Step into any appliance aisle in 2026, and you’ll see that the “Ninja” aesthetic has become a permanent fixture of the modern kitchen. But there is a specific kind of confusion that happens when you look at the Ninja Professional Plus (BN701) sitting right next to the classic Ninja Professional (NJ601AMZ). They share the same towering 72-ounce pitcher, the same menacing “stacked” blade tower, and nearly the same dark, industrial finish. One represents the “New Guard” with more raw power and smart tech, while the other is the “Old Guard” – a legendary, budget-friendly workhorse that has survived countless kitchen trends.
After a month of back-to-back testing – making everything from morning protein shakes to Friday night frozen margaritas – I’ve realized that the price gap between these two isn’t just for show. It represents a fundamental shift in how Ninja designs its motors and how much “thinking” they want the machine to do for you. If you’re torn between the high-wattage intelligence of the BN701 and the classic, tactile simplicity of the NJ601AMZ, let’s get into the mechanical reality of which one actually earns its keep on your countertop.
Key Difference: The Intelligence Gap and Raw Torque
If you are looking for the “quick take,” the difference between these two is about Auto-iQ Smart Programs and 400 Watts of Power.
- The Ninja BN701 (Professional Plus) is the modern evolution. It features a 1400-peak-watt motor and Auto-iQ technology, which offers three pre-programmed buttons (Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream) that pulse and pause automatically.
- The Ninja NJ601AMZ is the classic “Analog” model. It relies on a 1000-watt motor and offers zero automated programs. It features a simple button layout for Low, Medium, High, and Pulse. It is designed for the user who wants a no-frills, durable machine without any “smart” bells and whistles.
Comparison Table: BN701 vs. NJ601AMZ
| Feature | Ninja BN701 (Professional Plus) | Ninja NJ601AMZ (Professional) |
| Peak Power | 1400 Watts | 1000 Watts |
| Control Type | Digital Auto-iQ + Manual | Purely Manual Buttons |
| Programs | Smoothie, Frozen Drink, Ice Cream | None |
| Manual Speeds | Low, Med, High, Pulse | Low, Med, High, Pulse |
| Pitcher Size | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid max) | 72 oz. (64 oz. liquid max) |
| Blade Design | Total Crushing® Stacked Blades | Total Crushing® Stacked Blades |
| Interface | Modern LED Backlit | Classic Physical Buttons |
| Footprint (DxWxH) | 6.75″ x 9″ x 17.5″ | 5.87″ x 7.87″ x 17.32″ |
| View Current Price on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: Living with the Ninjas
Design: Modern Sleekness vs. Retro Functionality
When I first lined these up, the NJ601AMZ struck me as the more “old-school” of the two. Its base is narrower and a bit deeper, giving it a slightly smaller frontal profile. The buttons are mechanical clicks – there’s a tactile satisfying “snap” when you press them. It feels like an appliance that was built to last a decade without a digital screen ever flickering out.
The BN701, however, feels like it belongs in a 2026 smart kitchen. The buttons are flatter, the interface is backlit, and the overall design is “chunkier” to house the more powerful 1400-watt motor. It’s about an inch wider than the NJ601AMZ, which I noticed when trying to squeeze it in between my toaster and my coffee maker. While both are tall (and will likely struggle to fit under standard cabinets if the pitcher is on the base), the BN701 feels more premium to the touch.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more...
- POWERFUL CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen drinks...
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
- XL BLENDING CAPACITY: The 72 oz. Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. 64 oz. max liquid...
Ease of Use: The “Walk-Away” Factor
This is the area where my daily routine changed the most. With the NJ601AMZ, you are the captain of the ship. If you want a smoothie, you turn it on “High” and you watch it. You wait until the color looks right and the chunks disappear, then you turn it off. It’s simple, but it requires your full attention.
With the BN701, I found myself hitting the “Smoothie” button and then walking away to pack my lunch. The Auto-iQ isn’t just a timer; it’s a pre-programmed sequence. It pulses for two seconds to let the frozen fruit drop into the blades, then it ramps up to high speed for ten seconds, then it pauses again. This “pulsing-pausing” rhythm actually prevents air pockets from forming around the blades. In the NJ601AMZ, I occasionally had to stop the blender and shake the pitcher because a “cavitation” bubble formed around the blades. In the BN701, the software handled that for me.
Performance: The Crushing Power of 1400 Watts
There is no denying that 400 extra watts make a massive difference when dealing with ice.
In my “Ice-to-Snow” test, I loaded both pitchers with twelve large cubes from my freezer.
- The BN701 turned them into dry, fluffy “snow” in exactly 15 seconds. The motor sounded confident and deep.
- The NJ601AMZ took about 25 seconds to achieve the same result, and the motor sounded much higher-pitched, like it was working harder to fight through the resistance.
If you’re just blending milk and protein powder, you won’t notice the wattage difference. But if you’re making “Ice Cream” (which the BN701 has a dedicated button for) or processing frozen, woody vegetables like ginger or kale stems, the BN701 is clearly the superior machine. The extra torque prevents the motor from overheating during long, heavy blends.
| Performance Metric | BN701 (1400W) | NJ601AMZ (1000W) |
| Green Smoothie | Ultra-smooth; no “leafy” bits left. | Good; occasional tiny flecks of kale. |
| Frozen Margarita | Perfect “slushie” consistency. | Slightly crunchier ice crystals. |
| Nut Milk | Well-emulsified. | Requires an extra minute of blending. |
Functions: Pre-sets vs. Precision
The NJ601AMZ keeps it simple: Low, Medium, High, and Pulse. This is actually better for things like salsa or chunky dips. Because you have total control, you’re less likely to accidentally turn your Pico de Gallo into a spicy soup.
The BN701 has those same manual buttons, but it adds the Smoothie, Frozen Drink, and Ice Cream presets. The “Ice Cream” setting is particularly interesting – it uses a slower, high-torque rhythm to turn frozen bananas or berries into a thick, spoonable treat without adding too much heat to the mixture. If you have kids or like healthy desserts, the BN701 offers a level of versatility that the NJ601AMZ just can’t match without a lot of manual trial and error.
Maintenance and Cleanup
Both machines use the same 72-oz pitcher design and the same Stacked Blade Assembly. A word of caution: these blades are not fixed. When you go to pour your drink, the blade tower will fall out if you don’t take it out first.
Both are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. However, I noticed that the NJ601AMZ’s base is a bit easier to wipe down. Because it has mechanical buttons, there are few seams for spills to hide in. The BN701 has a flat digital panel that is easy to wipe, but the “modern” design has a few more decorative ridges on the side where flour or smoothie splashes can get stuck.
Ninja BN701 (Professional Plus) Blender
Pros:
- Massive Power: 1400 watts handles the toughest frozen ingredients.
- Auto-iQ Convenience: The “Smoothie” button is a lifesaver for multitaskers.
- Durability: The stronger motor is less likely to burn out under heavy daily use.
- Modern Aesthetic: Looks like a high-end 2026 appliance.
Cons:
- Loud: The extra wattage comes with a louder operating volume.
- Price: Generally more expensive than the entry-level Professional models.
Ninja NJ601AMZ (Professional) Blender
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly: One of the best “bang-for-your-buck” blenders on the market.
- Reliability: Fewer electronic parts mean fewer things that can glitch out.
- Tactile Control: Great for those who prefer manual pulsing and speed adjustments.
- Smaller Base: Takes up slightly less space on the counter.
Cons:
- Manual Only: You have to stand over it while it blends.
- Lower Torque: Can struggle slightly with large batches of hard ice.
The “Lifestyle Check”: Which One Fits Your Morning?
I’ve found that the choice between these two really depends on your “patience level” in the morning.
The Ninja NJ601AMZ is for the “No-Nonsense” Kitchen. If you want a blender that works, has plenty of power for 90% of tasks, and doesn’t cost a fortune, this is it. It’s perfect for someone who makes a smoothie three times a week and doesn’t mind spending 30 seconds standing by the machine. It is a proven, classic tool that gets the job done.
- MORE POWERFUL MOTOR: The Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and a more...
- POWERFUL CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen drinks...
The Ninja BN701 is for the “Power User.” If you are someone who blends daily, uses heavy frozen fruit packs, makes homemade ice cream, or is trying to get out the door in record time, the BN701 is worth the extra investment. The 1400-watt motor feels significantly more “professional,” and the Auto-iQ programs actually improve the quality of the blend by managing the vortex for you.
- POWERFUL MOTOR BASE: 1000 watts of professional performance power.
- XL BLENDING CAPACITY: The 72 oz. Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. 64 oz. max liquid...
Final Recommendation: My Take
After using both, I have a hard time going back to the manual-only controls. While the NJ601AMZ is a legendary blender for a reason, the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus feels like a “complete” kitchen tool.
The 1400 watts of power isn’t just for show – it changes the texture of your smoothies. If you’ve ever been frustrated by “crunchy” bits of ice or “leafy” bits of spinach in your drink, the BN701’s extra power and pulsing software solve those problems.
My Verdict: If your budget allows for it, go for the BN701. It’s a more future-proof machine that offers a significantly better user experience. If you’re looking to save money and just want the basics, the NJ601AMZ remains the king of the “budget-professional” category.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can the NJ601AMZ crush ice into snow?
Yes, absolutely. It uses the same “Total Crushing” blade technology as the more expensive models. It just takes a few seconds longer and lacks the “one-touch” button to do it automatically.
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Is the BN701 significantly louder than the NJ601AMZ?
Yes. 1400 watts creates more mechanical noise and vibration. If you’re in an apartment with very thin walls, the NJ601AMZ is slightly “friendlier” to the neighbors, though both are loud enough to wake up someone in the next room.
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Are the lids interchangeable?
Ninja lids are notoriously specific. While they look the same, the locking mechanisms and “pour spout” alignments can differ by a few millimeters between the Professional and Professional Plus series. Always check your specific model number before buying a replacement lid.
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Why does the NJ601AMZ have “AMZ” in the name?
The “AMZ” typically denotes an Amazon-specific packaging or model variation, often involving frustrations-free packaging or a slightly different accessory kit (like a specific recipe guide). The core motor and pitcher are the same as the standard NJ601.
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Can I use single-serve cups with these models?
Neither the BN701 nor the NJ601AMZ bases are compatible with Ninja’s single-serve “Nutri Ninja” cups out of the box. These are “pitcher-only” models. If you want both, you would need to look at a “Kitchen System” like the BN801.
