Delivers near-professional power, versatile Auto IQ programs, and a large pitcher at a price that undercuts high-end competitors while outperforming typical entry-level blenders.
Usability
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With simple three-function controls, Auto IQ presets, and a large 72-oz total crushing pitcher, this powerful blender is very straightforward for the average user to operate.
Overview
Meet the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender — a high-powered countertop blender built for big batches and tough jobs. With a 1400 peak watts motor, three blending functions (Smoothies, Frozen Drinks & Ice Cream) powered by Ninja’s Auto IQ technology, and a generous 72‑oz total crushing pitcher, this dark-grey machine is aimed at home cooks who want a reliable, no-nonsense workhorse for drinks, frozen treats, and batch blending. Priced around $99.99 and carrying a strong average score (4.7/5), it’s presented as a value-packed choice in the mid-range blender market.
Key Features & Highlights
1400 Peak Watts — A high peak wattage that signals strong ice-crushing and smoothie power compared with many budget blenders.
Auto IQ Technology — Preset blending patterns simplify multi-stage blends so you don’t have to babysit the jar when making frozen drinks or ice cream-style desserts.
Three Targeted Functions — Dedicated modes for Smoothies, Frozen Drinks & Ice Cream streamline typical frozen and blended recipes.
72‑oz Total Crushing Pitcher — Large capacity that’s built for family-sized batches, parties, or meal-prep smoothies.
Dark Grey Finish — Modern, low-key aesthetic that blends into most kitchens without shouting for attention.
A Nice Fit for You If…
You make large smoothies or frozen cocktails for guests and need a big pitcher that saves time.
You crave reliably smooth crushed-ice textures without complicated settings.
Your household prefers one machine for smoothies, frozen drinks and ice-cream-style treats.
You want strong blending performance on a budget — high wattage at a mid-range price.
You appreciate preset convenience (Auto IQ) and fewer buttons during busy mornings.
You have counter or storage space for a sizable pitcher and a solid base.
You want a blender that looks neutral and won’t clash with your kitchen décor.
Practical Use Cases
This blender shines in everyday and entertaining scenarios: blitzing morning green smoothies for the family, making frozen margaritas for a backyard get-together, whipping up peanut-banana ice-cream alternatives from frozen fruit, or crushing ice to top cold drinks. The large pitcher is especially handy for meal-prep batches (think multiple servings of smoothie or blended soup) and for hosts who prefer fewer refills between rounds. Auto IQ helps where a single busy operator wants consistent results without fiddling with speed dials.
Experience & Feedback
In daily use you’ll notice the promise of the specs: the high peak watts translate to confident ice-crushing and fast breakdown of frozen fruit. The 72‑oz pitcher means fewer trips to refill — great for crowds but worth considering if you usually blend single portions. Expect a straightforward setup: place the pitcher on the base, choose a function, and let the Auto IQ cycles run. The control layout keeps things simple rather than technical.
Noise is part of the package with a motor of this class; expect noticeable sound during heavy crushing cycles. The overall build projects a practical, sturdy feel — a solid base that steadies the jar during tough blends. Cleaning is usually manageable with large-pitcher blenders: rinsing the pitcher, maybe using a long-handled brush for corners, and giving the lid a good clean after thick mixtures or dairy-free ice cream sessions. Storage-wise, the tall pitcher will need cabinet or countertop room; it’s not the most compact option for tiny kitchens.
The high average user rating (4.7/5) indicates broad satisfaction with performance and value, and the Auto IQ presets are frequently highlighted as a convenience boost for busy mornings and entertaining.
Pros & Cons
Powerhouse Performance: 1400 peak watts means serious ice- and frozen-fruit crushing capability.
Big Capacity: 72‑oz pitcher is perfect for families and party-sized batches.
Simple Presets: Auto IQ and the three functions make one-button blending easy.
Good Value: Strong specs for roughly $100 puts it in an attractive mid-range spot.
Neutral Look: Dark grey finish fits most kitchen styles without standing out.
Counter Space Required: The large pitcher needs storage room and fills up a fair bit of counter real estate.
Not Whisper-Quiet: Expect audible motor noise during heavy blends.
May Be Overkill: For single-serve users, the large pitcher and high power might be more than necessary.
Comparative Advantages
Against many typical blenders at or below this price point, the Ninja BN701 stands out with a higher peak watt rating and a truly large crushing pitcher. Those specs favor users who routinely work with ice, frozen fruit, or need to make larger batches. Auto IQ and three targeted functions keep things simpler than models that overload users with many manual speed settings, while still offering the core modes most people use for smoothies and frozen treats.
Audience Fit
Best for: families, home entertainers, smoothie enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly blends frozen ingredients or wants to make party-sized drinks. Not ideal for: apartment dwellers short on storage, single-serve users looking for a personal-blender form factor, or shoppers prioritizing ultra-quiet operation.
FAQs
How large is the pitcher?
The blender comes with a 72‑ounce total crushing pitcher suited for multi-serving batches.
What functions does it offer?
Three dedicated functions target Smoothies, Frozen Drinks & Ice Cream, coordinated by Auto IQ blending patterns.
How powerful is the motor?
It’s rated at 1400 peak watts, positioning it toward the higher end of household blender power for strong crushing and blending.
What color and finish is available?
This model ships in a dark grey finish designed to blend into most kitchens.
How much does it cost and how do buyers rate it?
List price is about $99.99 and it carries a high average rating (~4.7 out of 5), suggesting broad buyer satisfaction.
Final Verdict
If you want a reliable, high-powered blender that makes fast work of ice and frozen fruit and can handle family-sized batches, the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus is a compelling, budget-friendly pick. The combination of 1400 peak watts, Auto IQ convenience, and a 72‑oz pitcher gives you performance and capacity that outpace many entry-level machines. Expect loud but effective operation, a need for decent storage space, and straightforward, preset-driven blending that’s friendlier than fiddly speed dials. In short: buy this if you entertain, prep smoothies in volume, or want a strong blender without stepping into premium pricing; skip it if you need a compact, whisper-quiet single-serve solution.
How It Stacks Up
The Ninja BN701 (1400 peak watts, Auto‑IQ, 72‑oz pitcher) sits squarely as a value-packed mid-range blender: powerful enough for family‑size smoothies, frozen drinks and ice cream, with a strong 4.7★ average and a sub-$100 price that undercuts true high‑end machines. It’s a practical choice if you want near‑commercial power without the premium cost, though it won’t match the serviceability or ultra‑fine control of pro brands.
Vitamix 5200 — Premium: commercial‑grade motor and infinite speed control for hot soups, nut butters and long daily use. Standout: unmatched durability and precision. Downside: substantially pricier than the Ninja and overkill if you only make occasional smoothies. Best for: home cooks who want pro performance and long lifespan.
Blendtec Classic (or similar Blendtec models) — Premium: very powerful, preset cycles and a blunt‑blade jar designed for heavy duty crushing. Standout: simplicity and ability to handle dense blends (ice, nuts) with fewer passes. Downside: higher cost and different jar/blade design can be noisy and produce coarser textures for some recipes. Best for: users who prioritize raw power and one‑button blending.
KitchenAid K400 — Upper midrange: stylish build with strong blending performance and good control. Standout: consistent results for smoothies and batters with quieter operation than some high‑power blenders. Downside: pricier than the Ninja and smaller pitcher options for families. Best for: buyers who want a balance of design, performance and quieter operation.
Oster Pro 1200 — Budget/midrange: affordable, multi‑speed and pulse settings with a more compact footprint. Standout: solid value for everyday smoothies and basic frozen drinks. Downside: less motor torque and smaller capacity than the Ninja’s 72‑oz pitcher. Best for: singles or couples who want decent performance on a tighter budget.
If you prioritize large batches, preset convenience and a strong price‑to‑power ratio, the Ninja BN701 is the practical pick. If you need top‑tier durability, finer speed control or intend heavy daily use (hot blending, nut butters, commercial‑style tasks), consider stepping up to a Vitamix or Blendtec. If countertop size, quieter operation or the lowest possible price matters more, look at KitchenAid or Oster alternatives instead.
