CF095 Series Ninja Coffee Bar® FAQs

This article contains the FAQs for the CF095 Series Ninja Coffee Bar®. This supports the following product SKUs CF095, CF097W, CF097_CF4, and CF097.

My Over Ice Brew is not cold?

The Over Ice Brew is designed to brew hot coffee over ice to lock in the flavor for rich, smooth iced coffee. Make sure your cup, travel mug, or carafe is filled all the way to the top with ice cubes. We strongly recommend ice cubes when making iced coffee. Shaved and crushed ice have different packing characteristics. Because of this, you should NOT use shaved or crushed ice as the vessel used may overflow once coffee is brewed over the ice. IMPORTANT: DO NOT use hot water in the water reservoir. We recommend cool, fresh, filtered water.

What is the best milk to use to froth milk?

For best results and to create the most froth using hot milk, we recommend using whole milk. For cold milk, we recommend skim milk.

What is Thermal Extraction?

Many variables go into brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Three of those variables, Temperature, Pre-Infusion, and Saturdation, are difficult to manage on your own. Our Thermal Flavor Extraction(R) Technology automatically controls them for you. How It Works: Temperature: Water is heated to the ideal temperature for coffee. Pre-Infusion: Grounds are evenly saturated then given time to 'bloom' Saturation: Grounds are saturated again for an even and consistent extraction

Which compatible accessories/parts are microwave safe?

The only accessories that are microwave-safe are the Ninja insulated cups, mugs and tumblers.

Why is the second cup that I brewed hotter than the first brew?

Once the Ninja Coffee Bar has brewed the first cup, the brewer is pre-warmed. This enables any following brews to be slightly hotter. For a hotter first cup, after plugging in and turning on your brewer by pressing the Power button, allow 3 minutes for your brewer to pre-heat.

Why is there no warming plate for the thermal carafe?

The thermal carafe has double-walled insulation, which keeps heat locked inside. The insulation barrier means the heat from the warming plate will not reach inside the carafe, nor affect the temperature of the coffee.

How long does my pre-heat stay on?

Your Ninja Coffee Bar will stay pre-heated for 72 hours unless you turn the brewer off by pressing the Power button.

How long will my coffee stay warm in the thermal carafe?

The thermal carafe is designed to keep your coffee hot for up to two hours.

What parts/accessories are dishwasher safe?

The Permanent Filter, Removable Filter Holder, Water Reservoir, Water Reservoir Flip Top Lid, Glass Carafe and Brew-Through Lid are all top-rack, dishwasher safe. For the Thermal Versions (CF097 and CF097W), the thermal carafe is not dishwasher safe.

How much extra coffee do I need to add for Rich, Over Ice, Cafe Forte or Specialty Brew?

Each brew type is designed to make the strength you need using the volume denoted on the Ninja Smart Scoop (the scoop can be found on the side of your brewer). Each brew is optimized to make a stronger coffee without extra coffee grounds, so you do not need to change anything besides the button you press.

How often should I clean my Ninja Coffee Bar?

Cleaning your brewer is very important to ensure you're receiving the best possible coffee from your Ninja Coffee Bar. Clean your brewer when the CLEAN button on your Ninja Coffee Bar illuminates.

How to prepare your Ninja Coffee Bar for a brewing cycle.
  • To brew a half carafe or full carafe, place your carafe below the brew basket and fill the water reservoir with water.
  • Then insert a #4 paper filter or the permanent filter in the brew basket, and add your favorite coffee using the Ninja Smart Scoop.
  • After adding the water and coffee, choose a size and brew type. If you want to pour a cup of coffee before the brew is complete you can close the Drip Stop and remove your carafe to pour a cup. Remember to replace the carafe and open the Drip Stop when you're done. You can also use the Drip Stop to stop the brew basket from dripping coffee at the end of the brew.
  • If you want to brew a travel mug, you can place larger cups and travel mugs directly on the base of the unit.
  • If you want to brew a cup, lower the cup platform below the brew basket and place your cup on the platform, following the same instructions above.
Where can I find the model number?

The model number can be found on the back or bottom of your unit. The model number will begin with the letters 'CF'.

Why are there white particles/film in my coffee and filter?

The white particles/film you are seeing may be mineral deposits coming from the water you're using. This is an indicator that your Ninja Coffee Bar needs to be cleaned. Follow the instructions on cleaning & descaling your unit in your instruction booklet, or under the How to clean & descale your Ninja Coffee Bar FAQ.

Why does the size selector turn off when I press Specialty or Café Forte?

Specialty and Café Forte are one-touch brews, which means that no size selection is necessary as these brews deliver a specific amount of concentrated coffee for the perfect brew every time. The Specialty Brew delivers approximately 4 oz. of a strong coffee concentrate perfect for an iced blended coffee drink or milk-based specialty drink. Café Forte delivers approximately 8 oz. , and has a deep, full-bodied, and complex flavor that is rich and drinkable. It tastes great black " no milk or sweeteners needed.

What size paper filters fit my Ninja Coffee Bar?

The brew basket is designed to fit a #4 cone paper filter, or the gold Ninja Permanent Filter.

There is water left in the reservoir.

After a brew you may notice leftover water in your water reservoir after filling to the minimum fill line of the size selected. The water reservoir markings are minimum fill lines that indicate if there is enough water for the proper brew size in the reservoir, but all brew styles use different amounts of water to create the proper flavor and concentration. Auto-iQ One-Touch Intelligence will only use the water needed for the brew size and style selected. Please note that the system is designed to always have water remain in the reservoir after a brew. This to protect the boiler from boiling dry, and helps extend the life of your machine.

How long do I need to froth my milk for?

Hold the cup under the frother and submerge the whisk just below the surface of the milk. Press and hold the frothing button for 30 to 45 seconds. For hot froth, microwave the milk for 45-60 seconds in a microwavable cup and follow the directions above.

How long does it take to pre-heat to get the hottest cup?

After turning on your Ninja Coffee Bar, the pre-heat notification will illuminate for 3 minutes as your brewer warms up. Once it has warmed up to the proper temperature, the pre-heat notification will turn off indicating it is time to brew.

What are the size dimensions of the Ninja Coffee Bar?

The dimensions of the Ninja Coffee Bar are as follows: Imperial (inches): 8. 92(depth) x 12. 04 (width) x 15. 04 (height) OR Metric (centimeters): 22. 67 (depth) x 30. 59 (width) x 38. 19 (height)

What brew size should I select before brewing Specialty and Café Forte?

Specialty and Café Forte Brew are Ninja's signature, one-touch brews designed to deliver the same volume each time. Regardless of what size selection is illuminated, your Specialty Brew will deliver approximately 4 oz. and Café Forte will deliver approximately 8 oz.

What grind coffee should I use?

A medium grind coffee is recommended.

What is Café Forte?

Café Forte is the newest brew type from the Ninja Coffee Bar and exclusive to the Ninja Coffee Bar System. Café Forte is a deep, complex flavor that brings out the nuances of your coffee for a full-bodied gourmet experience. It tastes great black with no milk or sweeteners needed. You will enjoy Café Forte if you favor strong, robust coffee.

How do I place my built-in frother whisk on? How do I take it off?

To set up your frother, swing the frother arm from the back of the machine to the front until it is locked into place. Place the frother whisk onto the integrated frother by pushing up the whisk and rotating it counterclockwise. There is also PAD print lock signs on the frother whisk to indicate which way to lock in the frother. To remove the frother whisk, twist clockwise and pull down.

How do I set the clock?

When you plug in your unit, the clock display will flash "12:00". Press the H (hour) and/or M (minute) button until you reach the current time. The AM or PM indicator will illuminate on the left side of the display as you are setting the time. To change the time once the clock has been set, press and hold the H (hour) button until the clock display flashes. Press the H (hour) and/or M (minute) button until you reach the current time. The AM or PM indicator will illuminate on the left side of the display as you are setting the time.

How do I set the Delay Brew?
  • Power on the unit by pressing the Power button that is positioned to the right of the clock.
  • Add the recommended amount of coffee to the brew basket for your brew size and brew type.
  • Toggle the drip stop to the open position, denoted by a water droplet. Fill the reservoir with water up to, but not exceeding, the Max Fill line.
  • Press the Delay Brew button. The Delay Brew button will illuminate and the clock will begin to flash "12:00" or the last delay brew time that was set.
  • While the clock is flashing, press the H (hour) and/or M (minute) button to set the time that you would like the delay brew to begin. The AM or PM indicator will illuminate on the left side of the display as you are setting the desired time.
  • Once the proper time has been set, select the size of the vessel that you would like to brew into.
  • Then, press one of the five flashing buttons to select your brew type. When selected, your brew type button will be illuminated steadily.
  • Once the time, brew size, and brew type have been set, allow the Delay Brew to flash and lock in, or press the Delay Brew button to activate the Delay Brew.
  • When the Delay Brew is activated, the light on the Delay Brew button will illuminate and an audible signal will play to verify the Delay Brew is set.
  • IMPORTANT : The unit must remain on in order for the Delay Brew function to work. Do not power off after setting Delay Brew. Also, make sure the Drip Stop is in the open position.
How hot will my cup/travel mug of coffee be after the brew?

The Ninja Coffee Bar is designed to brew between 137 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

How hot will my half/full carafe of coffee be after the brew?

The Ninja Coffee Bar is designed to brew between 184 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

I didn't put in enough water, and my Ninja Coffee Bar started beeping in mid-cycle. Can I just add more water and keep going?

To ensure the best possible coffee, a new brew cycle is needed. Refill the water reservoir to correlating fill line for your brew size, or up to, but not exceeding, the Max Fill line. Empty the brew basket, and the brewing vessel. Return the empty vessel beneath the brew basket, and insert fresh coffee grounds in the brew basket and start your brew cycle again. 

I love the thermal carafe. Is there any danger to leaving it on my table?

No, the thermal carafe is safe to leave on your table and countertops.

Is it normal for the brew type button to pulse while the Ninja Coffee Bar is brewing?

Yes, when the Ninja Coffee Bar is brewing, you will notice that the brew type you have selected will be illuminated and pulse on and off during the brew.

Is it okay to brew iced coffee in the glass and thermal carafes?

Yes, the glass and thermal carafes were specially designed for both hot and iced coffee. When making iced coffee in the carafe, fill it to the top with ice cubes and let your Ninja Coffee Bar do the rest.

My coffee has finished brewing, and my Ninja Coffee Bar is beeping.

The beeping indicates that your coffee is ready, ENJOY!

What impacts coffee brew volume?

When you make hot coffee, the coffee grounds will absorb some of the water that is brewed, resulting in slightly less brewed coffee than the water used. The more coffee you use, the more water will be absorbed. Additionally, our wider bottom carafe holds most of the coffee at the base, which helps control the temperature more evenly. If you are experiencing inconsistent brew volume, we recommend you run a clean cycle. Please refer to the How to clean & descale your Ninja Coffee Bar FAQ. See flow chart for troubleshooting.

The Clean light came on - what cleaning solution should I use to clean my Ninja Coffee Bar?

For the most effective cleaning, we recommend using a descaling solution specifically formulated for coffee maker cleaning. Alternately, fill the water reservoir to the travel mug line (16 oz. ) with only white vinegar. This method is effective for mildly scaled machines. See flow chart for additional troubleshooting.

Are special coffee beans required?

No, however a medium grind coffee is recommended.

Are the Ninja cups, tumblers and Over Ice Carafe BPA free?

Yes, all of our cups, tumblers and Over Ice Carafe are BPA free.

Can I add more water while brewing?

We do not recommend adding water to the water reservoir while the Ninja Coffee Bar is in use.

Can I brew tea in this machine?

We do not recommend brewing tea in the Ninja Coffee Bar because there are coffee oils and flavors that will be left in the brew basket. This may cause the tea to produce a flavor you may not expect.

Can I change brew settings once my coffee has started to brew?

Once a Café Forte Brew or Specialty Brew has started, you cannot change brew settings. For all other brews, you may select a different brew size or style. Results vary depending upon the status of the current brew cycle.

Can I froth and brew at the same time?

Yes, you can froth and brew at the same time. However, DO NOT reach across the top of the brewer to froth during brewing. Steam is released from vent on top of brewer and can result in a steam burn.

Can I froth non-dairy milk, like soy milk or almond milk?

Yes. While we recommend dairy milk for best performance, you can froth both almond milk and soy milk. For better results, use soy milk heated.

Can I use a metal spoon in the Ninja Stainless Steel Travel Mug?

 Yes, with our stainless steel travel mug, the use of a metal spoon is okay and will not cause breakdown.

Can I use my Ninja Over Ice Carafe to brew hot coffee?

No, the Ninja Over Ice Carafe is made for the Over Ice Brew setting only. Do not press the Stay Warm button (if brewing a Half or Full carafe) when you brew into your Over Ice Carafe.

Can I use shaved ice or crushed ice for iced coffee or must I use ice cubes?

We strongly recommend ice cubes when making iced coffee. Shaved and crushed ice have different packing characteristics. Because of this, you should NOT use shaved or crushed ice as the vessel used may overflow once coffee is brewed over the ice.

Do I need to use the Brew-Through Lid in my Carafe?

Yes, we recommend using the brew-through lid as it helps maintain the carafe temperature, and deliver optimal flavor. Not using the brew-through lid, or not having the lid on properly, could allow heat to escape from the carafe causing the coffee to rapidly cool.

Do I need to use the permanent filter with a paper filter?

No, the paper filter and permanent filter should not be used together. Please use either a paper filter or the permanent filter when brewing coffee. Using a permanent filter in conjunction with a paper filter may result in the clogging and backing up of water and/or coffee in the filter basket.

Does the frother produce hot and cold froth? How do I produce the froth?

Our integrated frother is capable of transforming hot or cold milk into a silky microfoam. For hot froth, the milk will need to be pre-heated either in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or simmered on a stove top. Cold froth is made with cold milk and is an excellent addition to iced lattes or frozen blended drinks. To froth, pour milk into cup, until it is about one-third full. (Use more or less milk depending on your preference. ) Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds for hot froth. Move the frother into the ready position by swinging the arm toward the front. Hold the cup under the frother and submerge the whisk just below the surface of the milk. This allows air to fold into the milk, for the frothiest results. Press and hold the frothing button for 30 to 45 seconds. You can easily remove the frother whisk by twisting it clockwise. To avoid spills, keep your cup below the whisk and carry it to your sink or dishwasher for cleaning. DO NOT reach across top of brewer to froth during brewing. Steam is released from vent on top of brewer and can result in a steam burn.

Does the Ninja Coffee Bar take coffee pods?

This brewer is designed to brew coffee grounds only. Do not insert pods or K-Cups.

How can I pause the brew cycle to pour a cup before it has finished?

To pause the brew cycle, simply move the the Drip Stop toggle to the closed position denoted by a water droplet with a slash. This stops the flow of coffee from the brew basket. After pouring your cup, quickly return the vessel and open the Drip Stop to continue brewing. CAUTION: NEVER open the brew basket while the Ninja Coffee Bar is brewing. Scalding may occur if the brew basket is removed during brewing cycles.

How do I change the vessel size?

It's easy - simply turn the Multi-Serve size dial to Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, XL Multi-Serve, Half Carafe, or Full Carafe. The brew size icon will illuminate to show which brew size you have selected.

How do I clean after a brew?

Cleaning your Ninja Coffee Bar is easy.

  • Before cleaning, close the Drip Stop.
  • After each brew is complete and the coffee grounds have cooled, discard the paper filter. If using the permanent filter, carefully remove and wash.
  • Remove the filter holder from the brew basket, rinse, and wash with soap and warm water.
  • After each froth, thoroughly rinse the frother whisk or place it on top-rack of dishwasher.
  • Wash the carafe and brew-through lid with soap and warm water. Use a bottle brush or cloth to wash the inside of the carafe. DO NOT use a wire brush.
  • Wipe machine down with a cloth and soap and warm water. Let the warming plate cool before cleaning with a cloth and soap and warm water.
  • Clean the shower head, water reservoir shelf, water reservoir, flip-top water reservoir lid, and removable filter holder with soap and water.
  • Do not immerse the base in water.
  • NOTE: The brew-through lid, glass carafe, permanent filter, and water reservoir are top-rack dishwasher safe. The thermal carafe is NOT dishwasher safe.

How do I clean my frother whisk?

To avoid drips and spills, hold the cup that you frothed in below the whisk while you carry it to your sink or dishwasher for easy cleaning. The frother whisk is top-rack dishwasher safe. We prefer you to either hand wash or place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. We do not recommend placing soapy water in your cup and cleaning the frother while still attached.

How do I clean my Ninja Coffee Bar Out of Box?

Before your first brew, we recommend running two Full Carafe, Classic Brew cycles with just water (no grounds) to prime your Ninja Coffee Bar. With your brewer plugged in and powered on, fill your reservoir with water up to, but not exceeding, the Max Fill line. Place the carafe under the brew basket, choose the Full Carafe setting, then press the Classic Brew button. When the cycle is complete, discard the water in the carafe and repeat. After you have completed two cycles, you are ready to use your Ninja Coffee Bar. NOTE: It is not necessary to run two full clean cycles.

How do I clean my thermal carafe?

We recommend cleaning your carafe with warm, soapy water. If you want to clean the carafe more thoroughly, we recommend using a soft foam brush. NOTE: Do not place the thermal carafe in the dishwasher. DO NOT clean carafe with abrasive cleansers, steel wool pads, or other abrasive material.

How do I fill my water reservoir?

To fill the water reservoir, use the hand grips to lift it to the right and up off the brewer. The water reservoir lid flips open for easy filling, and the entire lid is easily removable for quick cleaning. Add fresh, filtered water at or above the minimum fill line for your desired brew size. Do not exceed the Max Fill line. Return the water reservoir to the brewer by angling the reservoir into the holder and pushing in towards the brewer to lock into place. Do not fill water reservoir with any other liquids such as brewed coffee, carbonated beverages, etc. as other liquids may damage your brewer.

How do I make coffee that's milder?

For milder coffee, try the Classic Brew setting using light roast beans and a paper filter in your brew basket (rather than the permanent metal filter). If you want an even milder flavor, you can put less coffee in the brew basket, just keep in mind that grounds do absorb liquid during the normal brew cycle, so you will wind up with a less concentrated, larger cup of coffee.

How do I make coffee that's stronger?

For stronger coffee, try the Rich Brew setting using dark roast beans and the permanent filter in your brew basket (rather than a paper filter). If you want an even bolder flavor, you can add more coffee grounds in the brew basket, just keep in mind that the additional grounds do absorb liquid, so you will wind up with a more concentrated, smaller cup of coffee.

What is the white substance I'm seeing on and underneath my water reservoir?

Advise: This is commonly seen in areas where people have hard water. Hard water naturally contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium. This can easily be wiped away with a damp cloth.

I saw grey water after cleaning.

Advise: If you used a cleaning solution not compatible with an aluminum boiler it may have reacted in such a way that resulted in the grey water you are seeing. It is always advised that Ninja Coffee Bar Descaling solution or a mixture of white vinegar and water be used when cleaning your machine. Run 2-3 carafes of water through the unit or until water runs clear and continue to use normally. Run 2-3 carafes of water through the unit or until water runs clear and continue to use normally.