CP305 Series Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System™ FAQs

This article contains the FAQs for the CP305 Series Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System™. This supports the following product SKUs CP305, CP307 and CP307C.

Are special coffee beans required?

No. However, a medium grind is recommended.

Can I add more water to the reservoir while brewing?

We do not recommend adding water to the water reservoir while the system is in use. Only add water if the clock displays the "Add" and "Wtr" messages during your brew. Add water to the reservoir, then press the START/SELECT dial to resume the brew.

Can I change brew settings after the brew cycle has begun?

Once Specialty brew has started, you cannot change brew settings. For all other brews, you may select a different brew size, style, or tea type within 5 seconds. Results vary, depending upon the status of the current brew cycle.

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

For optimal brewing performance, use whole ice cubes when brewing Over Ice or Cold Brew.

Can I use tea bags in the Tea filter holder?

Yes, you can use tea bags in the Tea filter holder. Arrange the strings so they hang outside the brew basket.

Can I use the Coffee and Tea filter holders interchangeably?

Both Coffee and Tea filter holders are specifically designed for optimal brewing. The system will detect if the Coffee or Tea filter holder is inserted when the brew basket is closed and will brew accordingly. If you place tea in your Coffee filter holder, it will not steep properly. Placing coffee in your Tea filter holder will result in your coffee going through the steeping process, and it will be brewed at incorrect temperatures.

Do I need to rip open tea bags and empty contents into brew basket?

No, you can you place whole tea bags into the Tea filter holder.

Do I need to use extra coffee or tea for the different brew styles?

For Classic, Rich, Over Ice and Specialty, use the same amount of coffee or tea for each size selected. Each brew type is designed to make the strength you need using the measurements denoted on the Ninja Smart Scoop. The only exception is Cold Brew Coffee, which will require one extra scoop.

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 to deliver optimal flavor. If the lid is not used, or is not properly in place, heat could escape from the carafe, causing the coffee to cool rapidly.

Do I need to use the Tea permanent filter when using tea bags?

Yes, use the Tea permanent filter when using tea bags. You may remove the Tea permanent filter if more space is needed in the brew basket for the tea bags.

Does the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System take pods?

This brewer is designed to brew coffee grounds only. DO NOT insert pods or K-Cups* into the brew basket.

*K-Cup is a registered trademark of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Use of the K-Cup trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.

How do you use the Tea permanent filter?

Insert the Tea permanent filter into the Tea removable filter holder and place the loose-leaf tea or tea bags in the filter holder, on top of the permanent filter.

Is it okay to brew Over Ice and Cold Brew in the glass and thermal carafes?

Yes, the Ninja glass and thermal carafes were specially designed for both hot and Over Ice coffee and tea. When making Over Ice or Cold Brew in the carafe, fill it to the top with ice cubes and let your Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System do the rest.

Is there an auto shut-off feature?

Yes. After one hour of inactivity, the system will power off.

What grind coffee should I use?

A medium grind coffee is recommended.

What size paper filter fits in my brew basket?

The brew basket is designed to fit a #4 cone paper filter.

Why are my Over Ice Brew or Cold Brew beverages not brewed cold?

Ensure your cup, travel mug, or carafe is filled all the way to the top with ice cubes before brewing. Your Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System will brew at elevated temperatures to lock in the best flavor, then the ice will cool the brewed coffee or tea to the perfect temperature.

Why are there instructions on both sides of the Ninja Smart Scoop?

The Ninja Smart Scoop takes the guesswork out of measuring. One side of our scoop is used for coffee and the other for tea. COFFEE measurements are on top, and TEA measurements on the bottom. The numbers beside the icons show the number of scoops recommended for each brew size.

  • COFFEE (on TOP): Use the LARGE scoop for Half Carafe, Full Carafe, or a Specialty coffee; use the SMALL scoop for all other coffee sizes.
  • TEA (on the BOTTOM, in GREEN): Use the LARGE scoop for Specialty tea; use the SMALL scoop for all other tea sizes.
Why are there two filter holders?

To avoid flavor crossing, Ninja designed one filter holder to be used exclusively for coffee, and another one to be used only for tea. The Coffee filter holder has the orange handle and coffee bean icon. The Tea filter holder has the green handle and tea leaf icon.

Why do I need an extra scoop when making Cold Brew coffee but not when making Cold Brew tea?

Cold Brew coffee is stronger, richer, and more caffeinated, which requires the additional scoop. An extra scoop is not needed for Cold Brew tea as it is lighter and sweeter.

Why do the size options disappear when Specialty brew is selected?

No size selection is necessary as Specialty brew delivers a specific amount of concentrated coffee and tea. Specialty brew delivers approximately 4 oz. of coffee, or 6 oz. of tea (with the exception of green tea, which yields 2 oz.)

Why does it take over 10 minutes to make Cold Brew?

Cold Brew is a slow extraction process that brews at an accelerated lower temperature. Because it is brewing at a lower temperature, the brew takes longer to completely extract the flavor.

Why does Specialty Green Tea brew a different amount than other Specialty Tea settings?

The Specialty Green tea setting is designed for Matcha and will get yield 2 oz. of tea. The other tea type options (Herbal, Black, Oolong, White) will yield 6 oz.

Why is my brew cycle too slow?

Depending on your settings, your brew time will vary from around 4 minutes to 18 minutes. The control panel will indicate brew status.

Why is my coffee or tea too strong?
  • For milder coffee, use the Classic brew setting, use lighter roast beans, or use a paper filter rather than the permanent filter. If you want an even milder flavor, you can use less coffee in the brew basket.
  • For milder tea, use the Classic brew setting, or use less tea in the brew basket. For milder tea, use the Classic brew setting, or use less tea in the brew basket.
Why is my coffee or tea too weak?
  • For stronger coffee, use the Rich brew setting, try darker roast beans, or use the Coffee permanent filter rather than a paper filter. If you want an even bolder flavor, you can add more coffee grounds to the brew basket. Additional grounds do absorb liquid, so you will have a smaller, more concentrated cup of coffee.
  • For stronger tea, use the Rich brew setting, or add more tea to the brew basket. For stronger tea, use the Rich brew setting, or add more tea to the brew basket.
Why is my green tea brewed at a cooler temperature?

Green tea is delicate, and therefore requires a lower brewing temperature (about 170F-175F). If brewed with water that is too hot, it becomes bitter. If you would like your green tea stronger, we recommend using the Rich setting, which results in a stronger taste.

Why is my Over Ice/Cold Brew tea sometimes cloudy?

When hot tea comes in contact with ice, antioxidants bind together and create a cloudy appearance. This is harmless and indicates that the tea is fresh and high quality.

The following tips may improve clarity:

  • Use filtered or spring water. 
  • Use high-quality loose-leaf tea that isn't powdery.
  • If your tea leaves are small and dense, try using a little less of them.
Why is no coffee or tea dispensing from the brew basket during my brew?

Different brews require different blooming times for coffee and steep times for tea. The system knows how long and at what temperature to brew to deliver an optimal cup of coffee or tea.

Why is there no Rooibos or Pu'erh Tea Type setting?

Use the Herbal tea setting for Rooibos and the Black tea setting for Pu'erh.

Why is there water left in my reservoir?

The water reservoir markings are minimum fill lines that indicate the amount of water needed for that brew size. However, all brew styles use different amounts of water to create the proper flavor and concentration, so occasionally some water may remain in the reservoir.

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

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

Does the frother produce both hot and cold froth?

Our integrated frother can transform hot or cold milk into a silky microfoam. For hot froth, the milk will need to either be preheated in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds or simmered on a stovetop. Cold froth is made with cold milk and is an excellent addition to iced lattes or frozen blended drinks.

How do I clean the 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 set up my built-in frother whisk? 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. Install the whisk onto the integrated frother by pushing up the whisk and rotating it counterclockwise. There are also lock icons on the frother whisk to indicate which way to turn it to lock it in. To remove the frother whisk, twist clockwise and pull down.

What's the best milk to use for frothing?

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

How does Smart Basket Recognition work?

When the brew basket is fully closed, the control panel will display options for coffee or tea, depending on which filter holder is inserted.

Is there cord storage on the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System?

You can store the cord inside the unit. Push the cord into the opening on the back of the unit.

What are the size dimensions of the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System?

12.84" (L) x 11.06" (W) x 16.18" (H)

How do I remove and insert the removable filter holders?

To remove, slide the brew basket out and lift the filter holder straight up from the brew basket. To reinsert, set the filter holder back into the brew basket. Once the filter holder is in place, slide the brew basket all the way in until it clicks into place.

Why do I have to select a Tea Type?

Tea can be made from hard, dense ingredients like spices and dried fruit, or soft, delicate ingredients. Each tea type requires different brewing temperatures to yield the best flavor. The system is expertly calibrated to brew each of the major types of tea-Herbal, Black, White, Oolong, Green-at the ideal temperature, bringing out their freshest flavors and complex nuances.

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. DO NOT use a wire brush. The thermal carafe is NOT dishwasher safe.

How often should I clean my brewer?

The CLEAN button/indicator will illuminate orange when the system detects calcium buildup that could be affecting the flavor of your coffee or tea. The CLEAN button/indicator may illuminate more frequently if you live in a hard water area.

The CLEAN light came on. What cleaning solution should I use?

We recommend descaling solution made specifically for coffeemaker cleaning. You may also use white vinegar.

What parts/accessories are dishwasher safe?
  • The brew-through lid, coffee and tea permanent filters, removable filter holders, water reservoir, flip-top lid, frother whisk, and scoop are top-rack dishwasher safe.
  • The thermal carafe is NOT dishwasher safe.
Why is the CLEAN button/indicator illuminated?

The CLEAN light illuminates when you need to run a clean cycle. If the light is on and you have recently completed a clean cycle, you may need to run another cycle to remove additional mineral buildup that occurs naturally over time.

Where can I find my model number?

The model can be found on the bottom of your unit, or in your Owner's Guide.

How do I clean my brewer before first use?

Wash the water reservoir, carafe, removable filter holders, and permanent filters in warm, soapy water with a soft cloth. Rinse all parts, and dry thoroughly. Before first use, prime the system by running two Full Carafe, Classic Brew cycles with water only. After each cycle is complete, discard the water.

Why did my brew basket overflow when brewing coffee?

When using a paper filter, do not also use the permanent filter. When using a paper filter, do not also use the permanent filter.