When you’re in the market for a compact yet powerful personal blender, the **Ninja BN401** and **Ninja SS101** are two very compelling options. Both come from Ninja’s well-known Foodi / Nutri-Pro lines, but they serve somewhat different purposes. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine their key differences, how they perform in real-world use, and which one might be the better fit for your blending needs.
Main Difference Between Ninja BN401 and SS101
The primary difference between the **Ninja BN401** and **Ninja SS101** lies in their design focus and versatility: the BN401 is tailored as a powerful *single-serve personal blender*, optimized for smoothies and crushed ice, while the SS101 is a *SmartTORQUE* “Smoothie Bowl Maker & Nutrient Extractor” that offers more preset functions (like spread, extract, bowl) and a bowl-style container for thicker blends such as smoothie bowls or nut butters. Their motor power, included containers, and Auto-iQ programs reflect these different use-cases.
Specification Comparison
| Feature | Ninja BN401 | Ninja SS101 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1100-peak watts :contentReference | 1200 watts :contentReference |
| Auto-iQ / Presets | 2 auto-IQ programs: Smoothie, Crushed Ice :contentReference | 4 Auto-iQ presets: Extract, Smoothie, Spread, Bowl :contentReference |
| Containers | (2) 24-oz single-serve cups + spout lids :contentReference | One 24-oz Power Nutri Cup + one 14-oz Power Nutri Bowl (with built-in tamper) :contentReference |
| Blade Type | Pro Extractor Blades (stainless steel) :contentReference | Hybrid-edge stainless steel blades :contentReference |
| Build / Materials | BPA-free plastic, dishwasher-safe parts :contentReference | Thick BPA-free plastic; parts are dishwasher-safe :contentReference |
| Convenience Features | Locking cups, one-touch Auto-iQ :contentReference | SmartTORQUE to prevent stalling, built-in tamper in bowl :contentReference |
| Noise / User Feedback | Powerful and somewhat loud, especially with ice. :contentReference | Very good performance, but notable noise level reported by users. :contentReference |
| Use Case / Strength | Great for quick smoothies, shakes, crushed ice, on-the-go blending. | Better for smoothie bowls, thick blends, spreads like nut butters, leafy greens. |
- CERTIFIED REFURBISHED: This manufacturer-refurbished unit shows limited (if any) wear and...
- THICK SMOOTHIE BOWLS: 14-oz. Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper blends and powers...
- SMOOTH NUTRIENT EXTRACTIONS: 24-oz. Nutrient Extraction Cup with better breakdown for...
- SMARTTORQUE TECHNOLOGY: Powerful 1200-peak-watt power-dense motor that powers through...
- 6 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: 6 programs for one-touch blend, pulse, smoothies, extractions,...
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: take the guesswork out of drink making with intelligent programs that...
Performance and Power
The **BN401** packs an 1100-peak watt motor that handles ice, frozen fruit, and leafy greens efficiently. :contentReferenceAccording to independent reviewers, it consistently delivers smooth blends within seconds—even with dense or frozen ingredients. :contentReference
On the other hand, the **SS101** steps up with a 1200-watt motor, giving it a slight edge in raw power. :contentReference More importantly, it uses **SmartTORQUE** technology, which helps prevent stalling when working with very thick mixtures, like smoothie bowls or nut butters. :contentReference
Auto-iQ Programs and Usability
The BN401 offers two simple Auto-iQ programs: Smoothie and Crushed Ice. These presets combine pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns, enabling you to blend with one touch. :contentReference
The SS101 delivers more versatility in this area, with four Auto-iQ presets:
- Extract – ideal for whole fruits, greens, and seeds
- Smoothie – for liquid blends
- Spread – to make nut butter, hummus, dips
- Bowl – for thick, spoonable textures like smoothie bowls or frozen treats :contentReference
This additional flexibility makes the SS101 more than just a drink blender; it’s capable of handling more complex textures.
Containers & Design Differences
The BN401 includes two 24-oz travel cups and matching spout lids, making it very portable. :contentReference You blend directly in the to-go cup, twist on the lid, and carry your drink with you. This design is ideal for daily smoothie routines or gym shakes.
The SS101, meanwhile, includes a 24-oz Nutri Cup and a 14-oz Nutri Bowl. The bowl has a built-in tamper which helps push thick mixtures toward the blades while blending, which is especially useful for dense blends like frozen yogurt or spreads. :contentReference
Blade Design & Extraction
The BN401 uses Pro Extractor blades made of stainless steel, designed to crush ice, whole fruits, and vegetables, unlocking nutrients from your produce. :contentReference
The SS101 uses hybrid-edge stainless steel blades, engineered to tackle a variety of tasks: from crushing ice to pureeing to thicker spreads. :contentReference These blades, combined with its SmartTORQUE motor, support more demanding textures.
Ease of Cleaning & Build Quality
Both models are built with BPA-free plastic parts, and most components are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup relatively easy. :contentReference
In user feedback, the BN401 is praised for its solid build and locking mechanism, which gives you hands-free blending once the cup is attached. :contentReference
However, SS101 users note the plastic parts can feel thick but may raise questions about long-term durability. :contentReference Also, because of its power, the SS101 tends to be louder in operation. :contentReference
Noise Considerations
That said, both blenders do produce noticeable noise due to their power:
- BN401: Several users mention the blender can be quite loud, especially when crushing ice. :contentReference
- SS101: Again, the high wattage and torque mean it’s not a quiet blender. Noise is a frequent comment in user reviews. :contentReference
Practical Use Cases
Here are some ideal scenarios for each model, based on their strengths:
- Choose BN401 if:
- You regularly make single-serve smoothies or shakes.
- You want a quick, on-the-go blending solution.
- Your priority is power for ice and frozen fruit, but within a portable format.
- Choose SS101 if:
- You want broader functionality (smoothies, bowls, nut butters, dips).
- You make thick, spoonable blends like acai bowls or nut spreads.
- You value preset programs and a built-in tamper to help blend dense mixtures.
Pros and Cons Summary
BN401 – Pros
- Powerful 1100-watt motor with solid ice-crushing ability. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
- Very portable – includes two 24-oz to-go cups.
- Auto-iQ for easy one-touch blending.
- Easy to clean; parts are dishwasher-safe.
BN401 – Cons
- Only two Auto-iQ presets (less versatility). :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- May struggle with very thick or sticky blends (like nut butters) compared to more specialized blenders.
- No built-in tamper for thick mixes.
- Relatively loud during high-power blending. :contentReference
SS101 – Pros
- 1200-watt Smart TORQUE motor helps prevent stalling. :contentReference
- Four Auto-iQ presets (Extract, Smoothie, Spread, Bowl) for versatile blends. :contentReference
- Includes both a 24-oz cup and a 14-oz bowl with tamper.
- Great for thick blends, smoothie bowls, and nut butters.
SS101 – Cons
- No large carafe — limited to personal-size servings.
- Plastic parts may feel less premium; some concerns about long-term durability. :content Reference
- Not ideal for hot blending (some personal blender models do not support hot liquids). :content Reference
- Loud noise during use. :content Reference
Which One Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the **choice between the Ninja BN401 and SS101** comes down to how you plan to use your blender:
– If you’re focused on **single-serve drinks**, want something highly portable, and don’t need to make super thick blends, the **BN401** is likely the better pick.
– If you want a more **multi-functional blender** that can handle drinks *and* thicker textures like bowls, nut butters, or greens, then the **SS101** is the smarter investment — its SmartTORQUE motor and multiple presets give it more versatility.
Conclusion
Both the **Ninja BN401** and **SS101** are excellent personal blenders, and neither is definitively “better” than the other — it depends on your use-case. The BN401 excels in simplicity, power, and portability. The SS101 offers more blending modes, a specialized bowl, and greater flexibility for thick and dense mixtures.
When choosing, think about your daily routine, what you blend most often, and how much variety you want from a single appliance. By aligning your priorities to the strengths of each model, you’ll make the right pick — and get the most from your Ninja blender.
