Every kitchen has that one appliance you end up using every single day. For me, it’s the blender. Whether I’m whipping up smoothies in the morning, kneading dough in the afternoon, or blending sauces for dinner, the right blender makes all the difference. Recently, I’ve been testing two of Ninja’s most popular powerhouses: the Ninja SS401 Foodi Power Blender System and the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System.
Both are versatile, high-capacity machines with powerful motors, but they don’t deliver the exact same experience. After plenty of test runs, from smoothie bowls to cookie dough, I’ve figured out how they stack up against each other.
Key Difference Between Ninja SS401 and BL770 Blender & Food Processor
The main difference comes down to technology and versatility:
- The Ninja SS401 is designed as a next-generation blender system. It offers more preset programs, a smartTORQUE motor, variable speed control, and specialty attachments like the smoothie bowl maker and nutrient extraction cup. It’s all about precision and variety.
- The Ninja BL770, on the other hand, is a classic workhorse. With a slightly higher wattage, it’s straightforward, powerful, and reliable for big batches of smoothies, frozen drinks, and food processing tasks.
If you want smarter presets and extra attachments for modern recipes, the SS401 is more advanced. If you want raw power and simplicity at a lower price, the BL770 is still a strong contender.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
- POWERFUL 1500-WATT MOTOR: Crush ice, blend frozen fruit, and power through tough ingredients with the 2-horsepower motor, designed for professional results.
Ninja SS401 vs BL770 Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja SS401 | Ninja BL770 |
| Motor Power | 1600-peak-watt Power Dense Motor with smartTORQUE | 1500-watt motor |
| Functions | 7 Auto-iQ Programs | 4 Manual Functions |
| Speed Control | Variable speed dial | Fixed speed with function buttons |
| Capacity | 72 oz pitcher (64 oz max liquid) | 72 oz pitcher (64 oz max liquid) |
| Food Processor | Yes (with feed chute, slicing, shredding, grating discs) | Yes (8-cup processor, chopping & dough blades) |
| Special Attachments | Smoothie bowl maker, nutrient extraction cup, dough blade, grating disc, slicing disc | Two 16 oz Nutri Ninja cups, dough blade, chopping blade |
| Blades | Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly | Total Crushing Blades & Pro Extractor Blades |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs | 9.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.7″D x 8.3″W x 16.14″H | 15.75″D x 11.1″W x 18.07″H |
| Check Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build Quality
The SS401 has a sleeker, more modern look with its platinum finish. It feels slightly bulkier in weight, but the vertical design keeps it from hogging too much counter space. The enhanced processing lid with a feed chute really sets it apart visually—it looks more like a hybrid between a blender and food processor.
The BL770 is bigger and boxier. Its black exterior screams “classic Ninja” and feels rugged. Despite being taller, it’s surprisingly lighter than the SS401. I found it easier to move around, but it does take up a bit more counter width.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
- POWERFUL 1500-WATT MOTOR: Crush ice, blend frozen fruit, and power through tough ingredients with the 2-horsepower motor, designed for professional results.
Ease of Use
With the SS401, I had the luxury of preset programs. The Auto-iQ system took care of timing and pulsing for smoothies, bowls, and spreads. The variable speed control was a big plus—I could fine-tune textures, something I couldn’t do with the BL770. For example, when making hummus, I could start slow and gradually ramp up for a smoother consistency.
The BL770 is more old-school. It has four straightforward functions: blend, mix, crush, and single-serve. No fancy presets, just raw power. I found myself stopping and starting more often to get the texture right, but once you get used to it, it’s easy to manage.
Performance and Functions
This is where things got interesting.
- The SS401 handled everything I threw at it—smoothie bowls, nut butters, even thick spreads—without stalling. The smartTORQUE motor made a noticeable difference, especially with heavy loads. Frozen fruit blends came out smooth without overloading the machine. The smoothie bowl maker with built-in tamper was my favorite attachment—it powered through frozen berries with less liquid, which the BL770 struggled with.
- The BL770 excelled in large-batch tasks. Making margaritas or frozen lemonade for a group? Its Total Crushing Blades made quick work of ice, turning it into fluffy snow in seconds. The 8-cup food processor also impressed me with consistent chopping. But when it came to thicker blends like nut butter, I had to scrape down the sides more often than with the SS401.
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
- POWERFUL 1500-WATT MOTOR: Crush ice, blend frozen fruit, and power through tough ingredients with the 2-horsepower motor, designed for professional results.
Food Processing
The SS401 has more advanced food processing capabilities thanks to its slicing, shredding, and grating discs. I shredded cheese, sliced cucumbers, and grated carrots effortlessly. The feed chute made it feel more like a true food processor.
The BL770, while effective, is limited to chopping and dough mixing. It can handle up to 2 pounds of dough in 30 seconds, which is fantastic for baking days. But if you want precise slicing or grating, the SS401 is the clear winner.
Cleaning
Both blenders are dishwasher safe, which saved me a lot of time. The SS401 has more attachments, so cleanup means more parts to wash, but everything came out spotless on the top rack. The BL770 is simpler, with fewer accessories, so the cleanup was faster overall.
Ninja SS401 Blender & Food Processor Combo
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
Pros:
- SmartTORQUE motor prevents stalling
- 7 Auto-iQ programs for one-touch convenience
- Variable speed control for texture precision
- Smoothie bowl maker & nutrient extraction cup included
- Food processing discs for slicing, shredding, and grating
Cons:
- Heavier and more parts to clean
- Pricier than BL770
- Slightly bulkier on the counter
Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System
- POWERFUL 1500-WATT MOTOR: Crush ice, blend frozen fruit, and power through tough ingredients with the 2-horsepower motor, designed for professional results.
Pros:
- More affordable option
- Powerful 1500-watt motor with Total Crushing Blades
- Great for large batches of frozen drinks and smoothies
- Comes with two Nutri Ninja to-go cups
- Lightweight compared to SS401
Cons:
- Fewer functions (no slicing, shredding, or grating)
- No variable speed control
- Struggles with thick blends like nut butters
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
After testing both, here’s my take:
If you want a modern, versatile system that goes beyond basic blending, the Ninja SS401 is the better choice. It’s perfect if you enjoy smoothie bowls, nut butters, and need a food processor that can shred and slice with precision. The extra programs and attachments make it feel like a complete kitchen companion.
If your priority is powerful blending for large batches at a lower cost, the Ninja BL770 still holds its ground. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for families who make smoothies, frozen drinks, or dough regularly.
My Recommendation:
- Go with the SS401 if you love variety, advanced features, and want one machine that does it all.
- Stick with the BL770 if you want a budget-friendly, straightforward workhorse for everyday blending.
Either way, you’re getting Ninja’s proven performance—just tailored to different cooking styles.