Blenders have come a long way from being simple machines that just crushed ice and mixed fruit. These days, even compact personal blenders are packed with features that can rival full-sized countertop models. Recently, I spent some time using two standout options from Ninja: the Ninja BN401 Nutri-Blender Pro and the Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker.
Both are designed for quick, single-serve convenience, but they approach blending with very different strengths. After putting them through everyday use, smoothies, frozen treats, nut butters, and sauces, here’s my honest breakdown of how they compare.
Key Difference Between Ninja BN401 vs SS101 Blender
The Ninja BN401 is built for simplicity and efficiency. With its 1000-watt motor and 2 Auto-iQ programs, it delivers reliable smoothies and frozen drinks without fuss. The Ninja SS101, on the other hand, pushes the boundaries with a 1200-watt motor, SmartTorque technology, and 6 versatile functions, including the ability to make thick smoothie bowls and nut butters, something the BN401 doesn’t handle as well.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through frozen foods with less...
Comparison Table: Ninja BN401 vs SS101 Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN401 Nutri-Blender Pro | Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker |
| Motor Power | 1000 watts | 1200 watts |
| Auto-iQ Programs | 2 (Smoothies, Crushed Ice) | 6 (Blend, Pulse, Smoothies, Extractions, Bowls, Spreads) |
| Cups & Capacity | (2) 24-oz. To-Go Cups with Spout Lids | (2) 24-oz. Nutrient Extraction Cups + (1) 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker |
| Special Attachments | Pro Extractor Blades | Hybrid Edge Blades, Smoothie Bowl Maker with tamper |
| Technology | Auto-iQ timed blending | Auto-iQ + SmartTorque for heavy loads |
| Recipe Guide | 20-recipe inspiration guide | 15-recipe inspiration guide |
| Dimensions | 6.34″D x 6.93″W x 14.29″H | 6.69″D x 6.69″W x 10.79″H |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Best For | Everyday smoothies, frozen drinks, quick blends | Smoothie bowls, nut butters, thicker blends, more versatility |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
Both models are compact enough to live on the countertop without hogging space. The BN401 is taller and slimmer, with a simple, no-nonsense look in cloud silver. It’s a blender that blends in (pun intended) without calling much attention to itself.
The SS101 is a bit shorter but wider, with a sturdier, slightly more premium feel. The addition of the smoothie bowl maker makes the SS101 more versatile, but it does mean storing an extra attachment if counter space is already limited.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through frozen foods with less...
Ease of Use
The BN401 wins in sheer simplicity. Just two Auto-iQ programs; Smoothie and Ice Crush mean there’s no overthinking. Drop in your ingredients, hit a button, and it handles the pulsing and pausing. For quick breakfasts or post-gym shakes, it’s foolproof.
The SS101, however, offers more control. With six functions and SmartTorque technology, it adjusts seamlessly to heavy loads without stalling. I especially noticed this when making thicker blends like nut butters. Where the BN401 would require extra shaking or stirring, the SS101 powered straight through.
Performance
Both machines are strong performers, but their focus differs:
- BN401: The 1000-watt motor is plenty for smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen drinks. Ice becomes snow in seconds, and fruit blends to a smooth consistency with minimal effort.
- SS101: The 1200-watt motor paired with SmartTorque really shines for tougher tasks. I made a thick acai bowl and almond butter without needing to scrape or stop the blades. The smoothie bowl maker with its built-in tamper is a game changer if you love thicker textures.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through frozen foods with less...
Functions and Versatility
The BN401 is straightforward, great for smoothies, frozen drinks, and sauces. It comes with two 24-oz cups and spout lids, perfect for on-the-go use.
The SS101, in contrast, feels like a mini powerhouse. Beyond standard smoothies, it makes spreads, smoothie bowls, and frozen desserts. The variety of functions makes it almost a hybrid between a personal blender and a small food processor.
Everyday Experience
In day-to-day use, I found myself reaching for the BN401 when I just wanted something fast, like a protein shake after the gym. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and doesn’t overcomplicate the process.
But when I wanted to get more creative say, a thick smoothie bowl for brunch or homemade cashew butter, the SS101 was my go-to. The extra power and attachments mean it takes up a little more storage space, but the payoff in versatility is worth it.
Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Personal Blender
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for...
Pros:
- Simple and beginner-friendly
- 1000 watts of power is more than enough for smoothies and drinks
- Compact design fits on any countertop
- Comes with two 24-oz to-go cups
- Affordable compared to SS101
Cons:
- Limited to 2 Auto-iQ programs
- Struggles with thicker blends or nut butters
- No smoothie bowl or spread-making capabilities
Ninja SS101 Foodi Personal Smoothie Maker
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers through frozen foods with less...
Pros:
- Powerful 1200-watt motor with SmartTorque
- 6 versatile programs for different tasks
- Smoothie bowl maker with tamper handles thick blends
- Hybrid Edge blades improve nutrient extraction
- Great for nut butters, acai bowls, and spreads
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier due to extra attachments
- More functions can feel overwhelming at first
- Higher price point than BN401
Conclusion and Recommendation
After testing both, it’s clear that neither blender is “better” across the board it depends entirely on what you want.
If your main goal is fast, reliable smoothies and frozen drinks with minimal fuss, the Ninja BN401 is the perfect everyday companion. It’s compact, budget-friendly, and straightforward.
But if you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with food, smoothie bowls, nut butters, thick spreads, and more creative blends the Ninja SS101 is worth the upgrade. Its extra power and SmartTorque tech make it capable of tackling tasks the BN401 just can’t handle.
Personally, I’d pick the SS101 because I love the flexibility it offers. However, if I only needed a simple, portable smoothie blender for daily shakes, the BN401 would be my first choice.
Either way, both models carry Ninja’s reliability and performance, so you’re in safe hands whichever you choose.
