I’ve tested a fair number of Ninja blenders over the years, and two models that really caught my attention recently are the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus and the Ninja NJ601AMZ. At first glance, they look similar—both come with large pitchers, stacked blade systems, and Ninja’s reputation for crushing through anything you throw at them. But after using both in my kitchen, I realized they serve slightly different types of users.
If you’re on the fence about which one to buy, let me share my experience so you can see where each blender shines, and where it falls short.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja BN701 vs NJ601AMZ Blender
The BN701 is clearly the more advanced option with a 1400-watt motor, Auto-iQ technology, and preset programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and even ice cream. The NJ601AMZ, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly model with a 1000-watt motor, manual speed controls, and no pre-programmed functions.
In short:
- Go with the BN701 if you want extra power and automation.
- Choose the NJ601AMZ if you’re after a simple, strong, and affordable blender.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more powerful...
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
Comparison Table: Ninja BN701 vs NJ601AMZ Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN701 | Ninja NJ601AMZ |
| Motor Power | 1400 watts | 1000 watts |
| Pitcher Capacity | 72 oz. (64 oz. max liquid) | 72 oz. (64 oz. max liquid) |
| Functions | 3 preset Auto-iQ programs (Smoothies, Frozen Drinks, Ice Cream) | Manual controls only |
| Blade System | Total Crushing Blades | Total Crushing Blades |
| Auto-iQ Technology | Yes | No |
| Design | Modern dark grey, sleek | Classic black with clear pitcher |
| Accessories | 15-recipe guide | 10-recipe guide |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 8.1 lbs | 7.28 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.75″ x 9″ x 17.5″ | 5.87″ x 7.87″ x 17.32″ |
| Price | Slightly higher | More affordable |
| Best For | Families who want convenience & presets | Simple blending at a lower cost |
| Check Price & Reviews | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
Both blenders look solid on the counter, but they have slightly different personalities.
The BN701 has a more modern design with a dark grey motor base that feels premium. The buttons are well laid out, and having dedicated presets adds to the professional look.
The NJ601AMZ, meanwhile, has a classic black design with a clear pitcher. It feels a little lighter and less “fancy,” but still sturdy. I noticed the base is slightly slimmer, which might be a bonus if you’re short on counter space.
Both come with Ninja’s Total Crushing Blades, which tower up the middle of the pitcher. They look intimidating, but they’re the reason both blenders crush ice and frozen fruit so effectively.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more powerful...
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
Ease of Use
Here’s where I started noticing the difference in day-to-day use.
With the BN701, blending is almost effortless. The Auto-iQ presets really make a difference. For example, when I made a smoothie, I just hit the preset button, and the blender handled the pulsing, pausing, and blending on its own. No babysitting required.
The NJ601AMZ, on the other hand, is completely manual. You control the speeds yourself, which gives you flexibility but also requires a bit more attention. When I made a frozen drink, I had to pulse and adjust the speed until I got the consistency I wanted. Not difficult, but definitely more hands-on.
Both are easy to clean, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. I just tossed the pitchers and lids onto the top rack, and they came out spotless.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more powerful...
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
Performance and Functions
The BN701 is noticeably stronger with its 1400-watt motor. I tested it with ice cubes and frozen strawberries, and it powered through without hesitation. The texture of my smoothie was creamy and smooth, no chunks left behind. The ice cream preset also worked surprisingly well—I made a banana “nice cream” and it was perfectly blended.
The NJ601AMZ is less powerful at 1000 watts, but still held its own. It crushed ice effectively, though I noticed I had to blend a bit longer to get the same smooth results. When making salsa, it worked beautifully—chopping everything evenly without turning it into mush.
If you’re planning to blend tougher ingredients regularly, like nuts or thick frozen fruits, the BN701’s extra power comes in handy. For lighter tasks like shakes, dips, or smoothies, the NJ601AMZ does just fine.
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more powerful...
Pros:
- Powerful 1400-watt motor
- Auto-iQ presets for convenience
- Can handle ice cream and frozen desserts
- Large pitcher, great for families
- Modern design
Cons:
- Pricier than NJ601AMZ
- Bulkier and heavier on the counter
Ninja NJ601AMZ Blender & Smoothie Maker
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
Pros:
- More affordable option
- Strong performance for basic tasks
- Lighter and slightly more compact
- Easy manual control for those who like hands-on blending
- Large pitcher still included
Cons:
- Less powerful at 1000 watts
- No preset programs—everything is manual
- Not ideal for heavy-duty blending
Conclusion: Which Blender Should You Choose?
After testing both, my recommendation depends on how you plan to use your blender.
If you want convenience, power, and versatility, the Ninja BN701 is the clear winner. The Auto-iQ programs save time, and the 1400-watt motor ensures you get silky smoothies and perfectly crushed ice every time.
But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind manual controls, the Ninja NJ601AMZ is still an excellent choice. It delivers the core Ninja performance—crushing ice, blending smoothies, and handling sauces—without the extra bells and whistles.
My Take: I’d personally go with the BN701, mainly because I loved the preset programs and extra power. But if price is your deciding factor, the NJ601AMZ won’t let you down for everyday blending.
