PB040 / PB050 Series Ninja® Pods & Grounds Coffee Maker FAQs

The integrated frother is capable of transforming hot or cold milk into silky microfoam. The frother does not heat the liquid. For hot froth, the milk will need to be either 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.

For hot froth, we recommend whole milk. For cold froth, we recommend skim milk. Best results are achieved with hot froth. For non-dairy alternatives, we recommend using any barista blend.

Any dairy-free alternative can be frothed, although results may vary. We recommend using a specialized barista blend for the best results.

The CLEAN light illuminates orange 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.

Step 1: Find a vessel that can hold 56 ounces of water. We recommend using a 2-quart mixing bowl or saucepan.

Step 2: Insert either the Permanent Filter or the Ninja Pod Adapter in the Brew Basket and close the lid. Ensure there are no pods or grounds inside the coffee maker.

Step 3: Remove the Adjustable Cup Tray.

Step 4: Place the vessel beneath the nozzle.

Step 5: Fill the water reservoir to the CLEAN line with white vinegar or descaling solution. Then fill the reservoir to the MAX line with water.

Step 6: Place the reservoir on the unit and press the CLEAN button.

Step 7: Press the BREW button to begin the clean cycle. Please note that this cycle will take 75 minutes to complete.

Step 8: When the clean cycle is complete, it will beep and the Clean Cycle Indicator will turn off. Empty the vessel and clean the water reservoir with warm, soapy water.

Step 9: Fill the reservoir to the 24-ounce line with water and place the vessel back underneath the nozzle.

Step 10: Flush the system by running a 24-ounce Classic, water-only brew.

We recommend using a descaling solution made specifically for coffeemaker cleaning. You can purchase our descaling solution HERE. You may also use white vinegar. Reference the Owners Guide for more information.

Dishwasher-safe parts include the Brew Basket, Permanent Filter, Ninja Pod Adapter, Water Reservoir, Frother Whisk, Nozzle, and Ninja Smart Scoop.

We suggest that you should run a clean cycle if it is taking significantly more time to brew than normal.

In order to determine if your vessel is large enough to run a clean cycle into, fill the reservoir to the MAX line with water then pour it into the desired vessel to ensure capacity. We recommend using a 2 quart mixing bowl or large saucepan.

• Power off the coffee maker. Open the lid of the coffee maker and place the Ninja Grounds Adapter (Permanent Filter) inside with the adapter empty and the lid closed.
• Place the declog tool in the hole of the Ninja Grounds Adapter (Permanent Filter) and push down until it snaps in place.
• Fill the declog tool up to the top with water. Gently close the lid until it makes contact with the Declog Tool. Now pump the lid down 10 times, making sure not to close the lid all the way.
• Now open the lid and remove the declog tool, discarding the water in the tool. Make sure the water reservoir is filled up to at least the 12oz cup line with fresh water.
• Power the coffee maker on, place a cup (at least 12oz) under the nozzle and run a water only, 12oz brew to clear the system.
• Once the brew is complete, discard any water.

Please ensure the nozzle is fully installed before brewing. When possible, use the cup tray to reduce the distance between the cup and the coffee nozzle.

Step 1: Open the coffee maker lid and ensure the brew basket and Ninja Pod Adapter are installed and the handles are aligned.

Step 2: Place the pod in the Ninja Pod Adapter.

Step 3: Press the coffee maker lid down firmly to pierce the pod and ensure that it is completely closed.

Step 4: Place an empty vessel under the nozzle.

Step 5: Press the Style button and select one of the brew-style options.

Step 6: Press the Size button and select the desired size.

Step 7: Press the Brew button to begin the brew. There will be a beep to confirm the brew has started.

Most K-Cup pods are compatible with the Ninja Dual Brew. For best results, we recommend using Keurig® branded pods.

The Ninja DualBrew is not compatible with any reusable K-Cup filters. We recommend switching to grounds mode and using our permanent mesh filter when opting to use ground coffee in single-serve sizes.

Yes, you can purchase single-serve pods of tea and use the Ninja Pod Adapter to brew.

A pod is a K-Cup, compatible with the Ninja Dual Brew Coffee line. A capsule is smaller and compatible with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System.

Each brew size is optimized for its corresponding brew style. Rich brew will produce slightly less output for stronger coffee.

No, this unit is not compatible with paper filters. When brewing grounds, use the permanent filter located in the adapter storage box on the side of the unit.

For best results, we recommend using a medium-coarse grind. We do not recommend using finely ground coffee because it may cause the brew basket to overflow.

The brew may pause once or multiple times during the brew cycle, this is normal. Pausing allows the coffee grounds to fully extract and unlock the full flavor of the brew style.

No, this brewer does not have a Delay Brew setting.

Step 1: Open the coffee maker lid and ensure the brew basket and Permanent Filter are installed and the handles are aligned. The Permanent Filter is located on the right side of the unit in the adapter storage box.

Step 2: Follow the measurements on the Ninja Smart Scoop or in the Coffee Measurements Chart to fill the Permanent Filter.

Step 3: Close the Permanent filter lid and coffee maker lid.

Step 4: Place an empty vessel under the nozzle.

Step 5: Press the Style button and select one of the brew style options.

Step 6: Press the Size button and select the desired size.

Step 7: Press the Brew button to begin the brew. There will be a beep to confirm the brew has started.

To reduce dripping post-brew, open the coffee maker lid to activate the drip stop once the brew is complete.

Ensure your cup, travel mug, or carafe is filled all the way to the top with ice cubes before brewing. The unit will brew at hot temperatures to lock in the best flavor, then the ice will cool the brewed coffee or espresso to the perfect temperature.

No, you use the same amount of coffee for each brewing style selected. Each brew style is designed to make the strength you need using the measurements denoted on the Ninja Smart Scoop™.

No, the brewer does not pause in the middle of the brew.

When brewing Over Ice, please do the following:

Be sure to fill your vessel to the top with whole iced cubes (not crushed or shaved ice) before brewing Over Ice.

No, this unit does not come with a carafe. The maximum brew size is 24 ounces.

No, this unit does not come with a heater plate.

• Pods: 6,8,10,12 (ounces)*
• Pods: 6,8,10,12 (ounces)*
• Grounds: 6,8,10,12,14,18,24 (ounces)*
• Specialty (not included on all models): 4 (ounces)

*Sizes may vary slightly based on Style

Please refer to the Brew Volume Table below or on page 6 of the IB

The model number can be found on the bottom of your unit, on the back of your unit under the QR code, or in the Owner’s Guide.

The length of the power cord is approximately 30 inches.

Yes, the brewer has power cord storage in the back of the unit.

The reservoir holds 56 ounces of water.

The Ninja Smart Scoop holds approximately 1 tablespoon of grounds.

The brewer is 13.75 inches tall.

Water is metered to control the amount of water that is dispensed through the system to produce the optimal cup of coffee.

Markings are slightly above the amount of water needed so that the coffee machine doesn’t run out of water and can perform at its best. All brew styles use different amounts of water to create the proper flavor and concentration, so occasionally some water may remain in the reservoir.

This may be due to using finely ground coffee. To reduce the amount of sediment in the brewed coffee, use a slightly coarser grind.

Yes.

To download a PDF version of the user manual, please go to https://support.ninjakitchen.com. 

No, there is no clock on this brewer.

The adapter that is not in use can be stored in the adapter storage box located on the side of the unit.

When you take the coffee maker out of the box, the permanent filter is located in the storage compartment on the right side of the unit.