If you’re stuck choosing between the Ninja CFP301 and Ninja CFP451, I’ve tested both and can help. The CFP301 is small and flexible. The CFP451 is bigger, with a larger carafe and a reusable filter.
I live in Austin, Texas, and I needed a coffee maker that works fast on busy mornings but can also brew full pots when friends visit. So, I tried both. After months of daily use, I’ve seen the real strengths and small drawbacks of each one.
In this guide, I’ll share my honest Ninja CFP301 review and Ninja CFP451 review, plus a clear side-by-side comparison. That way, you can pick the one that fits your home best.
Table of Contents
Ninja CFP301 Review
I’ve been using the Ninja CFP301 DualBrew Pro for a few months. It has become part of my daily routine. If you want both a drip coffee maker and a pod system in one, this machine is a smart pick. It’s quick for busy mornings and flexible when friends or family come over.
What I Like
- Flexible brewing – I can make a single cup for myself or a full 12-cup pot when guests are here. The pod adapter works with K-Cups, but I can also use ground coffee.
- Fast mornings – On busy days, I pop in a pod. It starts brewing in less time than it takes to make toast. It feels faster than the Keurig I had before.
- Independent hot water – My husband makes tea while I brew coffee. The flavors never mix. I also use the hot water for oatmeal and instant soup.
- Specialty brew & frother – On Sundays, I brew a rich shot and use the fold-away frother to make a latte. It feels like a café at home.
- Easy to clean – The reservoir lifts out for fast refills. The frother pops out for rinsing. The auto-clean setting helps too.
What Could Be Better
- Height – At 15.5 inches tall, it barely fits under cabinets. I slide it out to fill the reservoir.
- Paper filters – It uses paper instead of a built-in filter. I wish one came with the machine.
- Noise – Not very loud, but louder than small single-serve machines.
- Price – More costly than a basic coffee maker. Still, it’s worth it if you use both pods and grounds.
Ninja CFP301 at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Capacity | 12 cups (96 oz) |
| Brew Styles | Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty, Tea |
| Reservoir | 60 oz, removable, multi-position |
| Hot Water | Independent, 2 temp settings |
| Frother | Built-in, fold-away |
| Size | 11.39″ x 9.13″ x 15.54″ |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs |
| Power | 1550 watts |
| Included | 12-cup carafe, pod adapter, smart scoop, frother |
Recommendation
The Ninja CFP301 is best if you want both single-serve speed and full-pot brewing. Great for:
- Families who need coffee in different ways.
- Busy workers who want fast pods on weekdays and carafes on weekends.
- Homes with both coffee and tea drinkers, thanks to the hot water system.
If you often serve more than 12 cups or prefer a built-in reusable filter, consider the larger CFP451. For most homes, though, the CFP301 is a smart balance of speed, choice, and ease.
I recommend it if you want one coffee maker that does almost everything, without filling your counter with extra machines.
Ninja CFP451 Review
I tried the Ninja CFP451 DualBrew XL, and it feels like the bigger cousin of the CFP301. It has more space and a 14-cup glass carafe. The 70-oz water tank also makes it great for large families or gatherings. Right away, I could see it’s built for homes where the coffee pot never rests.
It still works with both pods and grounds. That’s a big win for me. I like a fast pod on workdays and a big pot when friends drop by.
What I Like
- Bigger carafe – The 14-cup size is perfect for family visits. I don’t need to brew twice.
- Large reservoir – The 70-oz tank cuts down on refills. Very handy during brunch with guests.
- Reusable filter – I love that it comes with one. Less waste and no need to buy paper filters often.
- Multiple brew styles – It offers Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. My teens use the iced coffee option all the time.
- Fold-away frother – I froth oat milk on weekends. My daughter loves it, and it’s quick to use.
What Could Be Better
- Size – At almost 10 inches deep and 15.5 inches wide, it takes up more counter space. In my small kitchen, it feels bulky.
- No independent hot water – The water comes from the same spot as the coffee. That means no tea while coffee is brewing.
- Lower wattage – At 1450 watts, it is a bit slower than the CFP301. The difference is small but noticeable.
- Renewed units – In the US, many models are sold as refurbished. That saves money but may affect warranty.
Ninja CFP451 at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Capacity | 14 cups |
| Brew Styles | Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty |
| Reservoir | 70 oz (fixed) |
| Filter | Reusable filter included |
| Frother | Built-in, fold-away |
| Size | 15.54″ x 9.94″ x 11.39″ |
| Power | 1450 watts |
| Material | Glass carafe |
| Availability | Often sold as “Renewed” in US |
Recommendation
The Ninja CFP451 is a smart pick if you need more coffee at once. Best for:
- Large families who drink coffee daily.
- Homes that host guests and need bigger pots.
- People who prefer reusable filters to save money.
If you want a slimmer model with a separate hot water system, the CFP301 may fit better. But if your goal is extra capacity with fewer refills, the CFP451 is a solid choice.
I recommend it for anyone who wants a family-sized coffee maker that still works with both pods and grounds.
Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451: Detailed Comparison
I’ve used both the Ninja CFP301 and the Ninja CFP451. Each one has its own strengths. The CFP301 is compact and flexible. The CFP451 offers more space for larger families. Here’s how they compare.
Brewing Speed: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
Both brew faster than a standard drip coffee maker. The CFP301 feels quicker with pods. The CFP451 takes longer because of its larger carafe.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Single-serve pods | Very fast, quicker than Keurig | Slightly slower, still quick |
| Full carafe | 12 cups, good speed | 14 cups, takes longer |
| Warm-up time | Short | A little longer |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8/10
Coffee Temperature: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
Both brew hot coffee. The CFP301 gives a hotter first cup. The CFP451 keeps steady heat in its larger carafe.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| First cup temp | Hotter | Slightly lower, but steady |
| Heat retention | Good for 12 cups | Better for 14 cups |
| Specialty brew | Strong and hot | Rich, but less hot |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8.5/10
Water Tank Capacity: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
The CFP301 has a 60 oz tank. The CFP451 has a 70 oz tank. The bigger tank means fewer refills.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Tank size | 60 oz | 70 oz |
| Refills | More often | Less often |
| Position | Removable, flexible | Fixed, less handy |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 8.5/10, Ninja CFP451 – 9/10
Filter Quality: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
The CFP301 uses paper filters. The CFP451 has a reusable filter. I liked the built-in filter on the 451—it saves money and cuts waste.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Filter type | Paper filter | Reusable filter |
| Flavor | Clean, smooth | Rich, full |
| Cost | Ongoing paper filter cost | One-time filter included |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 8/10, Ninja CFP451 – 9/10
Brew Quality: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
Both make great coffee. The CFP301 shines with specialty brews and the frother. The CFP451 is best when serving a crowd.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Single serve | Strong, hot | Strong, but slower |
| Carafe | 12 cups max | 14 cups, steady taste |
| Specialty brew | Excellent with frother | Good, no separate hot water |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9.5/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8.5/10
Performance: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
Both are reliable. The CFP301 feels fast and sharp. The CFP451 focuses on larger batches.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Daily use | Quick and flexible | Great for big families |
| Brew options | Wide variety | Wide variety |
| Reliability | Strong | Steady |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8.5/10
Ease of Use: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
The CFP301 is easier to move and refill. The CFP451 is bigger and takes more counter space.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Setup | Simple | Simple |
| Water filling | Removable tank, easy | Fixed tank, less handy |
| Counter space | Slim | Bulkier |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8/10
Value for Money: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
Both are fairly priced. The CFP301 gives more variety for its size. The CFP451 is best for heavy coffee drinkers.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Price | Mid-range | Higher |
| Features | Frother, hot water system | Large carafe, reusable filter |
| Best for | Families who want variety | Big coffee households |
Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8.5/10
Overall: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
The Ninja CFP301 is versatile, compact, and great for variety. The Ninja CFP451 is bigger, with a large carafe and reusable filter.
| Feature | Ninja CFP301 | Ninja CFP451 |
| Strengths | Fast, flexible, compact | Large carafe, reusable filter |
| Weaknesses | Uses paper filters, tall under cabinets | Bulky, no separate hot water |
| Best for | Families who want choice | Large homes or frequent hosts |
Overall Rating: Ninja CFP301 – 9/10, Ninja CFP451 – 8.5/10
FAQs: Ninja CFP301 vs CFP451
What’s the main difference between the Ninja CFP301 and CFP451?
The CFP301 is smaller with a 12-cup carafe and a separate hot water option. The CFP451 has a bigger 14-cup carafe and a built-in reusable filter.
Does the Ninja CFP301 make hotter coffee than the CFP451?
Yes. The CFP301 makes a hotter first cup. The CFP451 keeps heat steady for longer when brewing large pots.
Which Ninja coffee maker is better for families?
The CFP451 fits large families since it brews more coffee. The CFP301 works best for small homes or for people who like both pods and carafes.
Can both models use K-Cups and ground coffee?
Yes. Both the CFP301 and CFP451 work with K-Cups and ground coffee. You can brew a fast cup or a full pot with either one.
Which one is easier to clean: Ninja CFP301 or CFP451?
The CFP301 is easier to clean since its water tank can be removed. The CFP451’s tank is fixed, but the reusable filter cuts down on waste.