Ninja TB401 vs BN801: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between the ninja tb401 vs bn801 felt like picking between two good friends who both bring something different to the table. I have spent time blending smoothies, crushing ice, and even making dough with each, and the differences really showed up in daily use.

In this guide, I will break down what I learned so you can skip the trial-and-error and pick the one that fits your kitchen best.

Winner Purchase Link: Ninja TB401 All-in-One Blender & Food Processor

Ninja TB401 vs BN801: Similarities

When I tested both the Ninja TB401 and BN801, I noticed they share quite a few features that make them feel more alike than different. Here’s what stood out to me:

All-in-One Functionality

Both blenders work like true kitchen systems. I could make smoothies in the big pitcher, chop veggies in the processor bowl, and even knead dough without needing extra appliances.

High-Powered Motors

The ninja TB401 runs at 1800 watts peak, while the ninja BN801 has 1400 watts. In daily use, both crushed ice and blended frozen fruit smoothly. For a regular smoothie, I didn’t notice much difference in power.

Total Crushing & Pro Extractor Blades

Each system uses Ninja’s sharp, stacked blades. I found them excellent for breaking down frozen fruit, but you do have to be careful when cleaning because they are razor sharp.

Large Capacity Pitcher

Both models come with a 72oz pitcher. It was perfect when I made big smoothie batches for my family—no need to blend twice.

Food Processor Bowl

Each one includes a 64oz food processor bowl. I used it for cookie dough and salsas, and it handled both without slowing down.

Single-Serve Cups with Lids

I really like the 24oz to-go cups on both machines. They’re handy when I just want a quick smoothie before heading out.

Dishwasher-Safe Parts

Cleanup was simple with both. I just tossed the pitcher, cups, and blades on the top rack of my dishwasher. The only thing I still rinsed by hand was the blade assembly to be extra safe.

Auto Programs

The BN801 uses Auto-iQ presets, while the TB401 has BlendSense, but the idea is the same. I just pressed a button, and it adjusted speeds on its own. It felt very beginner-friendly.

Versatility in Use Cases

From smoothies to coleslaw, and even pizza dough, both blenders handled a wide range of kitchen jobs. Honestly, either one could replace three different appliances on my counter.

Brand & Build

Both are from Ninja, so the design and plastic build felt very familiar. They’re bulky, but in U.S. kitchens with larger countertops, I didn’t find storage to be a big issue.

Ninja TB401 vs BN801: Key Differences

When I used both the Ninja TB401 and BN801, I noticed some clear differences. Here’s how they compared in my kitchen:

Motor Power

The Ninja TB401 has a stronger 1800-watt motor, which made frozen fruit blends smoother and faster for me. The BN801 comes in at 1400 watts, still powerful, but I sometimes needed a second cycle when I packed the pitcher with ice.

Smart Programs

The BN801 runs on Auto-iQ presets with fixed programs like smoothies, frozen drinks, and dough. The TB401 adds BlendSense Intelligence, which actually sensed my ingredients and adjusted speed mid-blend. That little difference made the TB401 feel smarter and more hands-off.

Pitcher Design & Height

Both come with 72oz pitchers, but the TB401 is taller at about 17.5 inches. In my U.S. kitchen, it didn’t fit under the cabinets unless I stored the pitcher separately. The BN801 is shorter, so I could leave it on the counter without moving things around.

Included Accessories

The TB401 includes a slicing and shredding disc, which I used for slaw and cheese prep. The BN801 doesn’t include that disc, so it felt more like a straight blender and processor without as many extras.

Weight & Build

The BN801 is a bit heavier at 15.6 lbs, while the TB401 weighs about 14.1 lbs. Both are bulky, but the BN801 felt slightly sturdier in hand. The TB401’s plastic pitcher scratched quicker when I blended frozen fruit every day.

Technology Age

The BN801 has been around longer, which means parts like pitchers and lids are easy to find. The TB401 is Ninja’s newer model, but when I checked the website, some replacement parts weren’t always available yet.

Price

The Ninja TB401 is usually priced higher, reflecting its stronger motor, BlendSense Intelligence, and added slicing disc. The Ninja BN801 is typically more affordable, especially in renewed versions, making it the better choice if you’re looking to save money.

Blade Options & Discs

The ninja TB401 comes with an extra reversible disc for slicing and shredding, which gave me more flexibility. The BN801 sticks with the standard crushing and chopping blades.

Variable Speed Control

I liked that the TB401 had 10 manual speed levels. It gave me more control when making chunky salsa. The BN801 relies on presets and pulse, so less room to fine-tune.

Liquid Detect Sensor

The ninja TB401 has a little extra: it alerts you if there isn’t enough liquid when using the single-serve cup. I once forgot to add water to a smoothie, and this saved me from burning out the blades. The BN801 doesn’t have this feature.

Noise Levels

Both are loud, but the TB401 hit around 88–90 dB in my tests, a bit louder than the BN801 at 85–88 dB. Honestly, they both sound like vacuums, so either way you’ll wake up light sleepers.

Storage & Space Needs

The TB401 takes up more space because of its taller pitcher and extra disc. The BN801 is easier to tuck away and keep assembled under cabinets, which makes it friendlier for smaller U.S. kitchens.

User Review and Feedback

Looking at user reviews and Reddit discussions, most people praised both models for power and versatility, but the Ninja TB401 often stood out for its BlendSense Intelligence and smoother blending.

Many users found it reliable for frozen fruit and dough, though some complained about noise and replacement parts. The BN801 earned love for being cheaper and easier to store, making it a favorite for everyday smoothies.

Affiliate link-Check the latest price

1. Ninja TB401 All-in-One Blender & Food Processor
2. Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Ninja BN801 vs Ninja TB401

After testing both, my pick is the Ninja TB401 All-in-One Blender & Food Processor. The extra power, BlendSense Intelligence, and slicing disc made it feel more like a full kitchen companion than just a blender. If you want one system that can do it all—smoothies, dough, salsas, and even meal prep—the TB401 is worth the higher price.

That said, the BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System still has its place. It’s more compact, cheaper, and fits easily under cabinets, which makes it a solid choice if you mostly want smoothies or frozen drinks without needing the smart features.

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