Ninja Coffee Maker CE251 User Manual

The Ninja CE251 is a 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer featuring Thermal Flavor Extraction® Technology, Classic and Rich brew types, Small Batch for optimal flavor in smaller amounts, 24-hour Delay Brew, and an adjustable warming plate. It includes a glass carafe, gold-tone permanent filter, and removable water reservoir. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz, 1100W. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Features at a Glance 3. Installation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Brewing Coffee 7. Care & Cleaning 8. Descaling 9. Troubleshooting

Safety Instructions

WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, serious injury, or death: Read all instructions before using. Use only on a clean, dry, level surface away from hot surfaces or outdoors. Do not immerse in water. Unplug when not in use or before cleaning. Do not use with damaged cord or plug. Keep out of reach of children under 8; supervise children 8+. Do not overfill reservoir (max 12-cup line) with anything but water. Avoid scalding: Place vessel under brew basket, do not open during cycles, close Drip Stop before removing carafe. Carafe: Do not place on hot surfaces, wet/cold areas, or microwave; do not store food in it.

CAUTION! Run clean cycle weekly to prevent bacterial growth; allow unit to cool before cleaning.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Removable 60 oz. water reservoir, brew basket with filter holder, glass carafe with brew-through lid, gold-tone permanent filter, integrated Ninja scoop, control panel.

FeatureDescription
Capacity12 Cups (60 oz.)
Brew TypesClassic, Rich
Programming24-Hour Delay Brew, Adjustable Warming Plate (Up to 4 Hours)
Small BatchOptimized for 2-4 Cups
FilterGold-Tone Permanent or #4 Paper
Drip StopMid-Brew Pause for Pour-Over
LightingLED Indicators

Installation

Place on dry, clean, level surface near 120V outlet. Wash reservoir, carafe, filter holder, and permanent filter in warm soapy water; dry thoroughly. Prime: Run 2 full carafes of water-only on Classic brew; discard after each.

  1. Plug into grounded outlet.
  2. Set clock: Press H/M buttons to adjust time (AM/PM shown).
  3. Run priming cycles to flush system.

Electrical: 120V, 60Hz; no extension cords.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control panel: Power button, H/M for clock/Delay, Stay Warm (hold to adjust 1-4 hours), Delay Brew, Small Batch, Classic/Rich brew types, Brew button, Clean button.

Set Delay Brew: Prepare brew setup, press Delay Brew, adjust time with H/M, select type, press Brew. Warming Plate: Auto-activates post-brew; default 2 hours.

Brewing Coffee

  1. Fill reservoir to desired line (≤12 cups), replace.
  2. Insert filter holder into brew basket; add permanent or #4 paper filter and grounds (see chart).
  3. Place brew-through lid on empty carafe, position under basket.
  4. Select Classic or Rich; press Small Batch if ≤4 cups.
  5. Press Brew; unit pre-infuses and pauses mid-brew.

For Delay: Follow steps 1-4, then set Delay Brew. Brew time: 12-15 min for full carafe.

Coffee Measurement Chart

Batch SizeCupsGrounds (Scoops or Tbsp)Water Level
Small Batch (On)222-cup
444-cup
Full Carafe (Off)666-cup
888-cup
101010-cup
121212-cup

CAUTION! Use medium grind; do not overfill.

Care & Cleaning

After each use: Cool, remove/rinse filter holder (discard paper or wash permanent), empty/rinse reservoir, wash carafe (dishwasher top rack or hand with soft brush), wipe unit/showerhead with damp cloth. Weekly: Full clean.

WARNING! Unplug before cleaning; no abrasives on carafe.

Descaling

If brew >12-15 min: Turn Small Batch off, place empty carafe, fill reservoir to 12-cup with descaling solution (or 16 oz vinegar + water), press Clean (25-35 min cycle). Rinse: Fresh water to line, run Classic full cycle, discard.

  1. Prepare solution in reservoir.
  2. Press Clean; wait for beeps.
  3. Rinse with water cycle.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Sediment in CoffeeFine grind used.Use coarser grind or paper filter.
Grounds in CoffeeImproper amount/grind or filter issue.Use medium grind per chart; ensure filter inserted; clean holder valve.
Drips After BrewFilter holder valve clogged.Clear valve.
Paper Filter FoldsWrong size or dry.Use #4, wet sides, or permanent filter.
Weak CoffeeLight roast or paper filter.Use Rich, darker roast, permanent filter, more grounds.
Strong CoffeeDark roast or permanent filter.Use Classic, light roast, paper filter, less grounds.
Brew Won't StartNo power/water or carafe not in place.Check outlet, fill water, position carafe; run clean.
Slow BrewMineral buildup.Descale.
Overflow (Carafe)Overfilled or added water mid-brew.Empty carafe; no extra water during brew.
Overflow (Basket)Carafe lid off or clogs.Secure lid; use medium grind.

Service: 1-877-646-5288; support.sharkninja.com

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