KitchenAid K400 Blender Review and Comparison with 11 Models
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the capabilities and performance of the KitchenAid K400 blender. Recognized for its robust motor and versatile features, the K400 aims to cater to a wide variety of blending needs. From crushing ice to processing fibrous ingredients and even making nut butter, this blender promises to deliver.
But how does it stand up against other popular models in the market? We’ll be comparing this particular machine with 11 other blenders, examining its strengths and potential drawbacks. Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a dedicated home cook, or someone who loves experimenting with different recipes, this review will help you determine if the KitchenAid K400 is the right choice for your kitchen.
Reasons to Buy
- Built quality is good to last long
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Best blender for smoothies
- Available in multiple colors
- It can be used for hot blending
Reasons to Avoid
- Control panel is not advance
- Not good for nut butter
What Size and Color You Can Buy?
This blender combines functionality and style, coming in colors like ‘Almond Cream’, ‘Beetroot’, and ‘Matte Black’. The tamper, an essential accessory, is also available in shades like ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Passion Red’. A special edition includes both a tamper and a personal jar, offered in ‘Contour Silver’ or ‘Matte Black’.
We tested the basic version with a 56oz jar in ‘Matte Black’, which performed impressively. We expect similar results from other models with the main jar. However, we haven’t tested the personal jar yet. The tamper is very useful for thorough blending without removing the lid, ensuring smooth operation.
We aim to provide the best reviews and would appreciate any feedback on other models. Please share your experiences in our forums. We’ll update our review with any new information to help blending enthusiasts make informed decisions.
Overall Size and Design
The KitchenAid K400 blender is a sizable appliance. It stands 15.2 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, and 9.2 inches deep. Weighing 13 pounds, it is quite heavy. Due to its weight, you might prefer leaving it on the countertop rather than moving it often.
Its dimensions are somewhat comparable to the KitchenAid K150, though it is a bit shorter than some other models you may find. The primary jar has a generous capacity of 56 ounces. This jar is made from BPA-free plastic, adding another layer of safety for your food.
One of the convenient features of this jar is that it is dishwasher safe. This means after using it, you can simply place it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This makes the KitchenAid K400 not only practical but also easy to maintain for daily use.
Motor Built Quality
The KitchenAid K400 blender boasts great build quality, featuring a sturdy plastic base that ensures stability during use. The gears at the bottom of the jar are made of metal, enhancing the overall durability and longevity of the appliance. This attention to detail in the construction means the K400 is built to withstand rigorous use, making it a reliable choice for daily blending needs.
On the other hand, the control buttons on this blending machine are solid and offer a satisfying tactile response. They are designed to be durable and user-friendly, ensuring that they can handle frequent use without becoming flimsy. This reliability in the control mechanisms adds to the overall robustness of the blender, making it a pleasure to use for various culinary tasks.
However, one area where the KitchenAid blender falls slightly short is the jar’s robustness. While the jar is made from BPA-free plastic, a feature that ensures it is safe for food use, it does not feel as solid as the jars on some other high-end blenders, such as the Wolf Gourmet Pro-Performance. This difference in material sturdiness may be noticeable to users who frequently blend harder ingredients or require a blender for more demanding kitchen tasks.
Despite this, the jar’s BPA-free plastic construction is still a significant advantage, as it ensures that no harmful chemicals will leach into your food during blending. This feature is particularly important for health-conscious users who prioritize safety in their kitchen appliances. Additionally, the 56-ounce capacity of the main jar is generous enough for most cooking and baking needs, making it versatile and practical.
Another noteworthy feature of the KitchenAid K400 blender jar is its dishwasher-safe design. This allows for easy and convenient cleanup after use, saving users the hassle of hand-washing the jar. The ability to quickly and effortlessly clean the jar ensures that the blender remains hygienic and ready for the next use, enhancing its practicality for daily use.
Jar Capacity & Material
The main jar of the blender has a generous capacity of 56 ounces, which is ideal for making large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces. With this size, you can easily prepare enough for your whole family or even meal prep for the week.
Unlike some blenders that come with additional smaller jars, this particular model only comes with one pitcher. The pitcher itself, however, has a slightly larger stated capacity of 64 ounces. This extra size is great for handling bigger recipes without worrying about spilling or having to blend in multiple batches.
The material of the jar is BPA-free plastic, which is a safe and durable choice. BPA-free means that it’s free of harmful chemicals often found in some plastics, making it safer for food use. Plus, plastic jars tend to be lighter, which makes them easier to handle compared to glass jars.
One of the most convenient features of this blender is that the jar is dishwasher safe. This means that after using the blender, you can simply place the jar in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean-up. This saves you time and effort, especially after preparing large or messy recipes.
LID Design
The jar’s lid is made from a stiff plastic material, adding an extra layer of durability to the overall construction of the KitchenAid K400 blender. However, this rigid material can make the lid more challenging to clean by hand.
Fortunately, the lid is designed to be dishwasher safe, and it can be conveniently placed on the top rack of the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. An additional feature of the lid is its center part, which doubles as a measuring cup.
This is particularly handy for adding ingredients mid-blend, allowing for precise measurements without the need for extra kitchen tools. This thoughtful design element enhances the blender’s functionality and convenience, making it a versatile tool for various culinary tasks.
Blade Assembly and Power
The blade assembly of the kitchenaid k400 variable speed blender features four very sharp blades. These blades are built into the jar and cannot be removed for cleaning. However, both the jar and the blades are dishwasher-safe. This feature simplifies the cleanup process considerably. Instead of scrubbing the blades by hand, you can place the entire assembly in the dishwasher. Cleaning up becomes quick and effortless with this handy feature.
The KitchenAid K400 blender provides a powerful blending experience. It operates at a minimum speed of 3,200 RPM and can reach a maximum speed of 16,000 RPM. The blender is equipped with a power output of 1,119 watts. This robust power ensures the blender can handle a variety of tasks. You can blend soft fruits as easily as tougher vegetables. This wide range of speeds and powerful motor makes the K400 versatile in the kitchen.
The speed adjustment on this blender is another highlight. The speed dial displays options from 1 to 5. However, as you turn the dial, you can hear the motor progress through 22 different speed increments. This nuanced speed control allows for precise adjustments. You can fine-tune the blending speed to match your needs perfectly. Whether you are making a smoothie, soup, or sauce, you can achieve the ideal consistency every time. This intuitive adjustment system ensures better results for a variety of recipes.
Testing Performance
Making Soups
The KitchenAid K400 blender is an excellent option when it comes to making soups. One of its best features is that it can blend hot ingredients straight from your pot or pan. This means you don’t have to wait for the ingredients to cool down before blending, which saves you time and keeps the cooking process smooth.
When it comes to blending fibrous ingredients like kale or broccoli, the KitchenAid blender K400 does an impressive job. It produces a very smooth blend, making it ideal for silky pureed soups and sauces. If you’re looking to create soups that have a creamy and lump-free texture, this blender works quite well. During testing, this model scored 92 points, which shows that it’s a strong performer in this area.
However, if you’re looking for even better results, there are a couple of other blenders worth considering. The Vitamix E310 Blender, for example, offers top-tier blending performance. It handled fibrous ingredients even more efficiently, creating the perfect blend in the test. Another great option is the Ninja Chef Blender CT810. This blender also gave a flawless result, particularly with its ability to handle tough ingredients and produce an incredibly smooth texture.
While this KitchenAid KSB4028 blender is a solid choice for soups, those looking for the absolute best blending experience may want to try the Vitamix E310 or the Ninja Chef Blender CT810. Both of these blenders excelled in tests and delivered exceptional results.
Nut Butter
The KitchenAid K400 blender is acceptable for making nut butter, but it requires some effort. At the beginning of the process, you need to stop the blender frequently. You have to remove the lid and stir the ingredients to keep them moving. This is important because the nuts can get stuck and need help to blend properly. While this is a time-consuming and hands-on process, it can give great results. You can make very smooth and spreadable nut butter with this model.
If making nut butter in a full-size blender is important to you, there are other options to consider. The Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender & Processor System might be a better choice. This model comes with a smaller additional jar. The smaller jar makes it very easy to make nut butter. However, keep in mind that it has a limited capacity. With the Ninja SS351, you can get the job done with less hassle, although you might need to work in smaller batches due to the jar size.
Crushing Ice
The KitchenAid K400 blender is an excellent blender for preparing crushed ice. When you want to crush ice, all you need to do is press the ‘Crushed Ice’ program button. The blender quickly gets to work, breaking down the ice cubes into a fine, snow-like texture. This makes it ideal for margaritas, slushies, or any other icy drinks you want to make.
While it may not be the absolute fastest ice crusher out there, it still performs impressively well. Compared to the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System, which is known for its top-tier ice crushing capability, this Kitchenaid bleding machine takes just a little more time. Despite this slight difference in speed, the quality of the crushed ice is almost indistinguishable. It is finely crushed, with a consistent texture that’s perfect for cooling drinks evenly.
The process is simple and requires minimal input from you. Once you add the ice cubes to the blender jar and select the crushed ice program, you can just let the blender do its job. The motor is powerful enough to handle the task efficiently, so you don’t need to pause or stir the ice manually. Just wait for the program to finish, and you’ll have perfectly crushed ice ready to use.
Fibrous Ingredients Processing and Texture
The KitchenAid K400 blender is fantastic for making small batches of fibrous ingredients. It is very easy to use to make a virtually perfectly smooth blend of small batches of ingredients like kale, which is great for recipes like single-serve smoothies and protein shakes. If you are looking to process fibrous ingredients at full capacity, this blender performs exceptionally well.
When using the main jar for fibrous ingredients, you will find it handles the task effortlessly. By using the ‘Smoothie’ program, you can start the blending process effectively. For even better results, follow this with around 30 seconds of blending on ‘High’ speed. This method ensures that fibrous ingredients like kale are blended into a nearly perfectly smooth puree.
The texture of fibrous ingredients processed in the K400 model is excellent. It makes it ideal for anyone who enjoys smoothies with a smooth, consistent texture. The blender’s powerful motor and well-designed blade system make quick work of even the toughest fibrous ingredients. This means you can enjoy smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks without any unpleasant chunks or bits.
Easy to Use
The KitchenAid K400 blender does not have a traditional On/Off switch. Instead, it operates using the speed dial and the pulse mode option. This design choice simplifies its functionality. The blender also does not come with any set speed presets. You have to manually select the speed that you need based on your blending requirements.
The KSB4028 has a speed dial to control blending speed. This dial is marked with speeds from 1 to 5. As you turn the dial, it moves smoothly and does not click into place at each number. This innovative design allows you to make small and precise speed adjustments. These fine-tuned adjustments help you get the perfect consistency for your recipes.
You can use the KSB4028 blender to blend hot ingredients. This feature makes it versatile for a variety of recipes. However, it does not have a dedicated mode for making soups. Also, it cannot warm up cool ingredients. The blender includes a pulse mode. To activate it, you need to turn the speed dial counterclockwise, as if you were selecting a speed lower than 1. The pulse mode is useful for quick bursts of power. It helps you control the texture of your blend precisely.
The KitchenAid K400 blender has four automatic blending programs. These are ‘Icy Drink’, ‘Smoothie’, ‘Crushed Ice’, and ‘Self Clean’. These programs simplify common blending tasks. You just need to press a button to start them, making the blender very convenient to use.
There is no blending time indicator on this model. This means you need to keep an eye on the blender while it is working. It is important to manually monitor the blending duration to ensure you get the right results. Additionally, tis model does not have a programmable timer. You need to manually control and keep track of the time for blending your ingredients.
Testing on Cleaning
Cleaning the KitchenAid K400 blender is relatively straightforward, but there are some things to keep in mind. The blender has a useful self-cleaning function. You just need to add water and a drop of dish soap to the jar. After that, run the blender on the cleaning cycle. This will take care of most of the residue.
However, the blender’s design includes non-removable blades. These blades are very sharp and angled. While the jar and blades are dishwasher-safe, some residues might still be left behind. This means you might need to scrub the blades manually. Using a brush can help get rid of stubborn residues.
If ease of cleaning is a priority, you might want to consider other options. Full-size blenders like the Vitamix Explorian E310 or the Oster Pro 1200 offer more convenience. They are designed with removable blades that can be cleaned more thoroughly. This can save you time and effort in your busy kitchen.
Noise Level
One notable aspect of the KitchenAid K400 blender is its 95 db noise level. Although it boasts substantial power, the blender operates relatively quietly compared to some other high-performance blenders on the market.
This quieter operation makes it more suitable for use in shared or open living spaces, where loud appliances might disturb others.
The advanced motor design and the well-constructed base contribute to this reduced noise output, making the blending process more pleasant and less disruptive. However, it’s important to note that while it is quieter, it is not completely silent, especially when blending tougher ingredients or operating at higher speeds.
Comparison with Other Models
The KitchenAid K400 and KitchenAid KSB1575ER Diamond blender each have their unique strengths, catering to different needs. The K400 stands out for its robust build quality and excels at making smooth purees, especially with large batches of fibrous ingredients like kale smoothies. It also produces more uniformly crushed ice, making it perfect for frozen drinks and desserts.
On the other hand, the Diamond model shines in its ease of use and simplicity. It is particularly suited for recipes like nut butter, where it effortlessly transforms whole nuts into creamy spreads. Additionally, the Diamond is easier to clean, making post-preparation tasks less tedious. Both models offer excellent performance, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your culinary preferences.
The K400 outperforms the K150 in several key areas. When it comes to blending fibrous ingredients like kale, the K400 produces a noticeably smoother result. It also crushes ice more uniformly, perfect for creating consistent frozen drinks.
The K400 features a larger capacity and better build quality. It includes a few automatic blending programs, making preparations more convenient. These programs handle different tasks efficiently, saving you time and effort.
On the other hand, the Kitchenaid K150 blender has its advantages. It is quieter during operation, which is a significant benefit if you’re blending early in the morning or late at night. Additionally, the K150’s compact size makes it easier to store, ideal for smaller kitchens.
The K400 excels in power and versatility, while the K150 offers a quieter, more space-saving option. Each model has its strengths, so your choice depends on what’s most important for your kitchen needs.
The KitchenAid K400 stands out as a better multi-purpose blender. It boasts superior build quality, making it more durable over time. This model excels in processing small batches of fibrous ingredients like kale, delivering smoother blends. It’s also your go-to for tough tasks like making nut butter, where its power and precision shine. Additionally, the K400 operates more quietly, an important advantage in a busy kitchen.
In contrast, the Blendtec Classic 575 has its own set of benefits. It features a larger capacity, which is great for making bigger batches, perfect for parties or meal prepping. Cleaning it by hand is straightforward and hassle-free, due to its simple design. This can be a significant time-saver, especially when you need to clean up quickly.
Choose the KitchenAid K400 for its durability, better handling of tough ingredients, and quieter performance. Opt for the Blendtec Classic 575 if you need a bigger capacity and an easy-to-clean appliance.
Comparing the KitchenAid K400 to the Blendtec Designer 725 reveals distinct strengths for each blender, making your choice dependent on your specific needs. The Blendtec 725 stands out with its superior build quality; it’s designed for durability and can handle heavy usage. Its main jar has a larger capacity, which is beneficial for preparing bigger batches. Moreover, it includes a personal jar, perfect for single-serve recipes like smoothies. For ease of cleaning, the 725 excels, making it simpler to maintain by hand.
The KitchenAid K400 has its unique advantages. It is capable of hot blending, providing the convenience of making soups right in the blender. When it comes to making nut butter, the K400 achieves a smoother consistency. These features make it a versatile option for various kitchen tasks.
So, if you need a blender with excellent build quality and larger capacity, the Blendtec Designer 725 is a great choice. If you require hot blending and a smoother nut butter production, the KitchenAid K400 may better suit your needs.
When it comes to the Vitamix A2500 and the KitchenAid K400, the Vitamix A2500 has several clear advantages. First, the A2500 boasts much better build quality. It’s made to last longer and handle more intensive use. This is a key factor if durability is high on your list.
Another benefit is the inclusion of a tamper. This tool helps blend thick, dense ingredients without stopping the machine. It can save you time and hassle, making your blending tasks smoother.
Cleaning is also easier with the Vitamix blender. You can clean it by hand quickly and effortlessly, a big plus for busy kitchens where time is of the essence.
Importantly, the Vitamix blender excels at making nut butter. It achieves a smoother consistency with less effort and in less time. This makes it a standout choice if you frequently make nut butter or other thick spreads.
The Vitamix A2500 for better build quality, ease of cleaning, and superior performance in making nut butter. The KitchenAid K400 has its strengths, but the A2500 edges ahead in these key areas.
Comparing the Vitamix A2300 ascent series blender and the KitchenAid K400 reveals some clear differences. The Vitamix Ascent A2300 is significantly more powerful. It can handle tougher ingredients with ease and delivers smoother blends. Its build quality also stands out. The machine feels more premium and is built to last.
When it comes to making nut butter, the Vitamix blender excels again. It produces a smoother consistency with less effort. Cleaning the ascent A2300 is a breeze as well, with its easy-to-clean design. Additionally, the main jar of the blender is larger and it includes a tamper. This is particularly useful for blending thick mixtures without interruptions.
While the KitchenAid K400 offers commendable performance, it does not match up to the Vitamix blender in most aspects. However, it has one notable advantage: affordability. The K400 provides great functionality at a significantly lower price point. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for those who don’t need the extra power and premium features of the Vitamix ascent A2300.
When comparing the Vitamix Explorian E310 to the KitchenAid K400, several clear distinctions arise. The E310 is better built, offering more durability, especially under heavy use. Additionally, it excels in handling thick mixtures like nut butter, producing smoother results with less effort. The inclusion of a tamper with the Vitamix E310 is a notable advantage, allowing for easier blending of dense ingredients without stopping the machine. Furthermore, it offers a wider range of speed settings, providing more control over your blending processes. Cleaning is also more straightforward; the Vitamix E310 is easier to clean by hand.
However, the KitchenAid K400 brings its own strengths to the table. It boasts a slightly larger capacity, making it suitable for preparing bigger batches. Additionally, it features a few automatic blending programs, offering convenience for users who prefer one-touch blending solutions.
When comparing the Vitamix A3500 ascent series blender to the KitchenAid K400, the A3500 stands out in several key areas. It is simply better built, ensuring greater durability and a longer lifespan. This blender is also quieter during operation, making it more pleasant to use in any kitchen setting.
In terms of performance, the Vitamix excels at processing tough ingredients like nuts, thanks to its superior power. It boasts a slightly larger capacity, which is particularly useful for making bigger batches. Cleaning by hand is also more straightforward and less time-consuming.
One of the standout features of the Vitamix A3500 blender is its digital display, which includes a programmable timer. This feature allows for precise and consistent blending, enhancing user convenience.
On the whole, if build quality, quieter operation, superior ingredient handling, and advanced digital features are important to you, the Vitamix A3500 is the better choice over the KitchenAid K400.
The Vitamix 5200 stands out as a better option for most uses compared to the KitchenAid K400. The Vitamix is better built, making it more durable and reliable in the long run. It excels particularly well with tougher recipes, like nut butter, ensuring a smooth and consistent result every time. Cleaning the Vitamix 5200 by hand is straightforward and less cumbersome, adding to its user-friendly design.
On the other hand, the KitchenAid K400 has its own strengths. It features a few automatic blending programs, which make it convenient for users who prefer a hands-off approach. These programs are great for different recipes, ranging from smoothies to soups, without the need for constant manual adjustments.
The Vitamix 7500 blender outperforms the KitchenAid K400 for most uses. This is mainly due to its robust build, which makes it more durable. When it comes to crushing ice or handling thick recipes like nut butter and hummus, the 7500 does the job faster and more efficiently. Additionally, it’s easier to clean by hand and operates more quietly, which is a bonus for everyday use.
On the flip side, the KitchenAid K400 excels at making smoother blends with small batches of leafy greens like kale. This quality makes it an excellent choice for single-serve drinks such as smoothies. So, if your primary focus is blending small, fibrous ingredients, the K400 might be the better option for you.
The KitchenAid K400 is better for most purposes compared to the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System. The KitchenAid excels at pureeing fibrous ingredients such as kale and broccoli, achieving a smoother texture. Additionally, the K400 can hot blend, which is ideal for soups and sauces.
On the other hand, the Ninja BN801 comes with versatile accessories. It includes a food processing bowl and a pair of personal jars, perfect for single-serve smoothies. These extras make it convenient for those who need a multi-functional appliance.
Choose the KitchenAid K400 for its superior pureeing capabilities and hot blending function. Opt for the Ninja BN801 if you value additional accessories for food processing and individual servings.
Final Verdict
the KitchenAid K400 blender stands out as a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its robust motor and well-designed blade system make it particularly adept at handling a variety of tasks, from crushing ice to processing fibrous ingredients, and even making smooth nut butter. While it may require some hands-on effort for specific tasks like nut butter preparation and isn’t the fastest ice crusher on the market, its overall performance is impressive. It excels at delivering consistent, high-quality results, especially when it comes to smoothies and other blended drinks.
When compared to 11 other popular models, the KitchenAid KSB4028 proves to be a reliable and user-friendly option. Its ease of use, coupled with its ability to handle a wide range of blending needs, makes it suitable for both novice and experienced users. Although there are other models like the Ninja SS351 that offer certain conveniences, the K400’s broader capabilities and excellent texture results set it apart.
If you’re in the market for a blender that can do it all and deliver exceptional results, the KitchenAid K400 is a solid choice. Its performance, versatility, and user-centric design ensure that it meets a variety of blending needs, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal.
