Staring down a frozen block of spinach and solid strawberries at 6:00 AM requires a certain kind of confidence in your kitchen hardware. I’ve spent the last several weeks putting two of Ninja’s most popular full-sized blenders through a rigorous gauntlet of breakfast shakes, Friday night margaritas, and even a few experimental batches of “nice cream.” In one corner, we have the Ninja Professional Plus BN701, and in the other, the streamlined Ninja NJ601AMZ.
While they both share the same towering 72-ounce silhouette and that unmistakable black-and-grey aesthetic, they represent two very different eras of Ninja engineering. The NJ601AMZ is the spiritual successor to the original 1000-watt workhorse that put Ninja on the map. The BN701, however, is part of the “Professional Plus” lineup, boasting a redesigned motor and a brain full of automated presets. After burning through pounds of ice and enough fruit to fill a small orchard, I’ve found that while they both look the part, the experience of actually using them reveals a significant gap in sheer force and daily convenience.
The Key Difference: Ninja BN701 vs. NJ601AMZ Blender
The fundamental divide between the Ninja BN701 and the NJ601AMZ is defined by Motor Torque and Program Intelligence.
- The Ninja BN701 (The Smart Powerhouse): This model is the high-performance upgrade, featuring a 1400-peak-watt motor. Its defining feature is the Auto-iQ technology, which includes 3 intelligent presets (Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream) that handle the pulsing and pausing for you.
- The Ninja NJ601AMZ (The Classic Essential): This is a more traditional, manual-focused blender with a 1000-watt motor. It relies on the user to select Low, Medium, or High speeds. It lacks the smart sensors and automated programs of the Plus series, focusing instead on simple, reliable brute force.
In short: The BN701 is a more “intelligent” machine with 40% more peak power, while the NJ601AMZ is a straightforward, budget-friendly option for those who don’t mind a manual approach to blending.
Comparison Table: Ninja BN701 vs. NJ601AMZ Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN701 Professional Plus | Ninja NJ601AMZ Professional |
| Peak Wattage | 1400 Watts | 1000 Watts |
| Intelligence | 3 Auto-iQ Presets | Manual Only |
| Pitcher Size | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid) | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid) |
| Speed Control | Low, Med, High, Pulse + Presets | Low, Med, High, Pulse |
| Blade Tech | Total Crushing Stacked Blades | Total Crushing Stacked Blades |
| Interface | Modern Flush Buttons | Traditional Raised Buttons |
| Dimensions | 6.75″D x 9″W x 17.5″H | 5.87″D x 7.87″W x 17.32″H |
| Color | Dark Grey | Black |
| Best For | Smoothies, Ice Cream, Batch Prep | Simple Shakes, Ice Crushing |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Testing Notes
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Design: Modern Refinement vs. Slim Utility
The first time I set the BN701 on my counter, I noticed it felt more like a modern appliance. The base is slightly wider and the control panel is a sleek, flat surface that feels premium to the touch. It feels sturdy, like it was built to handle the extra torque of that 1400-watt motor.
The NJ601AMZ, however, surprised me with its footprint. It is noticeably slimmer (under 6 inches deep!). If you’re dealing with a shallow countertop or a kitchen that already feels crowded, the NJ601AMZ is much easier to tuck away. The buttons are the older, raised style. While they aren’t as “pretty” as the BN701’s panel, they are incredibly responsive. Both models use the same 72-ounce pitcher system with the locking lid and pour spout—a design I’ve come to appreciate because it prevents those accidental “lid-flying-off” messes that happen with cheaper blenders.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more...
- POWERFUL CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen...
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
- XL BLENDING CAPACITY: The 72 oz. Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. 64 oz. max...
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Ease of Use: Manual Labor vs. Auto-iQ
This is where the user experience diverged completely for me.
- The BN701 Experience: I made a thick morning smoothie with frozen bananas and a handful of spinach. I hit the “Smoothie” button and walked away to pour my coffee. The Auto-iQ program did all the work—pulsing to pull the frozen fruit into the blades, then ramping up to a high-speed finish. I never had to stop the machine to stir.
- The NJ601AMZ Experience: Using the manual buttons reminded me of “old school” blending. To get that same thick smoothie consistent, I had to pulse it a few times myself, then toggle between Medium and High. It required me to stay right there and babysit the process. If you like having total control over your blend, you might prefer this, but for a busy morning, the BN701 is a massive luxury.
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Functions: The “Snow” Test
Both machines use the Total Crushing Stacked Blades. This is Ninja’s “secret sauce”—a vertical tower of blades that reaches all the way to the top of the pitcher.
I tested both with a full pitcher of ice cubes. The BN701 crushed them into snow in about 15 seconds. The 1400 watts of power really shows here; it sounds like a jet engine, but the results are undeniably fluffy and consistent. The “Ice Cream” preset was a highlight for me; I turned frozen mango and a splash of coconut milk into a sorbet that actually had a scoopable texture.
The NJ601AMZ with 1000 watts was still impressive. It crushed the ice effectively, but I noticed it struggled slightly more with very thick, non-liquid mixtures. While the BN701 powered through without hesitation, the NJ601AMZ sounded a bit more “strained” when I was making a particularly thick batch of hummus. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t have that “effortless” feeling the Plus model provides.
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Maintenance: Keeping it Clean
Maintenance is almost identical for both. The pitchers, lids, and blade assemblies are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe.
I did notice one subtle advantage for the BN701: because the control panel is flush and flat, wiping it down after a spill is effortless. The NJ601AMZ, with its raised buttons and cracks, tends to collect flour dust or sticky smoothie drips in the crevices around the switches. One pro-tip I discovered for both: after you finish your blend, immediately fill the pitcher halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run it on High for 30 seconds. It cleans those vertical blades far better (and more safely) than a sponge ever could.
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 CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen...
Pros:
- Peak Power: 1400 watts is a significant jump in performance for tough ingredients.
- Smart Programs: Auto-iQ presets (Smoothie, Frozen, Ice Cream) are game-changers for convenience.
- Modern Build: Flush control panel is easy to clean and looks high-end.
- Texture Control: Produces a noticeably smoother result with fibrous greens and frozen fruit.
Cons:
- Wider Base: Takes up a bit more room on the counter.
- Volume: It is quite loud when the 1400-watt motor is at full tilt.
Ninja NJ601AMZ (Professional) Blender
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
- XL BLENDING CAPACITY: The 72 oz. Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. 64 oz. max...
Pros:
- Compact Footprint: Much slimmer design is perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Value: Provides 1000 watts of professional power at a more accessible price point.
- Simplicity: No complicated menus; just Low, Medium, High, and Pulse.
- Reliability: Uses the classic Ninja motor design that has been a staple for a decade.
Cons:
- Manual Only: Requires constant attention and manual toggling for best results.
- Less Versatile: Lacks a dedicated “Ice Cream” mode; you have to guess the timing for frozen treats.
The Verdict: Which Ninja Should You Invite Home?
After a month of back-to-back testing, my recommendation depends on how much you value your time in the morning.
I recommend the Ninja BN701 if: You are a daily smoothie drinker or someone who loves making frozen desserts like sorbet or “nice cream.” The 1400-watt motor and the Auto-iQ presets make the experience almost entirely hands-off. It’s the “pro” choice for someone who wants the best performance Ninja offers in a standalone blender.
I recommend the Ninja NJ601AMZ if: You are on a budget or have very limited counter space. If you primarily use your blender for occasional shakes or crushing ice for the occasional drink night, you don’t really need the extra 400 watts or the automated programs. It’s a rugged, slim, and reliable machine for the essentials.
My Personal Choice: I’m sticking with the Ninja BN701. The “Smoothie” and “Ice Cream” presets have become essential parts of my kitchen routine. The fact that I can push one button and keep making toast while the blender thinks for itself is worth the extra investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the 1400-watt motor actually make a difference?
Yes, particularly with “dry” blends or very thick frozen fruit. The extra wattage provides more torque, meaning the blades are less likely to get stuck or slow down when the mixture becomes dense. You’ll also find that green smoothies have fewer “kale bits” in the BN701.
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Can I make nut butter in these?
You can, but I recommend doing it in small bursts. These are high-speed blenders, not low-speed grinders. The BN701 handles it better because of the extra power, but you’ll still need to stop and scrape the sides down since these don’t come with a tamper.
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Are the pitchers the same size?
Yes, both come with the XL 72-ounce pitcher. However, pay attention to the “Max Liquid” line—you can only fill them to 64 ounces with liquid to prevent leaks.
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Is the NJ601AMZ “old technology”?
It’s a classic design. While it doesn’t have the new smart sensors, it uses the same 1000-watt motor technology that made Ninja famous. It’s “old” in the way a cast-iron skillet is old—it’s simple and it works.
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Can I use the BN701 to make hot soup?
No. Ninja pitchers are not vented. Blending boiling liquids will create steam pressure that can pop the lid off and cause serious burns. Always blend room-temperature ingredients and heat them on the stove later.
