If there’s one thing I love about Ninja blenders, it’s how they pack powerful performance into compact designs that actually fit on a kitchen counter. Recently, I put the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro and Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker to the test. Both models are marketed as versatile solutions for smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces, but they target different kinds of blending needs. After weeks of smoothies, nut butters, and frozen desserts, here’s my full comparison.
Key Difference Between Ninja BN401 vs SS101 Personal Blender
The Ninja BN401 is a straightforward, high-powered personal blender designed for smoothies and drinks on the go, while the Ninja SS101 offers more versatility with SmartTORQUE technology and a smoothie bowl maker for thick blends like acai bowls and nut butters. If you want simple, quick blending, the BN401 is your friend. If you crave thicker blends and more customization, the SS101 is worth it.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through...
Comparison Table: Ninja BN401 vs SS101 Personal Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro | Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker |
| Motor Power | 1000 watts | 1200 watts |
| Peak Wattage | 1100 watts | 1200 watts |
| Programs | 2 Auto-iQ (Smoothie, Crush Ice) | 6 Auto-iQ (Blend, Pulse, Smoothie, Extraction, Bowls, Spreads) |
| Cup Capacity | Two 24-oz cups | Two 24-oz cups + 14-oz smoothie bowl maker |
| SmartTORQUE Technology | No | Yes |
| Smoothie Bowl Maker | No | Yes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Best For | Smoothies, frozen drinks, sauces | Thick blends, smoothie bowls, nut butters, smoothies |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
The BN401 is sleek and compact, with a minimalist design that fits easily on any countertop. It’s incredibly straightforward: a motor base, two 24-oz blending cups, and simple control buttons. The SS101, on the other hand, feels a bit more premium.
Its slightly wider base houses a more powerful motor, and the addition of a smoothie bowl maker makes it feel like two appliances in one. Both are solidly built, but the SS101’s brushed silver finish and extra attachments give it a more versatile vibe.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through...
Ease of Use
I found the BN401 to be a plug-and-play machine. It has just two Auto-iQ programs; Smoothie and Crush Ice and they work flawlessly for quick drinks. You attach the blade to your cup, pop it into the base, and hit a button. Done.
The SS101 takes a little more time to get used to because of its six programs and SmartTORQUE technology, but once you get the hang of it, it’s just as simple. I especially loved that I could blend thick acai bowls without constantly stopping to scrape down the sides, SmartTORQUE really works.
Blending Performance
For basic smoothies and shakes, both blenders performed beautifully. The BN401 crushed frozen fruit and ice effortlessly, giving me perfectly smooth results in under a minute. But when I started making nut butters and thicker smoothie bowls, the BN401 struggled slightly, it needed extra liquid to get things moving.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through...
The SS101 shined in this department. Its Hybrid Edge blades and 1200-watt motor powered through frozen strawberries, spinach, and protein powder without missing a beat. The smoothie bowl maker was a game-changer: I could make thick, spoonable bowls without constantly stopping to stir.
Functions and Versatility
If you just want a personal blender for smoothies, shakes, and sauces, the BN401 is perfect. Its simplicity makes it beginner-friendly, and it’s fast. However, the SS101 offers so much more versatility. With its six preset programs and two blending options (cup and bowl), it handles spreads, frozen desserts, and nut butters with ease. It’s like having a mini food processor and blender in one.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both models are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, which is a major win for busy mornings. I personally prefer to rinse the cups and blades right after blending to make cleaning even easier. The SS101’s extra attachments do mean more pieces to wash, but it’s worth it for the added functionality.
Pros and Cons
Ninja BN401 Nutri Blender Pro
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to...
Pros:
- Compact and simple design
- Two large 24-oz cups for on-the-go use
- Affordable price point
- Powerful enough for most smoothies and drinks
Cons:
- Limited functions (only two programs)
- Struggles with thick blends and nut butters
- Fewer accessories than SS101
Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through...
Pros:
- SmartTORQUE tech for thick blends
- Smoothie bowl maker with built-in tamper
- Six Auto-iQ programs for versatility
- Powerful 1200-watt motor
- Great for spreads, frozen desserts, and smoothies
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- More parts to clean and store
- Larger footprint than BN401
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If your goal is to have a quick, affordable, and efficient blender for smoothies, protein shakes, and sauces, the Ninja BN401 is a great pick. It’s simple, compact, and powerful enough for everyday use.
But if you’re like me and love experimenting with thick smoothie bowls, nut butters, and frozen desserts, the Ninja SS101 is worth the extra investment. Its SmartTORQUE tech and smoothie bowl maker set it apart as a more versatile, high-performance machine. For kitchen enthusiasts and health-conscious foodies, the SS101 is a game-changer.
My Recommendation:
- Go for BN401 if you want an affordable, no-fuss blender for daily smoothies.
- Choose SS101 if you want maximum versatility and pro-level results in a compact package.
