I recently spent time testing the Ninja SS401 and SS351, two high-performance blender and food processor combos designed to handle everything from smoothies to dough. Both models are marketed as all-in-one solutions for kitchen prep, but my hands-on experience revealed distinct differences in functionality, performance, and overall user experience.
Key Difference Between Ninja SS401 vs SS351 Food Processor and Blender
The primary difference lies in power, attachments, and included accessories. The SS401 has a more powerful motor (1600 peak watts), extra attachments such as a dough blade, slicing/shredding discs, and Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly, and an XL Smoothie Bowl Maker, making it ideal for comprehensive kitchen tasks. The SS351, while powerful with 1400 peak watts, focuses on streamlined blending and food processing, offering slightly fewer attachments and a lighter design. Essentially, SS401 is for serious kitchen enthusiasts, while SS351 is for those wanting versatility without the extra bulk.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow...
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and...
- NINJA’S MOST POWERFUL SYSTEM: Ninja's Most Powerful Blender system that crushes, food processes, and makes...
- SMARTTORQUE TECHNOLOGY: Powerful 1400 peak watt power dense motor that powers through heavy loads without...
Comparison Table: Ninja SS401 vs SS351 Food Processor and Blender
| Feature | Ninja SS401 | Ninja SS351 |
| Motor Power | 1600 Peak Watts | 1400 Peak Watts |
| Capacity | 72-oz Pitcher, 18-oz Smoothie Bowl Maker, 24-oz Nutrient Extraction Cup | 72-oz Pitcher, 14-oz Smoothie Bowl Maker, 24-oz Nutrient Extraction Cup |
| Special Features | smartTORQUE, Enhanced Processing Lid, Variable Speed, Dishwasher Safe Parts, 7 Auto-iQ Programs | smartTORQUE, Variable Speed, 6 Auto-iQ Programs, Auto-iQ Technology, Dishwasher Safe Parts |
| Dimensions | 8.7″D x 8.3″W x 16.14″H | 8.19″D x 8.43″W x 14.17″H |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs | 8.2 lbs |
| Included Accessories | 72-oz Pitcher & Processor, Feed Chute Lid with 2-Part Pusher, XL Smoothie Bowl Maker, 24-oz Nutrient Extraction Cup, Total Crushing & Chopping Blade, Reversible Slicing/Shredding Disc, Grating Disc, Dough Blade, Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly, Recipe Guide | 72-oz Pitcher, 24-oz Nutrient Extraction Cup, 14-oz Smoothie Bowl Maker, Hybrid Edge Blades, Recipe Inspiration Guide |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes, all containers, lids, discs, and blades | Yes, all containers, lids, and blades |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
The SS401 feels robust on the countertop, and its platinum finish adds a premium touch. The wide array of attachments gives it a slightly heavier footprint, but it’s built for serious prep work. I particularly appreciated the enhanced processing lid and feed chute, which made shredding and slicing effortless.
The SS351, on the other hand, is lighter and more compact. Its silver stainless design is sleek, fitting well in smaller kitchens. It’s less intimidating to use, and switching between the smoothie pitcher and nutrient extraction cup is intuitive. While it doesn’t include the dough blade or slicing discs, the simplicity makes it a great option for day-to-day blending.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow...
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and...
- NINJA’S MOST POWERFUL SYSTEM: Ninja's Most Powerful Blender system that crushes, food processes, and makes...
- SMARTTORQUE TECHNOLOGY: Powerful 1400 peak watt power dense motor that powers through heavy loads without...
Ease of Use
I found the SS401 slightly more complex at first due to its multiple attachments, but the Auto-iQ programs and variable speed control made operation smooth once I got familiar. The XL Smoothie Bowl Maker impressed me by handling frozen ingredients and nuts efficiently, producing thick, creamy bowls without clogging.
The SS351 is highly intuitive. Its 6 preset Auto-iQ programs handle smoothies, bowls, spreads, and dough with minimal input. The lighter design and fewer attachments mean setup and cleanup are faster, which I appreciated for everyday use.
Functions
The SS401 truly shines in multi-tasking. Beyond smoothies and shakes, it tackles dough, slicing, shredding, and grating seamlessly. The Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly ensures smooth textures, whether for smoothies, nut butters, or salsas. I used it to process leafy greens for a large salad, and it handled everything without stalling.
The SS351 focuses on versatility without overwhelming complexity. Its smartTORQUE motor handled frozen ingredients and dough efficiently, though slightly less heavy-duty than SS401. The smoothie bowl maker is smaller but still effective, and the nutrient extraction cup consistently delivered smooth, nutrient-rich drinks.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow...
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and...
Performance
Both models are powerful:
- SS401: 1600 Peak Watts with smartTORQUE made crushing ice, frozen fruit, and dough effortless. The combination of multiple blades and discs allows precise food processing, which I found invaluable for complex recipes.
- SS351: 1400 Peak Watts, still robust for everyday smoothies and dough. The motor handled dense mixtures well, though very heavy dough batches take slightly more time compared to SS401.
In terms of noise, both are comparable, producing the typical high-pitched blender hum, but SS401’s heavier design reduces vibration on the countertop.
- NINJA’S MOST POWERFUL SYSTEM: Ninja's Most Powerful Blender system that crushes, food processes, and makes...
- SMARTTORQUE TECHNOLOGY: Powerful 1400 peak watt power dense motor that powers through heavy loads without...
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both units feature dishwasher-safe components, making cleanup straightforward. I found SS351 slightly easier due to fewer attachments, whereas SS401 requires careful cleaning of the multiple blades and discs, but it’s worth the effort for its versatility.
Ninja SS401 Blender & Food Processor Combo
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow...
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and...
Pros:
- Powerful 1600 Peak Watt motor with smartTORQUE
- Enhanced processing lid with multiple discs for slicing, shredding, and grating
- XL Smoothie Bowl Maker and Nutrient Extraction Cup
- 7 preset Auto-iQ programs for ease of use
- Ideal for complex recipes and multi-function prep
Cons:
- Heavier and larger footprint
- More attachments to clean
- Slightly higher price point
Ninja SS351 Food Processor Combo System
- NINJA’S MOST POWERFUL SYSTEM: Ninja's Most Powerful Blender system that crushes, food processes, and makes...
- SMARTTORQUE TECHNOLOGY: Powerful 1400 peak watt power dense motor that powers through heavy loads without...
Pros:
- 1400 Peak Watt smartTORQUE motor handles frozen ingredients and dough efficiently
- 6 Auto-iQ programs for one-touch operation
- Compact and lightweight
- Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup
- Great for smoothies, bowls, and quick food processing
Cons:
- Smaller smoothie bowl maker and fewer attachments
- Slightly less powerful for heavy-duty dough or large batches
- Limited slicing/shredding capabilities
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After extensive testing, both Ninja SS401 and SS351 deliver exceptional performance, but the choice depends on your kitchen priorities:
- Choose SS401 if you want a full-featured food processor and blender combo capable of handling everything from smoothies to dough, slicing, and shredding. It’s perfect for serious home chefs and multitaskers.
- Choose SS351 if you prefer a versatile, compact, and user-friendly blender system for everyday smoothies, shakes, bowls, and light food processing, without extra attachments or bulk.
From my perspective, SS401 is the powerhouse for heavy-duty kitchen tasks, while SS351 offers excellent convenience and efficiency for daily use. Both models maintain Ninja’s reputation for durability, smart technology, and consistent performance.
