Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender Review (2025): 1400 Peak Watts, Auto-iQ Presets & 72-oz Total Crushing Pitcher
Last Updated: September 2025 • Author: Majenas • Category: Kitchen
Need a blender that crushes ice into snow, whips frozen fruit smoothies on autopilot, and makes pitcher-size batches without breaking a sweat? The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is the no-drama workhorse built for exactly that—courtesy of 1400 peak watts, a 72-oz Total Crushing pitcher, and Auto-iQ one-touch presets for smoothies, frozen drinks, and even ice cream.
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Product Overview
The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is a full-size countertop blender purpose-built for cold blends: think smoothies, frozen fruit, margaritas, milkshakes, and churn-style “nice cream.” Where it shines is speed and consistency in large batches. The stacked blade tower drags ingredients down into the vortex, while Auto-iQ presets automate the pulse-blend-pause rhythm for dependable results—even if you’re bleary-eyed at 6 a.m.
Who it’s for
- Families and roommates blending 2–6 servings in one run.
- Anyone prioritizing smoothies, frozen drinks, and ice cream over hot soups.
- People who prefer one-touch programs to manual fiddling.
Who should look elsewhere
- Hot soup lovers: You’ll want a friction-heating premium blender.
- Nut-butter fanatics: Thick nut pastes are possible but not the BN701’s specialty.
- Minimalists: If you only ever make single servings, a compact personal blender may suit better.
Related reads for deeper context: Ninja BL610 (1000W) Review • Ninja BR201AMZ Professional Blender 2.0 (1200W, Auto-iQ) • Vitamix Explorian E310
Key Features & Benefits
1) 1400 Peak-Watt Motor for Fast, Frozen Results
BN701’s motor is tuned to pulverize ice and frozen fruit quickly. It ramps to speed without lag and has the headroom needed for thicker mixes, reducing stalls and over-long blend times.
2) Total Crushing® Stacked Blade Assembly
Six stainless blades on a vertical tower create a top-to-bottom pull so ingredients don’t just spin above the blades. This equals fewer chunks and more uniform smoothies—especially with fibrous greens or dense frozen fruit.
3) Auto-iQ® One-Touch Programs (Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream)
Press a preset and let the BN701 handle pulse-blend-pause patterns for you. It’s repeatable and beginner-proof—great when multiple people in the household make drinks differently.
4) 72-oz Pitcher (64-oz Max Liquid) to Feed a Crowd
Hosting brunch or making post-workout rounds for the family? The 72-oz jar means fewer back-to-back runs and more time actually enjoying your drink.
5) Simple Manual Controls + Pulse
Prefer manual? Use low/high and Pulse to fine-tune textures. The buttons are well-spaced and easy to wipe clean.
See Specs & What’s in the Box on Amazon
Compare to BL610 & BR201AMZ
In-Depth Analysis & Unique Value
Ice Crushing: From Cubes to Snow
Test: Standard tray of ice, splash of water. Method: Auto-iQ Frozen Drink, then a 5-second manual pulse. Result: Snow-like texture with minimal shards, ideal for margaritas and frappes. The stacked blades pull cubes down fast, so you don’t babysit with a spatula.
Smoothies with Greens & Seeds
Frozen berries, banana, spinach, yogurt, and almond milk come together in ~40 seconds on the Smoothie program. Strawberry seeds remain (as with most blenders) but mouthfeel is straw-friendly and even.
“Nice Cream” & Ice Cream Preset
The Ice Cream preset churns banana “nice cream” or simple cream-based treats without overheating. Start with smaller batches and pulse to settle if needed for the silkiest scoop.
What Makes BN701 Different?
- Auto-iQ automation—handy for households who want hands-off repeatability.
- Large jar volume—true party pitcher vs personal-cup systems.
- Value—power and presets without premium-blender prices.
Design, Controls & Cleaning
Build & Ergonomics
- Footprint: Counter-friendly; fits under most cabinets (measure if yours are low).
- Lid: Locking lid with pour spout for clean serving.
- Jar: BPA-free, textured for grip when rinsing.
- Blade tower: Removable—handle carefully; it’s sharp.
Cleaning Routine (60-Second Hack)
- Rinse immediately after pouring.
- Add warm water + drop of dish soap; run Pulse 5–8 seconds.
- Rinse and air-dry blade stack upright.
- For deep-clean, parts are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Want a primer on blender mechanics? See how blenders work (external resource).
Specifications
| Brand | Ninja |
|---|---|
| Model | BN701 (Professional Plus Blender) |
| Motor | 1400 peak watts |
| Blade System | Total Crushing® stacked 6-blade assembly |
| Programs | Auto-iQ: Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream + manual controls |
| Pitcher | 72-oz capacity (approx. 64-oz max liquid fill) |
| Cleaning | Top-rack dishwasher-safe parts |
| Color | Dark Grey |
| What’s in the Box | Motor base, 72-oz pitcher, stacked blade assembly, locking lid, inspiration guide |
Check What’s Included on Amazon View Owner’s Guide (Ninja Support)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fast ice crushing and frozen fruit performance.
- Auto-iQ presets make results consistent for everyone.
- 72-oz pitcher handles family-size batches.
- Dishwasher-safe parts streamline cleanup.
- Great value versus premium blenders for cold tasks.
⚠️ Cons
- Louder at full tilt (typical for 1000–1400W units).
- Not designed to cook soup by friction heat.
- Dense nut butters require patience and scraping.
- Large jar footprint needs storage space.
Buyer Reviews (Common Themes)
- 🥤 Texture: “Frozen berries blended smooth—no big shards.”
- 🧊 Ice confidence: “Snow-like ice for frappes and cocktails.”
- ⚙️ Auto-iQ love: “Press a button, walk away, done.”
- 🧼 Clean-up: “Quick self-clean; dishwasher when I’m lazy.”
- 🔊 Noise: “Loud but fast; short bursts help.”
- 💵 Value: “Does what I need without ‘Vitamix money.’”
Competitor Comparison
| Blender | Power | Capacity | Standout Features | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja BN701 Professional Plus | 1400 peak watts | 72-oz (64-oz max liquid) | Auto-iQ presets; Total Crushing blades | Large-batch smoothies, frozen drinks, “nice cream” | Amazon |
| Ninja BL610 | 1000W | 72-oz | Manual speeds + Pulse | Budget ice crushing & smoothies | Full Review |
| Ninja BR201AMZ 2.0 | 1200W | 72-oz | Auto-iQ; refreshed design | Hands-off convenience; smooth purées | Full Review |
| Vitamix Explorian E310 | ~1380W (2 HP) | 48-oz | Metal drive, variable speed, hot-blend capable | Nut butters, hot soups, ultra-fine textures | Full Review |
Starter Recipes & Use Cases
Berry-Green Breakfast Smoothie
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries
- 1 banana • 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup Greek yogurt • 1 cup milk of choice
Program: Smoothie → add a quick Pulse to finish.
Classic Frozen Margarita
- 2 cups ice • 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec • 1 oz lime
- 1 tsp simple syrup (optional)
Program: Frozen Drink → snow-like ice in ~20 seconds.
5-Minute Salsa
Pulse chunky: tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, salt. Short pulses keep it from turning watery.
Banana “Nice Cream”
Frozen bananas + splash of milk. Use Ice Cream preset, scrape sides between cycles as needed.
Buying Guide: Choose the Right Blender (with Trends-Backed Pro Tips)
1) Power & Blade System
For ice and frozen fruit, look for 1000–1400W and an aggressive blade/vortex. Stacked blades (like Ninja’s) improve vertical pull and reduce cavitation on dense loads.
2) Jar Size & Batch Style
If you routinely make drinks for 3–5 people, a 72-oz pitcher saves time. Single-serve folks might prefer a personal cup system (some Ninja DUO models include both).
3) Controls & Programs
Manual speeds are durable; Auto-iQ presets are great for routine blends and multi-user households. Decide which you’ll actually use daily.
4) Cleanup & Durability
Dishwasher-safe parts are a big win. Rinse immediately after sticky recipes, and air-dry the blade tower upright to protect edges and gaskets.
Quick win: Batch-prep freezer smoothie packs on Sundays so weekday blends become a 60-second job.
5) Noise Considerations
More power means more sound. Use shorter bursts; place a silicone mat under the base; avoid echo-y corners.
6) Safety & Hot Liquids
Countertop blenders are not pressure cookers. Let hot ingredients cool before blending; never blend boiling liquids with a sealed lid. For food safety basics, see FDA guidance.
7) Value Check
Ask: Are you primarily doing cold blends? If yes, BN701’s power + presets + big pitcher is a value sweet spot. If you need hot-blend soups and ultra-thick nut pastes weekly, a premium blender may be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ninja BN701 crush ice into snow?
Yes. Its Total Crushing® stacked blades and 1400 peak-watt motor are designed for fast, snow-like ice—great for frozen cocktails and frappes.
What Auto-iQ programs are included?
Three: Smoothie, Frozen Drink, and Ice Cream. Each uses timed pulse-blend-pause patterns for consistent texture.
Is the pitcher dishwasher-safe?
Yes. The pitcher, lid, and blade tower are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Handle blades carefully.
Can I blend hot soup?
You can blend warm ingredients, but BN701 does not friction-heat to boiling. Allow soups to cool before blending for safety.
How loud is the BN701?
Comparable to other 1000–1400W blenders at High. Shorter bursts and a silicone mat help dampen noise.
Does it come with single-serve cups?
No. BN701 focuses on the 72-oz pitcher. Some Ninja DUO models include to-go cups.
What’s the max liquid I can add?
The pitcher is 72-oz with a ~64-oz max liquid fill line. Respect the line to avoid overflow.
Can it make nut butter?
Light nut spreads are possible in small batches with scraping and patience. For frequent thick nut butters, consider a premium blender.
Is the plastic BPA-free?
Yes—the jar is BPA-free.
Will it fit under my cabinets?
Most likely. Measure your clearance; the BN701 is a typical countertop height for full-size pitchers.
Final Verdict
If your blender life is mostly smoothies, frozen fruit, and icy drinks, the Ninja BN701 is a home-run: large-batch capacity, Auto-iQ convenience, and serious ice-crushing at a wallet-friendly price. It won’t replace a friction-heating premium blender for hot soups or thick nut butters—but for cold tasks, it’s hard to beat on performance-per-dollar.
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Helpful resources: What a blender does (Wikipedia) • About Google Trends • FDA food-safety basics
Written by Majenas • Visit majenas.com for more gear reviews.
