size and footprint: The machine takes up noticeable counter space, so it might not fit well in small kitchens.
- Cleaning: Cleaning requires some effort, especially with the removable parts.
- Material feel: The plastic parts don’t feel as sturdy as I expected, though I haven’t had any issues yet.
Customer Reviews
Most users find this coffee maker easy to operate. Many say the coffee flavor is better than expected, especially compared to other machines.
The adjustable warm plate and delay brew features get regular praise for convenience. Some mention the brewing process takes longer than typical drip machines.
A few users feel the design could be more compact for smaller kitchens.
Pros:
- Easy controls
- Good coffee flavor
- Useful warming plate and delay brew
Cons:
- Slower brew time
- Bulky size for some kitchens
Convenience and Usability
Using this coffee maker is straightforward. The large removable water reservoir makes filling easier than with other machines.
I can carry it to the sink without spilling, which saves time. The 24-hour programmable delay is handy for waking up to fresh coffee.
I like the pause feature that lets me grab a cup mid-brew, though the process isn’t completely silent. Adjusting the warming plate is simple, and it keeps my coffee warm for a few hours without drying it out.
The menu and buttons are easy to understand. The only downside is the size—it takes up a fair amount of counter space.
Overall, it feels practical and works well for daily use.
Conclusion
I used this Ninja coffee brewer and found it reliable and easy to use.
The adjustable warm plate kept my coffee at the right temperature without burning it.
I liked that it offers two brew styles. This feature gave me flexibility in how strong I want my coffee.
The brewing time feels a bit slow compared to some other machines.
The 60oz water reservoir is convenient but takes up extra counter space.
