Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 Blenders
Today, we’re coming up with the topic Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 blenders.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a close look at the key specifications, performance, and user-friendly attributes of the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender and the Vitamix Explorian E310.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these two renowned blenders stack up, empowering you to make an informed decision on which one deserves a place in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a home chef who loves to purée, or simply searching for a reliable, versatile blender, this detailed analysis will help guide you toward the right high-powered appliance for your culinary adventures.
Size and Design: Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 Blenders
When it comes to size, the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender and the Vitamix E310 are both larger blenders that require some serious space on your kitchen counter. Let's take a closer look at their dimensions to see just how much room they'll take up.
The Ninja BN701 stands at 17.4 inches tall, which is definitely on the taller side for a blender. It's also 7.2 inches wide and 8.7 inches deep, which means it's got a bit of a footprint on your counter. And with a weight of 7.9 pounds, it's not exactly lightweight either. That being said, you can always remove the main jar to make it a bit more compact for storage, which is a nice feature.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E310 is also a big blender, with a height of 17.7 inches. It's just a hair taller than the Ninja BN701, but it's also a bit wider at 7.9 inches and deeper at 9.1 inches. And with a weight of 10.6 pounds, it's even heavier than the Ninja BN701. That means you'll need to find a good spot to store it, whether that's on your kitchen counter or in a spacious cupboard. The good news is that you can remove the jar to make it easier to stash away when you're not using it.
Built Quality: Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 Blenders
The Ninja BN701 blender has a solid, sturdy build that feels like it can handle anything you throw at it. The motor base and transmission are made of high-quality plastic that's designed to withstand the rigors of daily blending. The main jar is also made of plastic, which is both durable and easy to clean. One of the nice touches is the two suction cups on the bottom of the blender, which help keep it in place while you're blending. That being said, you'll still notice a bit of movement when you're blending, but it's not enough to be a major concern.
The Ninja BN701 also comes with a generous 72-ounce pitcher, which is perfect for making large batches of your favorite smoothies or soups. If you're looking for a blender that also comes with a personal jar, you might want to check out the Ninja BN751 instead. But if you're happy with a single large pitcher, the BN701 is a great choice. The pitcher is made of plastic and is dishwasher-safe, along with its lid and blades. And with a maximum liquid capacity of 64 ounces, you can make plenty of drinks without having to worry about running out of room.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E310 is a real showstopper when it comes to build quality. Like the Vitamix A2500, it's made of a combination of metal and plastic that feels incredibly sturdy and premium. You won't find any noticeable flaws in the build, and it looks and feels like a high-end blender. The main jar is a bit on the small side, with a capacity of 48 ounces, but it's still perfect for making plenty of smoothies or soups. And like the Ninja BN701, the jar and lid are made of plastic and are dishwasher-safe.
One of the key differences between these two blenders is the materials used in their construction. The Ninja BN701 is made of plastic, while the Vitamix E310 is made of a combination of metal and plastic. This gives the Vitamix E310 a more premium feel, and it's likely to be more durable in the long run. On the other hand, the plastic construction of the Ninja BN701 makes it a bit more lightweight and easy to handle.
We also recommend to check more comparison of Explorian e310 vs Vitamix E520.
Blades Material: Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 Blenders
The Ninja BN701's blade assembly is a real powerhouse, with six super-sharp blades that are designed to tear through even the toughest ingredients. You can remove them for cleaning, which is a total game-changer. Just toss them in the top rack of your dishwasher, or wash them by hand if you prefer. Just be sure to remove them from the jar first, and wash them separately to get them really clean.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E310's blade assembly is a bit more finicky. It's got four sharp blades, but you're not supposed to remove them. In fact, if you do, you'll void the warranty. That's a bit of a bummer, but the good news is that the jar is dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning a bit easier. Just pop it in the dishwasher, and let the machine do the work for you.
So, which one is right for you? If you're looking for a blender with removable blades that are easy to clean, the Ninja BN701 might be the way to go. This is especially true if you're someone who likes to blend up a lot of tough ingredients, like nuts or seeds. With the Ninja BN701, you can just remove the blades and wash them off, which is a total breeze.
On the other hand, if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience for a high-quality blender with a dishwasher-safe jar, the Vitamix E310 is definitely worth considering. This blender is a real powerhouse, with a motor that's designed to handle even the toughest blending tasks. And while the blades may not be removable, the jar is still easy to clean, and the blender as a whole is built to last.
Blades Speed
The Ninja BN701 has a pretty limited range of speed settings, which can be a bit of a drawback for some users. The lowest speed setting is around 3,700 RPM, while the highest speed setting is around 5,000 RPM. That's not a huge difference, which means you don't have a lot of flexibility when it comes to adjusting the speed. This can be a bit frustrating if you're trying to blend up a delicate sauce or a thick, chunky dip.
For example, let's say you're trying to make a smoothie with some frozen berries and a bit of yogurt. You might want to start with a slower speed to break down the berries and then gradually increase the speed to get the desired consistency. But with the Ninja BN701, you don't have a lot of room to play around with the speed, which can make it harder to get the results you're looking for.
On the other hand, the Vitamix Explorian E310 is a total-speed demon. With a range of speed settings that go from a gentle 1,400 RPM all the way up to a whopping 22,600 RPM, you've got a lot of flexibility to work with.
Lid Design: Ninja BN701 vs Vitamix E310 Blenders
The lid of the Ninja BN701 is made of plastic and has a small, window-like spout that's perfect for pouring out your blended creations. The lid clicks into place, but only if it's in the proper orientation with the triangle symbol on the lid aligned with the triangle symbol on the handle. This can be a bit finicky, but it's a small price to pay for a lid that's securely locked in place. However, one of the drawbacks of this design is that you can't add ingredients mid-blend without stopping the blender and removing the lid entirely. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you're trying to make a complex recipe with multiple ingredients.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E310 has a more user-friendly lid design. It is equipped with two tabs that clip onto the jar, providing a secure fit. One of the standout features of this lid is its two-part design.
The middle section of the lid is removable, creating a sizable opening. This opening allows you to add ingredients while blending without stopping the machine. Additionally, the removable section is perfect for using the tamper, which helps push ingredients down toward the blades for more efficient blending.
The lid is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy. Moreover, some Vitamix models, such as the Vitamix Venturist V1200, feature lids made from clear plastic. This transparent design allows you to see inside the blender while it’s running, giving you a visual of the blending progress.
Testing on Performance
Testing Fibrous ingredients
When it comes to making small batches of smoothies or purees, the Vitamix Explorian E310 is a clear winner. This blender is designed to handle tough ingredients with ease, and it shows. With its powerful motor and precision-crafted blades, it can whip up a silky, smooth puree in under a minute. That's right - in just 60 seconds, you can have a perfectly blended drink or sauce that's free of grains and chunks.
But what really sets the Vitamix apart is its ability to handle small batches without needing to use the tamper. This means you can simply add your ingredients, blend, and serve - no stopping and scraping the sides of the jar required. This makes the blending process faster, easier, and less messy.
On the other hand, the Ninja BN701 doesn't fare as well when it comes to blending small batches of fibrous ingredients. When we tested it with kale, for example, the resulting puree was gritty and chunky, with a lot of small grains left over. And to get even decent results, you'll need to blend for over four minutes - a long time compared to Vitamix's quick 60-second blend.
If you're looking for a blender that excels at small batches, you might want to consider the Ninja NJ601AMZ instead. This blender is specifically designed for single-serve smoothies and does a much better job of handling tough ingredients.
But what about larger batches? The Vitamix Explorian E310 is still the better choice. When we filled the 48-ounce jar to the brim, the Vitamix produced a perfectly smooth puree with no need to stop and scrape the sides. And the best part? It still only took a minute or less to blend.
The Ninja BN701, on the other hand, struggles to handle large batches of fibrous ingredients. When we filled the jar to capacity, the resulting puree was grainy and chunky, similar to its performance with small batches. To get the best results, you'll need to blend for over 10 minutes - a long time compared to Vitamix's quick blend.
Testing on Frozen Fruits
The Ninja BN 701 did a decent job of blending frozen fruits, producing a silky-smooth mixture with only a hint of strawberry skin. However, it took a whopping 4 minutes to get to this point, which is four times longer than the Vitamix 5200 and twice as long as other similarly-priced blenders. We think this is because of the unique blade design, which features multiple blades at different heights. While this design is meant to target all levels of the container, it failed to consistently pull ingredients toward the blades for finer processing.
In fact, we noticed that the centrifugal force kept pushing the food outward and upward, away from the blades. To get a decent result, we had to stop the blending process multiple times and use a spatula to manually push the ingredients down towards the blades. This was made even more difficult by the space occupied by the blade assemblies from top to bottom. Despite the smooth result, the frustration wasn't worth it.
On the other hand, the Vitamix E310 blew us away with its ability to pulverize frozen fruits into a buttery smoothness in under a minute. This is a feat that many blenders can't match. However, when we added milk to the fruit puree, the mixture didn't quite come together perfectly. Despite careful use of the tamper, a thin, delicate white layer continued to float on top of the blended mixture.
But don't worry, we've found that this is a common issue with most Vitamix blenders when dealing with frozen fruit smoothies. The solution is simple: just pause the blending, manually stir the mixture, and then resume blending for 10 seconds. This will give you a flawlessly blended concoction. You might be left with a tiny amount of raspberry skin and seeds, but they won't affect the overall quality of the drink.
One key takeaway from our tests is the crucial role of a tamper. It's not just an accessory - it's a central component for any blender. We found that using the tamper to consistently push ingredients toward the blade significantly shortened the blending time. The result? Almost perfect smoothies and rapid fusion of ingredients.
Testing on Nut Butter
The Ninja blender is great for producing high-quality nut butter, but it requires a bit more effort. To achieve the smooth texture you're aiming for, you'll need to stop the blender a few times during the process. This is necessary to scrape down the sides of the jar with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that all the nuts are evenly blended. While it takes a bit longer and involves more hands-on work, the result is worth it. The nut butter you get from the Ninja is fantastically smooth and delicious, making the extra steps worthwhile.
In contrast, the Vitamix blender simplifies the process of making nut butter significantly. It’s designed to handle this task with ease, so it doesn’t take much time or effort on your part. Instead of stopping to scrape the sides, you just use the tamper to stir the ingredients as the blender runs. This helps everything blend together quickly and smoothly. The Vitamix produces remarkably smooth nut butter that’s perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes. The convenience and efficiency of the Vitamix make it a favorite for many people who regularly make their own nut butter.
Testing on Using
The Ninja blender provides three speed presets for manual blending, making it easier to choose a consistent blending speed without much guesswork. Additionally, it includes three automatic blending programs: 'Smoothie', 'Ice Crush', and 'Ice Cream'.
These presets and programs are convenient because they simplify the blending process by providing optimal settings for specific tasks.
For example, if you're making a smoothie, you can simply select the 'Smoothie' program and let the blender handle the rest.
The power button on the Ninja blender doubles as an on/off switch. This means that you need to press it to 'On' before you can start blending. While the Ninja does not offer hot blending capabilities, it does include a pulse/turbo mode for more control over blending textures.
- On/Off Switch: Yes
- Speed Presets: 3
- Hot Blending: No
- Speed Dial: No
- Pulse/Turbo Mode: Yes
- Programs: 3
- Blending Time Indicator: No
- Programmable Timer: No
On the other hand, the Vitamix blender takes a different approach with its speed control. It features a speed dial that allows you to adjust the speed smoothly from 1 to 10. This design provides greater precision because you can make fine adjustments to the speed based on what you're blending.
Unlike the Ninja, the Vitamix does not have preset speeds, but the variable speed dial compensates for this by offering a high level of control. The Vitamix also includes a pulse mode and an on/off switch.
A notable feature of the Vitamix is its hot blending capability, which means you can blend soups and sauces directly in the blender without needing to transfer them to a separate pot for heating. This is a convenient feature for those who frequently make hot dishes.
However, the Vitamix does not come with any pre-programmed blending settings, which means all adjustments need to be made manually.
- On/Off Switch: Yes
- Speed Presets: 0
- Hot Blending: Yes
- Speed Dial: Yes
- Pulse/Turbo Mode: Yes
- Programs: 0
- Blending Time Indicator: No
- Programmable Timer: No
Testing on Noise Level
The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ stands out for its relatively quiet operation among full-size blenders. This makes it a more pleasant appliance to use, especially if you find loud noises irritating. Compared to other models like the Ninja TB401, Ninja TB301, and the Ninja Mega Kitchen System BL770, the BN701 produces noticeably less noise. This can be particularly beneficial if you often blend early in the morning or late at night when others in your home might be sleeping. The quieter operation means you can go about your blending tasks without worrying about disturbing others or having to endure a lot of noise yourself.
In contrast, the Vitamix E310 is known for being quite loud. It generates significantly more noise than other Vitamix models, such as the Vitamix A2500. If you’re using the E310, be prepared for a high noise level that can be quite annoying if you’re standing next to it for an extended period. This might be a consideration if you need to blend large batches or have recipes that require longer blending times. The loud noise can be particularly bothersome in a quiet household or in settings where you prefer a more peaceful environment.
To summarize, if noise level is an important factor for you, the Ninja BN701 might be the better choice due to its quieter operation. It allows you to blend without creating a lot of disruption. However, if you’re looking at the Vitamix E310, be aware that it is considerably louder, which could be a drawback if you’re sensitive to noise or need to use it frequently.
Testing on Cleaning
The Ninja blender is relatively easy to clean, with most of its components, except for the motor base, being safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to minimize their cleaning time. The motor base itself is a breeze to clean, thanks to its smooth surface - just wipe it down and you're good to go.
However, the blade requires some extra care due to its sharpness and intricate design. You'll need to handle it with caution to avoid accidental cuts, which can be a bit of a concern. Additionally, the small cavity, or "coupling", that connects the blade to the drive gear can be a bit of a pain to clean, as it tends to trap food particles. You may need to use a dedicated cleaning brush to get into this tight space, which can be a bit of a hassle.
On the other hand, the Vitamix blender is a cleaning dream come true. Its self-cleaning feature makes quick work of most residue, and all you need to do is add a bit of warm water and dish soap, then run the blender on high for 30-60 seconds. The high-powered motor will take care of the rest, dislodging most food particles with ease. This means you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your favorite blended creations.
For those occasional stubborn remnants, like butter or mayonnaise, a soft-bristled brush can help you reach every nook and cranny. As for the motor base, a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth is all you need, thanks to its sleek and intuitive design. The Vitamix blender is also designed to minimize spillage, with a lid and pouring spout that effectively contains ingredients. This means you'll have less to clean up in the first place, making the entire process even easier.
The E310 blender comes out on top. Its self-cleaning feature and smooth design make it a breeze to maintain, while the Ninja blender requires a bit more effort and care. While the Ninja blender is still relatively easy to clean, the Vitamix blender is the clear winner in this category.
My Verdict
If you prioritize convenience, user-friendly presets, and a quieter operation, the Ninja Professional Plus Blender with Auto-iQ stands out. It offers three automatic blending programs and three manual speed presets, making it easy to achieve consistent results with minimal effort. Its quieter performance and dishwasher-safe components add to its appeal, especially for those looking for an easy-to-maintain appliance.
On the other hand, if you value precision control, versatility, and the ability to blend hot ingredients, the Vitamix E310 is a fantastic option. Its variable speed dial allows for fine-tuned adjustments, and its powerful motor can handle a wide range of tasks, including hot blending. While it lacks preset programs, its robust performance and durability make it a favorite among those who need a reliable, all-purpose blender.
Ultimately, the Ninja BN701 is ideal for users seeking simplicity and efficiency, while the Vitamix E310 is perfect for those who need more control and versatility in their blending tasks.
