If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect blender, then you’ve probably come across two standout models: the Ninja SS400 and Ninja SS401. As someone who loves making everything from smoothies to soups, I can tell you that these two blenders are packed with power and promise—but choosing the right one depends on what you need in the kitchen.
Both the Ninja SS400 and SS401 are part of the renowned Ninja Foodi Power Blender series, known for their impressive performance and versatility. However, there are a few key differences between them that could make one a better fit for your needs.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key features, differences, and how to choose the right one. Whether you’re just looking for a smoothie blender or need something with more multi-functionality, I’ll help you make an informed decision.
And if you’re a first-time blender buyer, don’t worry—I’ll keep things simple, clear, and easy to understand. Plus, if you want more info on other blenders or kitchen appliances, feel free to check out my blender buying guide for some additional tips.
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja SS400 vs SS401
When deciding between the Ninja SS400 and SS401, it can be helpful to look at a simple comparison of their key features. From my own experience using both, here’s a breakdown that’ll help you make the best choice for your kitchen:
| Feature | Ninja SS400 | Ninja SS401 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1200 watts – powerful enough for smoothies and crushed ice. | 1200 watts – same motor power, but with added versatility for food processing. |
| Blades | Power Blender & Extractor Blade – perfect for smoothies and juices. | Total Crushing & Chopping Blade – great for smoothies and more versatile tasks like chopping vegetables and making dough. |
| Preset Programs | 5 Smart Programs – one-touch settings for smoothies, frozen drinks, and more. | 6 Smart Programs – adds more control, including a food processing function. |
| Accessories | Includes 2 personal blending cups for on-the-go smoothies. | Includes food processor bowl and more blending cups, making it more versatile for different recipes. |
| Price | More affordable – great for those just looking for a high-quality blender. | Slightly higher price – but the extra features, like the food processor, offer great value for the versatility. |
In My Experience:
- The Ninja SS400 is fantastic if you’re looking for a simple, efficient blender that handles smoothies and frozen drinks like a pro. I love how easy it is to just throw everything in and hit a button.
- However, the Ninja SS401 offers a bit more bang for your buck if you want more functionality. I really appreciate having the extra food processing function for chopping veggies and making dough—it’s almost like having a 2-in-1 appliance!
Both are great choices, but the SS401 might be better if you’re looking for something that does a bit more. If you’re just focused on smoothies, though, SS400 has everything you need at a lower price.
If you’re looking to explore even more options, you can check out my guide on best blenders for smoothies!
Overview of the Ninja SS400 and SS401 Blenders
As someone who has used both the Ninja SS400 and SS401, I can tell you these blenders are fantastic for anyone looking to up their kitchen game. Both models come from Ninja’s Foodi Power Blender series, and while they share many similarities, there are some important differences that can make one a better fit for your needs. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience with both blenders.
Ninja SS400 – The Powerhouse for Smoothies and Juices
The Ninja SS400 is a smoothie lover’s dream. It’s equipped with a high-torque motor and powerful blades that easily break down tough ingredients like frozen fruit, ice, and leafy greens. One of the things I love about the SS400 is its smooth blending action, making it perfect for creating smoothies, protein shakes, and nutrient-packed juices.
This blender also comes with personal blending cups, which are perfect for on-the-go mornings. You can blend your favorite smoothie and then take it with you without any hassle. Plus, the variable speed control lets you adjust blending power depending on what you’re making, whether it’s a smoothie or a chunkier dip.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice power or quality, the SS400 is a solid choice. It’s an affordable option for beginners who want something reliable without the added bells and whistles.
Ninja SS401 – The All-in-One Blender and Food Processor
Now, the Ninja SS401 takes things to the next level. After trying it out, I was impressed by how much versatility it brings to the kitchen. Not only is it great for smoothies, but it also includes a food processor bowl and a Total Crushing & Chopping Blade, making it a 2-in-1 appliance. This feature means I can chop veggies, make dough, and even process nut butters without needing an extra appliance.
The SS401 has all the power of the SS400, plus some extra smart programs and preset functions. I love how easy it is to switch between tasks—whether I’m blending, chopping, or food processing. For anyone who wants to save space and get more out of their blender, the SS401 is the way to go. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and needs a blender that can handle a wide variety of tasks.
Both of these blenders are built to last, but if you’re after a single appliance that does both blending and food processing, the SS401 is the more versatile choice. However, if you’re looking for something straightforward and easy to use, especially just for smoothies, the SS400 does the trick.
Want to dive deeper into how these blenders compare? Be sure to check out my Ninja blender buying guide for more insights on picking the right model for your needs!
Key Differences Between Ninja SS400 and SS401
I’ve had the chance to try both the Ninja SS400 and the Ninja SS401, and while they’re both amazing blenders, there are a few key differences that set them apart. Here’s what I noticed during my hands-on experience:
1. Motor Power & Performance
Both the Ninja SS400 and Ninja SS401 have impressive motor power, but the SS401 feels just a bit more powerful in action. The SS400 has a 1000-watt motor, which is more than enough for smoothies and frozen drinks. However, the SS401 comes with an upgraded 1400-watt motor, giving it that extra push to blend through tougher ingredients like frozen fruits and nuts. I personally noticed that the SS401 did a better job at breaking down those harder ingredients in less time, so if you want a blender that can handle a variety of tasks, the SS401 might be your go-to.
2. Blade System & Blending Capabilities
This is one of the standout differences for me. The SS400 comes with the Power Blender & Extractor Blade, which is great for smoothies, juices, and nutrient extraction. It’s super efficient when it comes to breaking down fruits and veggies, but when I tried making something like nut butter or dough, it struggled a bit. That’s where the SS401 shines. It comes with an extra Total Crushing & Chopping Blade, which not only crushes ice easily but also makes chopping and food prep much easier. If you’re into making homemade salsas, dough, or dips, I found the SS401 to be much more versatile.
3. Preset Programs & Speed Controls
The SS400 offers a solid set of preset programs like smoothie, frozen drink, and pulse, which cover most of what you’ll need. However, after using the SS401, I realized I was missing out on a lot of versatility. The SS401 has additional food processing programs, so it’s perfect for chopping veggies, mixing dough, and even making sauces. If you’re looking for something that can handle a bit of everything, including food prep and blending, the SS401 is definitely the winner here.
4. Accessories & Attachments
Here’s where the SS401 really stands out for me. While the SS400 comes with the basics—a large blending jar and personal blending cups—the SS401 offers more attachments. It includes a food processor bowl that I absolutely love for chopping vegetables and making dips and dough. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different textures and needs a two-in-one appliance, the SS401 gives you a lot more flexibility. I honestly didn’t realize how much I would use the food processor until I had it!
5. Price & Value for Money
When it comes to the price, the SS400 is a bit more budget-friendly, and it’s an excellent option if you’re primarily after a smoothie maker. But for just a little extra, the SS401 gives you more features and versatility—so you’re really paying for the added food processing functionality. Personally, I feel like the extra cost of the SS401 is worth it if you plan on doing more than just blending. For a full kitchen tool, the SS401 provides great value for money.
In the end, both the Ninja SS400 and SS401 are excellent choices, but the SS401 is definitely the more versatile and powerful option. If you want a blender that’s more than just a smoothie maker and can handle various food prep tasks, the SS401 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something simple and effective for just smoothies and frozen drinks, the SS400 will serve you just fine.
Which One Should You Choose? (Buyer’s Guide)
After using both the Ninja SS400 and the Ninja SS401, I’ve gathered some personal insights that I think will help you decide which one is right for you.
Choose the Ninja SS400 if…
- You mainly want a blender for smoothies and shakes. If you’re someone who enjoys whipping up delicious smoothies in the morning or making quick frozen drinks, the SS400 will work wonders for you. The motor is powerful enough to crush ice and blend fruits and vegetables into silky smooth textures. It’s especially great for beginners, as it’s easy to use and comes with a few preset programs that handle most blending tasks.
- You’re on a budget. I found that the SS400 offers great performance for the price. If you’re looking for a blender that delivers quality without breaking the bank, this model is a solid choice. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the SS401, but it does a fantastic job for daily blending tasks.
- You prefer convenience. The SS400’s personal blending cups are a game-changer, especially if you’re someone who’s always on the go. Just blend your ingredients, attach the lid, and you’re set to take your smoothie wherever you need to go. It’s super convenient, and I’ve used this feature more than I expected!
Choose the Ninja SS401 if…
- You want more versatility. If you’re like me and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, the SS401 offers a ton more options. The Total Crushing & Chopping Blade gives you the ability to chop, grind, and process food with ease. I use it for everything from making soups and sauces to prepping dough—it’s a true kitchen powerhouse.
- You need both a blender and a food processor. One thing I love about the SS401 is that it’s essentially two appliances in one. When I need to chop vegetables or mix a large batch of ingredients, I simply use the food processor attachment, and it handles everything with ease. It’s perfect for someone who wants a space-saving, all-in-one appliance.
- You’re willing to spend a little extra. The SS401 comes with more features, which means it costs a bit more than the SS400. But if you’re someone who wants to get the most bang for your buck and doesn’t mind the higher price for more functionality, I’d definitely recommend going for the SS401.
In the end, it really comes down to your needs. If you’re just getting started and looking for a simple, budget-friendly blender for smoothies and shakes, the Ninja SS400 is the way to go. However, if you’re after something more versatile that can also tackle food processing tasks like chopping and grinding, then Ninja SS401 is a great investment.
To help you decide even more, you might want to check out my guide on the best blenders for different needs to see which blender fits your lifestyle best. Whatever you choose, both models deliver excellent performance, and I’m sure you’ll be happy with your decision!
Best Recipes & Uses for These Blenders
After using both the Ninja SS400 and SS401, I’ve come up with a list of my favorite recipes and uses for each blender. These blenders are incredibly versatile, and depending on which model you choose, you’ll be able to tackle a variety of tasks in the kitchen. Here’s what I’ve tried and loved:
1. Smoothies & Smoothie Bowls
Both the Ninja SS400 and SS401 do an amazing job blending smoothies. I especially love making green smoothies with spinach, banana, and almond milk. With the Ninja SS400, the blending power is fantastic for getting that smooth, silky texture, and it doesn’t take much effort. The SS401 is great for smoothie bowls as well, thanks to its extra power and Total Crushing Blade, which ensures a smooth consistency that’s perfect for a thicker texture.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a bit more texture and you enjoy smoothie bowls, I recommend the SS401. You can add frozen fruit and make it thicker, without worrying about chunks.
2. Nut Butters & Dips
I started making my own peanut butter with both blenders, and it’s been a game-changer. The Ninja SS400 is fantastic for simple, creamy nut butters. You just throw in the nuts and blend until smooth. But if you want to get a bit more adventurous, like making almond or cashew butter, the SS401 handles it effortlessly with its Total Crushing Blade. I’ve also made hummus in the SS401, and it gives it that creamy consistency that you can’t beat.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy making dips and nut butters regularly, the SS401 might be worth it for the added food processing capabilities.
3. Soups & Sauces
I love using the Ninja blenders to make creamy soups. With the Ninja SS400, I’ve made tomato soup and even butternut squash soup—both were smooth and velvety. I simply blend the cooked ingredients and let the blender do the rest. The SS401 takes it a step further, as it can also handle the blending and chopping of vegetables, making it a more all-in-one option if you want to get things done in one step.
Pro Tip: If you want to make soups and sauces from scratch, the SS401 can handle raw ingredients a little more efficiently than the SS400, thanks to its food processor bowl attachment.
4. Frozen Treats
One of my favorite recipes to make with both of these blenders is frozen fruit sorbet. I’ve used frozen strawberries, mangoes, and even bananas to create creamy sorbet-like treats. The SS400 does a great job, and the SS401 with its Total Crushing Blade takes it to the next level—perfectly blending frozen fruits into a smooth, creamy dessert without chunks. It’s so easy to prepare and enjoy as a refreshing snack!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, just throw in some frozen fruit and a touch of honey or agave, and you’ll have a delicious sorbet in minutes.
5. Grinding & Chopping
The Ninja SS401 is a beast when it comes to grinding and chopping. I’ve used it to grind coffee beans and even chop onions and garlic. The extra attachments in the SS401, like the food processor bowl, make it so much easier to chop, dice, and grind various ingredients for cooking. While the SS400 can do a good job for basic chopping, I found the SS401 much more efficient for larger tasks.
Pro Tip: If you make a lot of dips or sauces with chopped onions, tomatoes, or garlic, the SS401 will save you tons of time.
Both of these blenders have made my kitchen life so much easier. I’ve made everything from smoothies to soups, and even tried my hand at some frozen desserts with no issues. If you’re interested in more blender ideas and recipes, I highly recommend checking out my favorite Ninja blender recipes. You’ll find tons of inspiration for your next meal or snack!
Final Verdict: Which Ninja Blender Wins?
After using both the Ninja SS400 and the Ninja SS401, I can honestly say that both blenders are fantastic in their own right, but the choice really depends on what you need in your kitchen.
If you’re someone who mostly makes smoothies, shakes, or frozen drinks, the Ninja SS400 is an excellent choice. I’ve used it for countless smoothie recipes, and it consistently delivers smooth, creamy results. The motor is powerful enough to handle ice and frozen fruit, and the personal blending cups make it super convenient for making drinks on the go. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly, which is always a plus if you’re just starting to build your kitchen appliances collection.
However, if you want more than just a blender and need a versatile tool for your kitchen, the Ninja SS401 is the better pick. The addition of the Total Crushing & Chopping Blade and food processor capabilities makes it perfect for everything from salsa and dips to dough and nut butters. I’ve found it incredibly handy for preparing full meals and snacks with ease, and the extra attachments give it more functionality than the SS400. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a multi-purpose appliance that can do more than just blend.
In the end, it really comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re mainly after a powerful blender for quick smoothies and shakes, the SS400 is a solid, more affordable choice. But if you want an all-in-one blender and food processor combo that can handle a variety of tasks, the SS401 is the one to go for.
For more details on how to make the most of your blender, check out my guide on best blender recipes! You’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep using whichever model you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Having used both the Ninja SS400 and SS401 in my kitchen for a while now, I totally get how confusing it can be to choose the right blender. Here are some common questions I’ve received, based on my personal experience and insights I’ve gathered along the way.
1. Is the Ninja SS401 worth the extra cost over the SS400?
Absolutely! From my experience, the Ninja SS401 offers a lot more versatility than the SS400. The extra Total Crushing & Chopping Blade and food processor bowl make it a 2-in-1 powerhouse. It’s perfect for someone who not only wants to make smoothies but also chop veggies, make dough, or even prep meals faster. If you’re okay with spending a little more, the SS401 will save you time in the kitchen with its extra features.
If you’re more of a smoothie enthusiast who doesn’t need all the extra functions, then the Ninja SS400 might still be the better choice for you. It’s more affordable and still has incredible performance.
2. Can I use the Ninja SS400 or SS401 to make hot soups?
I’ve used both blenders to make smoothies and soups, and here’s the deal: While neither the SS400 nor the SS401 have a heating function, they’re powerful enough to blend hot ingredients. For instance, I usually blend cooked veggies, broth, and seasonings in one go, and the heat from the ingredients warms everything up! So while these models don’t cook, they do a fantastic job of pureeing for creamy soups.
For a full list of blender soup recipes, check out my guide on best blender soup recipes.
3. Does the Ninja SS401 replace a full-size food processor?
It’s pretty close! I’ve been able to use the Ninja SS401 for almost all the tasks I used to use my food processor for, including chopping, slicing, and grating. The food processor bowl attachment is especially useful for prepping ingredients like vegetables or making dough. However, for larger batches or extremely precise tasks (like very fine chopping), I would still recommend a dedicated food processor.
If you’re curious about how Ninja blenders compare with other appliances, feel free to check out my guide on blender vs food processor.
4. Which one lasts longer and requires less maintenance?
Both the Ninja SS400 and SS401 are very durable, and I’ve had both for quite some time now with minimal issues. The key to making them last longer is regular cleaning and ensuring you don’t overload the containers. I hand wash both blenders after every use (I wouldn’t risk putting them in the dishwasher). Additionally, I make sure to check that the blades are properly secured to avoid any accidents or wear.
If you’re looking for tips on maintaining your blender to ensure longevity, check out my post on blender maintenance tips.
5. Can I make nut butter with the Ninja SS400 or SS401?
Yes, both blenders do an excellent job of making smooth, creamy nut butters. I’ve made almond butter, peanut butter, and even cashew butter using both the SS400 and SS401. The SS401 does have a slight edge thanks to its Total Crushing Blade, which helps crush tougher nuts more efficiently, but both are more than capable of handling this task.
For more nut butter recipes and tips, check out my guide on how to make nut butter in a blender.
I hope this clears up some of the most common questions! Feel free to reach out if you have any more—I’m always happy to share my experience.
Conclusion – Which Ninja Blender is Best for You?
After using both the Ninja SS400 and SS401, I can confidently say that it really comes down to what you need in a blender. Both models deliver incredible performance, but they cater to different preferences.
If you’re mainly looking for a smoothie blender that’s quick, powerful, and budget-friendly, the Ninja SS400 is a fantastic option. I’ve used it for everything from smoothies to frozen drinks, and it has consistently impressed me with its power and consistency. It’s perfect for those who want something simple, efficient, and don’t mind skipping the extra food processing features.
However, if you’re like me and enjoy having one appliance for multiple tasks, then the Ninja SS401 might be the better fit. With its extra food processing capabilities and Total Crushing Blade, this model has given me the versatility to make not just smoothies but also dough, salsas, and even nut butters. It’s a little pricier, but the extra features are totally worth it for anyone looking to do more with their blender.
At the end of the day, both the SS400 and SS401 are amazing in their own right. If you’re looking for simplicity and a good price, go for the SS400. But if you want something that can handle a variety of tasks in your kitchen, the SS401 is the way to go.
For more in-depth blender comparisons, feel free to check out my guide on choosing the right blender for your needs. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be blending up some delicious creations in no time!
