Ninja TB400 vs TB401 My Genuine Take on Everyday Use

Choosing between the Ninja TB400 and TB401 comes down to control. Both are strong and reliable blenders. The TB401 adds more programs for purées, dough, and sauces.

I live in Dallas and often make big batches of salsa for family dinners. The TB401 handles those jobs more smoothly than the TB400.

From my use, both are worth the money. The choice depends on what you need. If you want simple and fast, the TB400 is enough. If you want more options and flexibility, the TB401 is better.

Let’s break them down so you can see which one fits your cooking style.

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Ninja TB400 Review

The Ninja TB400 is a strong blender that feels simple but powerful. I use it for smoothies in the morning and chopping onions for dinner. It has a lot of power and smart programs that make things easy. Still, like most machines, it has a few small issues you should know about before buying.

Ninja TB400 Price

What I Like

  • Powerful blending – Ice crushes fast, and frozen fruit turns smooth. My kids love the milkshakes I make in under a minute.
  • Smart programs – The BlendSense tech sets the time and speed. I just load the cup, press start, and it does the rest.
  • Food processor bowl – Works well for chopping veggies or making dough. I used it for pizza night, and it saved me lots of time.
  • Compact design – It fits on my counter without taking up space. I can slide it under the cabinets with no trouble.
  • Simple interface – The three-speed control is clear and easy. My wife avoids gadgets with too many buttons, but she likes this one.

What Could Be Better

  • Noise level – It’s loud. Early mornings, I wait on smoothies so I don’t wake the house.
  • Plastic parts – The pitcher and gears feel less solid than metal. Mine still works fine after months, but I handle it gently.
  • Limited control – There are only three speeds. I wish it had more for tasks like purées or salad dressings.
  • Cleaning quirks – The hollow handle can trap water in the dishwasher. A quick hand rinse works better.

Ninja TB400 at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Motor Power1200 watts (1700 peak)
Pitcher Size72 oz
Food Processor Bowl64 oz with dough + chopping blades
Single-Serve Cups2 cups, 24 oz each
ProgramsBlendSense™ + Chop
Control3 manual speeds (Low, Med, High)
BuildPlastic gears and pitcher
Size6.88 x 8.38 x 17.5 in, ~14 lbs

Recommendation

The Ninja TB400 is great for smoothie fans, small families, and busy people. It gives you power without stress. The controls are simple, and it handles daily blending with ease.

If you cook often and need more slicing, shredding, or speed control, the TB401 Pro may be a better pick.

For me, the TB400 has been a workhorse. I’ve made smoothies, salsa, and pizza dough with no problem. It’s not perfect, but it’s fast, easy, and reliable. If you want a strong blender at a fair price, the TB400 is a smart choice.

Ninja TB400 Price

Ninja TB401 Review

The Ninja TB401 is a strong blender made for daily use. I use it for smoothies in the morning, salsa on taco night, and even dough for pizza. It feels smooth, powerful, and more flexible than other blenders I’ve owned. It has a strong motor, simple controls, and smart programs for drinks and food prep.

Ninja TB401 Price

What I Like

  • Powerful motor – Ice crushes fast, and frozen fruit turns into smooth drinks. My kids love the milkshakes I make in under a minute.
  • More programs than the TB400 – I like the extra options. Purées and dressings are easier with less guesswork.
  • Large pitcher – The 72 oz jar is big enough for family drinks or soups. I’ve made smoothies for four people with no problem.
  • Food processor bowl – Great for chopping veggies or mixing dough. I used it for bread, and the texture came out even.
  • Single-serve cups – The 24 oz cups are handy in the morning. I just blend, twist on the lid, and take it to work.
  • Simple controls – Even with extra features, the buttons are clear. My wife avoids techy gadgets, but she uses this with no stress.

What Could Be Better

  • Noise level – It’s loud. I avoid using it early mornings so I don’t wake the house.
  • Plastic build – The pitcher and gears are not as strong as metal. Mine still works fine after months, but I handle it with care.
  • Size and weight – At about 15 lbs, it’s heavier than small blenders. Moving it around takes effort.
  • Cleaning quirks – The pitcher cleans fast, but the handle traps water in the dishwasher. Hand washing works better.

Ninja TB401 at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Motor Power1200 watts (1700 peak)
Pitcher Size72 oz
Food Processor Bowl64 oz with dough + chopping blades
Single-Serve CupsTwo 24 oz cups with lids
ProgramsBlendSense™, Chop, Purée, Dough
Control3 speeds + smart programs
BuildPlastic pitcher + gears
Size & Weight7.1 x 8.4 x 17.6 in, ~15 lbs

Recommendation

The Ninja TB401 is a good choice for small or medium families, smoothie fans, and home cooks. It has more options than the TB400, which helps for purées and dough.

If you only want simple smoothies and shakes, the TB400 may be enough. But if you cook often and like more control, the TB401 is smarter. For me, it has been a reliable tool—fast, flexible, and easy to use once you learn the programs.

Ninja TB401 Price

Ninja TB400 vs TB401: Details Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja TB400 and TB401 in my kitchen. At first, they look almost the same. But in daily use, the small differences matter. Here’s how they compare.

Blending Power: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both have strong motors. The TB401 feels more steady with frozen fruit and purées. The TB400 crushes ice fast but sometimes leaves small chunks.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Motor Power1200 watts (1700 peak)1200 watts (1700 peak)
Ice CrushingFast, sometimes unevenFast, smoother finish
Frozen FruitSmooth but needs more timeSmooth with fewer chunks

Rating: TB400 – 8/10, TB401 – 9/10

Blade Quality: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both have strong blades. The TB401 works better for purées and dough. I made salsa in both, and the TB401 gave a finer chop.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Blade DesignGood for smoothiesBetter for purées and dough
DurabilityHolds up with daily useSimilar, smoother action
Result TextureSometimes coarseMore even and refined

Rating: TB400 – 8/10, TB401 – 9/10

Jar Material: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both use plastic jars. This makes them light but not as tough as glass. After months, mine are still fine, but I handle them with care.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Jar Size72 oz pitcher + 64 oz bowl72 oz pitcher + 64 oz bowl
Build MaterialPlasticPlastic
DurabilityGood with gentle useGood, but not metal

Rating: TB400 – 7/10, TB401 – 7/10

Motor Strength: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

On paper, both are the same. In real use, the TB401 feels steadier with thick mixes like pizza dough.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Wattage1200 watts1200 watts
Handling DoughWorks but strainsSmoother and stable
ConsistencyGreat for drinksGreat for drinks and food prep

Rating: TB400 – 8/10, TB401 – 9/10

Noise Level: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both are loud. The TB400 has a sharper tone. The TB401 sounds deeper, but both wake the house.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
NoiseLoud, sharp toneLoud, deeper tone
Morning UseWakes the houseStill noisy
WorkaroundBlend laterSame workaround

Rating: TB400 – 6/10, TB401 – 6/10

Performance: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both do well for daily tasks. The TB400 is great for smoothies. The TB401 shines with purées and dough.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
SmoothiesQuick and smoothQuick and smoother
Salsa/PuréesGood, coarseBetter, finer
DoughWorks with effortEasier, more even

Rating: TB400 – 8/10, TB401 – 9/10

Ease of Use: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

The TB400 is very simple with three speeds. The TB401 has more programs but stays easy to use.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Controls3-speed, simple3 speeds + programs
Learning CurveAlmost noneEasy, just a bit more
Family-FriendlyYesYes

Rating: TB400 – 9/10, TB401 – 9/10

Value for Money: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

The TB400 is cheaper and covers basics. The TB401 costs more but gives extras. Your pick depends on how much you cook.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
Price PointLowerHigher
Best ForSmoothies, simple useCooking, flexible use
Long-Term ValueGreat if you keep it simpleGreat if you use extras

Rating: TB400 – 9/10, TB401 – 8/10

Overall: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

Both are strong blenders. The TB400 is a simple workhorse. The TB401 is the flexible upgrade.

FeatureNinja TB400Ninja TB401
StrengthsSimple, affordable, family-friendlyFlexible, more programs
WeaknessesFewer programs, less controlHigher price, heavier
Best FitSmoothie fans, small familiesHome cooks, food prep lovers

Final Rating: TB400 – 8/10, TB401 – 9/10

Ninja TB401 Price

FAQs: Ninja TB400 vs TB401

What is the main difference between the Ninja TB400 and TB401?

The TB401 has extra tools for more blending options. The TB400 is a simple model for daily use.

Is the Ninja TB401 worth the higher price?

Yes, if you want more flexibility. The TB401 makes meal prep easier. The TB400 works best for basic blending.

Which blender is better for smoothies, Ninja TB400 or TB401?

Both make good smoothies. The TB401 gives smoother results, especially with frozen fruit.

Do the Ninja TB400 and TB401 take up the same counter space?

Yes, the bases are about the same size. The TB401 may need more storage for its extra tools.

Which model should I choose between the Ninja TB400 and TB401?

Pick the TB400 if you want a budget blender for basics. Pick the TB401 if you want more options for recipes and family meals.