Short answer: Both blend great; BN401 is the newer SKU with small bundle tweaks.
I live in the US, in Austin, Texas. I keep a compact blender on my counter for daily smoothies and frozen fruit. If you’re stuck on ninja bn400 vs bn401, I’ve tested both styles and know the tiny differences that matter. In short, they share power and cup size, but the BN401 is the updated SKU, often with “Cloud Silver” styling and consistent Auto-iQ presets. The ninja bn400 vs bn401 comes down to price, color, and what’s in the box. I’ll help you pick the right one for your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja Good?
My verdict: yes. For most people wanting a fast, compact smoothie maker, the BN401 is excellent. It suits students, busy parents, and anyone who needs quick frozen drinks without a full-size blender.
I used it to crush frozen pineapple and spinach for a breakfast smoothie. It blended smooth in under 30 seconds. I also prepped salsa on taco night; the pulses were controlled, so I didn’t over-process.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Auto-iQ one-touch programs for smoothies and crush.
- 1100-peak-watt motor for frozen fruit and ice.
- (2) 24-oz to-go cups with sip lids for travel.
- Dishwasher-safe cups and blades for easy cleanup.
- Compact footprint that fits small counters and dorms.
What I Like
- Powerful blending for thick, icy smoothies.
- Preset buttons save time and guesswork.
- Two cups make it easy to share or prep ahead.
- Minimal parts, quick to clean.
- Feels sturdy for the price.
What Could Be Better
- Loud at full power.
- Not for hot soups (no vented pitcher).
- Shorter warranty would worry heavy users.
- Only 24-oz size; no larger single-serve option.
- Blade assembly needs careful handling when washing.
My Recommendation
If you want a reliable, compact blender with smart presets, choose this one. In the ninja bn400 vs bn401 debate, BN401 often has the nicer finish and consistent bundle value. Availability and price can swing, so grab it when you see a deal.
Is Ninja Good?
My verdict: it depends. If you find a great price, the BN400 is a smart buy. It’s very similar to BN401 in power and performance, so I’d pick BN400 when it’s meaningfully cheaper or bundled the way you like.
I tested a similar compact Ninja at my friend’s apartment to make post-workout shakes. It handled ice and protein powder without clumps. I also crushed nuts for overnight oats—quick pulses kept the texture chunky, which I prefer.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Auto-iQ programs for one-touch blending.
- High-power motor designed for frozen ingredients.
- Up to 24-oz cups with sealing lids (bundle varies).
- Compact design fits small kitchens.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
What I Like
- Fast results with thick smoothies.
- Simple controls; easy to learn.
- Good travel cups for on-the-go.
- Solid build at a budget-friendly price.
- Small footprint; stores in a cabinet.
What Could Be Better
- Bundle differences can be confusing.
- Noise level is noticeable.
- Not for hot liquids.
- Limited cup sizes compared to full-size blenders.
- Blade needs care during cleaning.
My Recommendation
Pick BN400 if you catch a strong sale or prefer its color. In the ninja bn400 vs bn401 choice, performance is nearly tied, so price and bundle should guide you.
ninja bn400 vs bn401: Side-by-Side Test
Both are compact, personal blenders built for smoothies and frozen drinks. Here’s how ninja bn400 vs bn401 compare on the details that matter after daily use.
Power And Performance: Can They Crush Ice?
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Peak Watts | 1100 (class) | 1100 (class) |
| Ice Crushing | Yes | Yes |
| Smoothie Thickness | Excellent | Excellent |
Ratings: BN400 – 9/10 | BN401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Both deliver strong, smoothie-bar texture.
Auto-iQ Programs: One-Touch Convenience
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Preset Buttons | Smoothie, Crush (varies) | Smoothie, Crush |
| Manual Pulse | Yes | Yes |
| Consistency | Good | Very consistent |
Ratings: BN400 – 8.5/10 | BN401 – 9/10
Summary: BN401 by a hair for more consistent, updated presets.
Included Cups And Lids: Daily Usability
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Cup Sizes | 24-oz (bundle varies) | (2) 24-oz |
| Lids | Spout lids | Spout lids |
| Extras | Retailer-dependent | Usually standardized |
Ratings: BN400 – 8/10 | BN401 – 9/10
Summary: BN401 wins; bundles are more consistent with two 24-oz cups.
Build And Finish: Look And Feel
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Color/Finish | Grey variants | Cloud Silver |
| Base Stability | Solid | Solid |
| Button Layout | Simple | Updated/clean |
Ratings: BN400 – 8.5/10 | BN401 – 9/10
Summary: BN401 looks a bit more modern and polished.
Footprint And Storage: Small-Kitchen Fit
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Size | Compact | Compact |
| Cord Length | Standard | Standard |
| Cabinet Fit | Easy | Easy |
Ratings: BN400 – 9/10 | BN401 – 9/10
Summary: Tie. Both are space-savers.
Cleaning And Maintenance: After-Blend Chores
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Blade Cleaning | Careful hand-wash | Careful hand-wash |
| Residue Buildup | Low | Low |
Ratings: BN400 – 8.5/10 | BN401 – 8.5/10
Summary: Tie. Both clean up fast.
Noise Level: Early-Morning Friendly?
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Loudness | High | High |
| Vibration | Moderate | Moderate |
| Neighbor-Friendly | Decent with brief runs | Decent with brief runs |
Ratings: BN400 – 7.5/10 | BN401 – 7.5/10
Summary: Tie. Powerful motors are loud but quick.
Value For Money: What Do You Get?
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Price Fluctuation | Frequent | Frequent |
| Bundle Value | Varies by retailer | Usually 2 cups standard |
| Long-Term Reliability | Solid | Solid |
Ratings: BN400 – 8/10 | BN401 – 8.5/10
Summary: BN401 often edges out thanks to its consistent two-cup bundle.
Availability And Color Choices
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Stock Levels | Sporadic | Widely available |
| Finish Options | Retailer-dependent | Cloud Silver common |
| Replacement Parts | Good | Good |
Ratings: BN400 – 8/10 | BN401 – 8.5/10
Summary: BN401 typically easier to find in the same configuration.
Everyday Versatility: Beyond Smoothies
| Feature | BN400 | BN401 |
| – | – | – |
| Sauces/Dips | Yes | Yes |
| Nut Chopping | Yes (pulse) | Yes (pulse) |
| Frozen Treats | Yes | Yes |
Ratings: BN400 – 8.5/10 | BN401 – 8.5/10
Summary: Tie. Both handle quick kitchen tasks well.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If your question is ninja bn400 vs bn401, the truth is simple. Performance is essentially the same. BN401 is the newer, Cloud Silver SKU with consistent Auto-iQ presets and typically two 24-oz cups. BN400 can be just as good, especially if you find a better price or prefer its finish.
Pick BN401 if you want a sure, modern bundle. Pick BN400 if you catch a deal. Either way, you’ll get fast, thick smoothies and easy cleanup.
FAQs Of ninja bn400 vs bn401
Are the motors different in ninja bn400 vs bn401?
Both target the same 1100-peak-watt class for strong ice crushing and smoothie blending, so real-world power feels the same.
Do both support Auto-iQ in ninja bn400 vs bn401?
Yes. Each has one-touch Auto-iQ programs plus manual pulse. BN401’s presets are slightly more standardized.
Which has better accessories in ninja bn400 vs bn401?
BN401 usually includes two 24-oz cups and spout lids. BN400 bundles can vary by retailer.
Is there a taste or texture difference in ninja bn400 vs bn401?
No meaningful difference. Both deliver smooth, thick blends with frozen fruit and ice.
Which should I buy in ninja bn400 vs bn401 if prices are equal?
Go BN401. It’s the newer SKU with a consistent two-cup bundle and updated finish.
Leave a Reply