SS400 Series Ninja® Foodi® Power Blender Ultimate System FAQs

Smoothie bowls are thicker and spoonable, compared to smoothies, which are thinner and drinkable.

Examples of spoonable recipes are smoothie bowls, hummus, pesto, and nut butters (thick outputs).
Examples of drinkable recipes are smoothies, protein drinks, and green drinks.

Make sure the blade assembly is fully threaded, meaning there are no gaps between the blade assembly and the lip of the cup/bowl. The blade assembly should be flush against the cup.

Note: There is no audible click when the blade assembly is properly installed.

When installing the Stacked Blade Assembly or Dough Blade Assembly in the pitcher, it will fit loose yet secure on the drive gear.

The Pitcher can make up to 1.5 lbs. of dough. Do not exceed the DOUGH MAX or COOKIE MAX lines.

The unit can make a max of the following at one time:

• 24 one (1) ounce cookies
• 8 biscuits, scones, pretzels, or bagels
• One 12" round pie or pizza crust
• One load of bread
• One 12" round cake
• One 8" x 8" pan of brownies
• 12 muffins
• One 8" x 4" loaf of quick bread, such as banana bread or pumpkin bread

If ingredients exceed the Dough/Cookie Max lines, we recommend reducing the recipe by half.
Refer to the Kitchen Conversion Chart in the Inspiration Guide for unit conversions.

The unit can make a max of the following at one time:

• 24 one (1) ounce cookies
• 8 biscuits, scones, pretzels, or bagels
• One 12" round pie or pizza crust
• One load of bread
• One 12" round cake
• One 8" x 8" pan of brownies
• 12 muffins
• One 8" x 4" loaf of quick bread, such as banana bread or pumpkin bread

We recommend the following steps listed below to improve the mixing performance of your blender:

1. Add sugars, cubed softened butter, eggs and liquids (such as vanilla extract). Use the dial to select DOUGH, then press START/STOP.
2. Add all dry ingredients and run the DOUGH program again. If more mixing is needed, run on speed 1 until combined.
3. Remove dough blade and add mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, raisins, and nuts). Stir to combine.

We recommend the following steps listed below to improve the mixing performance of your blender:

1. Add dry ingredients, cubed cold butter or shortening. Use the dial to select DOUGH, then press START/STOP.
2. Add cold liquids (such as cold milk or water) and run the DOUGH program again. If more mixing is needed, run on speed 1 until combined.
3. Remove dough ball and knead to combine, if needed.

Store the stacked blade assembly in the Pitcher with the flat lid. Store the Hybrid Edge Blades assembly in the Single-Serve Cup or XL Smoothie Bowl Maker. Store any remaining attachments alongside the unit or in a cabinet where they will not be damaged or create a hazard.

An accessory storage case can be purchased that houses the disc assemblies, disc spindle, dough blade (interchangeable spot for stacked blade), spout lid and cleaning brush (sold separately).

We recommend the following steps listed below to improve the mixing performance of your blender.

Using the Auto-iQ programs is the easiest way to achieve great results. The pulses and pauses allow the ingredients to settle toward the blade assembly.

If ingredients are routinely getting stuck, adding some liquid will usually help.

When filling the cup or pitcher, start with fresh fruit or veggies, then leafy greens or herbs.

Next add liquids or yogurt, then seeds, powders, or nut butters. Finally, add ice or frozen ingredients.

If using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker, twist the built-in tamper counterclockwise continuously during blending to circulate ingredients.

This is normal and the unit is functioning properly.
If you are using room-temperature ingredients to make nut butters, spreads, etc., output will be slightly warm due to friction of blending.

Use a rubber spatula or similar utensil to remove blended ingredients. Do not use metal utensils. Turn built-in tamper a quarter of the way and remove blended ingredients at each turn until all ingredients are removed.

Smoothie bowls are thicker and spoonable, compared to smoothies, which are thinner and drinkable.

Examples of spoonable recipes are smoothie bowls, hummus, pesto, and nut butters (thick outputs).

Examples of drinkable recipes are smoothies, protein drinks, and green drinks.

Ensure the counter and feet of the unit are clean and dry before blending.

For best results, use a dishwasher to remove stuck-on ingredients in the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker. Or, use the motor base to clean:

1. Rinse the bowl and blade assembly under WARM WATER after processing.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water up to the top of the paddle and add 1 to 2 small drops of dish soap.
3. Screw on the blade assembly and install on motor base. Select BOWL and press START/STOP. Twist the built-in tamper counterclockwise continuously while cleaning.
4. Once complete, empty contents and rinse bowl under warm water.

NOTE: The built-in tamper in the Smoothie Bowl Maker is not removable.

1. Set the cup/bowl on a level surface.

2. Carefully place the lid or Hybrid Edge Blades Assembly on the top of the cup/bowl and align the threads so the lid/blade assembly sits flat on the cup/bowl.

3. Twist clockwise until you have a tight seal.

To install the Pitcher flat lid, align the pour spout with the corner of the pitcher farthest from the pitcher handle. Then press down and fold lid handle back. The flat lid will not install if the spindle is in the pitcher.

To install the feed chute lid on the Pitcher, place the lid tab to the right of the handle. Press the lid down until it is secure. Rotate the tab clockwise until it clicks into place on the pitcher handle. The Feed Chute Lid will not assemble if the Stacked Blade Assembly or Dough Blade Assembly are in the Pitcher.

The motor base is powerful. It is normal that air will blow from the sides of the unit. Move lightweight objects away from the unit before blending. Do not attempt to block vents.

If the display reads "--", install a container and the available program buttons will illuminate, indicating the unit is ready for use. Ensure the lid is fully engaged and the container has been rotated clockwise and clicked to lock into place.

Thoroughly wash the handle of the pitcher with soap and water where the lid connects to the pitcher. Make sure the spindle (not the chopping or dough blade) is installed properly on the drive gear. Take the disc, chosen face side up, and place on spindle. Then place the lid tab to the right of the handle. Press the lid down until it is secure. Rotate the tab clockwise until it clicks into place on the pitcher handle. Once the lid is locked into place, press the Power button to turn the unit on. If the feed chute lid is difficult to install with no accessories in the pitcher and after washing, please call Customer Support.

At low speeds, the motor may sound unsteady. This is normal as long as the blades continue moving.

For best results, use a dishwasher to remove stuck-on ingredients in the Pitcher. Or, use the motor base to clean:

1. Rinse the Pitcher and blade assembly under warm water after processing.
2. Install the dough or stacked blade assembly, then fill Pitcher with warm water up to DOUGH MAX line and add 1 or 2 small drops of dish soap.
3. Secure Pitcher flat lid, and ensure the pour spout is securely closed. Select BOWL, then press START/STOP.
4. Once complete, empty contents and rinse Pitcher under warm water. Once complete, empty contents and rinse Pitcher under warm water.

For best results, use a dishwasher to remove stuck-on ingredients in the cup. Or, use the motor base to clean:

1. Rinse the cup and blade assembly under WARM WATER after processing.
2. Fill the cup halfway with warm water add 1 small drop of dish soap.
3. Screw on the blade assembly and install onto motor base. Select BOWL, then press START/STOP.
4. Once complete, empty contents and rinse under warm water. Once complete, empty contents and rinse under warm water.

All parts (except the base) are dishwasher safe. Place parts on the top rack only.

Make sure unit is plugged in. If the unit is powered on and no container is installed, the unit will display '- -'. The available programs will illuminate after a container is properly installed on the base.

The built-in tamper in the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker is not removable. Wash containers, lids, discs, and blade assemblies in warm, soapy water. Use a dishwashing utensil with a handle to avoid direct contact with the blades. Exercise care when handling the blade assembly, as the blades are sharp. Thoroughly rinse and air-dry all parts.

The unit can detect which container and/or lid is on the motor base. You may be trying to use a program that is not designed for the container you have installed. The programs will light up, indicating which programs are available for each container and/or lid.

To toggle between Auto-iQ Mode and Manual Mode, press the IQ/MANUAL button.

NOTE: In Manual Mode, Auto-iQ programs will not illuminate on the control panel.

For best results when using the Single-Serve Cup, use the Auto-iQ Program EXTRACT or SMOOTHIE.

For best results when using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker, use the Auto-iQ Program BOWL or SPREAD (not available on all models).

For best blending results using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker, twist the built-in tamper counterclockwise continuously during blending.

Since you are using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker for thick outputs, if you do not twist the built-in tamper, ingredients may not fully incorporate and this may result in unprocessed ingredients.

For best results when using the reversible slicing/shredding disc, trim ingredients to a uniform size so they fit better through the feed chute.

Do not cut ingredients shorter than the feed chute height.

DO NOT attempt to force ingredients through the feed chute.

The flat lid's handle will not fold down unless the lid is attached to the Pitcher. Place the lid on the Pitcher, aligning the pour spout of the lid with the corner farthest from the Pitcher's handle, then press and fold down the lid's handle until it clicks into place.

When using speed 9 or 10 (or your blender's highest speeds) with the Pitcher, you may notice a change in the blade speed when blending thinner ingredients. This is due to the smart technology in the blender and is part of the unit's normal operation.

Only speed 10 is available when using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker or Single-Serve Cup. All speed ranges are available when using the Pitcher, flat lid, and stacked blade assembly. Use only speed 1 when using the dough blade assembly. Only speed 1 is available when using the feed chute lid and disc assemblies.

START SLOW

Always start at a low speed (1"3) to better incorporate ingredients and prevent them from sticking to the side of the vessel.

DIAL UP THE SPEED

Smoother blends call for higher speeds. Low speeds are great for chopping veggies and mixing dough, but you'll need to ramp up for purees and dressings.

HIGH-SPEED BLENDING

Blend until the desired consistency is reached. The longer you blend, the better the breakdown and smoother the outcome will be.

NOTE: If using the dough blade assembly, use only speed 1.

We recommend using only speed 1 when using the dough blade assembly. All 10 speed ranges are available when using the Pitcher, flat lid, and stacked blade assembly.

Only speed 1 is available when using the Pitcher and feed chute lid.

Ensure you are holding the feed chute lid by the sides, allowing the top of the lid to rotate freely.

Make sure you do not have the stacked blade assembly or dough blade assembly in the pitcher. These two blade assemblies are only compatible with the Pitcher and flat lid. Use the disc spindle with disc of choice when using the Pitcher and feed chute lid.

When installing the feed chute lid on the Pitcher, hold the lid by the side and ensure tab is positioned to the right of the Pitcher's handle. Then, press the lid down until secure and rotate the tab clockwise until it clicks into place on the Pitcher's handle.

For best results, trim ingredients to uniform size so they fit better through the feed chute. Do not cut ingredients shorter than the feed chute height.

DO NOT attempt to force ingredients through the feed chute.

Press START/STOP or the Power button to stop the program.

The variable speeds, ranging from speed 1 to speed 10, run continuously for 60 seconds. To stop the program early, press START/STOP.

Tip unit forward from the back to disengage the suction feet.

For best results when chopping, cut ingredients in a uniform size and don't overfill the Pitcher. Refer to the Quick Start Guide or Inspiration Guide for ingredient preparation instructions.

Choose from 10 different speeds for total control of your blending in the Pitcher with the flat lid and stacked blade assembly.

• Use only speed 1 when using the Pitcher, flat lid, and dough blade assembly.
• Only speed 1 is available when using the pitcher with the feed chute lid and disc assemblies.
• Only speed 10 is available when using the XL Smoothie Bowl Maker and Single-Serve Cup.