Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Ninja CE251 Drip Coffee Maker
Best Budget PickOXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
Best Expert PickPrice
$60-$100
$200-$260
Summary
The best-tasting coffee maker under $100 according to Wirecutter's testing. No frills, no fuss — just solid, consistent drip coffee at a fraction of the premium price.
Wirecutter's top drip pick and CNET's best overall — it nails SCA Golden Cup standards with a programmable timer that the Moccamaster lacks. A strong choice for people who want convenience alongside quality.
Pros
- Best-tasting coffee under $100 per Wirecutter's blind testing
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve
- Wide availability and affordable replacement parts
- Good capacity for households that brew multiple cups
- SCA-certified Golden Cup brewer for optimal extraction
- Programmable auto-brew timer — only top pick with this feature per Wirecutter
- Compact and stylish design fits most countertops
- Consistently top-ranked by both CNET and Wirecutter in independent testing
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like bloom cycles or precise temperature control
- Build quality won't last as long as premium options like the Moccamaster
- No programmable timer on base model
- 9-cup capacity is smaller than many competing models
- Plastic components raise some concerns for microplastic-conscious buyers
- Less community buzz than the Moccamaster among coffee enthusiasts
Our take
If you're not ready to spend $300 on a Moccamaster, the Ninja CE251 is the honest answer. Wirecutter tested everything under $100 and this one won on taste.
The OXO is the pick for people who want great coffee AND the ability to wake up to a pre-brewed pot. It's the most feature-complete quality drip maker under $300.
Buy
