I recently tested the Ninja Programmable XL coffee maker. It stands out for handling large batches well.
Brewing either classic or richer coffee, it made hot coffee that didn’t taste bitter. I appreciated this during my mornings.
The large 14-cup capacity worked perfectly when I needed more coffee for guests or a busy day.
I liked that the water reservoir is removable. Refills became much easier.
The warming plate kept my coffee hot for hours. It’s best to watch the temperature setting to avoid overcooking the coffee.
The delay brew feature allowed me to plan ahead. This is convenient for busy mornings.
On the downside, the glass carafe feels a bit fragile. I handled it with care.
Overview of the Ninja Programmable XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker PRO
Using this coffee maker gave me a solid experience with hot, flavorful coffee. It handles large batches well.
The two brew strengths, Classic and Rich, let me choose how strong I want my coffee.
I appreciated the removable water tank. Refilling became simpler.
The warming plate kept my coffee hot longer. This was handy.
The carafe feels a bit fragile, so I had to be careful when handling it.
Programming the brew ahead was straightforward. It helped on busy mornings.
Key Features
Using this Ninja coffee maker, I noticed a few things that stood out. Some features might affect how you use it day to day.
Hotter Brewing Technology
The hotter brewing tech really makes a difference. The coffee comes out warmer than many other machines I’ve tried.
This is great if you like a strong, hot cup. It keeps the temperature steady during brewing and helps the flavors come through.
However, the temperature can be a bit high for people who prefer their coffee cooler.
14-Cup Carafe Capacity
The large carafe is perfect when I need multiple cups for friends or family. It holds 14 cups, which is more than the usual 12.
The carafe pours smoothly without leaking. I found it feels a little fragile and needs careful handling.
It works well, especially when hosting a group or just making coffee for several hours.
Programmable Delay Brew and Freshness Timer
I liked being able to set the coffee to start brewing up to 24 hours ahead. The delay brew means I can wake up to fresh coffee.
The freshness timer is helpful, so I always know how old the coffee is. This stopped me from drinking stale coffee by accident.
The controls are simple, but the programming takes a bit of getting used to.
Variable Warming Plate
The warming plate lets me keep coffee hot for up to four hours. It has three temperature settings.
This feature kept the coffee warm without burning it. I noticed the coffee loses some flavor if left on the plate too long.
Having options to adjust the heat is nice. I recommend drinking the coffee within a couple of hours for the best taste.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hotter Brewing Technology | Consistently hot coffee | May be too hot for some |
| 14-Cup Carafe Capacity | Large size, smooth pour | Carafe feels fragile |
| Programmable Delay & Timer | Convenient, fresh coffee ready | Takes time to learn programming |
| Variable Warming Plate | Adjustable heat settings | Coffee quality drops if kept long |
Pros and Cons
After using this coffee maker for a few weeks, I can share what stood out in the daily grind and what could be better.
Pros
This coffee maker does a solid job brewing large batches, which is great when guests come over or for families. The two brew styles—classic and rich—give me flexibility to match my mood without any bitter taste.
I liked how the small batch option kept the flavor strong even when making just a few cups. The water reservoir is easy to remove and fill, which saves time.
I also appreciated the programmable delay feature and freshness timer, so coffee was ready and fresh when I wanted. The heating plate’s temperature settings allowed me to keep coffee at the right warmth for a few hours without burning it.
Cleaning is easy since it includes a permanent filter and everything is dishwasher safe. The copper color adds a pleasant look to my kitchen.
Cons
The 14-cup carafe feels a bit fragile, and I worry about dropping it. Finding the right paper filters for this size is tricky.
Standard filters meant for 12 cups don’t always fit well and can cause coffee grounds to spill. While it brews hot coffee quickly, the heat can be intense for those who like a cooler cup.
Some error messages and delays were reported by others, but I didn’t face those in my use. The unit might not work without an adapter outside the US due to plug type differences.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 14-cup capacity | Carafe feels fragile |
| Two brew styles with good taste | Hard to find correct filters |
| Small batch brew keeps flavor | Coffee can be very hot |
| Easy water reservoir filling | Potential plug compatibility |
| Programmable delay and timer | Occasional reported errors |
| Dishwasher-safe cleaning |
Customer Reviews
After using the Ninja XL for a while, I’ve noticed most people really like how hot and fresh the coffee stays. The 14-cup size is handy for bigger groups.
The design looks nice on the counter. Some users mention the coffee maker can be slow when brewing multiple pots back to back.
A few found the carafe a bit fragile, so you have to handle it carefully. Paper filters for this size can be tricky to find, which might cause some grind mess if the wrong type is used.
Pros:
- Hot, rich coffee
- Large 14-cup capacity
- Easy programming
Cons:
- Slow to brew consecutive pots
- Fragile carafe
- Filter size can be an issue
User-Friendly Experience
Using this coffee maker felt straightforward for the most part. The controls are simple to understand.
Programming the delay brew took only a few attempts to get right. The large capacity is handy for making multiple cups at once without needing frequent refills.
Removable Water Reservoir
One feature I appreciated was the water reservoir that comes off easily. It lifts out smoothly and fits well under my kitchen sink faucet.
Filling it became less messy. Carrying it back to the machine without spills was easy too.
However, it can be a bit bulky when full. Handling it carefully helps avoid accidents.
Easy-to-Clean Design
Cleaning was mostly hassle-free. The permanent filter meant I didn’t have to buy extra paper filters.
The carafe and reservoir are dishwasher safe, which made cleanup quicker. The carafe feels a little thin and fragile, so I handled it gently to avoid cracks or chips.
Keeping this coffee maker clean didn’t require much effort.
After using the Ninja XL for a few weeks, I found it brews hot coffee consistently. I appreciated this feature.
The larger cup size worked well for my household. The delay brew feature made mornings smoother.
However, the carafe feels a bit fragile. I had to use paper filters to avoid grounds in my cup.
What I liked:
- Strong, hot coffee
- Large 14-cup capacity
- Easy programming and keep warm options
What could improve:
- Carafe durability
- Filter issues without paper filters
