Ninja BN801 Kitchen System Review Powerful Blending and Food Processing for Home Cooks

Description

Design and Build Quality

I’ve had my fair share of kitchen appliances over the years, but the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System (BN801) truly stands out in terms of its modern design and robust build. The sleek black finish gives it a contemporary look that matches seamlessly with almost any kitchen decor. While it’s slightly larger than some alternatives, I found the compact arrangement of its components, especially the 72-oz Total Crushing Pitcher and 64-oz processor bowl, made storage surprisingly manageable.

The stainless steel blades are incredibly durable and feel premium, which is a huge plus when you’re working with tough ingredients. What really impressed me is the programmable Auto-iQ feature. The buttons are clearly labeled, making it intuitive to use even for someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy.

Key Benefits

After testing it out, I noticed some standout highlights that set this kitchen system apart:

• The 1400-peak watt motor is no joke; it powers through ice and frozen fruits effortlessly.
• Its 5 preset Auto-iQ programs simplify creating smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and even dough.
• The Pro Extractor Blades Assembly ensures nutrient-rich drinks by thoroughly grinding fruits and vegetables.
• Cleaning is straightforward with its dishwasher-safe components, although I prefer hand washing the blades for longevity.

Performance and Functionality

When it comes to performance, this appliance doesn’t disappoint. I tested it with everything from making hummus to crushing ice for margaritas, and it handled each task like a pro. The Total Crushing Blades live up to their name, delivering fine, snow-like ice in seconds. For smoothies, the single-serve cups with spout lids are a game changer. I blended a green smoothie with kale, frozen mango, and chia seeds, and the texture was perfectly smooth with zero grit.

The 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl is another standout feature. I used it to chop vegetables for a stir-fry, and the consistency was even without turning everything into mush. It’s also fantastic for kneading dough – I whipped up a pizza base with ease, and the dough blade handled the 2-pound capacity without straining the motor.

Negatives

Even with its many advantages, there are some caveats worth mentioning:

• The motor can get loud during operation, especially at higher speeds. It’s not a dealbreaker but something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to noise.
• While the system is powerful, it’s also bulky, which might be an issue for kitchens with limited counter space.
• The pitcher and processor bowl are made of plastic, which is durable but might not appeal to those who prefer glass containers.

Competing Products

I’ve used other kitchen systems in the past, like the Vitamix Explorian and Breville Sous Chef, and while they excel in certain areas, the Ninja BN801 holds its own. For instance, the Vitamix has a more refined blending capability for ultra-smooth textures, but it lacks the versatility of Ninja’s 5 functions and doesn’t include accessories like the to-go cups.

On the other hand, the Breville Sous Chef is a powerhouse for food processing, but it doesn’t offer the same drink-focused features, like smoothie presets or nutrient extraction. Where the Ninja BN801 shines is its all-in-one design, offering a balanced mix of blending, processing, and portability.

Value for Money

While there are more expensive options out there, I find the quality for price of this kitchen system hard to beat. You’re essentially getting multiple appliances in one – a blender, food processor, and personal smoothie maker – which makes it a smart spending choice if you’re looking to maximize utility.

The included components, from the chopping blade to the dough blade, add even more versatility. And with features like the Auto-iQ technology, you’re eliminating much of the guesswork, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings.

Who Is This For?

Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a home cook who loves experimenting with recipes, or someone who simply wants a reliable multitasking appliance, this product fits the bill. Families will appreciate the large pitcher size for group servings, while individuals can take advantage of the to-go cups for quick and easy meal prep.

It’s not perfect – the noise level and size might deter some users – but for the price and functionality, the Ninja BN801 is a worthy contender in the world of kitchen appliances.

Additional information