If your morning routine involves a race against the clock and a battle with a bulky, half-functional blender, you’ve likely looked into the Ninja Nutri Pro series. These compact powerhouses are the “street racers” of the blending world—stripped down, high-torque, and designed for one thing: getting a nutrient-dense smoothie into your cup and out the door. I recently spent some time putting the Ninja BN401 and its counterpart, the Ninja BN400, through a series of “smoothie gauntlets” to see if there’s any real meat on the bone when comparing these two.
At first glance, you might think you’re looking at identical twins. Both feature the same signature Ninja “tower” design, both boast 1000-peak-watt motors, and both use the clever Auto-iQ technology that pulses and pauses while you check your emails. However, the devil is in the details—specifically in the packaging, the included accessories, and the slight variance in motor peak performance. After pulverizing frozen kale, stubborn chia seeds, and solid ice cubes into “resort-style” slush, I’ve found that the choice between these two isn’t about power—it’s about the cups.
The Key Difference: Accessory Bundles and Peak Performance
The core difference between the Ninja BN401 and the BN400 lies in the included container sizes and the specific motor base tuning. The Ninja BN401 is typically sold as the “Standard” retail version, coming with two 24-oz. To-Go Cups and an 1100-peak-watt motor base (though some listings fluctuate between 1000 and 1100).
The Ninja BN400, often found as a “Renewed” or specific retailer model, typically includes one 18-oz. cup and one 24-oz. cup, paired with a 1000-watt motor. While the blending technology remains the same, the BN401 is geared toward users who want maximum volume, while the BN400 offers a smaller “snack-sized” option for shorter blends.
Comparison Table: Ninja BN401 vs. BN400 Blender
| Feature | Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro | Ninja BN400 Nutri Pro |
| Peak Wattage | 1100 Watts | 1000 Watts |
| Auto-iQ Programs | 2 (Smoothie & Crush) | 2 (Smoothie & Crush) |
| Included Cup Sizes | (2) 24-oz. Cups | (1) 18-oz. & (1) 24-oz. Cup |
| Spout Lids | 2 Included | 2 Included |
| Color | Cloud Silver | Stone Silver |
| Dimensions | 6.34″D x 6.93″W x 14.29″H | Similar (Compact Base) |
| Blade Tech | Pro Extractor Blades | Pro Extractor Blades |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (BPA Free) | Yes (BPA Free) |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Week in Smoothie Heaven
To see if that extra 100 watts in the BN401 actually translated to a better drink, I ran both machines through the same set of ingredients: frozen mango, fresh spinach, a scoop of protein powder, and ice.
Design: The Sleek Space-Savers
Both of these units are impressively small. If you have a kitchen that feels like it’s closing in on you, you’ll appreciate the footprint here. They are less than 7 inches wide. I kept both on my counter for a week, and they barely took up the space of a large toaster.
The BN401 (Cloud Silver) has a slightly brighter, more “premium” metallic finish compared to the BN400 (Stone Silver). The layout is identical: four buttons—Start/Stop, Pulse, Smoothie, and Crush. The buttons are sealed under a rubberized membrane, which I loved because it meant I could wipe away spilled almond milk with one swipe without worrying about the electronics getting sticky.
Ease of Use: The “Auto-iQ” Autopilot
The Auto-iQ technology is the reason you buy a Ninja over a cheap $30 blender. On both the BN401 and BN400, the “Smoothie” program is a pre-set pattern of pulses and continuous blending.
I’ve used plenty of blenders where you have to stand there and shake the cup to get the air bubbles out. With these, I just locked the cup in, hit “Smoothie,” and walked away to grab my car keys. By the time I came back 45 seconds later, the machine had finished its cycle and shut itself off. The BN401 felt a tiny bit more aggressive during the ramp-up, likely due to that 1100-watt peak, but the results in the cup were nearly identical.
Functions: Pro Extractor Blades vs. The Frozen Fruit Wall
The Pro Extractor Blades are the real stars here. They are thick, blunt, and incredibly powerful. When I tested the “Crush” function on plain ice, both models turned the cubes into “snow” in under 10 seconds.
The BN400’s 18-oz. cup was actually a highlight for me. When I wanted to make a quick ginger-lemon shot or a small post-workout protein shake, the 24-oz. cups included with the BN401 felt a bit like overkill. However, if you are making a meal-replacement smoothie with lots of bulky greens (kale, spinach), you need that 24-oz. capacity. The 18-oz. cup fills up very fast once you add ice and liquid.
Maintenance: The Cleanup Ritual
Both machines are a dream for people who hate washing dishes. All the parts—the cups, the lids, and the blade assembly—are dishwasher safe.
One thing I learned the hard way: you have to be careful when cleaning the blade assembly by hand. Those “Pro Extractor” blades might not be “knife-sharp,” but with 1000+ watts of torque behind them, they are built to pulverize. I found that using a long-handled dish brush was the safest way to get under the blades where berry seeds like to hide. Both the BN400 and BN401 use the same blade design, so the cleaning effort is equal.
Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Blender
Pros:
- Max Volume: Two large 24-oz. cups are perfect for large, filling smoothies.
- Peak Power: 1100-watt motor base handles thick nut butters slightly better.
- Modern Finish: The Cloud Silver looks great in modern kitchens.
- Ready for Two: Two identical cups mean you and a partner can both have a fresh drink.
Cons:
- No Small Cup: Lacks the 18-oz. option for smaller snacks or dressings.
- Loud: At 1100 watts, this thing will definitely wake up your neighbors.
Ninja BN400 Nutri Pro Personal Blender
Pros:
- Cup Variety: Having both an 18-oz. and a 24-oz. cup offers more versatility.
- Value: Often found at a lower price point, especially in “Renewed” versions.
- Efficiency: 1000 watts is still more than enough for 95% of smoothie drinkers.
- Compact Storage: The 18-oz. cup takes up less room in the dishwasher and cupboard.
Cons:
- Slightly Lower Wattage: May take a few extra seconds to fully liquefy fibrous stalks.
- Availability: Sometimes harder to find in brand-new condition compared to the 401.
The Final Recommendation: Which Ninja Should You Choose?
After living with the hum and whirl of these two machines, the winner isn’t a matter of quality—it’s a matter of your “smoothie style.”
I recommend the Ninja BN401 if you are a “full-meal” smoothie person. If your morning drink consists of a mountain of frozen fruit, protein powder, and greens, you will appreciate having two 24-oz. cups. The extra 100 watts of peak power gives it that tiny bit of extra “oomph” to ensure no chunks are left behind in a full container.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-peak-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for creamy frozen drinks, smoothies, sauces, and...
- 2 VERSATILE PROGRAMS: 2 Auto-iQ preset programs are uniquely timed for smoothies & crushed ice - remove the guesswork with easy one-touch results.
I recommend the Ninja BN400 if you want versatility. Having the 18-oz. cup is a major benefit for people who also use their blender to make quick sauces, dressings, or small snacks. You get nearly identical performance to the BN401 but with a more flexible range of container sizes.
- ULTIMATE POWER: 1000-watt motor powers through the toughest ingredients and pulverizes ice to snow in seconds for creamy frozen drinks, smoothies, sauces, and more
- 2 VERSATILE PROGRAMS: 2 Auto-iQ preset programs are uniquely timed for smoothies & crushed ice - remove the guesswork with easy one-touch results.
In my daily routine, I actually preferred the BN400. The 18-oz. cup is the perfect size for a quick pre-gym drink, and the difference between 1000 and 1100 watts is virtually unnoticeable in a drink that size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I blend hot liquids in these?
A: No. These are “Single Serve” blenders where the cup is inverted. Blending hot liquids creates pressure that could cause the cup to burst or leak. Always let your ingredients cool to room temperature before blending.
Q: Are the cups interchangeable between the BN401 and BN400?
A: Yes. Both models belong to the same Nutri Pro family and use the same blade assembly, so you can use the 18-oz. and 24-oz. cups on either base.
Q: How loud are they?
A: Very loud. You are running a high-powered motor in a small plastic housing. It sounds similar to a shop vacuum or a loud hair dryer. It’s not a blender for a quiet morning, but it only runs for 45-60 seconds!
Q: Can it grind coffee beans?
A: While it can pulverize them, it’s not recommended for daily use. The blades are designed for “extraction” (liquefying), and coffee beans can pit the plastic over time. Ninja makes a dedicated coffee grinder attachment for this base.
Q: Does it come with a recipe book?
A: The BN401 usually includes a 20-recipe inspiration guide. The BN400 (especially if purchased as a renewed unit) may not always include the physical book, but the recipes are all available on Ninja’s website.
