If there is one thing I’ve learned from years of morning smoothie rituals, it’s that not all “professional” blenders are created equal. I recently spent a month swapping between the Ninja Professional Plus BN701 and the Ninja Professional BR201AMZ, and the experience was a masterclass in how small technical bumps can lead to big differences in the kitchen.
At first glance, these two look like twins. They both sport that signature “Dark Grey” Ninja aesthetic, both tower over your countertop with a 72-ounce pitcher, and both utilize the famous stacked blade assembly that looks more like a medieval weapon than a kitchen tool. But once you start trying to turn frozen solid strawberries and massive ice cubes into a drinkable consistency, the gap between “standard professional” and “professional plus” becomes very clear. While one is an optimized online value pick, the other is a high-torque beast designed to handle everything from margarita nights to homemade ice cream without breaking a sweat.
The Key Difference: Ninja BN701 vs. BR201AMZ Blender
The primary distinction between the Ninja BN701 and the BR201AMZ comes down to Wattage and Intelligence.
- The Ninja BN701 (The Professional Plus): This is the upgraded “Plus” model, featuring a 1400-peak-watt motor. It comes equipped with 3 dedicated Auto-iQ presets (Smoothie, Frozen Drink, and Ice Cream), making it a more versatile multi-tool for frozen desserts.
- The Ninja BR201AMZ (The Streamlined Value): This model is a 1200-watt variant, often optimized for specific online retail channels. It focuses heavily on the “Crush” function and offers a more basic Auto-iQ experience. It’s essentially the leaner, more focused version of the Ninja power-blending line.
In short: The BN701 offers a 200-watt power advantage and more sophisticated automated programs, whereas the BR201AMZ is a straightforward, high-powered crusher for those who want the classic Ninja experience at a potentially lower price point.
Comparison Table: Ninja BN701 vs. BR201AMZ Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN701 Professional Plus | Ninja BR201AMZ Professional |
| Peak Wattage | 1400 Watts | 1200 Watts |
| Auto-iQ Presets | 3 (Smoothie, Frozen, Ice Cream) | 1 (Crush) |
| Pitcher Capacity | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid) | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid) |
| Blade System | Total Crushing Stacked Blades | Total Crushing Stacked Blades |
| Manual Speeds | Low, Medium, High, Pulse | Low, Medium, High, Pulse |
| Weight/Footprint | 6.75″D x 9″W x 17.5″H | 7.76″D x 8.15″W x 17.44″H |
| Color | Dark Grey | Dark Grey |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (Top Rack) | Yes (Top Rack) |
| Recipe Guide | 15-Recipe Guide | 10-Recipe Guide |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Kitchen Experience
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Design: Modern Polish vs. Classic Utility
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the BN701 was its refined look. Ninja has clearly modernized the “Plus” line. The buttons feel a bit more premium, and the interface is incredibly intuitive. It’s a tall machine, standing at 17.5 inches, so you’ll want to measure your cabinet clearance before committing.
The BR201AMZ feels like the “greatest hits” of the Ninja design era. It’s slightly deeper and narrower than the BN701, which actually made it feel a bit more stable on my counter during high-speed blending. Both models feature the locking lid with the pour spout, which is honestly one of Ninja’s best design choices—it makes serving a batch of margaritas mess-free.
- 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...
- 1200-WATT MOTOR BASE: Made for powering through the toughest ingredients.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: Take the guesswork out of blending with the Crush preset program that combines unique...
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Ease of Use: The “Set and Forget” Factor
One-touch blending has spoiled me, and both machines utilize Auto-iQ technology, but the BN701 definitely has the edge here.
- The BN701 Experience: When I made a thick acai bowl, I used the “Ice Cream” preset. The machine didn’t just spin; it pulsed, paused to let the frozen fruit settle, and then ramped up to full speed. I didn’t have to touch a tamper or shake the pitcher once.
- The BR201AMZ Experience: This model focuses on the “Crush” preset. It is phenomenal at turning ice into snow—perfect for snow cones or chilled drinks—but for specialized textures like smoothies or sorbets, I found myself relying more on the manual “Low, Medium, High” buttons to get the consistency exactly where I wanted it.
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Functions: Brute Force for Ice
Both of these machines are built around the Stacked Blade Assembly. Unlike a traditional blender that has one blade at the bottom, these have blades that travel up a center post.
In the BN701, that 1400-watt motor is a beast. I threw in whole frozen strawberries and large chunks of pineapple. The extra 200 watts of power meant the motor didn’t “bog down” as much when the mixture got thick. It felt like it had a higher “gear” to shift into.
The BR201AMZ, with 1200 watts, is still significantly more powerful than most budget blenders. It handles ice with ease, but I did notice that with very thick, fiber-heavy green smoothies (think kale and celery), the BN701 produced a slightly smoother result in a shorter amount of time.
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Maintenance: The Blade Warning
Ninja blenders are notoriously easy to clean as long as you respect the blades. Both pitchers are BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe.
During my month with them, I stuck to my “active cleaning” method: a drop of soap, some warm water, and a quick pulse. Because the blades in both the BN701 and BR201AMZ are removable, you don’t have to reach your hand into the bottom of the pitcher to scrub around a fixed blade. This is a huge safety plus, but you have to be careful when drying the blades—they are genuinely razor-sharp. The BN701’s base is a bit easier to wipe down because the buttons are flush with the panel, leaving fewer places for spills to hide.
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:
- Higher Torque: 1400 watts provides that extra “oomph” for tough ingredients.
- Three Presets: Dedicated modes for smoothies and ice cream are very convenient.
- Modern Interface: Flush buttons and a cleaner look make it feel more current.
- Smoother Results: Better at handling fibrous vegetables and thick frozen fruits.
Cons:
- Price: Generally carries a premium over the standard professional models.
- Noise: At 1400 watts, it is undeniably loud (though all Ninjas are).
Ninja BR201AMZ (Professional) Blender
- 1200-WATT MOTOR BASE: Made for powering through the toughest ingredients.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: Take the guesswork out of blending with the Crush preset program that combines unique...
Pros:
- Ice Crushing Specialist: The “Crush” preset is perfectly tuned for frozen drinks.
- Great Value: You get 1200 watts of power at a price that usually beats the “Plus” models.
- Compact Depth: Fits a bit better in narrower counter spaces.
- Simple & Rugged: Fewer electronics to worry about; it’s a straightforward power tool.
Cons:
- Less Automated: You’ll be using the manual buttons more often for varied recipes.
- 1200 Watts: While powerful, it can struggle slightly more with very thick, non-liquid mixtures.
The Verdict: Which Ninja Earns a Spot on Your Counter?
After weeks of blending, crushing, and making a mess, the winner depends on how you plan to use it.
I recommend the Ninja BN701 if: You are a daily smoothie drinker or someone who loves making “nice cream” and frozen desserts. The 1400-watt motor and the specialized Auto-iQ programs make a noticeable difference in the final texture of your food. It’s the “upgrade” choice for someone who wants the best performance Ninja offers in their Professional pitcher line.
I recommend the Ninja BR201AMZ if: You primarily want a powerhouse for ice-heavy tasks—think frozen margaritas, protein shakes with ice, or snow cones. It provides massive power (1200 watts) without the extra cost of the specialized dessert programs. It’s the ultimate “utilitarian” choice for someone who just wants to crush things into submission.
My Personal Choice: I’m going with the Ninja BN701. As someone who puts a lot of frozen fruit and greens in my morning shakes, that extra power and the “Smoothie” preset save me about 30 seconds of manual work every morning, and the texture is consistently better.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the “Max Liquid” capacity?
Both pitchers are 72 ounces, but you’ll see a line for 64 ounces. This is the maximum amount of liquid you should put in. If you fill it to the very top, the pressure of the blending can cause the lid to leak or even pop off.
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Can I make hot soup in the BN701?
No. Like most Ninja blenders, the pitcher is not designed to vent steam. Blending hot liquids can lead to pressure buildup and an “explosion” of hot soup. Always blend at room temperature and heat your soup on the stove afterward.
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Are the blades the same in both?
Yes, both use the Stacked Blade Assembly. This is why they are so good at crushing ice throughout the entire pitcher, rather than just at the bottom.
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Is the 1400-watt motor much louder than the 1200-watt?
Honestly, both are loud. You aren’t going to have a conversation while these are running. The 1400-watt BN701 has a slightly deeper “growl,” while the 1200-watt BR201AMZ has a higher-pitched whine, but neither is quiet.
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Can I buy extra pitchers for these?
Yes, Ninja sells 72-oz pitchers separately. Just ensure you are buying the pitcher compatible with the Professional or Professional Plus base, as the locking tabs on the bottom are specific to those series.
