Choosing the right food processor can be tricky, especially when two models look so similar at first glance. That was my dilemma when I had both the Ninja BN600 and the Ninja BN601 in my kitchen. At face value, they appear nearly identical: both feature a 9-cup bowl, come with multiple blades, and are designed for chopping, slicing, dough-making, and more.
But after spending time using both, I noticed key differences that might influence which one is better for your kitchen. In this comparison, I’ll walk you through how the Ninja BN600 and BN601 differ, how they perform, their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately which one I would recommend.
Key Difference Between Ninja BN600 and BN601 Food Processor
The main difference comes down to power and functionality.
- The Ninja BN600 offers 850 watts of power with 3 core functions (chopping, slicing, and dough mixing).
- The Ninja BN601, on the other hand, is slightly more powerful with 1000 peak watts and comes with 4 Auto-iQ preset functions, adding puree to its skill set.
In simpler terms: the BN600 is reliable for everyday food prep, but the BN601 has more muscle and an extra function that gives it an edge for more demanding tasks like nut butters or creamy purees.
- PRROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Dedicated blades and discs deliver restaurant-worthy results. Precisely chop, consistently...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough...
Comparison Table: Ninja BN600 vs BN601 Food Processor
| Feature | Ninja BN600 | Ninja BN601 |
| Brand | Ninja | Ninja |
| Power | 850 watts | 1000 watts |
| Bowl Capacity | 9 cups (72 oz) | 9 cups (72 oz) |
| Number of Functions | 3 (Chop, Slice, Dough) | 4 (Chop, Slice, Puree, Dough) |
| Speeds | 3 (Low, High, Pulse) | Auto-iQ Presets + Manual Controls |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Plastic (with stainless steel blades) |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.6″D x 9.5″W x 16″H approx. | 7.7″D x 9.9″W x 16″H approx. |
| Weight | ~7 lbs | 7.7 lbs |
| Best For | Everyday chopping and dough | Power users, purees, tougher ingredients |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
-
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both models look very similar. The BN600 has a slightly sturdier feel thanks to its stainless-steel body, while the BN601 uses a mix of durable plastic with stainless steel blades.
In terms of size, they both fit comfortably on my counter without hogging too much space, but I did notice the BN601 feels just a touch bulkier. Aesthetically, they both carry Ninja’s sleek, silver finish that blends well with other appliances.
Winner for design: BN600 (sturdier stainless-steel build).
- PRROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Dedicated blades and discs deliver restaurant-worthy results. Precisely chop, consistently...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough...
-
Ease of Use
Using both side by side, I found the BN600 to be straightforward. It has three speed options (low, high, and pulse), and I could easily control my chopping and dough mixing manually.
The BN601, however, introduced Auto-iQ presets. These were surprisingly convenient: with one touch, I could chop onions, make hummus, or knead dough without constantly stopping to check progress. For anyone new to food processors, the BN601 makes life easier with automation.
Winner for ease of use: BN601 (Auto-iQ technology is a big help).
-
Functions and Performance
Here’s where the difference became clear.
- Ninja BN600: I used it for chopping veggies, slicing cucumbers, and kneading pizza dough. It performed really well, and I appreciated how quickly it mixed dough compared to my stand mixer. However, when I tried making peanut butter, it struggled a bit—resulting in a slightly gritty texture.
- Ninja BN601: This model handled tougher tasks effortlessly. Its 1000-watt motor plowed through almonds for almond butter, pureed chickpeas into smooth hummus, and shredded cheese faster than the BN600. It also has a dedicated puree function, which the BN600 lacks, and this made sauces and dips creamier.
Winner for performance: BN601 (better power and extra function).
- PRROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Dedicated blades and discs deliver restaurant-worthy results. Precisely chop, consistently...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough...
-
Capacity
Both have the same 9-cup bowl, which is plenty for families or meal prepping. I could chop a small handful of garlic just as effectively as making a large batch of coleslaw.
Capacity-wise, they are tied.
Winner: Tie
-
Cleaning
This was a big difference for me.
The BN600 is not dishwasher safe. That meant I had to wash everything by hand. While it wasn’t terrible, it did feel like an extra chore, especially after sticky dough.
The BN601, however, has dishwasher-safe, BPA-free parts. Tossing everything into the dishwasher saved me time and effort. For busy households, this feature is a lifesaver.
Winner for cleaning: BN601
-
Value for Money
The BN600 is typically a bit cheaper than the BN601, making it a good budget-friendly option. But considering the BN601 offers more power, dishwasher-safe parts, and Auto-iQ presets, I think the slight price difference is justified.
Winner for value: BN601 (you get more features for a small upgrade in cost).
Ninja BN600 Professional Plus Food Processor
- PRROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Dedicated blades and discs deliver restaurant-worthy results. Precisely chop, consistently...
Pros:
- Sturdy stainless-steel build
- 850 watts is powerful enough for daily use
- Great for chopping, slicing, and dough mixing
- Slightly more affordable
Cons:
- No puree function
- Struggles with very tough ingredients
- Not dishwasher safe (extra cleanup time)
Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough...
Pros:
- Stronger 1000-watt motor
- 4 Auto-iQ preset functions (including puree)
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleaning
- Smooth performance with tougher ingredients like nuts
- User-friendly and beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier design
- Plastic build feels less premium compared to BN600
- Costs a bit more
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, my recommendation is clear:
- Choose the Ninja BN600 if you’re on a budget and mainly want a reliable processor for everyday tasks like chopping veggies, slicing, and making dough. It’s durable and gets the job done.
- Choose the Ninja BN601 if you want more power, smoother purees, and hassle-free cleanup. Its Auto-iQ presets make cooking faster, and the dishwasher-safe parts save valuable time.
Personally, I’d go with the Ninja BN601. The added power, convenience, and ability to handle tougher jobs make it a better long-term investment. If you cook often, you’ll quickly appreciate the upgrades.
✅ Final Verdict: Both are good, but the BN601 is the smarter choice for most kitchens.
