If you just bought a Ninja coffee maker (or you’re thinking about one), the “filter” question matters more than people expect. Filters affect taste, clean-up, and even whether your brewer runs smoothly or makes a messy overflow. For busy households—where you’re brewing a quick cup before work, making a full carafe for guests, or switching between hot and iced—knowing which filter your Ninja needs keeps your coffee consistent and your machine happier.
In most cases, yes—Ninja coffee makers need a filter when brewing ground coffee, but that doesn’t always mean you must buy paper filters. Many Ninja brewers include a reusable/permanent filter, and several models also allow a #4 paper cone filter as an alternative. The key rule is simple: brew grounds with one filter installed (paper or permanent), not both.
Does a Ninja coffee maker need filters?
When people ask this, they usually mean one of two things:
- A coffee grounds filter (paper or reusable) that sits in the brew basket
- A water filter (charcoal-style) that treats the water in the reservoir
Most Ninja “filter” questions are really about the brew basket filter—and that one is essential for brewing ground coffee.
What Ninja means by “filter” (grounds filter vs water filter)
A Ninja grounds filter is what keeps coffee grounds contained and helps water flow evenly through the bed of coffee. Ninja owner guides commonly instruct using either a #4 paper cone filter or a permanent filter when brewing grounds.
A water filter is different: it improves water taste by reducing chlorine/odor. Many Ninja drip-style machines simply recommend using filtered water, even if they don’t include a built-in water filtration cartridge.
The most important rule: grounds require a filter in the basket
If you’re brewing ground coffee, a filter belongs in the brew basket—paper or permanent depending on your setup. Ninja instructions for several lines (Specialty, Programmable, DualBrew-style systems) repeatedly point back to the same idea: insert the permanent filter or a #4 paper filter before brewing.
“Then insert a #4 paper filter or the permanent filter in the brew basket…”
Do Ninja coffee makers come with a filter?
Many popular Ninja models ship with a reusable/permanent filter (often described as a “gold-tone” filter). For example, Ninja’s CM401 documentation and support material repeatedly refers to using and cleaning the permanent filter, and SharkNinja also sells replacement permanent filters as parts.
That means most owners don’t need to buy paper filters on day one—unless they prefer the taste/clarity paper can provide.
Paper filter vs Permanent filter: Which is better for Ninja?
Both work—your best choice depends on how you like your coffee, and how much cleanup you’re willing to do.
When a paper filter makes sense
Paper filters are great when you want a cleaner cup with less sediment—especially if you grind finer than recommended.
Paper-filter advantages
- Cleaner mouthfeel (less silt/sediment)
- Easy cleanup (lift and toss)
- Often helps reduce “muddy” cups if you’re using finer grinds
Ninja support content for the CM401 notes that if you’re seeing sediment with the permanent filter (often from fine grind), switching to a paper filter can help.
When the permanent (reusable) filter is the better pick
A permanent filter is ideal if you want convenience and less waste.
Permanent-filter advantages
- No ongoing paper filter purchases
- Less waste
- Can produce a fuller body because more natural oils pass through
SharkNinja’s own part description explains that the reusable “Coffee Permanent Filter” helps preserve natural coffee oils and small particles for a more robust flavor (closer to what some people enjoy in French press-style coffee).
Can you use both a paper filter and the permanent filter?
No—don’t double-stack. Ninja support info warns that using paper + permanent together can lead to clogging and water backing up in the basket.
What paper filter size do Ninja coffee makers use?
For many Ninja brewers, the common match is a #4 paper cone filter. CM401 guidance explicitly recommends a #4 paper cone filter and includes tips on folding and seating it properly.
Quick “seat it right” checklist (prevents overflow)
- Fold along the seams
- Open fully
- Press firmly into the holder/basket so it’s fully seated
Quick comparison table: paper vs permanent Ninja filters
| Feature | Paper (#4 cone) | Permanent/Reusable |
|---|---|---|
| Taste & body | Cleaner, lighter body | Fuller body, more oils |
| Sediment | Usually less | Can be more with fine grinds |
| Cost over time | Ongoing purchases | One-time (replace occasionally) |
| Cleanup | Fast (discard) | Needs rinsing/washing |
| Eco impact | More waste | Less waste |
Practical tip: If your cup tastes “too heavy” or you’re seeing sludge, try paper. If you love a richer texture and want low waste, stick with the permanent filter.
Filters by Ninja model (Coffee Bar, Specialty, DualBrew, 12-cup)
Different Ninja lines use slightly different baskets/adapters, but the filter logic stays consistent.
Ninja Coffee Bar (CF090 series): paper or permanent
Ninja’s official CF090 FAQs instruct users to insert a #4 paper filter or the permanent filter in the brew basket.
Ninja Specialty (CM401): permanent included, paper optional
CM401 guidance covers both workflows—discard paper if used, or wash the permanent filter if used. It also states #4 paper cone as the paper option and warns against stacking paper with the permanent filter.
Ninja 12-cup Programmable (CE251): permanent or #4 paper
CE251 documentation references a gold-tone permanent filter and notes that when using paper, you should fold and seat it firmly—also referencing the option to place the permanent filter or a #4 paper filter in the holder.
Ninja DualBrew / Grounds & Pods: filter needed for grounds, adapter for pods
For DualBrew-style machines, you’re often switching between grounds and pods:
- Grounds mode: brew basket holds paper or permanent filter
- Pods mode: insert the Ninja Pod Adapter over the brew basket
This is a helpful way to remember it: grounds = filter, pods = pod adapter.
What happens if you brew without a filter?
If you skip the filter when brewing grounds, you’re likely to get:
- Grounds in your cup
- Overflowing mess in the brew basket
- Potential clogging and slow brew cycles
Ninja owner guidance for grounds brewing is explicit about using a paper or permanent filter in the basket.
Cleaning & maintenance: how to keep Ninja filters working well
A “dirty filter” is one of the most common reasons people complain that their coffee tastes off, brews too slowly, or drips strangely.
After each brew (simple routine)
CM401 guidance is straightforward:
- If you used paper, discard it
- If you used permanent, wash thoroughly (soap + warm water or top-rack dishwasher)
How often should you replace a permanent filter?
Reusable filters last a long time, but they aren’t immortal. Replace if:
- Mesh is damaged or misshapen
- You can’t remove old oils/odors even after deep cleaning
- Fit has loosened and you’re getting bypass/overflow
SharkNinja sells replacement permanent filters as parts, which is useful if yours gets lost or worn.
Do Ninja coffee makers have water filters?
Some shoppers expect a charcoal water filter built into the reservoir (common in some espresso machines and a few drip brewers). Many Ninja drip-style machines focus instead on recommending fresh, cool, filtered water for best taste—without requiring a built-in cartridge.
Best practice: if your tap water tastes “chemical” or leaves scale, use filtered water (pitcher filter, fridge filter, or an under-sink filter). Your coffee will taste better and your machine will typically need descaling less often.
FAQs
1) Do Ninja coffee makers have filters?
Yes—most Ninja brewers use a brew basket filter for ground coffee, either a reusable permanent filter or a #4 paper filter.
2) Does a Ninja coffee maker have a filter included?
Many models include a reusable/permanent filter. If yours didn’t, you can use a #4 paper cone filter or purchase the matching permanent filter part.
3) Does the Ninja coffee pot need filters?
If you’re brewing ground coffee, yes—use a paper or permanent filter in the brew basket to prevent grounds and overflow.
4) Does Ninja coffee maker need paper filter?
Not necessarily. You can usually brew with the permanent filter. Paper (#4 cone) is optional if you want a cleaner cup or less sediment.
5) What paper filters fit Ninja coffee makers?
Many Ninja models use a #4 paper cone filter. Seating it properly (fold, open fully, press firmly) helps prevent overflow.
6) Do Ninja coffee makers have water filters?
Some systems may offer accessories, but many Ninja drip-style brewers mainly recommend using filtered water rather than relying on a built-in cartridge.
7) Does the Ninja Specialty coffee maker need filters (CM401)?
Yes. CM401 supports both: use the included permanent filter or a #4 paper cone filter (but don’t stack both).
8) Does Ninja Hot and Iced coffee maker need filters?
Yes for grounds brewing—use a paper or permanent filter in the brew basket. (Exact parts vary by model, but the brew-basket filter rule stays the same.)
9) Does Ninja coffee maker use filters when brewing pods?
DualBrew-style machines use a pod adapter for pods; the brew basket holds paper/permanent filters when brewing grounds.
10) Does the Ninja 12-cup coffee maker need filters?
Yes. Models like the CE251 reference a permanent “gold-tone” filter and also allow a #4 paper filter option.
So—does a Ninja coffee maker need filters? In almost every case, yes for ground coffee, but that usually means you need a filter in the brew basket, not necessarily paper filters. Most owners can start with the included permanent filter, switch to #4 paper cone filters when they want a cleaner cup, and avoid using both at once to prevent clogging.
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