The Ninja DualBrew uses two different setups: fit the Ninja Pod Adapter for a K-Cup pod, or put measured grounds in a filtered brew basket and cover it with the Ninja Grounds Adapter. Don’t put loose grounds directly into the basket. Pod compatibility also has limits: Ninja says most K-Cup pods work with the CFP301, but reusable K-Cup filters do not.
How to brew ground coffee
- Open the lid and make sure the brew basket is installed.
- Put a #4 paper cone filter or compatible permanent filter in the basket. If using paper, fold and seat it fully.
- Measure the grounds with the Ninja Smart Scoop or the amount chart in the owner’s guide. Use level scoops and follow the serving-size guidance; the amount varies by brew size.
- Seat the Ninja Grounds Adapter over the basket, aligning it with the basket handle.
- Close the lid, select a grounds size and brew style, and start brewing using the controls for your specific model.
Ninja’s owner’s guide warns: “DO NOT place ground coffee directly in the brew basket without a filter.” A grind finer than recommended may cause the basket to overflow; using fewer scoops of decaffeinated coffee can also help prevent overflow.
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For the CFP301, Ninja lists nine grounds sizes, ranging from a small cup to a full carafe. Its guide recommends using the grounds setup—with a paper or permanent mesh filter—for single-serve ground coffee.
How to brew a K-Cup pod
- Install the Ninja Pod Adapter over the brew basket.
- Insert a compatible pod and select a pod size and brew style.
- Start the brew using the controls for your model.
Ninja says most K-Cup pods are compatible with the CFP301 and recommends Keurig-branded pods for best results. That does not mean every pod is guaranteed to work. Ninja also says reusable K-Cup filters are not compatible with the DualBrew. To brew loose coffee, use the filtered grounds setup instead.
#1 Best Overall
- FASTER BREWING: Single-serve coffee maker brews a coffee pod faster vs. Keurig K-Elite upon startup. Compatible with K-Cups, it's perfect for a busy lifestyle while delivering optimal flavor.
- 13-SIZE DUAL COFFEE MACHINE: Grounds and pods system with 5 grounds brew sizes (Sm, XL Cup, Travel, XL Travel Mug), 4 carafe brew sizes(¼, ½, ¾, Full Carafe), and 4 traditional pod brew sizes (6-12oz).
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Single-serve coffee maker brews a cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small footprint.
- 4 BREW STYLE CHOICES + TEA: Delivers optimal flavor for hot coffee, ice coffee, or tea. Select Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty for your favorite grounds or coffee pods, or water for tea.
- THERMAL FLAVOR EXTRACTION DUO: Delivers even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee, grounds or pods.
What changes between pod and grounds mode?
| Feature | K-Cup pod mode | Ground coffee mode |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee holder | Ninja Pod Adapter over the brew basket | Filter and measured grounds in the basket, with the Ninja Grounds Adapter seated over it |
| Coffee | Compatible single-serve pod | Ground coffee; grind and measured amount matter |
| CFP301 size choices | 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz | Nine choices, from small cup to full carafe |
| Filter rule | Ninja says reusable K-Cup filters are not compatible | Use a paper or permanent filter; don’t put grounds directly in the basket |
| Main caution | Ninja says most, not all, K-Cup pods are compatible | Too-fine grounds may overflow; follow the serving-size scoop guidance |
These sizes and compatibility details are for the CFP301, as listed on Ninja’s product page. Other DualBrew models may have different controls or options.
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“DualBrew” covers multiple models. Find the model number on your brewer and consult its matching guide; Ninja lists separate manuals for its DualBrew series and models. The steps above describe the general difference between pod and grounds setups, but the exact control sequence can vary.
Rank #2
- 2-IN-1 BREWING VERSATILITY: Unlock ultimate convenience by brewing with your favorite coffee grounds or pods.
- THERMAL FLAVOR EXTRACTION: Balanced, full flavor and perfect temperature with every brew. Enjoy flavorful, never bitter hot coffee and never watered down Over Ice and Cold Brew.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Enjoy Classic, Rich, Over Ice and Cold Brew.
- BREW SIZES: Brew grounds from single-serve cup to carafe or brew pods from 6oz to 12oz.
- RAPID COLD BREW: Brew a single-cup of smooth, slightly sweet cold brew in under 10 mins or a full carafe in under 20 mins. No more overnight steeping.
Ninja lists Pod Adapter part 142KKW300 and removable brew basket part 133KKW300 as compatible with CFP201, CFP250A, CFP300, CFP301, CFP305, CFP451CO, CFP451CCO, and CFP307. Check your brewer’s model number before ordering either replacement: Pod Adapter 142KKW300 and brew basket 133KKW300.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Ninja DualBrew CFP101 Grounds & Pods Hot & Iced Coffee Maker delivers Classic, Rich, and Over Ice brews from your favorite coffee grounds or coffee pods. Customize your brew with 9 grounds sizes from cup to carafe and 4 pod sizes from 6 to 12 oz.
- DUAL COFFEE MAKER: Grounds and pods coffee system with 9 grounds brew sizes (Small Cup, Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, XL Travel Mug, ¼ Carafe, ½ Carafe, ¾ Carafe, or Full Carafe) in addition to 4 traditional pod brew sizes (6, 8, 10, or 12 oz.)
- 3 BREW STYLE CHOICES: Select Classic, Rich, or Over Ice for your grounds or coffee pods.
- BOX INCLUDED: Ninja DualBrew Hot & Iced Coffee Maker | Paper Filter Kit | 12-Cup Glass Carafe | Ninja Pod Adapter | Ninja Smart Scoop Grounds adapter | Brew Basket | Limited Refurbished Warranty
- 2 Year Extended Warranty in Addition with 90 Day Manufacturer REFURBISHED Warranty
Rank #4
- BREW BY THE CUP OR CARAFE: Brews both K-Cup pods and coffee grounds.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Saturates the grounds evenly to extract full flavor and aroma in every cup, hot or cold.
- BREW OVER ICE: Adjusts temperature for maximum flavor and less ice melt for single-cup iced coffees and teas.
- STRONG BREW & EXTRA HOT FUNCTIONALITY: Brews a stronger, more intense-flavored cup and the extra hot feature brews a hotter single cup.
- MULTIPLE BREW SIZES: Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz single cups or 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafes. 12-cup glass carafe specially designed to limit dripping.
Rank #3
- FASTER BREWING: Single-serve coffee maker brews a coffee pod faster vs. Keurig K-Elite upon startup. Compatible with K-Cups, it's perfect for a busy lifestyle while delivering optimal flavor.
- PERMANENT FILTER: The permanent, reusable filter preserves natural coffee oils and small coffee particles to provide a robust flavor similar to a French press.
- 13-SIZE DUAL COFFEE MACHINE: Grounds and pods system with 5 grounds brew sizes (Sm, XL Cup, Travel, XL Travel Mug), 4 carafe sizes (¼, ½, ¾, Full Carafe), and 4 traditional pod brew sizes (6-12oz).
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Single-serve coffee maker brews a cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small footprint.
- 4 BREW STYLE CHOICES + TEA: Delivers optimal flavor for hot coffee, ice coffee, or tea. Select Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty for your favorite grounds or coffee pods, or water for tea.
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