Choosing between the Ninja SS400 and SS401 can feel tough. Both are powerful, versatile machines. But they have different features. Let’s break down what each one offers so you can decide which one fits your kitchen better.
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Ninja SS400 Review
The Ninja SS400 Foodi Power Blender is strong and versatile. It’s great for making smoothies and other recipes. It has a 1200-watt motor, which can handle tough tasks like crushing ice or blending nuts.
What I Like
- Powerful Motor: The 1200-watt motor can tackle hard ingredients without slowing down.
- Versatility: This blender does six jobs in one. It blends, chops, slices, shreds, and juices. You save space since you don’t need multiple gadgets.
- Smoothie Bowl Maker: I love making thick smoothie bowls. The tamper pushes ingredients towards the blades, giving smooth results.
- Smart Finish Technology: No more guessing. This feature adjusts the speed and stops when it’s done.
- Sharp Blades: The blades are strong and durable. They make quick work of tough ingredients.
What Could Be Better
- Too Many Attachments: With so many pieces, it’s easy to get confused about which to use.
- Medium Batches: It’s hard to make medium-sized batches. The large bowl is too big, while the small one feels too small.
- Manual Scraping: I often have to stop and scrape the sides for thicker mixtures. It’s a bit of a hassle.
My Experience
I’ve been using the SS400 for months now, and it’s become a kitchen staple. I love how it blends frozen fruits for smoothie bowls. It gives that thick, creamy texture without adding extra liquid. But when I make sauces, I need to stop and scrape the sides, which slows me down. Also, for medium batches, I find the bowl sizes a bit tricky. However, I can’t complain when it comes to blending ice for drinks—it crushes ice perfectly for my favorite frozen cocktails.
Recommendation
If you love making smoothies, sauces, and dips, the SS400 is a great choice. It’s ideal if you want one tool for many tasks. But if you make a lot of medium batches or hate scraping the sides, you might want to consider another blender.
Ninja SS401 Review
The Ninja SS401 is a step up in power and versatility. With its 1600-watt motor, it handles the toughest ingredients without any issues. It’s perfect for smoothies and food prep.
What I Like
- More Power: The 1600-watt motor, paired with smartTORQUE technology, blends thick foods with ease.
- Versatility: It does more than just blend. It slices, grates, shreds, and chops. It’s great for smoothies, dips, sauces, and even dough.
- Preset Programs: Seven Auto-iQ programs mean consistent results every time.
- Easy Cleanup: All parts are dishwasher safe, which saves time.
- Smoothie Bowl Maker: Like the SS400, it has a tamper to help make thick smoothie bowls. It makes blending thicker ingredients much easier.
What Could Be Better
- Noise: This blender is loud, almost as noisy as a vacuum cleaner.
- Suction Cups: The suction cups on the base work too well. It can be tough to lift the blender off the counter.
- Base Durability: Some users say the plastic base can snap if you pull too hard on the suction cups.
My Experience
I use the SS401 almost every day, and it’s been a game-changer. It powers through frozen fruits like nothing I’ve seen before, which means my smoothie bowls are thick and creamy without needing extra liquid. But it’s loud, so I try not to use it too early in the morning. Also, while the suction cups are great for keeping the blender steady, they make moving it a bit tricky. But these small inconveniences are worth the trade-off for such smooth and efficient blending.
Recommendation
This blender is perfect for people who need a strong, multi-purpose tool in their kitchen. It handles a variety of tasks with ease. But if you’re sensitive to noise or need a blender that’s easy to move, you might want to think twice.
Performance: Ninja SS400 vs SS401
Both blenders are powerful, but the SS401 has the edge. The SS400’s 1200-watt motor is great for smoothies and chopping, but the SS401’s 1600-watt motor is better for tougher tasks like crushing ice or blending frozen fruits. The smartTORQUE feature on the SS401 means no more stopping and stirring, which makes it more efficient for thick mixes.
Winner: The SS401 wins for its stronger motor and better performance with thicker ingredients.
Ease of Use: Ninja SS400 vs SS401
Both blenders are easy to use, but the SS401 gives you more options. It has more preset programs and a larger smoothie bowl. The feed chute on the SS401 also makes it better for food prep. However, the SS400 is lighter and easier to move.
Winner: The SS401 is more versatile, but the SS400 is easier to handle and move around.
Value for Money: Ninja SS400 vs SS401
The SS400 costs less than the SS401, but the extra features on the SS401 make it worth the higher price if you want a future-proof machine. If you’re just looking for a basic blender, the SS400 is a solid choice at a lower price.
Winner: The SS401 offers more value if you need the extra power and features, but the SS400 is a great budget option.
Read More: Magic Bullet vs Ninja
Overall: Ninja SS400 vs SS401
| Feature | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
| Power | 1200 watts | 1600 watts |
| SmartTORQUE | No | Yes |
| Smoothie Bowl Maker | Yes, with tamper | Yes, with built-in tamper |
| Preset Programs | Fewer programs | More programs with Auto-iQ |
| Food Prep Functions | Blends, chops, slices | Blends, chops, slices, shreds, grates |
| Ease of Use | Fewer attachments, lighter to move | More attachments, heavier, harder to move |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Loud |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe parts | Dishwasher safe parts |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive, more features |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, basic tasks | Power users, advanced features, more versatility |
Both blenders are great, but the SS401 stands out. It has more power, smoother performance, and more features. The SS400 is a solid choice for everyday use, but if you want a blender that can do it all, the SS401 is the way to go.
Winner: The SS401 is the better option overall.
FAQs for Ninja SS400 vs SS401
What are the main differences between the Ninja SS400 and SS401?
The Ninja SS401 can slice and shred. It has extra features. The SS400 is better for blending and pureeing.
Which blender has more power, Ninja SS400 or SS401?
Both models have 1600-watt motors. They are strong for blending. The SS401 can do more with its food processing features.
Can I make smoothie bowls with both the Ninja SS400 and SS401?
Both models have a smoothie bowl maker. You can blend thick ingredients like frozen fruit and nuts easily.
Are the Ninja SS400 and SS401 easy to clean?
Yes, both models have dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup simple and quick after use.