Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender vs Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System

When comparing the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender vs Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System, both have features that can suit different needs. The HB152 stands out because it can blend both hot and cold ingredients, making it great for soups and smoothies. The BN801 focuses on versatility with its preset modes and speed control, perfect for various blending tasks. In this comparison, we’ll look at the key features of both blenders to help you choose the one that fits your kitchen best.

Overall Design & Size Comparison

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender (HB152) and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System are both large appliances. They each stand 18 inches tall, so you’ll need to check if they fit under your cabinets. The HB152 is 7.9 inches wide and 8.8 inches deep. The BN801 is 7.3 inches wide and 9.6 inches deep. Both take up a lot of space, so if your counter is small, this could be an issue.

The HB152 weighs 12.1 lbs, making it heavy to move. It’s better to keep it on the counter if you use it often. The BN801 is slightly lighter at 9.3 lbs, but it’s still not easy to lift. Like the HB152, it’s best left in one place.

Both blenders need plenty of storage space. If your counter is full, you’ll need a large cupboard or shelf. The BN801 has a small advantage because its jar can be removed, which makes it easier to store. Still, both require significant room.

Both blenders are powerful and well-built. The HB152 is bulkier and heavier, while the BN801 is a bit easier to store. However, due to their size and weight, they’re both best suited to staying on your counter for regular use.

Jar Capacity and Material Comparison

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender has a 64-ounce jar, which is great for most tasks, like making smoothies or soups for a family. However, compared to the Ninja BL770 with its 72-ounce jar, the HB152 has a bit less capacity. If you frequently blend in large quantities, the extra space in the BL770 might be more useful.

In terms of accessories, the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender is simpler. It only comes with one jar. On the other hand, models like the Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender or the Ninja BN801 include additional jars and blades, making them more versatile for tasks like single-serve smoothies or food processing. The HB152, though, offers a unique hot blending feature, something these other models lack.

One standout feature of the HB152 is its glass jar, which is different from most other Ninja blenders that use plastic jars. The glass jar is more durable, resists scratches, and won’t discolor over time. However, because the jar has a heating element at the base, it isn’t dishwasher-safe like the Vitamix 5200. You’ll need to hand-wash it, which might be less convenient, but the hot blending capability makes this small extra effort worth it.

The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System offers more capacity with its 72-ounce jar, which is perfect for large batches of smoothies or sauces. It also comes with a 24-ounce personal jar, great for single servings or smoothies on the go. Additionally, it has a 64-ounce food processing bowl, giving you even more versatility for chopping or mixing dough.

All of the jars and lids in the BN801 are made from BPA-free plastic, making them safe and durable. Unlike the HB152, all the parts of the BN801 are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning easy. This is an advantage over the HB152, especially if you prefer quick, no-hassle cleanup after blending.

Lid Material & Shape Comparison 

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender comes with a two-part lid that adds versatility. The removable center cap allows you to add ingredients mid-blend, which is helpful for recipes that require gradual mixing. This lid also has a locking mechanism, ensuring safety and preventing spills, especially when blending hot liquids. The design works well with the included tamper, allowing you to push ingredients toward the blades for smoother blends, particularly useful for thick mixtures like nut butters. The lid design is somewhat similar to the Vitamix E310, but the Ninja offers an extra layer of security with its locking mechanism, which is great when handling hot blends.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System has a single-piece lid for the main jar. Securing it is simple, but it requires careful alignment with the triangle symbols on the lid and jar handle. While the lid locks securely, it doesn’t allow for adding ingredients while the blender is running, unlike the Cold and Hot Blender. You’ll need to stop the blender to make any additions, which can be inconvenient. However, the lid has a handy spout for controlled pouring, helping prevent messy spills. The BN801 also includes useful lids for the personal jars and food processor, adding convenience when you want to take a smoothie to go or securely process ingredients.

Blender Build Quality Comparison

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender has a strong motor and a durable build. The plastic base feels solid and not flimsy, giving it a robust feel for regular, heavy use. Its glass jar adds a premium touch, resistant to scratches and odors, unlike plastic. However, the rubber feet don’t grip well on countertops, and there can be some noise from the bottom of the jar due to friction. Despite these small issues, it’s more durable compared to blenders like the Hamilton Beach Power Elite, offering better sturdiness and a stronger motor.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System has a sturdy plastic base but includes four suction cups at the bottom to keep it steady while blending, which gives it better grip than the Foodi. The plastic jars and lids are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easier. The 72-ounce capacity is ideal for large batches, and the system includes a 24-ounce personal jar and a 64-ounce food processing bowl for versatility. While it may not have a glass jar like the Foodi, the build quality is solid and designed for a variety of tasks.

Blades Comparison

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender features a powerful 1,400-watt motor and sharp, non-removable blades, offering excellent performance but making cleaning more challenging. The blade system has six horizontal blades and two smaller vertical blades, ensuring a thorough blend. However, the blades are sharp and need to be hand-washed, which can be tricky. The speed range, between 13,600 and 18,500 RPM, is effective for tough tasks, but lacks the ability to start at slower speeds for delicate blending. This can be limiting for those who want precise control over speed settings.

In contrast, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System also has a 1,400-watt motor but offers a removable blade assembly that’s dishwasher-safe, making it easier to clean. Its speed range is narrower, from 4,100 to 5,200 RPM, which limits flexibility, but the Auto-iQ technology helps automate the blending process for consistent results. The blades work specifically with the 72-ounce jar, and different jars have their own blade assemblies. This blender is especially good for making nut butter, although you need to scrape down the jar between blends.

Performance Comparison

Soups Making Test 

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender is a great option if you love making soups. One of its standout features is its ability to hot blend, which means you can take room-temperature ingredients and blend them into a piping hot soup. It can also heat ingredients while blending, making it versatile for soups or other hot dishes. The jar has a 56-ounce capacity, which is more than enough to prepare soups in one go, especially for a family-sized batch.

Another advantage of the Ninja Foodi is how well it handles fibrous ingredients. If you’re adding tough veggies like kale, spinach, or other leafy greens, the Foodi blends them smoothly, resulting in a creamy texture. This is a big plus for anyone looking to make hearty, vegetable-heavy soups.

However, there are some downsides. Cleaning the jar isn’t the easiest task. Since the jar has a built-in heating element, you can’t submerge it in water for deep cleaning. You’ll have to clean it by hand carefully, which might be inconvenient, especially after cooking something sticky or greasy. Despite this drawback, its ability to make well-blended soups with fibrous ingredients sets it apart as a great tool for soup lovers.

On the other side, the Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ is less ideal for soups. It lacks the ability to hot blend, so you can’t make hot soups directly in the blender. You would need to cook the ingredients separately, cool them down, and then blend, which takes more time and effort. Additionally, it struggles with fibrous ingredients like leafy greens or broccoli, often leaving chunks behind or producing a less smooth texture.

That being said, the Ninja Professional does better with softer vegetables like carrots. It can blend these types of ingredients into a smoother texture, but it still doesn’t match the versatility of the Foodi in terms of hot blending. The main jar is also large, so you can make big batches, but the cooling step adds extra hassle if you’re working with hot ingredients.

When comparing the two, the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender clearly stands out as the winner for making soups. Its ability to blend and heat at the same time, along with its ability to handle tougher ingredients, gives it a strong advantage. While cleaning the jar can be a bit tricky, it’s a small trade-off for its superior soup-making capabilities. The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System, while powerful, lacks the flexibility and smooth blending of fibrous ingredients, making it less ideal for soups.

Nut Butter

When it comes to making nut butter, the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender gets the job done, but it requires a bit of effort. You’ll need to pause several times during the process to scrape down the sides, especially if you’re working with smaller batches. The tamper doesn’t always reach all the ingredients, so you’ll need to use a spatula. This can slow you down, which is why I’d give its overall nut butter preparation a rating of 68. It’s not the quickest process, but manageable if you have some patience.

However, the texture of the nut butter is where this blender really shines. The end result is incredibly smooth and creamy, earning it a solid rating of 92. Once you’ve blended everything, the consistency is perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes. So, while it may take a bit more time and effort, the quality of the nut butter is worth it if you’re after a rich, smooth texture.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ also does a great job making nut butter. Like the Foodi, you’ll need to stop the blender every minute or so to scrape down the sides. However, the process feels slightly more streamlined, and with practice, it becomes fairly easy. You start on a low speed and gradually increase, which helps release the oils from the nuts and create a creamy texture. After about five minutes of blending and scraping, you’re left with smooth, spreadable nut butter.

While the Ninja BN801 isn’t entirely hands-off either, it feels a bit quicker and easier to manage. The texture is also very creamy, and the gradual speed increase allows for smooth blending. In terms of effort and efficiency, the Ninja BN801 edges out the Foodi. It requires fewer interruptions and produces fantastic nut butter in a relatively short time.

The BN801 is a more efficient process with fewer pauses, and while both blenders deliver smooth and creamy nut butter, the BN801 makes the experience easier overall.

Fibrous Ingredients Blending 

When it comes to processing fibrous ingredients like fruits or leafy greens, the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender does a decent job, but there are a few things to keep in mind. At full capacity, it effectively handles tough ingredients and produces a mostly smooth blend. However, you might notice a few tiny bits left behind, which can be a bit annoying. The blending process can take longer than expected. You’ll often need to stop to scrape down the sides of the jar with a spatula, adding extra time to your task.

Additionally, the blender tends to move around on the countertop while running. This shifting can be inconvenient, especially if you’re multitasking in the kitchen. Overall, it gets the job done, but larger batches can be a bit challenging due to the longer blending times and the need for manual intervention.

When working with smaller batches, the Ninja Foodi shines. It produces a super smooth texture, perfect for smoothies or sauces. However, it still requires multiple stops to scrape down the sides for even blending. This repetitive process can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.

In contrast, the Ninja BN801 excels at blending fibrous ingredients as well. Its 24-ounce personal jars are ideal for making quick single-serve smoothies. In just two minutes, you can enjoy a silky-smooth drink, making it perfect for busy mornings or post-workout snacks when you need a quick energy boost.

However, when it comes to larger batches, the Ninja BN801 struggles a bit. If you fill the jar to the brim, it may not break down tough ingredients like kale effectively, resulting in a grainy puree. To achieve the best texture, you’ll need to blend for around eight minutes, which can feel like a long wait. If you want to make multiple smoothies or a full recipe for creamy soup, consider the Ninja CT810 Chef Blender for its larger capacity and efficiency.

One standout feature of the Ninja BN801 is its ice-crushing ability. In just 30 seconds, it can turn large ice cubes into a fluffy, snow-like consistency. Whether you’re preparing a refreshing drink or a frozen treat, the ice-crushing capabilities of the Ninja BN801 are impressive.

Ice Crushing 

When it comes to crushing ice, the Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender really shines. I’ve used many blenders over the years, and this one handles ice like a pro. If you love making slushies, frozen drinks, or just need crushed ice, this blender is a game-changer. The texture it creates is like snow—really fine and fluffy. It doesn’t leave behind those big chunks of ice you often get with other blenders. In less than a minute, you can go from whole ice cubes to perfectly crushed ice, which is impressive for its size.

One feature I appreciate is how easy it is to use. You don’t have to spend much time adjusting settings or figuring out how to get the right consistency. Just pop in the ice, set the blender to high speed, and let it do its thing. Towards the end, you might need to pulse it a couple of times to ensure everything is evenly crushed, but that’s simple. Even that step is straightforward, helping you achieve that perfect snow-like texture.

Another plus is the speed. I’ve used blenders where crushing ice seemed to take forever, and the motor struggled. With the Ninja Foodi, it’s fast and efficient. You don’t have to worry about overheating or the machine bogging down. In under a minute, you’re done, and the motor handles it without issues.

The design of the blender is user-friendly. It’s easy to operate, with no complicated buttons or settings to figure out. Even if you’ve never crushed ice before, this blender makes it simple. Just hit the high-speed option, pulse a few times, and you’re good to go.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System also excels at crushing ice. In fact, it’s one of the best blenders for this task. When you use it to crush ice, you can expect it to do so with ease and efficiency. It takes just about half a minute to turn ice cubes into a snow-like texture. This means the BN801 is fast and effective, giving you finely crushed ice perfect for smoothies, slushies, or frozen cocktails.

Both the ice preparation and the ice texture scores are excellent, rated at 100. This shows that the Ninja BN801 doesn’t just crush ice; it does so in a way that produces consistent, high-quality results. The ice comes out soft and fluffy, without large chunks or uneven pieces, making it ideal for anyone who needs perfectly crushed ice in a short amount of time.

While both blenders perform well, the Ninja BN801 takes the lead with its outstanding speed and consistency in ice crushing, making it the top choice for anyone looking for perfect crushed ice.

User Interface 

The Ninja Foodi Cold and Hot Blender is known for its versatility and ease of use. It features a simple On/Off switch, making it easy to get started. This blender offers three speed presets—low, medium, and high—allowing you to select the right speed for your ingredients. However, it doesn’t have a speed dial, which might limit control for some users. One standout feature is its hot blending capability, allowing you to make soups and sauces directly in the blender. The pulse/turbo mode is another useful aspect, providing an extra burst of power when needed. It has eight automatic programs that run for specific times. For example, the Smoothie program blends for 45 seconds, while the Hearty Soup program runs for 20 minutes, cooking ingredients while blending. The blending time indicator shows how long each program will run, although it lacks a programmable timer for more customization. The manual mode has a 60-second limit to prevent over-blending, which is a nice safety feature.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System gives you plenty of options for various recipes. It comes with five preset modes, perfect for tasks like smoothies, crushed ice, and chopping. This blender also features a convenient On/Off switch. Unlike the Foodi, the BN801 offers variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the speed according to your blending needs. It has preset programs like ‘Smoothie’, ‘Ice Crush’, ‘Chop’, and ‘Dough’, making it easy to switch between tasks. The ‘Extract’ mode can be used with 24 oz jars for quick, single-serve blends, which is great when you’re in a hurry. Similar to the Foodi, it also includes a pulse/turbo mode for an extra boost. The blending time indicator lets you know how much time is left when using one of the preset modes.

Easy to Clean 

The Ninja HB152 Foodi Cold and Hot Blender is powerful but challenging to clean. Hand-washing can be awkward, especially since the jar is heavy and cannot be fully immersed in water due to its electronics. The blades are non-removable, making it tricky to scrub around them without risking cuts. Although it comes with a six-minute ‘Clean’ preset, this feature isn’t sufficient for tougher debris, meaning you still need to do manual scrubbing afterward. The lid’s ridges tend to trap food, requiring extra care during cleaning. Overall, despite the ‘Clean’ function, you will still need some effort to get the blender spotless, especially with thicker recipes.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System offers a bit more convenience. While its powerful motor chops food finely, leading to bits getting stuck, the blending assembly detaches easily, making washing more straightforward. The sharp blades still require caution, but using a long-handled brush helps clean hard-to-reach areas, like the bottom of the jar. Soaking with hot, soapy water before scrubbing also helps break down debris. While not the easiest to clean either, with patience and the right tools, this blender is manageable and offers easier maintenance compared to the Ninja HB152.

Noise Level

When comparing the noise levels, the Ninja HB152 Foodi Cold and Hot Blender is notably louder than the Ninja BN801. The HB152 operates at 95.5 decibels at max speed, which is quite loud, especially if you’re blending hard ingredients like ice or frozen fruits. This noise can be startling and persists longer due to its extended programs, like hot blending and soup-making. So, if you prefer a quiet kitchen, this might be an issue.

In contrast, the Ninja BN801 also isn’t quiet, but it runs at a slightly lower 91.6 decibels. It’s still loud, but the sound is more of a steady hum, not too painful to the ears. However, it could still disrupt a quiet environment, especially if you’re blending early in the morning or when there’s a sleeping baby around. Despite both blenders being on the louder side, the HB152 is a bit more disruptive due to its higher decibel level and longer running times.

Final Verdict 

In the overall comparison between the Ninja HB152 Foodi Cold and Hot Blender and the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System, both blenders excel in performance but cater to slightly different needs.

The Ninja HB152 stands out with its hot blending capability, making it ideal for soups, sauces, and heated recipes. Its automatic programs, such as the ‘Hearty Soup’ and ‘Smooth Soup,’ are a big advantage for those looking to cook directly in the blender. However, cleaning the HB152 can be a hassle due to its heavy jar, non-removable blades, and the difficulty of scrubbing around the ridges and blades, despite having a self-cleaning program. Additionally, it’s noticeably loud, especially during longer blending tasks, which may be disruptive for some users.

On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 offers a more flexible system with its Auto-iQ preset modes like ‘Smoothie,’ ‘Ice Crush,’ and ‘Dough.’ It provides variable speed control, allowing more customization in blending tasks. The BN801 is easier to clean thanks to its detachable assembly, though care is still needed around its sharp blades. In terms of noise, while not quiet, it’s slightly less loud than the HB152 and might be more suitable for homes that need a somewhat quieter appliance.

If you’re looking for versatility in both cold and hot blending, the HB152 is a powerful option, despite the cleaning and noise challenges. However, if you’re seeking a more convenient, all-around kitchen system with easier maintenance and less noise, the BN801 might be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize heated blending features or ease of use and quieter performance.