Ninja BN701 Blender Review Powerful 72oz Pitcher and Auto IQ Technology Tested

Description

Highlights of the Ninja Professional Plus Blender

Using the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender has been quite an experience, especially with its 1400 peak watts of professional power that truly sets it apart from many other blenders I’ve tried. The Auto-iQ Technology is a standout feature, as it takes all the guesswork out of blending by offering preset programs for smoothies, frozen drinks, and even ice cream. This means I can just press a button and get consistent results every time, which is perfect for someone like me who isn’t always precise with blending times or speeds.

The 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher easily accommodates large batches, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prepping. Its BPA-free materials also give me peace of mind regarding safety and health. The stacked blade assembly crafted from stainless steel is sharp and durable, effortlessly crushing ice and frozen fruits into smooth, creamy textures. The fact that the pitcher and blades are dishwasher safe is a huge convenience, as cleanup is usually my least favorite part of using a blender.

Versatile Functions and Settings

This blender offers three versatile functions that cover almost every blending need: smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream. Each function uses unique timed pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns, which really showcase the Auto-iQ’s intelligence. I tested all three settings, and honestly, the ice cream function blew me away with how creamy it made the mixture without any chunks or uneven texture.

Aside from these presets, there are four speeds and a pulse function, allowing for manual control when needed. This mix of automatic and manual options lets me experiment and customize recipes without feeling locked into one setting. The physical interface is straightforward, avoiding the fussiness of touchscreens or overly complicated control panels.

Practical Design for Everyday Use

The design of the blender feels modern yet robust. It fits neatly on my countertop without taking up too much space, measuring about 6.75” deep, 9” wide, and 17.5” high. The dark grey color adds a sleek touch to my kitchen aesthetics. I also appreciate the inclusion of a recipe inspiration guide with 15 recipes, which has been handy for trying new smoothie combinations and frozen drinks I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

One minor annoyance is that the maximum liquid capacity is 64 oz despite the pitcher being 72 oz, which means you need to be cautious not to overfill it. I learned this the hard way after a couple of splashes. Still, that’s a small compromise for the volume it can handle overall.

Benefits of Powerful Crushing Blades

The Ninja Total Crushing Blades deserve special mention. They deliver on the promise of perfectly crushed ice, which is often a big challenge with other blenders I’ve owned. My kids love frozen fruit smoothies, and these blades blend the ice so finely that the drinks come out smooth, never gritty or chunky. The blades’ stacked design also helps with efficient blending, reducing the time needed to get the desired texture.

One day, I even used the blender to crush nuts and hard vegetables, and it handled those tasks surprisingly well. The motor stays cool, which is impressive given the power it delivers. No signs of overheating or slowing down, even after heavy use.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite its many strengths, the blender isn’t without some limitations. First, it’s a bit loud—louder than I expected, especially during ice crushing sessions. This could be a problem if you live in an apartment or need to blend quietly early in the morning. The weight of 8.1 pounds means it’s not the easiest to move around, so it tends to stay on my countertop permanently.

The plastic pitcher, although BPA-free, feels less sturdy compared to glass pitchers found on some competing models. I worry about potential scratches or cracks over time. Additionally, the blender’s power cord could be longer; my outlet setup requires some rearranging to accommodate it comfortably.

Other Options in the Market

Comparing this blender to popular alternatives like the Vitamix Explorian or the NutriBullet RX, the Ninja BN701 stands out in terms of price to quality ratio and automated preset functions. While Vitamix models often boast higher durability and variable speed control, they lack the specific Auto-iQ programs that make the Ninja so user-friendly for casual blending.

The NutriBullet RX is more compact but doesn’t offer the same capacity or power, making it less suitable for large batch preparation. On the other hand, the Ninja’s energy-efficient motor delivers professional-grade blending without the premium price tag associated with some high-end brands. For those who value convenience and preset functionality, this blender holds its own.

Value for Money

Considering the features packed into this powerful appliance, I find its cost-effectiveness impressive. The automated blending programs, combined with the ability to make large quantities in one go, provide excellent value for anyone who blends regularly. The included recipe guide, dishwasher-safe parts, and durable blade design add to the overall package without breaking the bank.

However, for those who prioritize ultra-quiet operation or glass pitchers, there might be better options at a higher price point. Still, the blend of power, versatility, and ease-of-use here makes it a smart purchase, especially for families or smoothie enthusiasts who want reliable performance without fuss.

Downsides That Could Affect Experience

• Quite loud during operation, especially on ice crushing mode.
• Pitcher capacity limited to 64 oz of liquid despite larger overall size.
• Heavier unit, making it less portable.
• Plastic pitcher feels less durable than glass alternatives.
• Shorter power cord can be inconvenient depending on kitchen layout.

Strong Points That Impress

• Powerful 1400 peak watt motor handles tough ingredients with ease.
• Auto-iQ technology removes guesswork with smart blending programs.
• Large 72-oz pitcher ideal for families and batch blending.
• Dishwasher-safe, BPA-free pitcher and stainless steel blades simplify cleanup.
• Versatile with 3 preset functions plus manual speed and pulse controls.

Using this blender has been a mix of impressive performance and minor annoyances, but overall, it stands out as a robust and intelligent blending solution for everyday kitchen needs.

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