Ninja SS401 vs. SS351: Which Powerhouse Blender System Actually Earns Its Place?

The modern kitchen is quickly becoming a graveyard for single-use appliances, and Ninja’s Power Blender systems are leading the charge to consolidate the clutter. I spent the better part of a month alternating between the Ninja SS401 and the Ninja SS351, two machines that look remarkably similar but occupy different tiers of the “Power Blender” hierarchy.

While both utilize Ninja’s impressive smartTORQUE technology to prevent stalling during thick blends, the experience of using them side-by-side revealed that the SS401 isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a specialized tool for the home cook who takes food processing as seriously as their morning smoothie.

The Key Difference: Motor Power and Processing Finesse

The primary key difference between the Ninja SS401 and the SS351 is the motor strength and the inclusion of dedicated food processing discs. The Ninja SS401 boasts a beefier 1600-Peak-Watt motor compared to the 1400-Peak-Watt motor found in the SS351.

More importantly, the SS401 comes equipped with an enhanced processing lid featuring a feed chute and two select-cut discs: a reversible slicing/shredding disc and a grating disc. The SS351, while it can “chop” and mix dough using the standard pitcher blades, lacks the specialized discs for precise veggie prep. Furthermore, the SS401 adds an extra Auto-iQ program (7 vs. 6) to accommodate these advanced processing functions.

Comparison Table: Ninja SS401 vs. SS351

Feature	Ninja SS401 (Power Blender Ultimate)	Ninja SS351 (Power Blender & Processor)
Peak Wattage	1600 Peak Watts	1400 Peak Watts
Processing Discs	Yes (Slicing/Shredding & Grating)	No
Feed Chute Lid	Yes (with 2-part pusher)	No
Smoothie Bowl Maker	18 oz. XL Capacity	14 oz. Capacity
Auto-iQ Programs	7 Programs	6 Programs
Total Crushing	Yes (72 oz. Pitcher)	Yes (72 oz. Pitcher)
Nutrient Cup	24 oz. Extraction Cup	24 oz. Extraction Cup
Built-in Tamper	Yes (in Bowl Maker)	Yes (in Bowl Maker)
BUY NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Specs and feature lists only tell part of the story. The real separation between these two blenders becomes obvious once they’re loaded with ingredients, locked into place, and pushed beyond quick smoothies into real prep work. That’s where design choices start to matter more than numbers on paper.

Design: Subtle Platinum vs. Classic Silver

When I first unboxed both units, the SS401 immediately felt like the more premium sibling. It carries a “Platinum” finish that feels a bit more modern and substantial than the “Silver” of the SS351. Dimensionally, the SS401 is slightly taller (16.14 inches) primarily because of that redesigned processing lid. If you have very low-hanging cabinets, that extra inch might matter, but on my standard counter, both fit comfortably.

The control panels are nearly identical in layout, featuring a satisfying tactile dial for variable speed control and a crisp digital display. However, the SS401’s dial feels a bit more responsive, and the added “Food Processing” program makes the interface feel like it’s ready for more than just drinks.

Blending Performance: The smartTORQUE Factor

I tested both machines with a notoriously difficult task: homemade almond butter. This is where smartTORQUE really shines. Both machines handled the load without that high-pitched “I’m about to die” whine you hear from cheaper blenders.

• The SS351: With 1400 watts, it powered through the almonds effectively. I didn’t have to stop and stir, which is a miracle in itself.
• The SS401: With 1600 watts, the process felt just a bit smoother and faster. The “Spread” program on the SS401 felt like it had a slightly higher torque threshold, finishing the butter in about 30 seconds less than the SS351.

For standard smoothies, you won’t notice a massive difference in the 200-watt gap, but for thick smoothie bowls using the built-in tamper, the SS401’s extra power provides a more effortless experience.

The “Ultimate” Advantage: Food Processing

This is where the SS401 completely pulls away from the SS351. I tried to prep a large batch of coleslaw.

• With the SS401: I used the feed chute and the reversible shredding disc. It was like using a professional stand-alone food processor. The cabbage and carrots were shredded into uniform, deli-style strips in seconds.
• With the SS351: I had to use the “Chop” program with the standard blade assembly. While it worked, the results were uneven—some pieces were chunks while others were starting to turn into mush.

The SS401’s ability to slice and grate means I can actually use it for salads, taco nights, and au gratin potatoes. The SS351 is a great blender that can kind of do food prep, but the SS401 is a blender that is actually a food processor.

Smoothie Bowl Mastery: 18 oz. vs. 14 oz.

Both units come with the “Smoothie Bowl Maker” with a built-in tamper—a genius invention that allows you to twist a top handle to push ingredients down while the blades are spinning.

• The SS351 comes with a 14 oz. bowl. It’s perfect for a single serving.
• The SS401 includes an 18 oz. XL bowl.

As someone who likes a “meal-sized” smoothie bowl topped with heavy granola and fruit, that extra 4 ounces in the SS401 made a big difference. It was easier to blend a larger volume without the ingredients getting stuck at the very top of the tamper.

Ninja SS401 Blender & Food Processor Combo

Pros:

• True All-in-One: Replaces a stand-alone food processor with its slicing/grating discs.
• Superior Power: 1600 watts handles heavy dough and nut butters with ease.
• XL Bowl Maker: Better for those who want larger portions of thick blends.
• Feed Chute: Safe and easy way to add ingredients while processing.

Cons:

• More Parts to Store: The extra discs and lid require a bit more cabinet space.
• Price: Generally carries a higher price tag for the extra features.

Ninja SS351 Food Processor Combo System

Pros:

• Value for Money: Offers incredible torque and blending power at a lower price.
• Compact Storage: Fewer accessories to keep track of.
• Dough Specialist: Still exceptionally good at kneading up to 2 lbs of dough.
• Smart Technology: Includes the same Auto-iQ intelligence for hands-free blending.

Cons:

• Lack of Precision Prep: Cannot slice or grate; limited to pulsed chopping.
• Smaller Bowl: The 14 oz. bowl maker might feel cramped for some users.

The Verdict: My Final Recommendation

I recommend the Ninja SS401 if you want to eliminate your food processor. If you find yourself frequently grating cheese, slicing cucumbers for salads, or shredding carrots, the SS401 is the “Ultimate” choice. It is a true kitchen multi-tool that bridges the gap between a high-performance blender and a culinary prep station. The extra 1600 watts of power is just the cherry on top for those who do a lot of heavy-duty blending.

I recommend the Ninja SS351 if you are primarily a smoothie and dough enthusiast. If you already own a food processor or simply don’t care about perfectly sliced vegetables, the SS351 gives you the same “never stall” blending technology and dough-kneading capability for a better price. It is the perfect choice for the “power-user” who focuses on drinks, spreads, and baking.

In my kitchen, the Ninja SS401 is the clear winner. The feed chute and slicing discs have allowed me to retire my old dedicated processor, giving me back valuable counter space while providing more power for my morning nut butters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I buy the processing discs for my SS351?

A: Unfortunately, no. The SS351 motor base is compatible with the pitchers, but the specific “Enhanced Processing Lid” and discs require the interface and motor power profile of the SS401 to function correctly.

Q: Is the SS401 much louder than the SS351?

A: Both are quite loud—that’s the trade-off for such high wattage. However, because the SS401’s 1600-watt motor doesn’t have to work as hard to reach high speeds, it sometimes has a slightly less “strained” sound during heavy loads.

Q: Are the containers made of glass or plastic?

A: Both systems use BPA-free, high-impact plastic. It’s much lighter and safer for high-speed blending than glass, though you should avoid using abrasive sponges to prevent scratching.

Q: Can I make hot soup in these blenders?

A: No. These blenders are not designed for hot liquids. You can blend room-temperature ingredients and then heat them on the stove, but blending boiling liquids can cause pressure buildup and damage the seals.