Ninja CS960A User manual

®
CS960A
OWNER’S GUIDE
Cooking System with
Auto-iQ™
ninjakitchen.com
1-877-646-5288

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1-877-646-5288
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
For Household Use Only
WHEN USING ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES, BASIC SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS
BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE
FOLLOWING:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING YOUR NINJA®COOKING SYSTEM
WITH AUTO-iQ™.
POLARIZED PLUG
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock, this appliance has a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other). This plug will fit into a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet. DO
NOT modify the plug in any way.
WARNING: Extension cords are
not recommended for use with this
product.
2Read all instructions prior to using the appliance and
its accessories.
3DO NOT allow young children to operate this
appliance or use as a toy. Close supervision
is necessary when any appliance is used near
children.
4To protect against electrical shock, DO NOT
submerge the unit or allow the power cord to come
into contact with water or any other liquid. If the
unit falls into liquid, unplug the power cord from
the electrical outlet immediately. DO NOT reach
into the liquid.
5Please note that the appliance will become hot
during use. DO NOT touch hot surfaces; ALWAYS
use the side handles on the cooking system to
relocate. ALWAYS use oven mitts or pot holders
when removing the pot.
6Remove the power cord from the electrical
outlet when not in use, before assembling or
disassembling parts, and before cleaning. To
unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the electrical
outlet. NEVER pull from the power cord. Allow the
appliance to cool before adding or removing parts.
7DO NOT abuse the power cord. NEVER carry
the appliance by the power cord or yank it to
disconnect from electrical outlet; instead grasp the
plug and pull to disconnect.
8DO NOT operate any appliance with a damaged
cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions,
or has been dropped or damaged in any manner.
Return the appliance to SharkNinja Operating LLC
for examination, repair, or adjustment.
9Please refer to the Cleaning & Maintenance section
for regular maintenance of the appliance. Return
the appliance to SharkNinja Operating LLC for any
other servicing.
10 DO NOT let the power cord touch hot surfaces
such as the stove.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, serious
injury, death, or damage when using this appliance,
follow these basic safety precautions.
1CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, cook only in the pot provided or in a
container recommended by SharkNinja placed
in the provided pot. DO NOT use the appliance
without the removable cooking pot inside.

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11 ALWAYS use the appliance on a dry, level surface.
12 Extreme caution must be used when moving
an appliance containing hot oil or other hot
liquids. ALWAYS use oven mitts or pot holders
when moving the cooking system. Allow hot
oil to cool prior to removal or cleaning the
appliance.
13 To avoid possible steam damage, place the
cooking system away from walls and cabinets
during use.
14 When using this appliance, provide adequate air
space above and on all sides for air circulation. On
surfaces where heat may cause a problem, use of
an insulated heat pad or trivet is recommended.
15 Use extreme caution when removing the lid
after cooking. Serious burns can result from
the steam inside. ALWAYS lift and tilt the lid
away from you when removing, using care
to ensure water does not drip back into the
appliance.
16 DO NOT use outdoors or anywhere the cord or unit
housing might come into contact with water while
in use.
17 DO NOT use the appliance for anything other than
its intended use.
18 DO NOT obstruct the steam release vent during
use.
19 ALWAYS position the steam vent hole in the lid
away from you.
20 DO NOT place or operate this appliance on or near
any hot surfaces (such as a gas or electric burner
or stove or in a heated oven).
21 The use of attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer may result in
fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
22 DO NOT use this appliance for deep frying.
23 To disconnect, press the Power button to turn the
appliance off, then remove the plug from the wall
outlet.
24 This appliance has a cutoff switch that will not
allow the appliance to heat if the cooking pot is
not inserted into the housing or removed while
cooking.
25 DO NOT use an extension cord. A short power-supply
cord is used to reduce the risk of children grabbing
the cord or becoming entangled in it, and to reduce
the risk of people tripping over a longer cord.
26 To avoid the possibility of the cooking system
accidentally being pulled off the countertop or
tabletop, which could result in damage to the
cooking system or personal injury, DO NOT let the
power cord hang over the edge of the counter or
table.
27 Leaving food out too long at room temperature
can cause bacteria to grow to dangerous levels
that can cause illnesses. In the event of a loss of
power, an error message will display on the unit.
It is recommended to dispose of any food that has
been at room temperature for more than one hour.
28 Outlet voltages can vary affecting the performance
of your product. To prevent possible illness, use a
thermometer to check that your food is cooked to
the temperatures recommended by the Food and
Drug Administration.
29 THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR HOUSEHOLD
USE ONLY. DO NOT use this appliance for anything
other than its intended use. DO NOT use outdoors.
30 Intended for countertop use only.
31 WARNING. Spilled food can cause serious burns.
Keep appliance and cord away from children.
NEVER drape cord over edge of counter, NEVER
use with an extension cord.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

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TIP: You can find
the model and serial
numbers on the QR
code label which is
located on the back
of the unit by the
power cord.
RECORD THIS INFORMATION
Model Number: ��������������������������������������
Serial Number: ��������������������������������������
Date of Purchase (Keep receipt): �����������������������
Store of Purchase: �����������������������������������
REGISTER YOUR PURCHASE
registeryourninja.com
1-877-646-5288
Scan QR code using mobile device
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
These instructions are designed to help youget a complete
understanding of your new Ninja®Cooking System with Auto-iQ™.
If you have any questions, please call our customer service line
at 1-877-646-5288.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage: 120V, 60Hz
Watts: 1200W

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Contents
Getting to Know Your Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ ................................................................... 5
Getting to Know the Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ Control Panel ................................................. 7
Preparing to Use the Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ ................................................................... 8
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Auto-iQ Programs .................................................................. 9
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Manual Functions ................................................................ 10
Steaming Chart.............................................................................................................................. 13
Hints & Tips .................................................................................................................................. 14
Troubleshooting Guide.................................................................................................................... 14
Cleaning & Maintenance................................................................................................................. 15
Replacement Parts......................................................................................................................... 15
Warranty & Registration...................................................................................................18
Thank you for
purchasing the Ninja®
Cooking System with
Auto-iQ™.

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Getting To Know Your Ninja®Cooking System with Auto-iQ™
eControl Panel
fMulti-Purpose Pan
gPower Cord (not shown)
aGlass Lid
bSteaming/Roasting Rack
c6-Quart Cooking Pot
dMain Housing
a
b
e
d
c
f

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The Ninja®Cooking System with Auto-iQ™offers a revolutionary new way to cook your foods faster and easier. Easy 1-2-3 electronic
controls make preparing meals fun and easy.
FEATURES:
• Auto-iQ Recipes:
• Quick Meals
• Layered Bowls
• Grains
• Poached Infusions
• Multi-Functional Cooking:
• ACCUTEMP Slow Cook: Warm, Low, High
• Steam
• Bake: Dry, Steam (250°F–425°F)
• Stove Top: Low, High
• Stay Warm
• Digital Temperature/Time Controls
• Stainless Steel Steaming/Roasting Rack
• Multi-Purpose Pan
• Auto Shutoff

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Getting to Know the Ninja® Cooking System with Auto-iQ™ Control Panel
4 Auto-iQ Programs
The included cookbook contains Auto-iQ recipes and charts to
make cooking fun and easy.
Auto-iQ Quick Meals: Meals designed for busy people—
simply choose a recipe from your cookbook, add the
ingredients in the order listed, and dial in the recipe number.
Return to a cooked meal in 30 minutes or less.
Auto-iQ Layered Bowls: Meals that build in layered flavors.
Once you choose a recipe from your cookbook, saute and
sizzle the first batch of ingredients using the Stove Top
function. Then add the second batch of ingredients and dial
in the recipe number.
Auto-iQ Grains: Programs that deliver perfectly cooked
grains in small or large batches—just follow the chart in
your cookbook for amounts and program numbers.
Auto-iQ Poached Infusions: Programs that enable you to
flawlessly poach eggs, fish, chicken, fruit, and more—you
can even make homemade stock. Simply follow the chart
in your cookbook for ingredient amounts and program
numbers.
4 Manual Functions
ACCUTEMP Slow Cook: Provides worry-free
temperature control so you can slow cook with confidence.
Just select the time and temperature (Warm, Low, or High),
and let the cooking system do the work.
NOTE: Use the Warm setting to keep food warm from
30 minutes to 12 hours. Use the Slow Cook Warm setting
ONLY to keep already-hot, fully cooked food warm. DO NOT
attempt to cook cold or room-temperature ingredients on the
Slow Cook Warm setting.
Steam: Use this function with the steaming/roasting rack
to steam vegetables, fish, and more.
Bake: Your cooking system can be used as a versatile
oven with a controllable range of temperatures you set from
250°F to 425°F. Use Dry Bake as a regular oven for roasts
and more. Use Steam Bake for desserts and delicate treats.
Stove Top: Use the cooking system just as you would a
stove top to sear, saute, simmer, and brown ingredients.
Auto-iQ Recipes Display Screen:
This display screen will display the Auto-iQ recipe number
while in cooking mode.
TEMP/TIME Display Screen
This screen displays the countdown timer for the ACCUTEMP
SLOW COOK, BAKE, and STEAM modes. It also displays the
temperature setting for the Bake mode. For Auto-iQ Quick
Meals and Layered Bowls, it will display the countdown timer.
For Auto-iQ Recipes Grains it will display “On”. A countdown
timer will begin as soon as there is 5 minutes left in the
program. For Auto-iQ Recipes Poached Infusions, it will
display “P” indicating the unit is pre-heating.
TEMP or TIME Button
Use the TEMP or TIME button to toggle between the
temperature and time. Temperature can be set only in Bake
mode. Time can be set in ACCUTEMP Slow Cook, Bake, and
Steam modes (but not in Stove Top mode).
Adjustment Knob
Use the adjustment knob to set the countdown timer in Slow
Cook, Steam, and Bake modes, and set the temperature
in Bake mode. Also use this dial to select Auto-iQ recipe
numbers.
START/STOP
For the unit to start cooking, press the Start/Stop button
located on the adjustment knob after you have selected your
desired Auto-iQ recipe number. Once you have chosen a
manual function, after 3 seconds the unit will automatically
begin cooking.
STAY WARM Light
The cooking system will go into auto-warming mode when
the cooking time in Slow Cook, Bake, Steam, and all Auto-iQ
modes is over.

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Preparing to Use the Ninja® Cooking System with Auto-iQ™
Before using the cooking system for the first time:
1 Review ALL warning and caution statements on pages 1 and 2 before proceeding to Step 2.
2Carefully remove all the parts from the box. Wash the cooking pot, glass lid, multi-purpose pan, and steaming/roasting rack, with
warm, soapy water. The cooking pot, steaming/roasting rack, and lid may also be washed in the dishwasher. The multi-purpose pan IS
NOT dishwasher safe.
DO NOT place the main housing in water or in the dishwasher. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
3When ready to use, place the cooking pot inside the main housing. NEVER use the cooking system without the cooking pot
inserted into the housing.
4Plug the unit into a wall outlet, the power button will illuminate. If you do not press the Power button, it will go into idle mode after 5
minutes.
5Press the Power button to turn on the unit. The Temp/Time display will show 0:00.
6The Temp/Time display will continue to show 0:00 until you select an Auto-iQ program or a manual function. Read on for step-by-
step instructions for using each Auto-iQ program and manual function.
7Follow recipe instructions in your cookbook on placement of the mult-purpose pan inside the cooking pot. DO NOT place it directly
into the main housing.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Auto-iQ™Programs
Auto-iQ Recipes:
Please reference your cookbook for detailed ingredients, directions, and
recipe numbers. Place the cooking pot into the main housing of the unit.
Then plug in the unit and turn it on.
• Quick Meals
1 Place the cooking pot into the unit’s main housing. Plug in the
unit and press the Power button to turn it on.
2 Choose a Quick Meals recipe from the included cookbook and
add your ingredients to the cooking pot.
3 Press the QUICK MEALS button.
4Turn adjustment knob to select the Auto-iQ recipe number.
5Once you have selected the recipe number, press START/STOP
to start the cooking time.
• Layered Bowls
1 Place the cooking pot into the unit’s main housing. Plug in the
unit and press the Power button to turn it on.
2Choose a Layered Bowls recipe from the included cookbook.
3Follow the Stove Top directions in the recipe to saute and
brown the first batch of ingredients.
NOTE: See the following page for detailed instructions on using
the Stove Top function.
4Add the remaining ingredients.
5Press the LAYERED BOWLS button.
6Turn the adjustment knob to select the Auto-iQ recipe number.
7Once you have selected the recipe number, press START/STOP
to start the cooking time.
• Grains
1 Place the cooking pot into the unit’s main housing. Plug in the
unit and press the Power button to turn it on.
2Choose the type and amount of grains from the Grains Chart in
the cookbook.
3Place ingredients in the pot according to the directions on the
Grains Chart in your cookbook.
WARNING: Place the vent hole on the lid facing away from you.
WARNING: Use oven mitts when moving the unit, opening the lid, and inserting or removing food.
NOTE: For all Auto-iQ programs, when the countdown timer reaches zero, the unit will beep 3 times and then switch to Stay Warm for up to 12
hours. Alternately, you can press the START/STOP button to stop cooking prior to the end of your set program (the unit will NOT switch to Stay
Warm in this case). If you press the START/STOP button accidentally, you can press it again within 5 seconds to resume the set program time.
NOTE: For all Auto-iQ programs, when you are ready to turn off the unit, press the Power button. The Temp/Time display will show the word OFF. If
you accidentally press the Power button, you can press it again within 5 seconds to resume all prior settings.
4Press the GRAINS button.
5Turn the adjustment knob to select the program number listed
in your cookbook.
6Once you have selected the recipe number, press START/STOP
to start the cooking time.
7 The TIME/TEMP Display screen will display “On”. A countdown
timer will begin as soon as there is 5 minutes left in the Grains
program.
• Poached Infusions
1 Place the cooking pot into the unit’s main housing. Plug in the
unit and press the Power button to turn it on.
2Choose your desired ingredients from the Poached Infusions
Section in the cookbook.
3Before placing ingredients inside the pot, please refer to the
directions on the Poached Infusions Chart in the cookbook.
4Press the POACHED INFUSIONS button.
5Turn the adjustment knob to select the program number listed
in the Poached Infusions in your cookbook.
6Once you have selected the recipe number, press START/STOP.
7For some select Auto-iQ Recipes Poached Infusions, it will
display “P” indicating the unit is pre-heating. Please refer to
the cookbook on exact instructions.
8As soon as the program is preheated, the unit will beep three
times and display “Add”.
9Add your ingredients to poach, and press the flashing Start/
Stop button.
Stay Warm and Auto-iQ Auto Shutoff for Auto-iQ
Programs:
As a safety feature, the unit will automatically shut off based on the
setting that has been selected.
When in any of the Auto-iQ modes, at the end of the cooking cycle the
unit will automatically switch to Stay Warm for 12 hours. At the end of
the 12 hours, the unit will automatically shut off.