Ninja Food Processor
Ninja BN801 Professional Plus
When you’re standing in the kitchen, ready to tackle a recipe, having the right tools can make all the difference. Two heavy hitters in the world of kitchen appliances are the Ninja Food Processor and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus. Both promise to make your life easier, but how do they stack up against each other? If you’re trying to decide which one will become your new culinary sidekick, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to dive deep into what makes each of these Ninja machines tick, helping you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
Choosing between kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming, especially when both options come from a reputable brand like Ninja, known for its powerful and user-friendly designs. This comparison is designed to cut through the noise. We’ll explore their motor power, innovative technologies, capacity, versatility, and of course, what real users are saying. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear picture of the Ninja Food Processor and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus, empowering you to make an informed decision that will elevate your home cooking experience.
Let’s break down these two kitchen powerhouses so you can see exactly where they shine and how they differ. We’ll look at everything from making a quick weeknight salsa to kneading dough for homemade pizza, ensuring you find the appliance that truly aligns with your kitchen aspirations.
In-Depth Look: Ninja Food Processor
This appliance, the Ninja Food Processor, is designed with one primary goal in mind: to simplify your food preparation tasks with raw power and intelligent technology. At its core is a robust 1000-peak-watt motor, a serious engine for any kitchen appliance. This means it can handle even the toughest ingredients without breaking a sweat. Think hard root vegetables, dense nuts, or even making a smooth puree from cooked ingredients – this machine is up for it.
What really sets this Ninja apart is its Auto-iQ Technology. It’s like having a sous chef who knows exactly how long to pulse, blend, or pause to achieve the perfect result. With 4 intelligent preset programs, you can simply select the function you need – chopping, slicing, pureeing, or dough making – and let the machine do the rest. This takes so much of the guesswork out of food prep, ensuring consistent results every single time. For anyone who’s ever over-processed their ingredients into mush or left them chunky when they should be smooth, Auto-iQ is a game-changer.
The 9-cup bowl is a generous size, perfect for those family-sized meals or for prepping ingredients for the week ahead. This large capacity means fewer batches and less time spent in the kitchen, which is a win in my book. Whether you’re making a big batch of pesto, shredding a mountain of cheese, or prepping veggies for a hearty stew, this bowl has you covered.
Ninja is also known for its precision blade systems, and this food processor is no exception. The stainless steel blades are engineered for optimal performance, ensuring that everything from a fine chop to a coarse dice is achieved with precision. And for the bakers out there, the inclusion of a specialized dough blade is a huge bonus. It’s designed to handle the rigors of dough mixing, making tasks like bread, pizza, or pastry dough a breeze. This versatility means this single appliance can handle a wide range of culinary endeavors.
Cleaning up after cooking is often the least favorite part, but Ninja has made it as painless as possible. All the removable parts are BPA-free and, importantly, dishwasher safe. This means you can simply load them into your dishwasher and get back to enjoying your meal. The sleek silver finish and compact design also mean it won’t take up an excessive amount of counter space and will likely complement your kitchen’s aesthetic. It’s user-friendly too, with intuitive controls that make it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Pros:
Powerful Motor: 1000 peak watts easily tackles tough ingredients.
Intelligent Presets: Auto-iQ technology simplifies operation and ensures consistency.
Large Capacity: The 9-cup bowl is great for big batches.
Versatile Blade System: Handles chopping, slicing, and pureeing effectively.
Dough Blade Included: Excellent for bakers and bread makers.
Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts make post-meal tidying simple.
User-Friendly Design: Accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Cons:
Fewer Functions than Some Competitors: While versatile, it focuses more on food processing than blending.
No Single-Serve Option: Lacks the convenience of to-go cups found in some other models.
Customer Reviews:
One reviewer raves, “My wife and I have been using the Ninja NF705BRN Professional XL Food Processor for everything from vegetables to meats to grains, and it has been a workhorse in our kitchen. It has plenty of muscle (1200 peak watts) and doesn’t struggle when you’re processing tougher ingredients. What we appreciate most is how practical it is day to day. Cleanup is simple since the bowl and accessories are dishwasher safe.” Another user shared, “this is a great food processor, it blends very well, easy to use and to set up for different types of food, leaks very little from the top at high speed, it works very well, value is ok.” A third customer exclaimed, “This thing is amazing. I’ve used it for several different things (shredding cheese, making a puree, and chopping veggies) and I can’t get over just how good it works. It works insanely fast, I chopped 4 zucchini’s in literally one minute and shredded 4 bars of cheese in 2 minutes. It’s impressively quick, great sturdy quality, and it’s so easy to wash! I wouldn’t HIGHLY recommend this.”
Best For:
This Ninja Food Processor is ideal for home cooks who primarily need a robust appliance for chopping vegetables, making purees, preparing dough, and general food processing tasks. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of intelligent presets and a large processing bowl, especially for meal prepping or cooking for a family. If your main focus is on food prep rather than extensive smoothie making, this is a strong contender.
In-Depth Look: Ninja BN801 Professional Plus
The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System is more than just a food processor; it’s a multi-functional powerhouse designed to handle a vast array of kitchen tasks. It boasts an impressive 1400 peak watts of power, which is a significant step up from many standard food processors. This means it can handle tasks like crushing ice for smoothies or pulverizing hard ingredients with exceptional speed and efficiency.
This model really shines in its versatility. It offers 5 distinct Auto-iQ programs, expanding its capabilities beyond basic chopping. You can create perfect smoothies, blend frozen drinks, perform nutrient extractions (essentially making super-healthy juices from fruits and vegetables), chop mixtures, and even mix dough. The inclusion of nutrient extraction is a fantastic feature for those looking to boost their intake of vitamins and minerals. The Auto-iQ programs are designed to take the guesswork out of creating these different types of results, combining specific timed pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns.
While it features a dedicated 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl for food processing tasks like chopping and pureeing, the star of the show for many will be its blending capabilities. The 72 oz Total Crushing Pitcher is perfect for making large batches of smoothies, frozen cocktails, or even sauces for the whole family. The “Total Crushing” aspect means it can break down ice and frozen ingredients into a fine, smooth consistency, which is crucial for great-tasting smoothies and drinks.
A standout feature of the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus is its on-the-go convenience. It comes with two 24-oz. single-serve cups, complete with spout lids. This means you can blend your smoothie directly in the cup and then take it with you to work, the gym, or wherever your day takes you. This is incredibly convenient for busy mornings or for those who want healthy options readily available.
Like its counterpart, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus also includes a powerful dough mixer attachment capable of folding in ingredients quickly and evenly, making up to 2 lbs. of dough in as little as 30 seconds. This makes it a truly all-in-one kitchen system, capable of handling everything from appetizers to baked goods. Cleaning is also straightforward, with many parts being dishwasher safe. Its modern design is also aesthetically pleasing and fits well into contemporary kitchens. This appliance is a testament to how a food processor can also function as a high-performance blender.
Pros:
Exceptional Power: 1400 peak watts for superior crushing and blending.
Expanded Functionality: 5 Auto-iQ programs, including nutrient extraction.
Excellent for Smoothies and Drinks: Features a large pitcher and single-serve cups.
On-the-Go Convenience: Single-serve cups with spout lids are perfect for portability.
Efficient Dough Mixing: Capable of making dough quickly.
Versatile Kitchen System: Combines food processing and high-power blending.
Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Simplifies the cleaning process.
Cons:
Smaller Food Processor Bowl: The dedicated processor bowl is 8 cups, slightly smaller than the Ninja Food Processor.
Can Be Overkill for Simple Tasks: If you only need basic chopping, this might be more than you require.
Customer Reviews:
Users are consistently impressed. One reviewer stated, “This Ninja blender is extremely powerful and works amazingly well. It blends smoothies, frozen fruits, and ice effortlessly. The multiple settings are very convenient, and the DUO cups are perfect for single servings. Easy to use, easy to clean, and great quality overall. Highly recommend!” Another customer found it to be “fascinating,” adding, “The power of its motor is strong and impressive—it blends frozen fruit, hard ingredients, raw and cooked foods easily and quickly in just seconds. In addition, it is very complete: it includes a pitcher, two single-serve cups, a food processing bowl, and two attachments for kneading and chopping. This allows me to prepare everything from smoothies to pizza or bread dough. Cleaning is also very easy because the blades are large and wide, which makes wash.” A third happy user declared, “Such a great unit. Love that it just mows through just about anything I throw at it. Processor is amazing, smoothies come out perfect, and the blender makes a killer margarita (add egg whites to make them fluffy). Lids don’t leak, and the customer service was awesome when I’m my first one would not get power to the unit. Worth it in the long run, but this one, not an underpowered POS. Sad I didn’t buy one sooner.”
Best For:
The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus is an excellent choice for individuals or families who want a truly versatile kitchen appliance that excels at both food processing and blending. It’s particularly suited for smoothie lovers, those who enjoy frozen drinks, and anyone who appreciates the convenience of single-serve cups for on-the-go consumption. Its powerful motor and multiple functions also make it ideal for those who frequently bake, as it can handle dough mixing with ease, and it’s a great option for anyone looking for a high-performance blender that can also handle food processing tasks. This is a great example of a best food processor blender juicer combo style appliance.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance and Power
When it comes to raw power, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus takes the lead with its 1400 peak watts. This higher wattage means it’s exceptionally good at crushing ice, blending frozen ingredients, and tackling very hard foods. The Ninja Food Processor, with its 1000 peak watts, is still very powerful and more than capable for most everyday food processing tasks like chopping vegetables or making purees. However, if your priority is achieving ultra-smooth smoothies or breaking down exceptionally tough ingredients quickly, the BN801’s extra power is noticeable. Both machines benefit from Ninja’s commitment to high-performance motors that provide consistent power.
Versatility and Functions
This is where the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus truly distinguishes itself. With 5 Auto-iQ programs, including nutrient extraction and dedicated smoothie functions, it offers a broader range of capabilities. The addition of single-serve cups for on-the-go blending makes it a more complete beverage solution. The Ninja Food Processor, while excellent at its core functions of chopping, slicing, pureeing, and dough making, is more singularly focused on food processing. It does include a dough blade, which is a significant plus for bakers, but it doesn’t have the dedicated blending pitcher or single-serve options. If you’re looking for an all-in-one blender-food processor, the BN801 wins here.
Capacity and Convenience
The Ninja Food Processor offers a larger 9-cup food processing bowl, which is fantastic for preparing large quantities of ingredients at once. This can save time when meal prepping or cooking for a crowd. The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus has a slightly smaller 8-cup precision processor bowl but compensates with its 72 oz blending pitcher and the two 24 oz single-serve cups. The single-serve cups are a major convenience factor for individuals who want to blend and go. So, it depends on what kind of capacity you prioritize: sheer food processing volume or the ability to blend individual portions.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Both appliances are designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring Ninja’s intuitive Auto-iQ technology. The one-touch programs on both machines simplify complex tasks. Cleaning is also straightforward for both, as all removable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. This is a crucial feature for any busy kitchen. The difference here is minimal; both are designed for easy operation and quick cleanup, ensuring that the time you spend using them is enjoyable, and the time spent cleaning is not a burden. It’s worth noting that are food processor parts dishwasher safe in most modern designs like these.
Value and Price Point
Generally, the Ninja Food Processor, being more focused on core food processing, might sit at a slightly more accessible price point. The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus, with its higher power, broader range of functions, and additional accessories like the blending pitcher and single-serve cups, typically represents a higher investment. However, considering the multiple appliances it effectively replaces (a high-powered blender, a food processor, and a personal blender), the value proposition for the BN801 can be very strong for those who will utilize all its features. Both are considered good value for money, but the BN801 offers more functionality for its price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is better for making smoothies, the Ninja Food Processor or the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus?
A: The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus is significantly better for making smoothies. It features a powerful 1400-watt motor, a large 72 oz blending pitcher, and two convenient 24 oz single-serve cups with spout lids, making it ideal for both large batches and on-the-go consumption. While the Ninja Food Processor can blend to some extent, its primary design is for food processing, not optimal smoothie creation.
Q: Can the Ninja Food Processor knead bread dough effectively?
A: Yes, the Ninja Food Processor comes with a specialized dough blade that makes mixing dough for bread, pizza, and pastries a breeze. It is designed to handle dough preparation with professional-quality results at home. The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus also includes this capability.
Q: Which appliance has a larger food processing capacity?
A: The Ninja Food Processor has a larger food processing bowl with a 9-cup capacity, making it more suitable for preparing larger batches of ingredients for chopping, slicing, or pureeing. The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus has an 8-cup precision processor bowl for food processing tasks.
Q: Is the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus too powerful if I only need to chop vegetables?
A: Not necessarily. While the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus has a more powerful motor (1400 watts) compared to the Ninja Food Processor (1000 watts), its Auto-iQ technology allows for precise control. You can still achieve excellent chopping results with the BN801’s precision processor bowl and appropriate settings without over-processing your ingredients. If your needs are exclusively food processing and you don’t need advanced blending functions, the Ninja Food Processor is also an excellent choice. For a deeper dive into food processor uses, you might find best food processor for chopping vegetables helpful.
Q: Are both Ninja appliances easy to clean?
A: Yes, both the Ninja Food Processor and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus are designed with ease of cleaning in mind. All removable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free after use. You can find more information on this topic in our article about are food processor blades dishwasher safe.
Q: Which appliance is better for meal prepping?
A: Both appliances can be great for meal prepping, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Ninja Food Processor, with its larger 9-cup bowl, is excellent for prepping larger quantities of chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, or pureed ingredients in one go. If your meal prep involves a lot of blending, like making sauces or dressings, or preparing individual smoothie packs, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus with its pitcher and single-serve cups might offer more convenience.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Ninja Food Processor and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus ultimately comes down to your specific kitchen needs and priorities.
If your primary focus is on efficient and powerful food preparation – chopping vegetables, making purees, shredding cheese, and even tackling dough for baking – the Ninja Food Processor is an outstanding choice. Its 1000-watt motor, generous 9-cup bowl, and specialized dough blade make it a workhorse for these tasks. It offers intelligent Auto-iQ programs that simplify operation and deliver consistent results, all while being easy to clean. It’s a fantastic option if you want a dedicated, high-performance food processor that excels at its core functions.
However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive kitchen system that combines high-powered blending with robust food processing capabilities, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus is the clear winner. Its 1400-watt motor is a powerhouse, making it exceptional for smoothies, frozen drinks, and crushing ice. The inclusion of single-serve cups adds a layer of convenience that’s hard to beat for busy individuals. With 5 Auto-iQ programs, including nutrient extraction, it offers a broader spectrum of culinary possibilities. This is the appliance to choose if you want one machine to do it all, from your morning smoothie to your evening pesto, and perhaps even a margarita on the rocks. It truly acts as a fantastic best food processor for smoothies and much more.
Think about what you cook most often. Do you spend more time prepping ingredients for meals, or are you constantly blending drinks and smoothies? If it’s the former, the Ninja Food Processor is likely your best bet. If it’s the latter, or you crave the versatility of an all-in-one appliance, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus will serve you exceptionally well. Both are excellent investments that will undoubtedly make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and efficient.
