Choosing between the Ninja BN400 and Ninja BN401 can be tricky. Both offer powerful blending for smoothies, frozen drinks, and more, but each has its own strengths. I’ve put both models to the test to help you find out which one is the best fit for your needs. Let’s dive into their performance, ease of use, and value to make your decision easier.
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Ninja BN400 Review
The Ninja BN400 is a compact powerhouse designed for those who love quick, nutrient-rich smoothies and frozen drinks. With its 1000-watt motor and smart blending features, it takes the guesswork out of your daily blend.
What I Like
- Powerful 1000-Watt Motor: The Ninja BN400 is strong enough to crush ice and blend tough ingredients, like frozen fruit and veggies, into a smooth mix. It’s great for making creamy smoothies fast.
- On-the-Go Convenience: The 18-oz and 24-oz blending cups are perfect for those with a busy lifestyle. Blend directly in the cups, twist on the spout lid, and you’re ready to head out the door.
- Auto-iQ Programs: The two preset Auto-iQ programs make blending super easy. Whether you’re making a smoothie or crushing ice, just press a button and let the machine do the work.
What Could Be Better
- Not Dishwasher Safe: It would be more convenient if the blender components were dishwasher safe. Cleaning by hand can take some extra time, especially when you’re in a rush.
- Limited Program Variety: The two Auto-iQ programs are useful, but having more options could make the blender better for a wider range of blends and recipes.
- Noise Level: The 1000-watt motor can be a bit loud, especially when blending ice. It’s something to consider if you’re making an early-morning smoothie and don’t want to wake the household.
My Personal Blending Experience
I use the Ninja BN400 for my smoothies every morning. It makes my routine easy. The strong motor blends frozen berries, spinach, and protein powder well. The smoothies come out smooth, with no chunks. I also use it to crush ice for drinks in the afternoon. It works fast and does not cause trouble.
One time, I tried blending whole apples with skin and all, curious to see how well it would handle the tough skins and cores. To my surprise, it transformed them into a smooth, drinkable texture, perfect for getting those extra nutrients. Plus, the compact size makes it easy to store, even in my small kitchen, without taking up too much counter space.
Another feature I appreciate is the ability to blend directly into the single-serve cups. I can blend, twist on a lid, and take my smoothie with me when I’m running out the door—no need to transfer to another container. It’s become a real time-saver on busy mornings.
Recommendation
The Ninja BN400 is great for anyone who wants a small, strong blender. It makes smooth drinks every time. It’s perfect for people in a hurry who want fast, healthy smoothies. It also works well for making frozen drinks at home. But, if you need more automatic programs or parts that can go in the dishwasher, you may want to look at other blenders first.
Ninja BN401 Review
The Ninja BN401 packs a punch with its 1000-peak-watt motor and compact design. It makes smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces with ease, fitting seamlessly into any kitchen setup.
What I Like
- Powerful Motor: The 1000-peak-watt motor easily blends frozen berries and ice, making smooth textures.
- Auto-iQ Programs: It has two preset programs, making blending as simple as pressing a button. The pulsing patterns help achieve even blends without guesswork.
- Compact Size: Even with its power, it takes up little space, making it great for small kitchens or cabinets.
- Easy to Clean: The dishwasher-safe parts, like the cups and blades, save time and effort.
- On-the-Go Convenience: Blending directly in the 24-ounce cup with the spout lid means less cleanup and easy transport for busy mornings.
What Could Be Better
- Noise Level: The powerful motor can be quite loud, which might be a drawback for those in shared living spaces or early risers.
- Durability Concerns: Some users have reported issues after a few months, such as increased noise and a burning smell. While this isn’t universal, it’s worth considering.
- Limited Speed Control: With one speed and two preset programs, it offers less control for those who want more options.
- Struggles with Dense Ingredients: Even with its power, it can struggle with frozen fruits if there’s not enough liquid, leaving some chunks.
My Personal Blending Experience
I’ve used the Ninja BN401 daily for a few months, and it has transformed my morning routine. It handles my go-to smoothie blend of frozen strawberries, spinach, and protein powder without any trouble. I appreciate how quickly it turns the mix into a smooth drink, ready to take with me to work.
On weekends, I like to experiment with more creative blends, like frozen banana with peanut butter and a dash of cocoa powder. The blender powers through the tougher textures, giving me creamy results in seconds. The ease of cleaning has been a game-changer, as I can just pop the parts in the dishwasher without worry.
I did notice the motor gets loud, especially with hard ingredients. It’s not a big issue for me, but I’m careful when blending in the morning. Overall, it has been a reliable and handy tool in my kitchen.
Recommendation
The Ninja BN401 is perfect for anyone looking for a powerful, easy-to-use blender for daily smoothies, frozen drinks, or sauces. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with limited counter space. If you’re a busy professional who values quick, fuss-free blending, this model will fit right into your routine.
If you’re sensitive to noise or need more speed options, you may want to look into other blenders. For those who blend thick, frozen mixes often, it’s worth checking out models with more power or versatility.
Performance: Ninja BN400 vs BN401
The BN401 has a 1000-peak-watt motor, while the BN400 has 900 watts. This small difference makes the BN401 blend tougher ingredients like ice or frozen fruits more easily.
Why It Matters
With more power, the BN401 handles frozen fruits and ice quicker, giving you smoother blends. In my experience, the BN401 crushed ice in seconds, while the BN400 took longer and left small chunks. If you like thick smoothies with lots of frozen ingredients, the BN401 will do a better job without needing manual shaking during blending.
Ease of Use: Ninja BN400 vs BN401
Both blenders are easy to use, but the BN401’s Auto-iQ is a game-changer. It adjusts the blending speed for you, so you don’t have to guess.
Why Auto-iQ Is Better
The BN400 requires more manual work. I often had to stop and shake the cup to mix everything properly. The BN401, on the other hand, handles everything with one button. This is perfect for busy mornings when I just want to press a button and go. The Auto-iQ ensures a smooth result every time, without me needing to intervene.
Value for Money: Ninja BN400 vs BN401
- For Casual Users: The BN400 is great for basic smoothies and smaller tasks. It’s affordable and gets the job done.
- For Regular Users: The BN401’s extra power and Auto-iQ make it worth the price. If you blend daily or like thicker smoothies, it’s a time-saver and gives smoother results.
Read More: Nutribullet 900 vs 1200
Overall: Ninja BN400 vs Ninja BN401
| Feature | Ninja BN400 | Ninja BN401 |
| Motor Power | 900 watts | 1000-peak watts |
| Auto-iQ Programs | No | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | No | Yes |
| Price | Lower cost | Slightly higher cost |
| Size | Compact | Slimmer |
After comparing the two models, it’s clear that both have their strengths. The Ninja BN400 is a reliable, straightforward blender that provides good blending power at a more affordable price. It’s a great choice for those new to blending or who don’t need extra features.
But the Ninja BN401 stands out overall. It’s perfect for anyone who blends daily and wants a quicker, smoother result without the need to adjust settings manually. The blend-and-go feature, along with the enhanced motor and Auto-iQ, makes my morning routine easier. It’s the model I’d pick if I had to choose just one for its balance of power, convenience, and overall user experience.
Winner: The Ninja BN401 gives a better experience. It performs well, is easy to use, and offers great value for the money.
FAQs: Ninja BN400 vs BN401
What is the difference between the Ninja BN400 and BN401?
The Ninja BN400 and BN401 have similar power but differ in design and control buttons. The BN401 has updated Auto-iQ features for more blending options.
Which blender is better for making smoothies, the Ninja BN400 or BN401?
Both can handle smoothies well, but the BN401’s Auto-iQ presets make it easier. It adjusts blending patterns for smoother results without guesswork.
Can the Ninja BN400 and BN401 crush ice?
Yes, both models have powerful motors that crush ice quickly. The BN401’s Auto-iQ function offers preset options, while the BN400 requires manual control.
Are the Ninja BN400 and BN401 dishwasher safe?
Yes, both models have parts that are safe for the dishwasher. This includes the cups, lids, and blades. Cleaning is easy and quick.
Which is more compact, the Ninja BN400 or BN401?
Both have a compact design, but the BN401 is slightly slimmer. It fits well on counters and in cabinets, making it great for small kitchens.
Which blender is quieter, the Ninja BN400 or BN401?
Neither blender is very quiet due to their powerful motors. The noise level is similar, though the BN401 may sound smoother during Auto-iQ programs.