Ninja BN801 Kitchen System Review Powerful 5 Function Food Processor and Blender Combo

Description

Strengths of the Ninja BN801 Kitchen System

The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System impressed me with its versatility and power. Having tested its 1400 peak watt motor, I found it handles everything from crushing ice to mixing dough with remarkable ease. The 5 preset Auto-iQ programs are a standout feature—these intelligent blending patterns take the guesswork out of smoothie or dough preparation, making my kitchen workflow smoother. The 72 oz Total Crushing Pitcher is perfect for family-sized batches, while the two 24-oz single-serve cups with spout lids provide convenient on-the-go options for those rushed mornings.

• The Auto-IQ technology intelligently combines pulsing, blending, and pausing for consistent results.
• Exceptional blade designs tailored for different tasks: stacked blades for crushing, dough blades for kneading, and pro extractor blades for nutrient extraction.
• Large capacity options: 72 oz pitcher and 64 oz precision processor bowl.
• Powerful enough to mix dough for up to 2 lbs in roughly 30 seconds.
• Comes with a 30-recipe inspiration guide, which sparked some creative kitchen experiments.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite its solid build and functionality, a few things caught my attention during use. The unit is fairly heavy, tipping the scales at about 8.8 pounds, which makes moving or cleaning it a bit of a workout. Also, the pitcher’s max liquid capacity is listed as 64 oz, even though it’s called a 72 oz pitcher, which could confuse some users expecting the full volume. Cleaning the numerous parts—blades, bowls, and cups—takes some patience, especially since the dough blade traps ingredients more stubbornly than I expected. Noise levels are similar to other powerful blenders, but if you’re sensitive to loud appliances, this might be a factor.

• The weight makes handling less convenient for quick setups.
• Liquid capacity discrepancy between the pitcher size and max fill line.
• Some components require extra effort to clean, especially the dough blade.
• The motor noise can be quite loud during heavy-duty blending.

Versatile Design and User Experience

This kitchen system’s design cleverly balances multiple appliances in one. I appreciated the sleek grey finish that fits modern kitchens without looking bulky. Setting up the system was intuitive, with 3 speed settings and clear button icons for each preset function. The food processor bowl is a gem for chopping veggies finely or pureeing soups, thanks to its precision blades. I’ve also enjoyed the dough function, which has an impressive torque to combine ingredients quickly and evenly, making it ideal for pizza crusts or bread dough.

The single-serve cups grabbed my attention for convenience. They fit well under the motor base and come with spout lids that prevent spills during transport. I tried taking a smoothie on a morning hike, and the cup’s seal held up perfectly without leaks. One small gripe: the cups and lids feel a bit bulky compared to some travel bottles, but that’s a minor trade-off for durability.

Performance Across Different Functions

Testing the total crushing ability revealed how effectively the blades pulverize ice and frozen fruit, producing velvety smoothies without gritty chunks. The nutrient extraction program also worked well, breaking down tough fibers in leafy greens to yield smooth, drinkable juices. Dough mixing was surprisingly fast; I managed to knead dough for two pounds of bread within half a minute, which is a real time saver compared to manual kneading.

Chopping performance in the processor bowl was consistent, producing evenly diced onions and peppers without over-processing. The variety of blades included—stacked blade, chopping blade, dough blade, and pro extractor blades—ensure that each task is handled optimally. The three speed options further allow fine control when needed. Overall, the system balances power and precision impressively.

Competitive Options in the Market

Compared to other kitchen systems and high-end blenders like Vitamix or Blendtec, this Ninja model offers strong value through its multifunctionality. Vitamix excels with ultra-smooth blends and robust build quality, but usually at a much higher price point and without the dedicated food processor bowl or dough functionality. Blendtec offers similar blending power but doesn’t provide the same variety of attachments.

Other Ninja models, like the BL770, fall short in the number of blending programs and accessory options, so the BN801 definitely steps up with its 5 versatile functions and Auto-IQ technology. However, some competitors offer quieter operation and slightly easier cleaning processes. This model shines in power and versatility but slightly lags in noise and portability.

Price Performance and Value Proposition

The kitchen system’s price point seems reasonable considering the powerful motor, multiple accessories, and smart technology packed inside. For anyone who wants a multi-purpose appliance that handles smoothies, food processing, and dough mixing, this offers solid value. Its durability and stainless steel blades promise longevity, adding to the cost-effectiveness over time.

If your budget allows investing in a device that can substitute for a blender, food processor, and stand mixer, this system delivers without needing multiple appliances cluttering the kitchen. The included recipe guide adds bonus value by inspiring creative use. However, if you primarily want a quiet blender or a compact food processor, there may be better specialized options at a lower price.

Areas for Improvement

The cleaning experience is probably the biggest pain point. The dough blade, in particular, holds onto sticky ingredients, requiring thorough scrubbing. Storage might be tricky for some due to the system’s height and footprint on the counter. Additionally, the preset programs, while helpful, lack customization options, so users who prefer manual control might find it limiting.

The noise level is louder than expected for casual kitchen use, especially on the highest speed or dough mixing mode. Finally, the confusing pitch capacity labeling could be clarified by the manufacturer to avoid user mistakes during blending.

• More user-friendly cleaning design could save time.
• Better sound insulation would improve home use.
• Adjustable program settings for power users.
• Clearer capacity markings on containers.

Every product has its quirks, but the Ninja system’s strengths far outweigh these inconveniences for many users.

Family and Friends’ Reactions

My family jumped at the chance to test the single-serve cups for smoothie mornings, praising how easy it was to blend and carry their drinks. One of my coworkers borrowed the processor bowl to chop vegetables for a large meal and was impressed with the even cuts. My partner, who enjoys baking, found the dough function surprisingly efficient, making quick work of kneading bread dough with minimal effort. This device has proven itself as a reliable multitasker across different household needs, from quick breakfasts to meal prep. The recipe inspiration guide sparked some new favorites in our kitchen, keeping things interesting.

This system has become a staple for anyone who wants a multi-functional, powerful, and convenient kitchen tool, despite a few minor annoyances.

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