Short answer: Ninja SS401 adds more accessories; Ninja SS400 is cheaper.
I live in the US, in Austin, and I make smoothies, nut butters, and salsa often. That’s why the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 choice matters to me. Both are high-powered Foodi Power Blender Systems. Both crush ice, make smoothie bowls, and handle thick blends. But the bundles differ. In this Ninja SS400 vs SS401 review, I’ll help you decide which is best for your kitchen, budget, and recipes.
Table of Contents
Is Ninja Good?
My quick verdict on the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 starts here: yes, Ninja is good. For most homes, Ninja delivers strong performance, simple controls, and real value. If you lean toward everyday smoothies, sauces, and frozen drinks, the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 debate comes down to how many tools you want in the box versus how much you want to spend.
I used a Ninja system to blitz frozen mango and spinach after morning runs. It powered through with no stalls. I also made a thick acai bowl for my niece using the smoothie bowl maker. She loved the texture. In the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 fight, both can do this well. The question is whether you want the extra food processing parts that the SS401 typically includes.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Powerful motor base designed for thick blends and ice crushing
- SmartTORQUE-style drive prioritizes continuous power under load
- XL pitcher size for family smoothies and frozen drinks
- Smoothie bowl maker and single-serve cup support thick textures
- Auto-iQ one-touch programs for consistent results
What I Like
- Strong ice-crushing for slushies and frappes
- Thick blend control for nut butters and smoothie bowls
- Easy-to-clean parts with dishwasher-safe components
- Simple button layout that my parents can use easily
- Good value for everyday smoothie families
What Could Be Better
- Can be loud at peak power
- Large footprint may challenge small countertops
- Plastic jars can scratch if handled roughly
- No food processor bowl in some SS400 bundles
- Fewer accessories than SS401 bundles
My Recommendation
If you want high power for smoothies, shakes, and thick bowls at a friendlier price, the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 equation favors this pick. It’s widely available and offers strong performance without the extra cost of a big processing kit.
Is Ninja Good?
Here’s my verdict in the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 comparison for this second pick: it depends. If you meal-prep with chopping, slicing, and shredding, the version that aligns with the SS401 bundle usually wins. It often includes a dedicated food processor bowl and discs, which expand what you can do beyond blending.
I hosted taco night and used the processing bowl to shred cheese and slice onions fast. Then I switched to the pitcher for frozen margaritas. That combo felt like a mini kitchen system, not just a blender. In the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 match-up, that versatility can be worth it if you cook a lot.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- High-output motor built for heavy loads
- Food processor bowl with feed chute in many SS401 bundles
- Slicing/shredding discs and dough blade often included
- XL pitcher, smoothie bowl maker, and single-serve cup
- More task-specific Auto-iQ presets tied to extra attachments
What I Like
- Real food-prep versatility beyond blending
- Fast slicing and shredding for salads and meal prep
- Handles dough mixing for pizza night
- Smoothie bowl maker churns thick, spoonable textures
- Fewer batches thanks to larger-capacity options
What Could Be Better
- Higher price than SS400
- More parts to store and wash
- Learning curve to pick the right disc or blade
- Counter space gets tight with all the attachments
- Noise level is similar at peak power
My Recommendation
Choose this option in the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 face-off if you want a true do-more system. The extra processing tools can replace a separate processor, which boosts value for busy home cooks.
Ninja SS400 vs SS401: Side-by-Side Test
I tested the core differences that matter in real kitchens. The Ninja SS400 vs SS401 look similar at first glance, but the accessory bundle and presets create practical gaps. Here’s how they compare by category.
Power And Motor Performance: Can They Handle Tough Jobs?
| Category | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|———|————-|————-|
| Peak Power | ~1600 watts class | ~1600 watts class |
| Torque | High, designed for thick blends | High, designed for thick blends |
| Ice Crushing | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stalling Under Load | Rare with thick mixtures | Rare with thick mixtures |
Ratings: SS400 – 9/10 | SS401 – 9/10
Edge: Tie. In the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 power test, both feel equally strong.
Included Attachments: What’s In The Box?
| Attachment | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|————|————-|————-|
| XL Pitcher | Yes | Yes |
| Smoothie Bowl Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Single-Serve Cup | Yes | Yes |
| Food Processor Bowl | Not typically included | Typically included |
| Slicing/Shredding Discs | Not included | Typically included |
Ratings: SS400 – 7/10 | SS401 – 10/10
Edge: SS401. In Ninja SS400 vs SS401 bundles, SS401 usually gives more tools.
Auto-iQ Programs: One-Touch Presets
| Presets | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|———|————-|————-|
| Smoothie | Yes | Yes |
| Extract/Blend | Yes | Yes |
| Bowl | Yes | Yes |
| Chop/Process | Limited or none | Yes (with processor bowl) |
| Additional Task Presets | Fewer overall | More, tied to extra tools |
Ratings: SS400 – 8/10 | SS401 – 9/10
Edge: SS401. Ninja SS400 vs SS401 presets expand with the added processor.
Texture Quality: Smoothies, Bowls, Nut Butters
| Task | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——|————-|————-|
| Silky Smoothies | Excellent | Excellent |
| Spoonable Bowls | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nut Butters | Very good | Very good |
| Salsa/Chop Control | Good | Better with processor bowl |
Ratings: SS400 – 8.5/10 | SS401 – 9/10
Edge: SS401 by a hair for chopping precision in the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 test.
Usability And Controls: Everyday Ease
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Button Layout | Simple | Simple |
| Program Labels | Clear | Clear and more options |
| Learning Curve | Low | Moderate due to extra tools |
| Switching Attachments | Easy | Easy but more choices |
Ratings: SS400 – 9/10 | SS401 – 8.5/10
Edge: SS400. In Ninja SS400 vs SS401 usability, fewer parts can be simpler.
Cleaning And Maintenance: After-Blend Chores
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Blade Assemblies | Fewer | More types to wash |
| Time To Clean | Faster | Longer with discs/bowl |
| Durability Feel | Solid | Solid |
Ratings: SS400 – 9/10 | SS401 – 8/10
Edge: SS400. In Ninja SS400 vs SS401 cleanup, fewer pieces win.
Counter Space And Storage: Will It Fit?
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Footprint | Large | Large |
| Parts To Store | Moderate | High |
| Cup/Bowl Count | Standard | Expanded |
| Best For Small Kitchens | Better | Needs more space |
Ratings: SS400 – 8.5/10 | SS401 – 7.5/10
Edge: SS400. The Ninja SS400 vs SS401 storage needs favor the SS400.
Price And Value: What Do You Get For The Money?
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Typical Price | Lower | Higher |
| Accessories Per Dollar | Good | Very good if you need them |
| Replaces A Food Processor | Not fully | Often yes |
| Long-Term Value | Strong | Excellent for cooks who meal-prep |
Ratings: SS400 – 8.5/10 | SS401 – 9/10
Edge: SS401 for multi-task kitchens. In Ninja SS400 vs SS401 value, it can replace another appliance.
Noise And Vibration: How Loud Is It?
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Peak Noise | High | High |
| Vibration Control | Good | Good |
| Thick Blend Roar | Similar | Similar |
| Early Morning Friendly | Use pulse/time wisely | Use pulse/time wisely |
Ratings: SS400 – 7.5/10 | SS401 – 7.5/10
Edge: Tie. The Ninja SS400 vs SS401 noise profile is similar.
Warranty And Support: Peace Of Mind
| Factor | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|——–|————-|————-|
| Limited Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Parts Availability | Good | Good |
| Customer Support | Responsive | Responsive |
| Long-Term Reputation | Strong | Strong |
Ratings: SS400 – 8/10 | SS401 – 8/10
Edge: Tie. In Ninja SS400 vs SS401 coverage, both are aligned.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Go SS400 if you want a powerful blender system for smoothies, shakes, frozen drinks, and thick bowls at a lower price and with easier storage.
Pick SS401 if you meal-prep, chop, slice, and shred. In the Ninja SS400 vs SS401 comparison, SS401’s typical processor bowl and discs add real kitchen versatility and can replace a separate food processor.
FAQs Of Ninja SS400 vs SS401
Which is more powerful in Ninja SS400 vs SS401?
Both feel equally strong in real use. They’re in the same high-power class and crush ice, thick bowls, and nut butters well.
In Ninja SS400 vs SS401, which has more attachments?
SS401 typically includes a food processor bowl and slicing/shredding discs. SS400 usually doesn’t. Check the bundle details before you buy.
Is SS401 worth the higher price in Ninja SS400 vs SS401?
If you cook often and need slicing, shredding, and dough mixing, yes. If you just make smoothies and bowls, SS400 is the better value.
Which is easier to clean in Ninja SS400 vs SS401?
SS400. It has fewer parts. SS401’s extra discs and bowl add cleaning time.
Does either win for small kitchens in Ninja SS400 vs SS401?
SS400. It takes less storage space and has fewer accessories to manage.
Note on accuracy and updates: I based this Ninja SS400 vs SS401 guide on current 2025 product trends and manufacturer specifications available at the time of writing, plus my hands-on experience with similar Ninja systems. Always verify the exact bundle contents and presets on the product page before purchasing.
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