Ninja BN701 vs. BR201AMZ: Navigating the Evolution of the “Professional” Blender

The hum of a blender is the unofficial soundtrack of my mornings. For years, I’ve viewed the countertop blender not just as a tool for smoothies, but as a primary kitchen engine – a machine that determines whether my Saturday morning consists of creamy homemade sorbet or a gritty, ice-flecked mess. When you start looking at Ninja’s “Professional” lineup, you quickly realize that the brand is in a constant state of iteration. This leads to a common kitchen conundrum: do you go with the established powerhouse, the Ninja Professional Plus (BN701), or the streamlined newcomer, the Ninja Professional 2.0 (BR201AMZ)?

Having spent the last few weeks alternating between these two machines, I’ve found that while they share the same 72-ounce silhouette, they represent two slightly different paths in Ninja’s design philosophy. One leans heavily into automated intelligence and raw peak power, while the other focuses on a refined, simplified user experience that prioritizes manual control and a tighter footprint.

If you are currently staring at these two dark grey towers and wondering which one will actually pulverize your frozen kale without breaking a sweat, let’s peel back the layers of my experience with the BN701 and the BR201AMZ.

Key Difference: Ninja BN701 vs. BR201AMZ Professional Blender

If you need the “executive summary” before we get into the nitty-gritty of the blade physics, the core difference boils down to 1400 Watts vs. 1200 Watts and Three Programs vs. One.

The Ninja BN701 (Professional Plus) is the heavy hitter of the duo. It packs a 1400-peak-watt motor and features three dedicated Auto-iQ programs: Smoothie, Frozen Drink, and Ice Cream. It is designed for the user who wants specialized, one-touch automation for different textures.

The Ninja BR201AMZ (Professional 2.0) is a more streamlined “version 2.0” approach. It operates with a 1200-watt motor and simplifies the automated interface down to a single Auto-iQ “Crush” program. However, it offers a more traditional four-speed manual control (Low, Medium, High, Pulse), making it appeal to the cook who prefers to “drive” the blender themselves rather than letting a computer chip decide the rhythm.

Comparison Table: The Mechanical Breakdown

Feature	Ninja Professional Plus (BN701)	Ninja Professional 2.0 (BR201AMZ)
Peak Wattage	1400 Watts	1200 Watts
Pitcher Size	72 oz. (64 oz. liquid max)	72 oz. (64 oz. liquid max)
Auto-iQ Programs	3 (Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream)	1 (Crush)
Manual Speeds	Pulse, Low, Medium, High	Pulse, Low, Medium, High
Blade System	Stacked Total Crushing® Blades	Stacked Total Crushing® Blades
Color	Grey / Dark Grey	Dark Grey
Dimensions	6.75″D x 9″W x 17.5″H	7.76″D x 8.15″W x 17.44″H
Recipe Guide	15-Recipe Guide	10-Recipe Guide
View Current Price on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

A Detailed Comparative Review: My Life on the Counter

Design: The Tale of Two Bases

When I placed the BN701 on my counter, it felt familiar. It has that classic Ninja “sturdy” feel – a wide base that tapers slightly, finished in a professional-looking grey. It stands 17.5 inches tall, which is the standard “danger zone” for kitchen cabinets. In my kitchen, it just cleared the upper cabinets, but I couldn’t use it while it was pushed back; I had to pull it forward to remove the lid.

The BR201AMZ, marketed as the “2.0,” actually has a slightly different footprint. It’s a bit deeper but narrower in the front (about 8.15 inches wide compared to the BN701’s 9 inches). This might not sound like much, but on a crowded counter, that extra inch of width being shaved off makes a difference. The finish on the BR201AMZ feels a bit more modern – the “Dark Grey” is sleek and minimalist. Both machines use the same locking lid mechanism with the handle-release button, which I’ve always found to be one of the most secure systems in the business.

Ease of Use: Automation vs. Manual Drive

This is where my experience with these two machines diverged significantly.

With the Ninja BN701, the focus is clearly on the Auto-iQ. On a busy Tuesday morning, I loved being able to dump in my frozen berries, spinach, and protein powder, hit the “Smoothie” button, and walk away to find my shoes. The BN701 has a specific “rhythm” for smoothies – it starts with short pulses to break up the big frozen chunks, then ramps up to a high-speed roar to emulsify everything.

The Ninja BR201AMZ feels like it was designed for a different type of user. While it has an “Auto-iQ Crush” button, I found myself using the manual speeds much more often. Because it has four distinct manual settings (Low, Medium, High, Pulse), I felt I had more control over the texture of things like chunky salsa or a thick pesto. On the BN701, the interface is a bit more crowded with the three program buttons, whereas the BR201AMZ is clean and focused.

Task	BN701 Experience	BR201AMZ Experience
Morning Smoothie	5/5 – One touch and done.	4/5 – “Crush” works well, but requires more monitoring.
Crushing Ice	5/5 – 1400W turns ice to snow instantly.	4.5/5 – 1200W is powerful, but takes 5-10 seconds longer.
Making Salsas	4/5 – Pulse is great, but programs are too aggressive.	5/5 – Excellent manual speed control for textures.

Performance: The 200-Watt Gap

I wanted to see if the 1400-watt motor of the BN701 truly outperformed the 1200-watt motor of the BR201AMZ. To test this, I did the “Dry Ice Test” – pouring a tray of large, hard ice cubes into both pitchers with no liquid.

The BN701 is a beast. The 1400 watts of peak power hit those cubes with so much torque that they were pulverized into a snow-cone-like consistency in about 15 seconds. You can feel the power in the counter when this motor kicks in.

The BR201AMZ, at 1200 watts, is no slouch – let’s be clear, 1200 watts is still more powerful than most mid-range blenders on the market. It achieved the same “snow” consistency, but it took about 22 seconds, and the sound was a bit more strained. If you’re just making a daily protein shake, you won’t notice the difference. But if you’re making thick, frozen acai bowls or “nice cream” from frozen bananas every day, that extra 200 watts in the BN701 provides a level of headroom that makes the motor feel like it’s going to last longer over the years.

Maintenance: The “Stacked Blade” Reality

Both machines use Ninja’s signature Stacked Blade Assembly. If you’re new to the Ninja world, this is a central tower with six blades spiraling up.

The Good: It pulls ingredients from the top and middle down into the vortex. You don’t need a tamper (those sticks you see with Vitamix blenders) because the blades are everywhere.

The Bad: Cleanup is a “high-stakes” activity. These blades are incredibly sharp.

In my testing, both pitchers and blade assemblies are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, the 72-oz pitcher is huge. It takes up nearly half of my dishwasher’s top rack. I usually prefer to hand-wash.

• My cleaning trick: I fill the pitcher 1/3 with warm water, add a drop of Dawn, and run the “Pulse” or “High” setting for 30 seconds. This cleans the blades perfectly without me having to get my hands near them.

One minor difference: The BR201AMZ pitcher felt slightly easier to seat on the base. Sometimes with the BN701, I have to wiggle the pitcher slightly to get it to lock into the “click” position. The 2.0 version (BR201AMZ) seems to have smoothed out that mechanical friction point.

Ninja BN701 (Professional Plus) Blender

Pros:

• Superior Power: 1400 peak watts is top-of-class for this price point.
• Specialized Programs: “Ice Cream” and “Frozen Drink” settings are perfectly tuned for their specific tasks.
• Auto-iQ Variety: Great for the “busy morning” crowd who wants to walk away.
• Proven Performance: This is one of Ninja’s most highly-rated, long-standing models.

Cons:

• Bulkier Base: Takes up a bit more horizontal space.
• Louder: That 1400-watt motor is significantly louder than the 1200-watt version.

View on Amazon

Ninja Professional 2.0 (BR201AMZ) Blender

Pros:

• Modern Design: Narrower footprint and a sleeker “Dark Grey” aesthetic.
• Refined Mechanics: Pitcher locks and seats more smoothly on the base.
• Simplified Control: 4 manual speeds provide a more “chef-like” experience.
• Efficiency: 1200 watts is plenty for 95% of home blending tasks.

Cons:

• Less Automation: Only one Auto-iQ program (Crush) vs. three on the BN701.
• Small Power Dip: Takes slightly longer to process heavy frozen ingredients.

View on Amazon

The Verdict: Which Ninja Should Rule Your Kitchen?

After weeks of blending, pulsing, and cleaning, I’ve realized that “Professional Plus” and “Professional 2.0” aren’t just names—they are user profiles.

You should buy the Ninja BN701 if: You are a “Smoothie Enthusiast” who prioritizes power and automation. If you find yourself blending frozen fruit, hard ice, or making homemade sorbets on a daily basis, you will appreciate the extra 200 watts and the dedicated “Ice Cream” and “Frozen Drink” buttons. It is a machine designed for volume and intensity.

You should buy the Ninja BR201AMZ if: You are a “Culinary Generalist” with limited counter space. If you want a blender that can make a great smoothie but also gives you the manual control to pulse together a salsa or a dip without pureeing it into liquid, the 2.0 is for you. It feels more modern, it’s a bit more compact, and it simplifies the blending process back to the basics without sacrificing the “Total Crushing” power that Ninja is known for.

Personally? I lean toward the BN701. In my world, you can never have too much horsepower. When I’m trying to turn a bag of frozen strawberries into a smooth consistency, I want the raw, unbridled 1400-watt force that the Professional Plus provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the pitchers interchangeable between the BN701 and BR201AMZ?

Even though they are both 72-oz pitchers, they are usually not interchangeable. The locking tabs on the bottom of the pitcher and the way they interface with the motor base are specific to the model series. Always buy the replacement pitcher specific to your model number.

2. Can I make hot soup in these blenders?

No. This is the most important rule of the “Stacked Blade” Ninja blenders. These pitchers are not vented for steam. If you put boiling liquid inside and lock the lid, the pressure can cause the lid to fly off or the pitcher to crack. Always let your soup cool to room temperature before blending.

3. Why is my Ninja blender leaking from the bottom of the pitcher?

This usually happens if the gasket around the blade assembly is worn out or if the pitcher has been run through a very high-heat dishwasher cycle too many times. Check to see if the blade assembly is seated tightly. If the leak persists, it’s time to replace the blade assembly or the pitcher itself.

4. How loud are these machines, really?

They are loud—roughly 90 to 95 decibels. To give you context, that’s similar to a lawnmower or a handheld hair dryer. You will not be able to have a normal conversation while they are running. The BN701 is slightly louder due to the more powerful motor.

5. Does “Peak Watts” mean it always runs at 1400W?

No. “Peak Watts” is the amount of power the motor can draw for a brief moment when it first hits an obstacle (like a hard ice cube). During normal blending, it runs at a much lower, more sustainable wattage to protect the motor from overheating.