Ninja BN601 vs. BN600: Is the “Professional Plus” Power Worth the Upgrade?

Choosing between the Ninja BN600 Professional and the Ninja BN601 Professional Plus feels a bit like choosing between two high-performance sports cars that look identical on the outside but house very different engines under the hood. Both units feature the signature Ninja aesthetic—sleek silver housing, intuitive touchpads, and those ultra-sharp stacked blades. However, after using both to meal prep for a week, I’ve discovered that the difference between “Professional” and “Professional Plus” isn’t just marketing—it’s about how much resistance the machine can handle before it starts to protest.

Whether you’re looking to automate your vegetable chopping or you’re a home baker tired of hand-kneading pizza dough, the choice between these two 9-cup processors comes down to how hard you plan to push your motor. I’ve put both to the test with everything from delicate herbs to heavy cookie dough to see which one genuinely earns its place on your counter.

The Key Difference: Peak Wattage and Menu Versatility

The primary key difference between the Ninja BN600 and the BN601 is the motor’s power output and the number of intelligent presets. The Ninja BN601 is equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor and offers 4 Auto-iQ programs, including a specialized “Puree” function. This extra wattage provides the torque necessary for heavy-duty tasks like mixing dense bread dough or grinding nuts.

The Ninja BN600, on the other hand, utilizes an 850-watt motor and features 3 Auto-iQ programs. While it shares the same 9-cup capacity and blade attachments as the 601, it is designed for slightly lighter kitchen duties. While the BN600 is an expert at chopping and shredding, the BN601 is the “muscle” of the family, built to handle thick, high-resistance ingredients without overheating.

Comparison Table: Ninja BN600 vs. Ninja BN601

Feature	Ninja BN600 Professional	Ninja BN601 Professional Plus
Peak Power	850 Watts	1000 Watts
Bowl Capacity	9 Cups	9 Cups
Auto-iQ Presets	3 (Chop, Shred, Dough)	4 (Chop, Slice, Puree, Dough)
Dough Performance	Good for light batches	Excellent for heavy dough
Max Dough Weight	2 lbs	2 lbs
Blade Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Safety Features	Locking Lid & Bowl	Locking Lid & Bowl
Buy NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

In this section, we will discuss the two appliances in detail. Beyond the wattage numbers, I am looking at the actual tactile experience of using these processors—how they vibrate on the counter, how loud they are, and how consistently they process varied textures. By putting the 850-watt and 1000-watt motors through the same culinary gauntlet, we can see if the “Plus” model offers a smoother workflow or if the base model is all the power you’ll ever realistically need.

Design: Stability and Capacity

Both the BN600 and BN601 feature a relatively compact footprint for a 9-cup processor. I was able to fit both comfortably under my standard-height kitchen cabinets. The suction-cup feet are a standout feature here; they are incredibly strong. During a high-speed “shred” test with cold cheddar cheese, neither machine budged an inch.

The 9-cup bowl is a generous size for most home cooks. I found I could easily process three large onions at once in either model without the pieces at the top staying whole while the bottom turned to mush. The build quality of the locking lids feels secure, with a satisfying “click” that ensures the machine won’t start until everything is safe.

Performance: Chopping vs. Pureeing

This is where the extra 150 watts of the BN601 start to shine.

• The BN600 handles vegetables like a dream. If you are making a chunky salsa or a rough-chop mirepoix, the 850-watt motor is fast and precise. However, when I tried to make a thick, creamy hummus, I had to stop the machine and scrape the sides more often to help the motor along.
• The BN601 features that dedicated “Puree” Combined with the 1000-watt motor, it creates a much stronger vortex. It turned chickpeas into velvet in about 45 seconds. If you enjoy making your own nut butters or ultra-smooth sauces, the BN601 is noticeably more efficient.

The Dough Test: Speed and Torque

Ninja claims both can mix 2 lbs of dough in 30 seconds.

• In the BN600, the dough mixed well, but as it began to form a ball, the motor sounded like it was working quite hard. It got the job done, but it lacked that “unstoppable” feel.
• In the BN601, the 1000-watt motor didn’t skip a beat. Even when the dough became thick and elastic, the rotation stayed consistent. For someone who bakes pizza or bread weekly, this extra torque is a form of “insurance” for the motor’s long-term health.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is identical for both. The blades are terrifyingly sharp (seriously, handle them with extreme care), but they are easy to rinse. I found that the “pulse with soap and water” method is the best way to get under the blade assembly where food tends to hide. All the components are BPA-free, and I’ve had no issues with the plastic clouding after multiple runs through the dishwasher.

Ninja BN600 Professional Food Processor

Pros:

• Efficiency: Perfect for vegetable prep and light kitchen tasks.
• Value: Provides the same 9-cup capacity as the premium model for less money.
• Compact Design: Slightly smaller profile for crowded kitchens.
• Simple Interface: Three clear Auto-iQ buttons that are very beginner-friendly.

Cons:

• Power Ceiling: The 850-watt motor can struggle with extremely dense mixtures.
• No Puree Mode: Requires manual pulsing to get a smooth sauce consistency.

Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor

Pros:

• High Torque: The 1000-watt motor handles heavy dough and frozen ingredients effortlessly.
• Puree Setting: Specialized program for dips, spreads, and silky sauces.
• Sturdiness: The motor feels designed for frequent, heavy-duty use.
• Consistent Results: Higher power leads to more even processing in large batches.

Cons:

• Price Premium: Usually more expensive than the base 850-watt unit.
• Noise Level: 1000 watts of power results in a very loud kitchen environment.

The Final Recommendation: Which One Is Best for You?

I recommend the Ninja BN600 if you are primarily using your food processor for “chopping and dropping.” If you want to shred cheese, slice potatoes for au gratin, and chop veggies for soup, the 850-watt motor is more than sufficient. It’s an excellent, budget-conscious choice for those who want Ninja’s build quality without paying for power they might not use.

I recommend the Ninja BN601 if you are an active home baker or a fan of “thick” recipes like hummus and nut butters. The 1000-peak-watt motor provides the necessary muscle to tackle dense ingredients without straining the appliance. The addition of the Puree function makes it a more versatile tool for those who want restaurant-quality textures at home.

In my kitchen, the Ninja BN601 wins because of its versatility. When you’re mid-recipe, you never want to feel like your motor is struggling, and the BN601 provides that extra “peace of mind” power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use these for making smoothies with ice?

A: While they can chop ice, these are not blenders. They are designed for food prep. For liquid-based smoothies, a dedicated Ninja Blender with a pitcher is a much better tool.

Q: Do these models come with a whisk attachment?

A: No. These come with a chopping blade, a dough blade, and a slicing/shredding disc. They are designed for processing and mixing rather than whipping cream or egg whites.

Q: How do I prevent the processor from moving on the counter?

A: Ensure the suction feet and your countertop are clean and dry. Once pressed down, these machines are incredibly stable and very difficult to move until you release the suction.

Q: Is the 9-cup bowl big enough for a whole head of cabbage?

A: You will likely need to cut the cabbage into quarters first to fit it through the feed chute, but once it’s in, the 9-cup bowl can easily hold a medium-sized head of shredded cabbage for coleslaw.