The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System is the definitive winner for most kitchens, offering essential food processing attachments that the standalone BN701 lacks. Both machines share the exact same 1400-watt motor and design language, but the BN801’s versatility easily justifies the price jump. We tested both models to see how they handle daily blending tasks.
The main difference between these two machines lies in the box contents rather than the base performance. Both units pack enough wattage to crush ice into snow in seconds. The standard blender model focuses entirely on large batch liquids and frozen drinks. The kitchen system expands that functionality to include food processing and single-serve blending. Your final choice hinges on your daily cooking habits and available cabinet space.
Ninja Professional Plus Blender BN701
The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is a dedicated pitcher blender built for high-volume tasks. It features a 1400 peak watt motor that easily handles tough ingredients. The base unit has a clean layout with clearly labeled buttons for manual and automatic control. You get a massive 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher that holds up to 64 ounces of liquid. This makes it an excellent choice for families who need to make multiple servings at once.
Performance is exactly what you expect from a high-end Ninja appliance. The Total Crushing Blades tear through solid ice cubes and frozen fruit without stalling. The machine includes three Auto-iQ preset programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream. These intelligent programs use specific pulsing and pausing patterns to pull ingredients down into the blades. You do not have to stand over the machine and shake it to get an even blend.
Compared to the kitchen system, this model keeps things simple and focused. It takes up less storage space because you do not have to find room for extra bowls and cups. The cleanup process is straightforward since you only have one main pitcher and blade assembly to wash. If you already own a food processor, buying this standalone blender makes a lot of financial sense. It delivers the exact same pitcher performance as the more expensive package.
The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System takes the powerful base of the 700 series and adds multiple attachments. It uses the exact same 1400 peak watt motor to drive different accessories. Instead of just a large pitcher, this package includes a food processor bowl and single-serve blending cups. This setup serves home cooks who want one base to handle multiple prep jobs. It replaces several standalone appliances with a single motorized base.
The blending performance matches the standalone model perfectly. You get the same ice-crushing power for large batches of margaritas or morning smoothies. The addition of the single-serve cups allows you to blend a quick drink and take it on the go. The food processor attachment handles chopping, mixing, and dough making with ease. Having all these options available makes meal prep much faster and requires less manual chopping.
The main drawback to this system is the amount of storage space it requires. You have to find cabinet room for the large pitcher, the processor bowl, the cups, and multiple blade assemblies. It costs more upfront than the basic blender model. However, it provides excellent value if you actually need a food processor and personal blender. Buyers starting from scratch in a new kitchen will get the most use out of this complete package.
Verdict
Buy the Ninja BN801 Kitchen System if you need food processing and single-serve cups. If you only need a large-capacity pitcher, buy the BN701. Check the current prices for both models below to make your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash the pitcher and blades in the dishwasher?
Yes, the pitchers, cups, and blade assemblies are generally top-rack dishwasher safe. However, hand washing the blades is often recommended to keep them sharp over time. Always remove the blade assembly from the pitcher before washing.
Do these blenders heat up soup?
No, neither of these Ninja models features a heating element or friction-heating capabilities. These machines strictly handle cold blending, crushing ice, and food processing. You will need to transfer your blended soup to a pot to heat it on the stove.
Are the single-serve cups from older Ninja models compatible with this base?
Compatibility varies greatly between different Ninja product lines and generations. The BN series uses a specific fin design on the blade assembly. You should check the manufacturer website to confirm if your older cups will fit the new base.
