Ninja TB401 Detect Kitchen System Power Blender Review

After reviewing the models Ninja tb201 and Ninja tb301, I decided to take a look at their elder brother the Ninja TB401 Detect Kitchen System Power Blender. 

In this review, I’ll try to elaborate on  each feature of this model which is related to its performance, programming, cleaning, material, and all important things which are important to mention. Also, I’ll compare this model with its similar blenders to clarify which machine is good for you.

So, if you’re looking for a perfect and reliable blender piece for your family or kitchen this information will be helpful for you. Please keep reading this detail and support us with your love.

Overall Look & Design Testing

The Ninja tb401 is a big blender. Like, really big. It stands at an impressive 17.7 inches tall, 8.3 inches wide, and 9.6 inches deep. That’s a lot of blender, and it’s not something you’ll want to try to stash away in a small cabinet or tuck into a corner. Instead, you’ll want to find a permanent spot for it on your counter or a sturdy shelf, where it can sit proudly and be ready to take on any blending task you throw its way.

It’s a hefty blender, weighing in at 9.3 pounds. That’s not exactly lightweight, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a good spot to put it where it won’t be easily knocked over or moved around.

But, despite its size and weight, this model is a powerful blender that’s designed to take on big jobs. It’s a full-size blender, which means it’s capable of handling big batches of blending. 

And, if you’re familiar with the Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro, you’ll notice that the two blenders are pretty similar. In fact, the main difference is that the tb401’s motor is a bit bigger, which means it’s got even more power to take on tough blending tasks.

JAR Capacity and Material Testing

The Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender’s main pitcher is a big one because it has a 72 oz capacity. But, just to be clear, you shouldn’t fill it up all the way to the top – the max liquid capacity is 64oz, which is marked right on the jar. This capacity also comes with its brother Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender.

You also get a few other goodies in the box, including a 24oz personal jar that’s perfect for making single-serve smoothies or protein shakes. And, there’s a 64oz food processing bowl that’s great for chopping, slicing, and dicing all sorts of ingredients.

One of the best things about the jars and lids is that they’re super easy to clean. They’re made of plastic, and safe to throw in the dishwasher. You’ll have to remove the blades from the jars before you wash them, and stick them on the top rack.  This dishwasher safe feature is not available in Vitamix 5200 and 7500 blenders.

LID Testing

So, let’s talk about the lids that come with the Ninja tb401. The main jar’s lid is designed to lock into place, which is great for making sure everything stays inside while you’re blending. To remove it, you just need to press the “release” button and lift the handle. One thing to keep in mind is that the lid can sometimes create a vacuum seal, which makes it a bit harder to remove. If that happens, just open the spout and you should be good to go.

The food processor jar’s lid is a bit different. It twists into place to lock, and you just twist it in the other direction to remove it. 

Besides that, the personal jar comes with not one, but two lids. The blade assembly lid is designed to help you blend up your favorite smoothies or protein shakes, and the to-go lid is perfect for when you’re on the move. Both lids twist into place, making it easy to use and clean.

Motor Base & Build Quality Testing

Although the Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender’s motor is made of plastic, it’s a really well-made blender because it feels strong and sturdy. The jars are also made of plastic, but they’re durable and can handle daily use.

The buttons on the blender are easy to press and feel solid, not squishy. The display is bright and easy to read, so you can see what’s going on while you’re blending.

One of the best things about the Ninja tb401 is how easy it is to use. The parts fit together easily, and the blender has special feet that keep it from slipping around on your counter.

Blades Material & Performance Testing

One of the cool things which I like very much about the Ninja Detect Kitchen System Power Blender is that it comes with three different blade assemblies, each designed specifically for one of the three jars that come with the blender.

The main jar’s blade assembly is pretty similar to what you’ll find on other Ninja blenders, like the Ninja tb301and tb201. It’s got a stacked design that’s perfect for blending up big batches of your favorite smoothies or soups.

The personal jar’s blade assembly is a bit different. It twists onto the jar like a lid, and it’s got eight blades that are designed to get up close and personal with your ingredients. It’s perfect for making single-serve smoothies or protein shakes.

Finally, there’s the blade assembly for the food processor jar. This one’s got four horizontal blades that are designed to chop, slice, and dice all sorts of ingredients. For your kind information these blades are sharp. You’ll have to be careful when handling them to avoid cutting yourself.

When you’re using the main jar, the blender has a pretty slow max speed and a limited range of speed settings. That means you don’t have a ton of flexibility when it comes to adjusting the speed for different recipes. But, here’s the thing: when you switch to the personal jar, the blender gets a whole lot faster. The slowest speed is 15,000 RPM, and the fastest is 19,000 RPM. That extra speed really makes a difference when you’re blending fibrous ingredients – you get a way smoother result.

On the other hand, the food processor is a different story. The blade speed is much slower, ranging from 2,100 RPM to 2,700 RPM. And that makes sense, because a food processor isn’t meant to turn your ingredients into a liquid smoothie. It’s all about chopping, slicing, and dicing – and the slower speed helps you get the job done.

Performance Testing

Crushing Ice

Another thing that really impressed me about the Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender is its ability to crush ice. Like, really crush it. We’re talking snow-like consistency in just a few seconds. And the best part is that you can use the “BlendSense” program to do it. This feature is basically a smart blending mode that uses sensors to figure out what you’re blending and adjust the speed and power accordingly.

When you’re crushing ice, the “BlendSense” feature uses its “Thick” mode to get the job done. And honestly, it’s so effective that you can just let it do its thing and you’ll end up with perfectly crushed ice. But, if you want to get a little more aggressive, you can also use the “Crush” or “Max Crush” modes to take on harder frozen fruits. Either way, the Ninja tb401 is a total rockstar when it comes to crushing ice.

Nut Butter

If you’re a nut butter fan, then i think you’re going to love the Ninja tb401. This blender is a total game-changer when it comes to making creamy, smooth nut butter. I mean, we’re talking no chunks, no gritty texture – just pure, spreadable goodness. It’s super easy to make. You don’t have to stop the blender to stir or scrape the sides of the jar, which is a total pain when you’re trying to get that perfect consistency.

Now, to get the absolute best results, you’ll want to run a couple of “BlendSense” programs, followed by a few minutes of manual blending. It’s worth the extra effort, though – trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 

Fibrous Ingredients

The Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender is also perfect for processing small batches of fibrous ingredients. Due to its smart features like the “BlendSense”, it can automatically detect what you’re blending and adjust the motor speed and time accordingly. And, it’s pretty good at it. I mean, after just one cycle, it can turn fibrous ingredients like kale into a mostly smooth blend. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great start.

To get the best results, though, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort. If you run the blender for another minute or so, alternating between low and high speeds, you’ll get a super smooth blend with no grains left over. It’s definitely worth the extra effort, believe me.

When it comes to blending fibrous ingredients at full capacity, the Ninja tb401 is decent, but not perfect. Again, a single “BlendSense” cycle won’t cut it. But, if you run the program followed by a few minutes of manual blending, you’ll get a pretty good result. It’s not a completely smooth puree, and there might be some unprocessed pieces of kale left over, but it’s still a solid effort.

Chopping, Slicing and Shredding Ingredients 

When it comes to cooking, prep work is often the most time-consuming part of the process. Chopping, slicing, and shredding ingredients can be a real pain, especially if you’re working with tough or hard-to-handle foods. That’s why having a reliable slicing and shredding disc can be a total game-changer.

With a slicing and shredding disc, you can quickly and easily prep veggies, cheese, and more. Imagine being able to slice through a thick head of cabbage like it’s butter, or shred a block of cheddar cheese in seconds. 

A good slicing and shredding disc can also help you achieve more consistent results. Whether you’re making a salad, a stir-fry, or a casserole, having uniform slices and shreds can make all the difference in the flavor and texture of your dish.

A slicing and shredding disc is incredibly easy to use. Simply place your ingredients on the disc, close the lid, and let the machine do the work. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can get your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

How to Use Ninja TB401 Detect Kitchen System Power Blender

The Ninja tb401 provides different blend options. Depending on which jar you’re using, you’ll have different manual and automatic options to choose from.

First, there’s the “BlendSense” feature, which is available for all three jars. This feature is like having a personal blending assistant – it automatically detects the ingredients in the jar and chooses the best blending program for the job. You’ve got five following options to choose from:

•  Blending: for your standard smoothies and purees
•  Crush: for when you need to break down tough ingredients
•  Max Crush: for when you need to get really aggressive with those ingredients
•  Thick Mode: for when you want a thicker, creamier blend
•  Dough: for when you’re making homemade pasta or pizza dough

When you’re using the main jar, you’ve also got some manual options to play with. You can use the pulse button for a quick burst of blending power, or use the dial to select from 10 different speed settings. And, if you want to get really specific, you can choose from three pre-programmed blending options:

•  Mince: for when you need to chop ingredients into tiny pieces
•  Small chop: for when you want a slightly larger chop
•  Large chop: for when you want to leave your ingredients in bigger chunks

When you’re using the personal jar, you’ve still got access to “BlendSense”, but your manual options are limited to three speed settings. And, when you’re using the food processor, you’ve got four blending programs to choose from:

•  Disc: for when you need to blend ingredients for a full minute
•  Mince: for when you need to chop ingredients into tiny pieces
•  Small chop: for when you want a slightly larger chop
•  Large chop: for when you want to leave your ingredients in bigger chunks

It’s a lot to take in, but basically, you’ve got a ton of options to choose from, depending on what you’re trying to blend.

Cleaning Process Testing

After deep checking the cleaning process, I’d honestly say that it’s a little bit hard to clean. The blades in the main jar, personal jar, and food processor are all super sharp, and it’s way too easy to accidentally cut yourself while trying to clean them. To make matters worse, food can get stuck in the tiny hole at the bottom of the main jar’s blade assembly, which makes it a real pain to clean.

To avoid any accidents, it’s a good idea to use a brush to clean the blades and jar. This will help you get into all the nooks and crannies without risking a cut. And, if you’re dealing with sticky food, definitely use a brush instead of a sponge or cloth. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck with a nasty cut while trying to clean up after a blending session.

Noise Level Testing

Honestly, The Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender is a pretty loud blender. I mean, compared to some other models out there, like the Ninja BL610, it’s definitely more annoying because it produces 94 dba. That’s why it’s very hard to stand next to it for a few minutes. It’s not ear-piercingly loud or anything, but it’s definitely not the quietest blender on the market.

That being said, it’s worth noting that the tb401 is actually quieter than some of its siblings, like the tb301 and tb201. So, if you’re used to those models, you might find the tb401 to be a bit more tolerable. But, if you’re looking for a super quiet blender, this might not be the best choice.

What is included with this blender?

This comprehensive package comes with everything you need to get started with your new kitchen companion.

First, there’s the powerful 1800 PW Motor Base, which provides the muscle behind your appliance. This is the foundation of your kitchen companion, and it’s built to last.

Next, you’ll find 72 oz. Pitcher, which is perfect for making large batches of your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a smoothie, a sauce, or a dressing, this pitcher has got you covered.

You’ll also get 64 oz. Food Processor Bowl with Feed Chute Lid, which is designed to make quick work of even the toughest ingredients. This bowl is perfect for chopping, slicing, and shredding, and the feed chute lid makes it easy to add ingredients as you go.

Of course, no food processor would be complete without a few blades, and this package delivers. You’ll get a Total Crushing and Chopping Blade Assembly, which is designed to handle even the toughest ingredients. You’ll also get a Hybrid Edge Blade, which is perfect for chopping, slicing, and shredding, as well as a Chopping Blade, a Dough Blade, and a Slicing/Shredding Disc.

Finally, you’ll get a 24 oz. Single-Serve Cup & Lid, which is perfect for making individual servings of your favorite recipes. This cup is designed to be easy to use and clean, and the lid makes it easy to take your creations on the go.

Comparison with Other Blenders

Ninja tb401 Detect kitchen system power blender vs Ninja SS401 Foodi Power Blender

Both the Ninja Foodi Power Blender and the Ninja Detect are fantastic blenders, but choosing the right one for you depends on your needs. 

The two blenders have some similarities. They’re both full-size blenders with a variety of jars and accessories. Both come with regular blending blades and additional blades for chopping and grating. 

Unlike other blenders, these models include a “Smoothie Bowl Maker” for thick recipes, and  have personal jars for single-serve smoothies. This extra bowl we didn’t see in the models tb201 and tb301.

However, I found some key differences that make them different from each other in usage. The Ninja Detect has a 72oz main jar and a separate 64oz food processing bowl, while the Foodi Power Blender only has a 72oz main jar. The Ninja Detect is also better at blending fibrous ingredients in its main jar, making it ideal for large batches of smoothies. The Foodi Power Blender might not be as effective with fibrous ingredients.

If you frequently make large batches of smoothies, especially with fibrous fruits and vegetables, the Ninja Detect is the better choice. It’s also a good option if you need a dedicated food processor. 

On the other hand, if you mainly use your blender for single-serve smoothies or less demanding recipes, the Ninja Foodi Power Blender is a great option. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a simpler setup with just one large jar.

Ninja TB401 vs Ninja BL770

So, you’re trying to decide between the Ninja Detect Kitchen System Power Blender and the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System? Both of these full-size blenders are total powerhouses, coming with a whopping 72oz main jar, at least one personal jar, and a separate 64oz food processor. They’re pretty similar in terms of performance, so it really comes down to your personal preferences.

The Ninja Detect is the newer kid on the block, and it’s got some fancy features to show for it. For one, it’s got an LED display that lets you see how much time is left on your blending cycle. It’s also got more automatic blending options, including a nifty ‘BlendSense’ feature that’s supposed to detect what you’re blending and adjust the blender’s performance accordingly. And, as a bonus, it’s a bit quieter than the Mega.

On the other hand, the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System feels like a rock-solid machine. It’s got a bit of an edge when it comes to blending fibrous ingredients in its main jar – the result is a super smooth blend. But, according to my experience, the difference isn’t huge.

So, which one is right for you? If you’re all about the latest and greatest features, the Ninja Detect might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a blender that feels like it can take on anything, the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System is definitely worth considering.

Final Verdict 

So, what’s the final verdict on the Ninja TB401 detect kitchen system power blender? In my opinion, this blender is a solid choice for anyone who wants a powerful, versatile, and easy-to-use blender that can handle a wide range of blending tasks. With its advanced “BlendSense” feature, multiple blending options, and three different jars, this blender is perfect for making everything from smoothies and milkshakes to soups, sauces, and even homemade pasta dough.

Of course, it’s not perfect – the blender can be a bit loud, and cleaning it by hand can be a bit of a pain. But overall, I think the Ninja TB401 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality blender that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.