Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Excellent Coffee and Convenience

Published on Sept. 6, 2023, 8:18 p.m.

The Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and user-friendly coffee maker that brews great tasting coffee. I recently purchased this model to replace my old drip coffee maker and have been very impressed with its features, performance and ease of use. In this review, I will provide an overview of the key features and benefits of the Ninja DCM201 coffee maker based on my experience using it daily for the past few weeks.
 Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro

Overview

The Ninja DCM201 is a 14 cup programmable drip coffee maker with a stainless steel and black plastic exterior. It has a compact, contemporary design that looks great on any kitchen countertop without taking up too much space. The coffee maker includes Ninja’s Hotter Brewing Technology which allows you to choose between Classic and Rich brew strengths for optimized coffee flavor. It also has useful programming options like delay brew, small batch setting, and an adjustable keep warm plate.

Key Features

  • Removable Water Reservoir - The 70oz removable water reservoir makes filling and cleaning a breeze. No need to maneuver a bulky carafe under your faucet.

  • Permanent Filter - Comes with a permanent filter so there’s no need to buy wasteful paper filters. The mesh filter does a good job trapping grounds.

  • Hotter Brewing Technology - Specialized brewing process and precise temperature control results in hot, flavorful coffee.

  • Programmable Settings - Options include delay brew, small batch (1-4 cups), and keep warm mode.

  • Classic & Rich Brew - Choose between standard and bold coffee strength for customized flavor.

  • Sleek Design - Modern look with stainless steel and black accents fits any kitchen. Compact 14” height.

Filtration Mechanism and Water Flow Control

The Ninja DCM201’s precision-engineered filtration system ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, maximizing flavor extraction. The design of the water flow control mimics a manual pour-over method, distributing water evenly over the coffee grounds. This meticulous attention to water flow not only optimizes the extraction process but also mitigates the risk of over-extraction, guaranteeing a cup of coffee that is robust yet free from bitterness.

 Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro

Performance

I’ve been very happy with how the Ninja DCM201 performs on a daily basis. It brews a full 14 cup pot in around 8 minutes which is quicker than most drip coffee makers I’ve used. The Hotter Brewing Technology definitely makes a difference - the coffee comes out piping hot at around 205°F. I typically use the Classic setting and find it brews a smooth, well-balanced pot of coffee. If you like a bolder, more intense coffee, the Rich setting does the trick.

The permanent filter captures grounds efficiently and I haven’t noticed any sediment or particles in my finished coffee. The keep warm plate keeps coffee hot for 2-4 hours without burnt or bitter flavor. I also appreciate the delay brew option which I use to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

Overall, the Ninja consistently delivers hot, great tasting coffee with every pot. It’s really convenient having the separate water reservoir that I can quickly detach and refill at my sink or water dispenser.

Water Heating and Temperature Control

The Ninja DCM201 utilizes advanced heating elements to ensure the water reaches the optimal temperature for coffee extraction. The machine’s ability to precisely control water temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect brew. Temperature consistency ensures that every cup of coffee from the Ninja DCM201 meets the highest standards of flavor and aroma. This level of temperature control not only enhances the quality of the coffee but also contributes to the machine’s energy efficiency, making it a smart choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Compatibility and Versatility

The Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed to accommodate a variety of coffee preferences and brewing styles. Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roast, the machine’s adjustable settings ensure that every type of coffee bean can be brewed to perfection. This versatility makes the Ninja DCM201 an ideal choice for households with diverse coffee tastes.

 Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro

Ease of Use

The DCM201 coffee maker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Setup took less than 5 minutes - just wash the carafe and reservoir, add water and coffee grounds, and plug it in. The control panel is straightforward with tactile buttons for all functions.

Filling the water reservoir, programming settings, brewing, and cleanup are all quick and simple tasks. The parts that come in contact with water and coffee are dishwasher safe. With removable, washable parts, keeping this coffee maker clean is effortless.

Cleaning

Keeping the Ninja DCM201 clean is quick and simple thanks to its removable, dishwasher safe parts. The water reservoir detaches easily for washing in the sink or dishwasher. The permanent filter and carafe are both dishwasher safe as well. The control panel and exterior can be kept clean by simply wiping down with a damp cloth as needed. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, users recommend descaling the coffee maker every 3-6 months depending on local water mineral content. Overall, buyers find cleaning and care for this coffee maker very straightforward.

Noise Level

The Ninja DCM201 produces noise levels typical of drip style coffee makers in the 70-75 decibel range. Users describe the brewing sounds as normal drips and gurgles. The machine gives a loud beep notification when brewing completes that some customers find startling, especially early in the morning. But the beeping duration is brief. Buyers sensitive to noise may want to consider a quieter single serve style coffee maker. However, the noise produced during the DCM201’s brew cycle is comparable to other drip coffee machines.

Use Cases:

The Ninja DCM201 is a great fit for any home where people drink coffee daily. It’s perfect for families, households with couples, and coffee loving singles. With a 14 cup capacity, it can keep up with the demand of households that go through multiple pots per day. The small batch setting makes it easy to brew just 1-4 cups so you don’t waste coffee. It’s an ideal coffee maker for busy households where people have different wake up times and schedules.

 Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro

User Feedback Analysis

The Ninja DCM201 coffee maker has received over 22,000 customer reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among owners of this coffee maker.

The most common praise in positive reviews focuses on the great tasting coffee produced by the Ninja DCM201. Many users mention the hot brewing temperature and balanced flavor profile. Positive reviews also highlight the ease of programming functions like delay brew and small batch settings. Customers find the control panel intuitive and tactile buttons responsive.

Several users call out the removable water reservoir as a major convenience for refilling and cleaning. They appreciate not having to maneuver a bulky carafe under the faucet. The permanent filter receives positive feedback for removing the cost and waste of paper filters. Many reviewers mention significant savings from ditching K-cups and brewing their own grounds.

In critical reviews, the most common complaint stems from some plastic parts feeling flimsy or prone to breakage. A minority of customers experienced issues with water leaking or heating elements malfunctioning. Some users find the beeping notification at the end of the brew cycle overly loud and annoying. Others feel the water reservoir lacks sufficient headspace when completely filled.

Pros:

  • Brews excellent coffee
  • Convenient programmable features
  • Removable reservoir is easy to fill and clean
  • Permanent filter works well
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Easy to use control panel
  • Dishwasher safe parts
  • Reasonable price point

Cons:

  • Some plastic parts feel flimsy
  • Small batch setting could be improved
  • Loud beep at end of brew cycle
  • Water reservoir has potential to spill if overfilled

Value:

With an MSRP of $99.99 and sale price of $63.95, the Ninja DCM201 offers excellent value. It’s one of the most affordable programmable coffee makers with these features and performance. For households that drink coffee daily, this machine can save money compared to K-cups or going to coffee shops. The permanent filter also reduces ongoing costs associated with paper filters. Given its capabilities and convenience, the Ninja DCM201 offers outstanding bang for your buck.

Value

With a $99.99 MSRP slashed to $63.95 on Amazon, the Ninja DCM201 offers tremendous value. It comes packed with features like the removable reservoir, programmable settings, permanent filter, and small batch mode. When compared to other coffee makers with this level of versatility and performance, the Ninja DCM201 is very competitively priced. For households that drink coffee daily, this machine can lead to significant cost savings over time compared to buying pods or visiting coffee shops. Given its capabilities, the DCM201 provides excellent bang for your buck.

 Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is more than just a coffee machine; it’s a gateway to a refined coffee experience, blending technology with the art of coffee brewing. As the coffee culture continues to evolve, machines like the Ninja DCM201 are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in coffee preparation. Embrace the future of coffee brewing by choosing Ninja DCM201, and join the movement towards a more sustainable, flavorful, and sophisticated coffee experience.

Specifications

  • Brew Sizes: 14 cups, 1-4 cups small batch
  • Brew Types: Classic, Rich
  • Water Reservoir: 70 oz removable
  • Permanent Filter: Yes, reusable mesh filter
  • Programmable Features: Delay Brew, Keep Warm Plate
  • Controls: Tactile Buttons
  • Display: LED
  • Carafe: 14 cup glass carafe
  • Materials: Stainless Steel, Plastic
  • Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.7 x 14.2 in
  • Weight: 6.39 lbs
  • Power: 1100 watts
  • Voltage: 120V
  • Warranty: 1 year limited
  • Approved Safe Materials: BPA Free
  • Certifications: ETL Listed

Box Contents:

  • Ninja DCM201 coffee maker
  • 14 Cup glass carafe
  • Permanent filter
  • Removable water reservoir
  • Integrated scoop

Instructions:

  1. Wash carafe, filter, reservoir before first use.
  2. Add filter to filter basket.
  3. Scoop desired amount of coffee grounds into filter.
  4. Fill reservoir with desired amount of water.
  5. Place carafe below filter basket.
  6. Power on coffee maker and select settings - Classic or Rich brew, number of cups, delay timer if desired.
  7. Press Brew button.
  8. Enjoy hot, delicious coffee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro have a removable water reservoir?
A: Yes! One of its key features is a user-friendly, removable water reservoir. This design element simplifies the process of refilling and cleaning the reservoir, promoting overall ease of use.

Q: Are there different brewing strength settings on the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro?
A: Absolutely. The machine offers both “Classic” and “Rich” brew strength options. This allows you to tailor the flavor intensity of your coffee to your personal preferences.

Q: Can the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro brew smaller batches?
A: Yes, it features a dedicated setting designed for brewing 1-4 cups of coffee. This function is ideal for those times when you don’t want to prepare a full carafe.

Q: Can I schedule a brew time with the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro?
A: Yes, the machine has a convenient delay brew function. You can set it to automatically start brewing at a later time, ensuring you have fresh hot coffee waiting for you when you wake up or arrive home.

Q: How does the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro ensure coffee stays warm?
A: The coffee maker boasts a variable warming plate. This allows you to customize how hot the plate gets and how long it remains active, so your coffee maintains its ideal temperature for an extended period.

Tips

  • Freshness Matters: For the most flavorful coffee, always use freshly ground beans.
  • Experiment with Settings: Explore the different brew strengths and small-batch options on the Ninja DCM201 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker XL Pro to find what best suits your preferences.
  • Routine Cleaning: Clean the removable water reservoir and filter basket regularly for optimal brewing performance.
  • The Right Grind: A medium grind is generally recommended for this type of automatic drip coffee maker.