Ninja BN801 Professional Kitchen System Review Powerful Food Processor and Blender Combo

Description

Highlights of the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System

Testing the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System BN801 U-S41113 has been an eye-opener in terms of what a modern kitchen appliance can deliver. The 1400 peak watts of professional power really stand out, especially when crushing ice and blending frozen fruits for smoothies. I was genuinely impressed by how effortlessly it handled everything from tough ice cubes to fibrous greens. The Auto-iQ Technology with five preset programs adds a layer of convenience that takes the guesswork out of blending, chopping, and dough making. The 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher allows me to prepare large batches, which is perfect for my family gatherings, while the four 24-ounce single-serve cups with spout lids are a blessing for days when I’m rushing out the door.

• Effortlessly crushes ice and frozen ingredients with Total Crushing Blades.
• Five versatile Auto-iQ programs cover smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopping, and dough.
• Large-capacity pitcher and processor bowls accommodate family-sized portions.
• Comes with handy single-serve cups designed for on-the-go convenience.

Versatile Food Processing Capabilities

The 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl has been a revelation in my kitchen experiments. It’s not just about making smoothies; this system gives you the power to finely chop vegetables, whip up smooth purees, and even knead dough — all using the appropriate blade attachments like the chopping blade and the dough blade. I found the precision chopping particularly useful for salsa and nut butters. The stacking blade assembly is easy to assemble and clean, which is a major plus when you’re juggling multiple recipes. It’s clear that this kitchen system isn’t just a blender; it’s a compact food processor powerhouse.

Drawbacks of the Ninja Kitchen System

No product is without its flaws, and this unit is no exception. Despite the impressive power and versatility, the system can be a bit noisy, especially when crushing ice or running the dough function. While I anticipated some noise, it’s louder than my previous blender, which might be an issue in quieter households. Also, the size and weight of the base and accessories can be a challenge for smaller kitchens with tight counter space. The hand wash only care instructions for some components require a bit more commitment to keeping everything spotless, which might not suit those looking for dishwasher-safe convenience.

• Louder operation compared to some competitors.
• Larger footprint might be unsuitable for very small kitchen counters.
• Some parts require hand washing, which adds to cleanup time.

User Experience and Practicality

I found the Auto-iQ presets really intuitive. The system does most of the work for you, which is fantastic for someone like me who isn’t always confident about blending times or speeds. There’s a noticeable difference between the smoothie setting and the frozen drinks mode, for example. My kids have enthusiastically taken to the single-serve cups, often grabbing them for school or afternoon snacks. The lids with spouts prevent spills, a small but thoughtful design feature. However, I did notice that the pitcher and processor bowl lids require careful alignment before locking securely, which took a few tries before I got used to it. The inclusion of a 30-recipe inspiration guide was a nice touch, giving me fresh ideas beyond my usual smoothies and dips.

Price Performance of the Kitchen System

Considering the amount of power, versatility, and convenience packed into this system, I feel like it offers solid value for the price. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but its multiple functions combined into one appliance mean you might save money in the long run by not needing separate blenders and food processors. The durability of the stainless steel blades and the robust motor justify the investment if you frequently prepare smoothies, dough, or chopped mixes. For those who want a reliable all-in-one kitchen helper without breaking the bank, this system hits an appealing sweet spot.

Product Comparisons: How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

Compared to other popular kitchen systems like the Vitamix Explorian or the KitchenAid K400, this model shines with its Auto-iQ technology and multiple preset functions. While the Vitamix offers unmatched blending power and a more premium build, it lacks the specific dough blade and the single-serve cup convenience. KitchenAid’s food processors tend to excel at chopping and dough kneading but don’t blend frozen drinks as seamlessly. The Ninja system strikes a balance between blending and food processing, making it more versatile for everyday use. However, it’s worth noting that some competitors offer quieter motors and dishwasher-safe parts, which might sway buyers looking for less maintenance.

Design and Build Quality Insights

The modern black design fits well with most kitchen decors and looks sleek on the counter. The materials feel sturdy, especially the stainless steel blades, which cut through ingredients with ease. Although the unit is on the heavier side, that adds to its stability during operation — no wobbling or accidental shifts even at high speeds. The stacked blade assembly and the processor bowl’s locking mechanism are engineered thoughtfully but do require a bit of patience to master. Overall, the build quality gave me confidence that this system will last well beyond typical kitchen appliances.

Practical Tips for Daily Use

In everyday use, I found that pre-cutting larger veggies before tossing them in the processor bowl helps achieve even better results. The Auto-iQ programs work great, but occasionally I prefer manual control for custom textures. The single-serve cups are perfect for quick protein shakes or smoothie prep, especially with the spill-proof lids that make commuting hassle-free. Cleaning is straightforward if you rinse immediately, but the hand washing requirement means you’ll want to avoid letting residue dry. Keeping the system’s components organized is easier if you dedicate a drawer or cabinet space since the pitcher, bowls, and cups don’t nest neatly inside each other.

The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System combines power, versatility, and convenience in a package that can truly replace multiple kitchen gadgets. It excels in crushing ice and blending nutrient-packed drinks while offering food processing functions like chopping and dough mixing. Although it has a few noise and size drawbacks, the overall experience is satisfying, especially for those who appreciate the Auto-iQ technology and the thoughtful inclusion of single-serve cups for on-the-go lifestyles.

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