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The Ninja BN801 Blender and Food Processor is the latest installment in the brand’s Professional Ninja Kitchen System Series. As you would expect, it’s a total package coming in with a full-sized pitcher, single-serve cups and a food processor kit.
One major improvement to this series is the Auto-IQ technology. It has five walk-away blending programs that will activate depending on which container is on. I’ll explain it in the “technology” section of this review.
At the moment, I’m just trying to introduce the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-IQ.
Award: 5th Best Budget-Friendly Blender
Let’s continue.
That Auto-iQ technology allowed it to take over its older sibling—Mega Kitchen System—quite spectacularly. It’s in the same ballpark in terms of pricing, but it would be wise to get the newer model.
The Ninja BN801 got what it takes to be crowned as the best value blender. It doesn’t disappoint when it comes to functionality, and the price is very reasonable.
Now, let’s get to its pros and cons.
PROS
- Cheap
- Contemporary design
- It’s the latest and most innovative version of Ninja’s Kitchen System
- 5 walk-away blending programs
- 3 manual speed levels with pulse control
- 72-ounce capacity for large servings
- It comes with two 24-ounce single-serve cups
- A blender with a food processor attachment
- 1400-watt powered motor
- Powerful enough to crush ice
- Labeled measurements on the pitcher
- Built-in timer
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
CONS
- Can’t make hot soup
- Too tall, may not fit some countertop spaces
- If this is your first time using a ninja blender, it may take a bit of time getting used to.
- A rather loud machine
- 1-year warranty
Ninja BN801 Features
What can I make with Ninja Kitchen System?
Since it belongs to Ninja’s Kitchen System, it’s normal to expect that it can do a lot, right? You bet! It’s not just for making green smoothies or protein shakes.
Here’s a full list of its capabilities:
*Kneading function is only possible with the food processor attachment
With the number of possible applications, it can almost go toe-to-toe with the best blender of all time: Vitamix A3500. There are just two things that the Ninja BN801 can’t do—hot soups and grinding wheat into flour.
I’ll be honest, in terms of blend quality, Vitamix blenders are next to none. It’s something that Ninja has to improve on. However, most consumers will always lean on the perfect balance of functionality and affordability—something that Ninja could win at any given time.
By the way, if you’re looking for a Ninja product that can handle hot soups, check out the Ninja Foodi Blender.
Going back to that blend quality:
The end result isn’t perfectly smooth. According to some consumers, you’ll end up with a grainy/chunky smoothie.
If you want a silky smooth texture for your shake, you’ll have to use the single-serve cups along with the pro extractor blades. Surprisingly, it yields a better consistency than the total crushing blades and pitcher.
Is Ninja Kitchen System easy to use?
If you’re not new to the brand, then it’s going to be a walk in the park. However, if it’s your first time using a Ninja Professional Kitchen System, then you need to pay attention to its locking mechanism.
The machine won’t run without securing everything in place.
Here’s what I mean:
Unfortunately, putting on the container, blade assembly and the lid is a bit challenging. It’s designed that way for safety reasons. Give it a few tries, then the next time you’re making a smoothie, I’m quite sure you won’t be looking at the product manual.
Once you get the hang of it, it’s just like any other blender. It comes with manual speed control with a pulse option and preprogrammed Auto-IQ settings for the most common recipes. I’ll get to it in the succeeding section.
When pouring your smoothie, always remember to take the crushing blades first to prevent any injury.
Here’s the best part:
All the attachments of the Ninja BN801 are dishwasher safe. Now, that’s unquestionably a huge win right there. Furthermore, since there are no protruding buttons, you can simply wipe the control panel with a damp cloth.
See the Ninja Blender and Food Processor in action:
Don’t take my word for it, here’s a full demo video of this Ninja Blender with Food Processor Kit and single-serve cups.
The Ninja Kitchen System is the best deal for all-in-one kitchen equipment. First, the blender itself has a powerful 1400-watt motor. The included 64 oz (1.89 L) processor bowl will also be helpful on numerous occasions, and it’ll save space. Lastly, there are the two 24 oz (709 mL) cups to carry around on exercise, travel, or work.
Technology
The Auto-IQ is Ninja’s jab at Vitamix’s Self-Detect technology. Depending on which container is on, you’ll have access to multiple set-and-forget blending cycles.
Total Crushing Pitcher—Smoothie and ice crush buttons will activate when the total crushing pitcher is installed. The smoothie mode is ideal for making protein shakes, yogurt, and processing frozen fruits. Press the ice crush button when the ice is heavier, say when making milkshakes or when crushing ice on its own.
Single-Serve Cup—Aside from the smoothie and ice crush settings, you’ll also have access to the extract mode. It’s ideal for processing tougher ingredients.
Precision Processor Bowl—The chop and dough functions are intended for the food processor attachment for obvious reasons.
You can always fine-tune the consistency of your blend by using the manual control buttons.
Ninja BN801 Accessories
When you purchase Ninja BN801 Kitchen System, you’ll get all of these dishwasher safe and BPA-free accessories.
Just so you know, the Amazon links for the pitcher, blade, cups, and bowl are products from third-party manufacturers.
72 oz. Total Crushing Pitcher
Perfect for large servings for your family, or perhaps a party. With the total crushing blades, you can create snow in less than a minute.
Furthermore, there are labels on the pitcher to guide you when adding ingredients.
Even though the blades are sharp, the safety level of this blender is excellent. The lids and pitcher have to be appropriately placed; otherwise, it won’t start.
Pitcher: Model # 678KKU800
Check Pitcher’s price at Amazon →
Blades: Model # 316KKU770
Single-Serve Cups
For smoothie lovers, having single-serve cups is a huge win. You can use the 72 oz pitcher, but transferring it to another cup means extra cleanup.
With the travel cups straight to the machine base, there will be less clean-up. In the same fashion, your smoothies will have a better texture.
Lastly, the cups have a notable spout lid. It’s a spill-free solution for drinking on the go.
Cup: Model # 679KKU800
Precision Processor bowl
Having this attachment is what makes the Ninja Blender and Food Processor a proper kitchen system.
The food processor that comes with your kitchen system includes a dough and chopping blade for all your basic food processing needs.
*This only comes with the bowl and lid, no blades included.
Precision Bowl: Model # 684KKU800
Technical Specifications
Type | Countertop Blender |
Brand/Series | Shark Ninja Kitchen System |
Model # | BN801 |
Price | $$ |
Ratings | 4.5 out of 5 |
Speed | 5-speed settings with pulse feature |
Wattage | 1400-watt |
Blades | 6-stacked blades |
Container capacity | 72 oz (2.12 L), 64 oz (1.89 L), 24 oz (709 mL) |
Dishwasher safe | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Colors | Black and Stainless Steel Finish |
Dimensions | 7.38 x 9.63 x 18 inches |
Cord length | 2.5 ft. (76.2 cm) |
Application | Home & Personal Use |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Related Products | Ninja Supra Kitchen System, Ninja BL770, Ninja Ultima Kitchen System, Ninja IntelliSense Kitchen System, Ninja Professional Plus, Breville Blender |
Is Ninja Kitchen System worth it?
The Ninja BN801 Professional Kitchen System may not be the cheapest, but it offers the best value. You’ll get a full-sized container, a pair of single-serve cups, and a food processor attachment.
A similar Vitamix package with the same accessories will cost you thrice as much. In that case, getting the BN801 will give you the best bang for your buck.