Ninja blenders have earned a loyal following for their power, precision, and versatility. Among the brand’s most talked-about models, the TB401 and SS401 often spark debate among kitchen enthusiasts.
Both deliver performance that meets high expectations, but they cater to different blending needs. One focuses on advanced smart features and sleek design, while the other prioritizes raw power and capacity.
Understanding the real differences between these two machines can save time, money, and space. From blade technology to cup attachments, from touchscreen controls to auto-iQ presets each detail plays a role in how these blenders perform daily kitchen tasks.
Whether it’s smoothies, nut butters, frozen drinks, or dough, each model brings strengths that match specific lifestyles.
This comparison breaks down every important feature without the fluff, helping you decide which Ninja truly deserves a permanent spot on your counter. Get ready for a head-to-head that blends facts with clarity.
Ninja TB401 vs Ninja SS401
Ninja makes powerful machines for blending, chopping, slicing, and more. The TB401 and SS401 are two top models designed for kitchen tasks beyond just smoothies. Both machines offer strong motors, large pitchers, and extra tools.
Still, they are built for slightly different needs. The TB401 leans more toward food processing with wider batch options. The SS401 focuses on blending thick smoothies and hard ingredients with precision. Let’s look at both in detail.
Ninja TB401 All-in-One Blender & Food Processor
Product Details
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Motor: 1800 peak watts
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Blender Pitcher: 72 oz. full-size
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Processor Bowl: 64 oz. with feed chute lid
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Single-Serve Cup: 24 oz. with spout lid
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Technology: BlendSense and Liquid Detect
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Control: Variable speed (10 levels) in full-size pitcher
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Blades and Discs: Total crushing blade, chopping blade, dough blade, slicing/shredding disc
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Dishwasher Safe: All containers, lids, and blades
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Extras: Safe feed chute and pusher
Features
1. Strong Motor
1800 watts give enough power to crush ice, chop veggies, and blend hard foods.
2. BlendSense Tech
Blender adjusts time and speed for smoother results.
3. Large Pitchers
72 oz. blender jar and 64 oz. food processor bowl help with large meals.
4. Slicing/Shredding
Comes with disc for fast slicing of vegetables, cheese, and more.
5. Multiple Speed Levels
Manual control over speed for different textures.
What Is the Good?
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Great for big batches
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Smart blending adjustment
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Wide range of blades and cups
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Handles dough, chopping, slicing
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Easy to clean
What Is the Bad?
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Large size takes more space
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BlendSense only works with some containers
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Full features only in pitcher, not all parts
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No smoothie bowl or tamper included
Overall Opinion
The Ninja TB401 works well for food prep, baking, and big blends. It’s a smart choice for families or people who need one tool for many kitchen jobs. It focuses more on food processing than thick smoothie blending.
Ninja SS401 Blender & Food Processor Combo
Product Details
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Motor: 1600 peak watts
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Blender Pitcher: 72 oz. Power Blender & Processor Pitcher
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Smoothie Bowl Maker: 18 oz. with built-in tamper
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Nutrient Cup: 24 oz. extraction cup
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Technology: smartTORQUE motor and variable speed control
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Programs: 7 Auto-iQ preset functions
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Blades and Discs: Hybrid edge blades, slicing/shredding disc, grating disc, dough blade
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Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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Extras: Recipe guide and storage lids
Features
1. smartTORQUE Motor
Blends thick or frozen foods without stalling.
2. Smoothie Bowl Maker
Designed for thick blends using less liquid. Built-in tamper helps move food.
3. Nutrient Extraction
Breaks down fruits and veggies better for smooth drinks.
4. Control and Presets
Manual speed control plus 7 one-touch programs.
5. More Blades and Tools
Includes a grating disc for cheese or veggies. Also includes slicing disc and dough blade.
What Is the Good?
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Smooth blends with thick textures
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Great for smoothie bowls and nut butters
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Good control with Auto-iQ and manual options
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Handles chopping and grating well
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Easy to clean and store
What Is the Bad?
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Slightly less power than TB401
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No BlendSense feature
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Pitcher works as both blender and processor, may feel limited for some tasks
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Not ideal for dough beyond 1–2 lbs
Overall Opinion
The SS401 is best for those who love thick smoothies, nut butters, and healthy blends. It can chop and slice too, but its strength is in blending hard foods fast and smooth. Great for health-focused users.
Detailed Comparison for Ninja TB401 vs SS401
Both Ninja TB401 and SS401 blend, process, and slice. Both come with strong motors, sharp blades, and smart features. But they shine in different areas. The TB401 focuses more on food prep.
It offers bigger containers, slicing tools, and wide manual speed control. Great for cooking meals, baking, and chopping. The SS401 is better at smoothies, nut butters, and frozen blends.
Its tamper helps blend thick mixes without stopping. The grating disc is a bonus for those who shred cheese or veggies often. It also includes preset programs, which makes it easier to use for daily routines.
The TB401 has more watt power, but the SS401 has better design for blending thick foods. TB401 works well for large cooking jobs. SS401 is stronger for health blends and personal drinks.
FAQs
Can both models make dough?
Yes. Both include a dough blade and can process small to medium dough batches.
Which model is better for smoothies?
The SS401 is better for thick smoothies and smoothie bowls. It includes a tamper for easy blending.
Does the TB401 come with a tamper?
No. It does not include a tamper or smoothie bowl.
Are the parts dishwasher safe?
Yes. All containers, lids, and blades are dishwasher safe in both models.
Can I chop vegetables in both blenders?
Yes. Both come with food processor blades and slicing tools.
Conclusion
The Ninja TB401 is best for large family meals, dough making, and slicing jobs. It gives more food prep tools and works great for bigger tasks. The Ninja SS401 is better for thick blends, personal drinks, and health recipes.
It blends without stalling and comes with smart settings. Pick the TB401 for cooking needs. Pick the SS401 for blending needs. Both do the job. Just in different ways.
