Ninja SS401 vs BN801 | My Honest Ordeal

I love a cold smoothie to start my busy mornings. But chewing on huge chunks of raw spinach ruins the fun. My old device broke down last month after a lot of hard use. I needed a strong new tool to blend my daily drinks fast. That is why I brought two popular machines home to see which one works better.

Let us look at the first model I tried out and see how it held up.

Ninja BN801 Review

I unpacked this large machine on a busy Tuesday morning before work. The parts felt very sturdy right out of the box. I wanted to see if it could crush ice fast for my iced coffee. It spun up quickly and got right down to business.

Putting the parts together was the first step of my test.

Assembly And Build Quality

The base of this unit is quite large and heavy. It has strong suction cups on the bottom to grab the counter. I pressed it down, and it did not move an inch. The clear plastic pitcher feels very thick and solid in my hands.

Snapping the lid in place takes a firm push. The main blade tower drops right into the center with ease. Everything locks together with a loud click so you know it is safe. I had it fully set up in just two minutes.

PartMy Thoughts
Base UnitVery heavy and stays put on the counter.
PitcherMade of thick clear plastic that feels tough.
BladesVery sharp and slide right into place.
LidsThey lock on super tight with a loud snap.

Next, I put it to work making my daily meals and snacks.

Daily Performance And Use

I used this device every day for three whole months. It powered right through thick frozen chunks of fruit. I loved tossing in raw carrots and watching them turn to liquid fast. The strong motor never stalled or jammed on me.

It made hot soups and cold shakes with perfect smooth textures. However, the noise level is very loud in a small room. I always had to warn my family before turning it on. Overall, it saved me a lot of time in the kitchen.

Food TypeMy Results
Ice CubesTurns to soft snow in ten seconds.
Tough GreensBlends smooth with no chunks left behind.
Frozen BerriesNeeds extra liquid to blend well.
Hot SoupMixes fast and stays very warm.

There are a few specific details that I really enjoyed.

What I Liked

The raw speed of this machine is simply amazing. I can drop in whole fruits and have a drink in seconds. The buttons are clearly marked and very simple to read. I never had to guess which setting to use for my food.

I also love the large size of the main pitcher. It holds enough food to feed my whole family at once. Washing it is very easy because the parts rinse off clean. It makes daily meal prep a breeze.

FeatureWhy I Like It
Fast SpeedIt saves me precious time every single day.
Big PitcherI can make large batches of food at once.
Easy ButtonsI just push one button and walk away.
Quick WashWarm water and soap clean it right up.

Not everything was perfect, so here are my main gripes.

What I Disliked

The sheer volume of the motor is my biggest complaint. It sounds like a jet engine taking off in my house. I cannot use it early in the morning while others sleep. It forces me to wait until everyone is awake.

The base also takes up a huge amount of space. I had to move my toaster just to make room for it. Storing the extra cups in my cabinets is a total pain. It is just a very bulky item to keep around.

IssueWhy It Bothers Me
Loud MotorIt wakes up my entire house instantly.
Big BaseIt steals too much counter space.
Sharp BladeI always worry about cutting my hands.
Stiff LidIt can be hard to pull off when done.

Here is a quick look at the best and worst points.

Pros and Cons

TypeFeatureMy Experience
ProStrong motorIt blends hard food with no trouble at all.
ConLoud noiseIt hurts my ears if I stand too close.
ProBig capacityI can make a meal for four people fast.
ConHard to storeThe parts crowd my small storage cabinets.

Here is my final score for this everyday kitchen tool.

Final Verdict

This machine does exactly what it promises to do. It crushes hard food fast and leaves no ugly chunks behind. The huge capacity makes it great for big meals and parties. You get a lot of raw power for a fair price.

You just have to accept the loud noise and bulky size. If you have the space for it, it will not let you down. It became a trusted tool in my daily routine. I give it a very high score for daily tasks.

CategoryMy Score
Blending Power9/10
Ease of Use8/10
Cleanup Speed8/10
Overall Value9/10

This tool is not for everyone, so here is my advice.

Recommendation

User TypeRecommendationReason
Busy parentsGood FitIt makes large family meals super fast.
Quiet homesNot IdealThe extreme noise will cause big problems.
Health fansGood FitIt breaks down raw seeds and hard greens.
Small kitchensNot IdealThe wide base needs lots of counter room.

After testing the first unit, I switched over to the second option.

Ninja SS401 vs BN801

Ninja SS401 Review

I unpacked this second model on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The design looked a bit more fresh and modern on my counter. I was very eager to test the special dough mixing feature. I plugged it in and got ready to make a thick snack.

Setting up this device felt a little bit different.

Assembly And Build Quality

This base feels just as heavy as the older model. The suction cups lock onto the table with a very firm grip. The pitcher snaps right into the base with a nice twist. Everything feels premium and built to last for many years.

The most unique part is the special twist cup. It has built in arms that scrape the sides as it runs. Getting the lid on takes a little practice at first. Once I learned the trick, it locked firmly in place.

PartMy Thoughts
Motor BaseHeavy, sleek, and stays locked to the table.
Twist CupVery clever design with thick clear plastic.
Dough BladeMade of tough plastic that will not bend.
Snap LidsThey fit snug and do not leak at all.

I wanted to see how it handled very tough tasks.

Everyday Blending Power

I really put this machine through its paces over the last few months. The best part is the special bowl that twists. It let me make super thick treats that look like soft ice cream. I did not have to stop and shake the cup like I used to. It made snack time very fun and easy.

Making fresh bread dough was another nice surprise. It mixed flour and water fast without burning out the motor. Washing the twisting lid takes an extra minute because food gets stuck. Still, the texture it creates is totally worth the small hassle.

Food TypeMy Results
Thick BowlsMakes perfect scoopable treats with no liquid.
Bread DoughMixes a soft ball in just one minute.
Fruit ShakesBlends nice and smooth very quickly.
Hard NutsChops them up fast but makes lots of noise.

There are a few key features that really won me over.

What I Liked

The twist cup is by far my favorite part of this machine. I no longer have to stop the motor to stir thick food. I just twist the lid and the built in arms do the work. It makes snack time so much more fun.

I also love the extra tools that come in the box. The dough blade saves me from mixing bread by hand. The buttons are very smart and stop when the food is done. It feels like a very smart device.

FeatureWhy I Like It
Twist TopIt saves me from stopping to stir my thick drinks.
Dough ToolIt mixes fresh bread fast with zero hard work.
Smart ButtonsThe motor stops on its own when finished.
Sleek LookIt looks very nice sitting out on my counter.

Despite the cool parts, I found a few annoying flaws.

What I Disliked

Cleaning the special twist cup is my biggest problem. Tiny bits of food get stuck deep in the lid gears. I have to scrub it with a small brush to get it clean. A simple rinse in the sink does not do the trick.

The price tag is also a bit steep for a basic kitchen. If you only make simple drinks, you pay for tools you will not use. It is a big investment for a daily cooking tool. The noise is also still very loud.

IssueWhy It Bothers Me
Hard WashThe lid gears trap tiny chunks of sticky food.
High PriceIt costs a lot more than a standard machine.
Loud MotorIt still makes a huge racket when running.
Lots of PartsI have to find space for all the extra tools.

Let us review the top highlights and main flaws.

Pros and Cons

TypeFeatureMy Experience
ProTwist lidI can make extra thick bowls easily.
ConTricky washFood gets stuck in the small moving parts.
ProDough modeI can mix fresh bread without hurting my hands.
ConHigh costIt requires a much bigger upfront budget.

Here is my final overall rating for this smart unit.

Final Verdict

This machine handles heavy and sticky food better than anything else. The twist cup is perfect for thick frozen snacks and dips. The dough hook adds a lot of value if you love to bake. It feels like a truly premium kitchen tool.

You just have to spend an extra minute cleaning the fancy lid. You also have to pay a higher price to get it. If you love thick treats, it is worth every penny. I am very happy with how it performs.

CategoryMy Score
Heavy Blending10/10
Ease of Use8/10
Cleanup Speed6/10
Overall Value8/10

Make sure you fit the profile before buying this unit.

Recommendation

User TypeRecommendationReason
Bowl fansGood FitThe twist cup makes thick food perfectly.
Basic usersNot IdealIt has too many extra parts for simple drinks.
Home bakersGood FitThe special plastic blade mixes dough fast.
Budget buyersNot IdealThe upfront cost is much higher than average.

Now it is time to put both of these machines head to head.

Ninja SS401 vs BN801

Detailed Comparison for Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

I ran both the Ninja SS401 and the Ninja BN801 side by side in my kitchen. I wanted to find out exactly where each one wins. Here is how they compare in daily life.

Let us see which motor can handle hard jobs better.

Performance: Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

Both of these models pack a very strong punch. The older unit crushes solid ice into soft snow with ease. It powers through daily drinks and hot soups without stalling. I never felt like it lacked the power to do basic kitchen tasks.

The newer model steps ahead when the food gets thick. The twist lid lets you push food down without taking off the top. This means you can make heavy treats with almost zero water. It clearly wins if you love eating with a spoon instead of a straw.

FeatureNinja SS401Ninja BN801
Ice CrushVery fast and evenVery fast and even
Thick FoodPerfect with twist lidStruggles without extra liquid
Dough MixWorks greatNot meant for this task
Basic DrinkVery smoothVery smooth

Ninja SS401 Rating: 9/10

Ninja BN801 Rating: 8/10

Next, I will look at how easy they are to operate.

Ease of Use: Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

The buttons on the older machine are plain and very simple. You push one button and the motor runs a timer on its own. I love that I can walk away and do other chores. It is very simple to grasp right away.

The newer unit has smart buttons too, but it requires more manual work. You have to stand there and turn the lid for thick recipes. It takes a bit of elbow grease to get the best results. However, it beats having to take the lid off to stir.

FeatureNinja SS401Ninja BN801
ButtonsSimple and smartSimple and smart
Manual WorkMust turn the lid by handMust shake the cup by hand
Auto StopYes, stops on its ownYes, stops on its own
Lid SetupTakes practice to lockVery simple snap fit

Ninja SS401 Rating: 8/10

Ninja BN801 Rating: 9/10

I closely checked the plastic parts for strength and weight.

Build Quality: Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

Both heavy bases are made of very tough hard plastic. They have huge suction cups that stick flat to the counter. Neither machine will shake or walk away when the motor runs. The basic cups are thick and handle hard drops in the sink.

The newer machine feels just a tiny bit more premium. The parts lock together with a very deep and firm click. The twist cup feels heavier and less prone to cracks. Even the metal blades look slightly thicker when placed side by side.

FeatureNinja SS401Ninja BN801
Base WeightVery heavy and strongHeavy and stable
Cup PlasticExtra thickStandard thick
Counter GripExcellent holdExcellent hold
Blade SteelThick and sharpVery sharp

Ninja SS401 Rating: 9/10

Ninja BN801 Rating: 8/10

Cleaning up messes is always my least favorite daily chore.

Maintenance: Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

Washing the older model is mostly a total breeze. I just add soap and water, then run the motor for ten seconds. The cup rinses totally clean without any hard scrubbing. I just have to wash the sharp tower blade very carefully by hand.

The newer model is the same for the basic cups. But the twist lid traps small bits of food deep in the moving parts. I have to scrub it with a tiny brush at the sink. It adds an extra step to my morning rush.

FeatureNinja SS401Ninja BN801
Self WashWorks well with soapWorks perfect with soap
Lid CleaningNeeds a tiny scrub brushRinses off fast
Blade CareHand wash carefullyHand wash carefully
DishwasherSafe on top rackSafe on top rack

Ninja SS401 Rating: 7/10

Ninja BN801 Rating: 9/10

Let us talk about whether these gadgets are worth the cost.

Value for Money: Ninja SS401 Vs BN801

The older unit often sells for a slightly lower price. It gives you raw power and huge cups for daily meals. It feels like a very fair deal for what it does. You get everything you need for simple home drinks.

The newer one costs a bit more cash up front. However, you get the fancy twist cup and the dough blade. If you actually bake bread and eat thick bowls, it pays off fast. If you only make thin drinks, the extra cost is wasted.

FeatureNinja SS401Ninja BN801
Price TagHigher upfront costLower upfront cost
Extra ToolsDough tool and twist lidStandard huge cups
Best ValueGreat if you bake oftenAmazing for daily shakes
LifespanBuilt to last for yearsBuilt to last for years

Ninja SS401 Rating: 8/10

Ninja BN801 Rating: 9/10

Here are my final thoughts on this tough kitchen battle.

Ninja SS401 vs BN801

Conclusion

Testing both of these machines was a very fun task. The Ninja SS401 Vs BN801 choice depends entirely on what you eat. I love the newer unit for making thick treats and fresh dough. But the older model is a better deal for basic daily drinks. Pick the one that fits your exact diet needs!

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