Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender – 1400W, 72oz Pitcher Review: Powerhouse or Party Trick?

Imagine whipping up a pitcher of silky smoothies or crushing ice for margaritas in seconds. The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender promises exactly that with its 1400-watt motor and massive 72-ounce pitcher. But does this kitchen beast deliver on its bold claims, or is it just another overhyped appliance? This in-depth review dives into the Ninja BN701’s performance, design, and real-world usability to help you decide if it’s worth the counter space. With insights from testing, user feedback, and comparisons to competitors, this article uncovers the truth behind the buzz.

Unpacking the Ninja BN701: First Impressions

The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender grabs attention straight out of the box. Its sleek, dark grey design feels modern yet practical, blending seamlessly with most kitchen aesthetics. The 72-ounce pitcher, with a 64-ounce max liquid capacity, screams family-sized convenience. At 8.1 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to move but sturdy with suction-cup feet for stability. The 1400-watt motor boasts more power than its predecessor, the Ninja BL610, promising smoother blends. However, the plastic pitcher shows scratches after a few uses, raising durability concerns. This blender aims for style and substance, but does it deliver both?

Performance: Crushing Ice and Blending Smoothies

The Ninja BN701 shines when crushing ice. In just 20 seconds, it transforms 12 ounces of ice into a fluffy, snow-like consistency, perfect for frozen drinks. The Total Crushing Blades, a stack of six sharp stainless-steel blades, tackle frozen fruits with ease, producing silky smoothies in about four minutes. Yet, it struggles with fibrous ingredients like kale, leaving small leafy bits in green smoothies even after extended blending. For comparison, the Vitamix 5200 handles greens better but costs nearly three times as much. If smoothies and margaritas are your goal, the BN701 performs admirably for its $110 price tag.

Auto-iQ Technology: Smart or Gimmicky?

Ninja’s Auto-iQ technology sets the BN701 apart with three preset programs: smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream. These intelligent settings adjust pulsing, blending, and pausing automatically, eliminating guesswork. For instance, the smoothie preset delivers consistent results with minimal effort. However, the lack of manual speed control frustrates users craving precision. Unlike the NutriBullet Combo, which offers variable speeds, the BN701 relies heavily on its presets. While Auto-iQ simplifies operation for beginners, experienced users might find it restrictive. Still, for quick, no-fuss blending, it’s a game-changer.

Design and Build: Sleek but Not Flawless

The Ninja BN701 measures 6.75 inches deep, 9 inches wide, and 17.5 inches tall, making it a countertop giant. Its 72-ounce pitcher suits large batches, ideal for families or parties. The BPA-free plastic pitcher and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze. However, the stacked blade assembly can misalign with the lid, causing slight damage during heavy use. Some users report a high-pitched whine when blending tough ingredients, hinting at motor strain. Compared to the Cuisinart Hurricane Pro, which feels sturdier, the BN701’s build quality feels slightly above average but not premium.

Ease of Use: Intuitive for All Skill Levels

Ease of use is a major selling point for the Ninja BN701. The control panel features clear labels with icons for smoothies, ice cream, and crushed ice, plus low, medium, high, and pulse settings. Each button lights up to confirm your selection, adding a user-friendly touch. The pitcher locks securely onto the base, and the lid must be fastened for the motor to run, ensuring safety. However, blending fibrous ingredients often requires pausing to scrape down the sides, as the blade design pushes food upward. For beginners, the simplicity is a win, but seasoned users might want more control.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Hassle-Free or Headache?

Cleaning the Ninja BN701 is straightforward. The pitcher, lid, and blades are dishwasher-safe, saving time after messy blends. Hand-washing is equally easy, though the sharp blades demand caution. Unlike some blenders, the pitcher can’t dry on the base due to its locking mechanism, which limits airflow. This minor inconvenience doesn’t overshadow the overall ease. Compared to the Oster Pro, which also offers dishwasher-safe parts, the BN701’s cleanup process is equally efficient. For busy households, this feature adds significant value.

Real-World Use: A Family’s Best Friend?

In real-world testing, the Ninja BN701 excels for large gatherings. Its 72-ounce pitcher handles party-sized margaritas or smoothies for a family of five without needing multiple batches. A user shared on Amazon that it “blends frozen strawberries into a perfect slushy in under two minutes.” However, blending smaller portions feels clunky, as ingredients stick to the sides of the large pitcher. For single-serve needs, the Ninja BN401 might be a better fit. The BN701’s power and capacity make it a go-to for entertainers but less ideal for solo users.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Trade-Offs

To give a balanced view, here are the key strengths and weaknesses of the Ninja BN701:

• Pros:
  • Powerful 1400-watt motor crushes ice and frozen fruits effortlessly.
  • Large 72-ounce pitcher is perfect for families or parties.
  • Auto-iQ presets simplify blending for beginners.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick and easy.
  • Budget-friendly at $110, offering great value.
• Cons:
  • Struggles with fibrous ingredients like kale, leaving gritty textures.
  • No manual speed control limits precision blending.
  • Plastic pitcher scratches easily, raising durability concerns.
  • Loud operation may disturb quiet households.
  • Large size demands ample counter space.

Featured Snippet: Is the Ninja BN701 Worth Buying?

Question: Is the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender a good investment for home use?

Answer: The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is a solid choice for families or frequent entertainers. Its 1400-watt motor crushes ice in 20 seconds and blends smoothies in about four minutes. The 72-ounce pitcher handles large batches, and Auto-iQ presets simplify operation. However, it struggles with leafy greens, leaving bits of kale unblended, and lacks manual speed control. Priced at $110, it offers great value for smoothie and margarita lovers but may disappoint those needing versatility for soups or nut butters.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

How powerful is the Ninja BN701?
It boasts a 1400 peak-watt motor, strong enough for ice, frozen fruits, and nuts.

Can it blend green smoothies?
It handles fruits well but struggles with kale, leaving small leaf bits.

Is it easy to clean?
Yes, the pitcher and blades are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup simple.

Does it fit small kitchens?
Its 17.5-inch height requires ample counter space, which may challenge small kitchens.

What’s included?
It comes with a 72-ounce pitcher, lid, stacked blade assembly, and a 15-recipe guide.

Final Thought: Is the Ninja BN701 Right for You?

The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender delivers impressive power and convenience for its price. Its 1400-watt motor and 72-ounce pitcher make it a top pick for families or party hosts who love smoothies and frozen drinks. However, its struggles with fibrous ingredients and lack of manual speed control may frustrate advanced users. For a budget-friendly blender that balances power and ease, it’s hard to beat. Check out Ninja’s official site for more details or compare it with other blenders on Amazon. Ready to blend like a pro? Grab the Ninja BN701 and share your favorite recipes in the comments below!