The first time I learned how to use Ninja Coffee Maker Dual Brew, I felt excited but also a little lost. It looked simple, yet there were buttons, brew choices, and even a clock to set. Soon I found that once you know how to set clock on Ninja Coffee Maker and when to pick Rich vs Classic, it gets easy.
Now I use it every day, and I can even fix small things like the water closed symbol reset without stress. In this guide, I’ll share clear Ninja Coffee Maker instructions, my own tips, and the tricks I wish I knew on day one. Let’s brew better coffee together.
Getting Started with Your Ninja Dual Brew Coffee Maker
Unboxing and Setup
When I first opened the box, I felt like I was unwrapping a smart little coffee station. You’ll get the Ninja Dual Brew machine, a 12-cup glass carafe, a removable water tank, the pod adapter for single-serve brewing, a Ninja scoop, and a quick-start guide. Everything is snug in the box and easy to set up. The Ninja Dual Brew box includes the coffee maker, carafe, water reservoir, pod adapter, scoop, and user manual.
I placed mine on a flat part of my kitchen counter, close to an outlet. Make sure there’s space above to open the lid of the reservoir fully. Then I slid in the water tank, filled it with clean water, and plugged it in. Place your Ninja Dual Brew on a level surface, fill the reservoir, and plug it in to begin setup.
Now, don’t skip the cleaning cycle before you brew. Just add water to the reservoir, place the carafe under the spout, and press the “Clean” button. It runs a quick rinse to clear out any dust or oils from the factory. I learned this the hard way—my first cup tasted weird until I cleaned it properly. Run a clean cycle before first use to remove any factory residue and improve coffee taste.
How to Set the Clock on Ninja Coffee Maker
Setting the time is simple but easy to miss. Just press the “Clock” button once, and the time will start blinking. Use the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons to set your current time. Once done, press “Clock” again to lock it in. That’s it! I expected it to auto-set like my phone, but it’s manual—and honestly, it only takes a few seconds. To set the clock, press “Clock,” adjust the hour and minute, then press “Clock” again to confirm.
Why set the clock, though? Here’s why: it unlocks one of the best features—the delay brew option. That means you can prep your coffee at night and wake up to a full pot waiting.
Setting the clock lets you use the delay brew feature to have coffee ready when you wake up.
If you’re using the Ninja Dual Brew Pro, the process is nearly the same. You still press the Clock” button, use the arrows to set the hour and minute, and hit “Clock” again. The only real difference is the display design. On the Ninja Dual Brew Pro, set the clock by pressing “Clock,” adjusting time, and confirming—it’s just as easy.
Brewing Basics – Ground Coffee and Pods
Brewing with Ground Coffee
Let’s start with ground coffee. First, lift the lid and open the brew basket. Put in a paper filter. Then scoop in your coffee. Use a flat, even scoop—not too full. A medium grind works best. I once used a fine grind by mistake. It overflowed and made a mess! Use a paper filter and medium-ground coffee for best results.
Now pick your brew type. Classic is light and smooth. Rich is bold and full. I use Classic when I drink coffee black. I choose Rich when I add milk or ice. Classic brew is smooth. Rich brew is stronger and better for milk or iced drinks.
You can also pick your size. Turn the dial for a cup, travel mug, or carafe. I use the carafe on weekends when I make coffee for my family. On weekdays, I grab a quick cup or fill my mug to go. You can brew a single cup, travel mug, or full carafe with the Ninja.
Brewing with Pods (Single-Serve Option)
Pods are great when you’re in a rush. First, take out the ground coffee basket. Put in the pod adapter. Open the lid, drop in a K-Cup, and close it tight. It will click when it’s in place. To brew with a pod, insert the adapter, place the K-Cup inside, and close the lid.
Next, turn the dial to pick your size. Smaller sizes taste stronger. Bigger cups taste smoother. I like 8 oz for a good balance. If I need a big boost, I go for 6 oz. Choose a smaller size for stronger taste. Larger sizes give a lighter cup.
Ground coffee has more flavor. But some pods still taste great. I use the Rich setting for flavored pods like vanilla or caramel. That extra strength brings out the taste. Ground coffee gives better flavor, but flavored pods work well on Rich mode.
Rich vs Classic Brew: What You Need to Know
When I first saw the “Classic” and “Rich” brew buttons, I had no clue what they meant. I thought Rich might mean “espresso-style” or “extra strong.” Turns out, both brews use the same amount of coffee, but the Rich setting slows the brew down. This gives your cup a deeper, bolder flavor. Classic brew is lighter and smooth. Rich brew is stronger and more full-bodied.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help:
| Feature | Classic Brew | Rich Brew |
| Strength | Light to medium | Medium to strong |
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, clean, easy to drink | Bolder, deeper, richer |
| Brew Time | Slightly faster | Slower for fuller flavor |
| Best For | Black coffee, light roasts | Milk-based drinks, iced coffee |
| My Go-To | Weekday mornings (quick + light) | Weekends or when I want bold flavor |
I usually go for Classic during the week. It’s quick and smooth—perfect when I’m half-awake and just need coffee fast. But on slow mornings or when I’m craving something stronger, Rich brew hits the spot. I also use Rich for flavored creamers or when I’m pouring over ice. Use Classic for speed and a light taste. Use Rich when you want a bold, full cup. Both settings work great. It’s all about what you like and how you plan to drink your toastmaster coffee maker.
Delay Brew Setup
Delay Brew is one of my favorite things about this machine. You can set a time, go to sleep, and wake up to fresh coffee. I use it every morning before work.
To set it, press “Delay Brew.” Then use the hour and minute buttons to choose the time. Press “Start Brew” and you’re done. To use Delay Brew, press the button, pick your time, and press Start Brew.
Make sure your clock is correct. If not, your coffee might brew at the wrong time. That happened to me once—it brewed at 3 a.m.! The delay brew needs the clock to be set right to work properly.
Specialty and Over Ice Modes
Want to change things up? Try Specialty or Over Ice. These buttons make bold coffee in small amounts. It tastes strong but smooth.
I use Specialty mode for drinks with milk. It’s great for quick lattes or iced coffee. Specialty mode makes strong coffee for milk drinks or lattes.
Over Ice brews hot coffee right over ice. It’s stronger than a regular cup so it won’t taste weak. Over Ice brews bold coffee that stays strong, even with ice.
Here’s my favorite iced coffee recipe:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Brew 6 oz on Over Ice with Rich mode.
- Add a little brown sugar and oat milk.
- Stir and enjoy.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Ninja Coffee Maker Water Closed Symbol Reset
One morning, I pressed start—and nothing happened. The screen said “Water Closed,” and I had no clue what that meant. Turns out, the water reservoir wasn’t seated right. The “Water Closed” symbol means the water tank isn’t placed correctly.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Pull out the water tank.
- Refill it if it’s low.
- Place it back in until you hear a soft click.
- Restart the machine.
To reset the Water Closed warning, remove and reseat the water tank until it clicks in place.
This quick trick worked for me. Now I always double-check the tank before I brew. It saves time and avoids headaches.
Other Common Issues (and Quick Fixes)
Problem: Machine not brewing?
Check three things: Is the water tank full and seated? Is the pod lid closed tight? Is the coffee basket in the right spot?If the Ninja won’t brew, check the water tank, pod lid, and coffee basket placement.
Problem: Weak coffee?
Try using Rich brew. Or switch to a finer grind of coffee. Sometimes I forget and use a light roast—Rich mode really helps boost the taste. For stronger coffee, use Rich mode or a finer grind.
Problem: Clock not saving time?
If the time keeps resetting, unplug the machine for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Reset the clock like before. This worked for me after a power cut. To fix a clock that won’t save time, unplug the machine and reset the clock.
My Personal Routine with the Ninja Dual Brew
I’ll be honest—before getting the Ninja Dual Brew, I used a basic drip machine that did one thing: brew a full pot. It worked fine, but I was stuck with one flavor, one size, and zero control. That changed the moment I tried the Dual Brew.
Every night, I set it up for the next morning. I add fresh water, put in a paper filter, and scoop in my ground coffee. Then I use the Delay Brew button to set it for 6:45 a.m.
By the time I walk into the kitchen, my coffee is already hot and ready. It feels like a small gift I gave myself the night before.
For weekdays, I stick to Classic brew and make one or two cups. It’s fast, smooth, and just what I need to start the day. On weekends, I switch things up. I brew a full carafe on Rich mode, pair it with pancakes, and take my time.
What really won me over was the flexibility. I can brew into my travel mug when I’m rushing or serve a carafe when I have guests. That old machine? It’s now packed away. The Ninja Dual Brew does everything it did—and more.
FAQs
What is the difference between Rich and Classic brew?
Classic is smooth and light. Rich is stronger, with deeper flavor, perfect for milk or iced coffee.
How do I reset the water closed symbol?
Remove the water tank and place it back in until it clicks. Make sure it’s full and seated correctly.
Are Ninja Coffee Maker instructions the same for all models?
Most steps are similar, but some buttons and features may vary by model. Always check your manual for details.
Conclusion
Using the Ninja Dual Brew may seem tricky at first, but once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature. Whether you use grounds or pods, Classic or Rich, it’s made to fit your day—not the other way around.
For me, Rich brew has become my go-to. It gives my morning cup more flavor and works great with a splash of oat milk. But on busy days, I love how fast a pod can get the job done too.
