To use a Ninja single-serve coffee maker, first match the instructions to your machine’s model number. For the PB040/050 series, prime the brewer with a water-only cycle, then use the Pod Adapter for pods or the Permanent Filter for grounds. Choose a brew style and size, place a cup under the nozzle, and press Brew. The built-in frother makes foam but does not heat milk.
Check your model before brewing
The steps below are based on SharkNinja’s PB040/050 Series Owner’s Guide. SharkNinja’s product listing identifies the PB051 as a brewer for grounds and pods with four brew styles and a fold-away frother. These are different model identifiers, and supplied accessories or available settings can vary. Find the model number on the back of your machine and use the guide for that exact model before following model-specific directions.
The PB040/050 guide specifies a 56-ounce water reservoir; SharkNinja also lists a removable 56-ounce reservoir for the PB051. See the PB040/050 Series Owner’s Guide and the PB051 product listing for their respective details.
Prepare the machine for first use
- Wash the removable accessories before brewing.
- Fill the reservoir with cool or room-temperature fresh water to at least the 24-ounce line. Do not use hot or boiling water in the reservoir.
- Place the brew basket and Permanent Filter in the machine, but do not add coffee.
- Set a cup or travel mug that holds at least 24 ounces beneath the nozzle.
- Select a 24-ounce Classic brew and press Brew. Discard the water when the cycle finishes.
Choose pods or ground coffee
The insert setup depends on the coffee format. Do not put grounds directly into the basket without the Permanent Filter, and do not try to force a pod that does not fit.
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- QUALITY COFFEE: This one cup coffee maker delivers single-serve convenience without sacrificing delicious, full-bodied, flavorful brewing. Designed with our patented Thermal Flavor Extraction system for consistent temperature, even saturation, and calibrated brewing cycles.
- EASY TO USE: Compatible with both pods and grounds, this single cup coffee maker features intuitive, versatile controls to easily brew the exact cup you're looking for. Choose from 4 different brew styles and multiple cup sizes.
- ICED COFFEE MAKER: Features 4 brew styles, including Over Ice, perfect for a refreshing cold brew on a hot summer day. Classic, Rich, and Specialty offer versatile choices ranging from medium to bold and concentrated.
- MILK FROTHER: Use the Specialty brew style to create a rich coffee concentrate, then add creamy frothed milk for cafe-style lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, and more. The built-in milk frother easily folds away for a convenient, space-saving profile.
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Brew cups anywhere from 6 to 24 oz. Adjustable drip tray easily fits travel mugs for busy commuters. 56 oz removable reservoir delivers simple and mess-free refilling. Comes with built-in frother, Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, and permanent filter.
To brew a pod
- Open the machine and confirm the brew basket and Ninja Pod Adapter are installed with their handles aligned.
- Place a suitable, undamaged pod in the adapter. Do not remove the pod’s top. Reusable K-Cup filters are not compatible with the Ninja Pod Adapter.
- Put an empty cup under the nozzle, then close the lid firmly until it clicks and pierces the pod.
- Choose a brew style and size available on your model, then press Brew.
The PB040/050 guide includes a high-altitude instruction for K-Cup pods: before closing the lid, carefully press the pod’s bottom until the exit needle punctures it and the pod is fully seated. Follow the guide for your exact model.
To brew ground coffee
- Remove the Ninja Pod Adapter.
- Fit the Permanent Filter into the brew basket and add grounds according to the measurement chart in your model’s guide.
- Close the filter lid and machine lid, then set a cup beneath the nozzle.
- Select an available brew style and size, and press Brew.
Do not exceed the guide’s coffee measurements or use fine or espresso grounds. A brief pause during a brewing cycle can be part of the normal process described in the PB040/050 guide.
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- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small footprint.
- 3 BREW STYLES: Select Classic, Rich, or Over Ice for your grounds or coffee pods.
- ULTIMATE BREW VERSATILITY: Brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz. pod brew or choose from a 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or 24-oz. grounds brew. Brew more drink options vs. a leading single-serve coffee maker.
- COMPACT DESIGN AND STORAGE: Sleek, compact design takes up little countertop space, with a storage drawer for the brew basket or permanent filter when not in use.
- ICED COFFEE: Brew fresh coffee over ice for a flavorful cup or travel mug that is never diluted.
Choose the brew style for your drink
| Style | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Classic | A smooth, balanced brew. |
| Rich | A more intense brew that the guide recommends when adding milk, cream, or flavoring. |
| Over Ice | A concentrated brew intended for a cup filled to the top with ice. |
| Specialty | An approximately four-ounce concentrated brew for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. |
Style availability depends on the model. SharkNinja lists all four styles for PB051; check your machine’s guide rather than assuming every model has the same options. Choose based on the drink you want, since the guides do not establish that one style tastes best for everyone.
Froth milk
- Fill a cup about one-third full with milk. For cold froth, continue without heating it.
- For hot froth, heat the milk separately. The PB040/050 guide suggests microwaving it for 45–60 seconds.
- Swing the frother arm forward and twist the whisk into place.
- Hold the cup beneath the frother with the whisk just below the surface of the milk.
- Press and hold the frother button for 30–45 seconds. Keep clear of the top of the machine while frothing.
- Twist off the whisk after use and clean it.
The integrated frother does not heat milk; the heating step is separate from frothing.
Rank #3
- QUALITY COFFEE: This one cup coffee maker delivers single-serve convenience without sacrificing delicious, full-bodied, flavorful brewing. Designed with our patented Thermal Flavor Extraction system for consistent temperature, even saturation, and calibrated brewing cycles.
- EASY TO USE: Compatible with both pods and grounds, this single cup coffee maker features intuitive, one-touch controls to easily brew the exact cup you're looking for. Choose from 4 different brew types and multiple cup sizes.
- ICED COFFEE MAKER: Features 4 brew styles, including Over Ice, perfect for a refreshing cold brew on a hot summer day. Classic, Rich, and Specialty offer versatile choices ranging from medium to bold and concentrated.
- MILK FROTHER: Use the Specialty brew style to create a rich coffee concentrate, then add creamy frothed milk for cafe-style lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, and more. The built-in milk frother easily folds away for a convenient, space-saving profile.
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Brew cups anywhere from 6 to 24 oz. Adjustable drip tray easily fits travel mugs for busy commuters. 56 oz removable reservoir delivers simple and mess-free refilling. Comes with built-in frother, Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, and permanent filter.
Clean the accessories and descale when prompted
- Clean the frother whisk after every use.
- Wash the brew basket and Pod Adapter with warm, soapy water. Clean the adapter needle if coffee residue is present.
- Check the removable nozzle periodically for coffee residue that could contribute to overflow.
When the clean-cycle indicator illuminates, the PB040/050 guide recommends descaling with white vinegar or a descaling solution used according to its product directions. The cycle takes approximately 75 minutes. Do not interrupt it if you are relying on it to complete descaling. Afterward, wash the reservoir and run a 24-ounce water-only Classic brew to flush the machine. Consult the correct model’s guide for its cleaning instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- QUALITY COFFEE: This one cup coffee maker delivers single-serve convenience without sacrificing delicious, full-bodied, flavorful brewing. Designed with our patented Thermal Flavor Extraction system for consistent temperature, even saturation, and calibrated brewing cycles.
- EASY TO USE: Compatible with both pods and grounds, this single cup coffee maker features intuitive, one-touch controls to easily brew the exact cup you're looking for. Choose from 4 different brew types and multiple cup sizes.
- ICED COFFEE MAKER: Features 4 brew styles, including Over Ice, perfect for a refreshing cold brew on a hot summer day. Classic, Rich, and Specialty offer versatile choices ranging from medium to bold and concentrated.
- MILK FROTHER: Use the Specialty brew style to create a rich coffee concentrate, then add creamy frothed milk for cafe-style lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, and more. The built-in milk frother easily folds away for a convenient, space-saving profile.
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Brew cups anywhere from 6 to 24 oz. Adjustable drip tray easily fits travel mugs for busy commuters. 56 oz removable reservoir delivers simple and mess-free refilling. Comes with built-in frother, Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, and permanent filter.
Rank #4
- QUALITY COFFEE: This one cup coffee maker delivers single-serve convenience without sacrificing delicious, full-bodied, flavorful brewing. Designed with our patented Thermal Flavor Extraction system for consistent temperature, even saturation, and calibrated brewing cycles.
- EASY TO USE: Compatible with both pods and grounds, this single cup coffee maker features intuitive, one-touch controls to easily brew the exact cup you're looking for. Choose from 3 different brew types and multiple cup sizes.
- ICED COFFEE MAKER: Features 3 brew styles, including Over Ice, perfect for a refreshing cold brew on a hot summer day. Classic and Rich offer versatile choices ranging from medium to bold brews.
- COMPACT CONVENIENCE: Countertops are valuable real estate, and this single-serve coffee maker features a sleek, minimalist design that doesn't take up space. With a storage drawer that holds the brew basket or permanent filter when not in use.
- DESIGNED FOR CONVENIENCE: Brew cups anywhere from 6 to 24 oz. Adjustable drip tray easily fits travel mugs for busy commuters. 56 oz removable reservoir delivers simple and mess-free refilling. Comes with a Ninja Scoop, removable brew basket, Ninja pod adapter, and permanent filter.
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