Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender Review
In this review, I’ll break down my experience with the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender’s performance, features and ease of use. I’ll also compare it to other options I tested to help you decide if it offers the right balance of power, price and functionality for your needs. By the end, I hope to leave you feeling confident about whether the Ninja Foodi deserves a spot on your countertop or other blenders.
Reasons to Buy
- Best blender for large capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- Best blender for crushing ice
- User friendly control panel
Reasons to Avoid
- Not perfect for blending Fibrous Ingredients
- It can't hot blend
Overall Look and Design
When researching blenders, one of the first things I consider is dimensions. As someone with a relatively small but functional kitchen, counter and cabinet space is at a premium.
Upon checking the SS201 stands just over 14 inches tall, I was pleased to find it wouldn't tower over other counters' items. Its 8-inch width also allows for easy access to the control panel without feeling cramped. At under 9 inches deep, I knew full-sized food and liquid containers would easily fit inside as well.
The overall silhouette is quite compact versus some bulky full-size models like Ninja Tb201 and TB301 I've seen. However, it still feels substantial and sturdy for heavy-duty tasks. I didn't sense any instability or flexing of the plastic parts either.
As for storage, I believe the SS201's balanced proportions lend themselves to multiple options. On busier days, leaving it out on the counter is no issue space-wise. Its size allows flexible use of surfaces however needed.
Jar Capacity & Material
I recently had the chance to use the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender, and I was really impressed with the jar's capacity. It has a total capacity of 72 ounces, which is great for blending large batches. I love making smoothies for the whole family, and this size allows me to prepare multiple servings at once. The maximum liquid capacity is 64 ounces, so I can pack it full without worrying about spills.
The jar is made from BPA-free plastic, which I really appreciate. Knowing that the materials are safe for food makes a difference when I’m preparing meals. Cleaning up is super easy since the jar is dishwasher-safe, along with the lid and blades. After using it, I just pop everything into the dishwasher, and it comes out clean and ready for the next round.
One thing I did notice is that the jar doesn’t have a two-part lid. This means I can’t add ingredients while it’s blending, which is a bit of a drawback. I like to throw in extra fruits or veggies sometimes, so I had to plan ahead for that. However, the jar does have a handy pouring spout at one corner, which makes it easy to pour out my smoothies without making a mess.
When using the jar, I had to make sure to orient it correctly on the motor base to clip it into place securely. Once I got that right, it felt safe and stable while blending. Overall, I found the Ninja SS201’s jar to be quite practical and efficient. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to make large quantities of blends, and I’m excited to keep using it!
LID Design
The lid on my Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender is pretty straightforward, and I’ve found it really easy to use. It’s made of plastic and features a locking mechanism that secures it tightly onto the jar. This gives me peace of mind while blending, knowing that nothing will spill out. When I’m done blending, there’s a button on top that I can press to release the lid effortlessly.
One thing I noticed is that it’s not a two-part lid. While this makes it simpler, it does have some limitations. There’s a small opening at the corner of the lid that I really like. It allows me to add ingredients without having to remove the entire lid. This has come in handy when I want to throw in a handful of spinach or some other small ingredients.
Inside the opening, there’s a metal bar that helps catch any larger chunks when I pour from the jar. This is a great feature because it prevents messes and ensures that only the smooth mixture comes out. However, I did find that the opening isn’t very big. So, if I want to add larger pieces of fruit or more liquid, I need to chop them into smaller bits first.
This design is similar to other Ninja blenders I’ve used, like the Ninja TB401 and BN701, and I appreciate how it keeps things simple. Overall, the lid works well for me. It’s practical, and I love that I can easily add ingredients while blending. It’s made my smoothie-making process much smoother!
Motor Built Quality
The Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender has a decent build quality overall. The motor base is made of plastic, which doesn't feel particularly premium. It sits on four anti-slip suction cups, providing a stable base while blending. This is important because it helps prevent the blender from moving around on the countertop during use.
The jar is designed to twist into place and is made from thick plastic. This gives it a solid feel, but it’s not the most high-end material available. One thing I found really easy was installing the blades. They need to be fitted inside the jar, and this process is straightforward. The blade assembly doesn’t lock into place, which might be a bit unusual. However, when I put the lid on, the top of the blade assembly fits snugly into a small hole on the underside of the lid. This design keeps everything secure while blending.
The control panel is simple and easy to understand, but I did notice that it feels a bit sluggish to respond at times. While it works fine for basic functions, I sometimes wish it were a little quicker.
If you’re in the market for a full-size blender and are looking for something with a better build quality, I’d recommend checking out the Vitamix 7500. It offers a more premium feel and performance.
Blade Shape & Design
When you take a closer look at the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender, you'll notice that the blade assembly is designed to be a column shape, with six sharp blades positioned at different heights. This is a typical design for Ninja blenders, and it's meant to help you blend ingredients efficiently and effectively. However, it's worth noting that this design means you won't be able to use a tamper to scrape down the sides of the jar, which might be a limitation for some users.
One of the benefits of this design is that it's great for crushing ice, which is a common task for many blender users. However, it's not particularly unique compared to blenders with more traditional blades at the bottom of the jar. The blades themselves are extremely sharp, so you'll need to be careful when handling the assembly, especially when cleaning it by hand. You'll want to make sure you're gentle and deliberate in your movements to avoid any accidents.
The inclusion of a dough blade assembly is a nice touch, as it's specifically designed for forming dough. This is a great feature for anyone who likes to bake or make homemade pasta, and it's a nice addition to the overall package.
When it comes to speed and power, the Ninja SS201 has a decent amount of oomph behind it. The blender has a 1,400-watt motor that can handle most blending tasks with ease. However, it's worth noting that the blender has a relatively small range of speed settings, which might be a limitation for some users.
The difference between the lowest and highest speeds is relatively small compared to other blenders on the market. The highest speed of 4,000 RPM is also not as fast as some other full-size blenders, which can make it difficult to achieve perfectly smooth purees. This might be a drawback for users who are looking for a blender that can handle tough ingredients with ease.
Additionally, you don't have a lot of options for fine-tuning the speed to suit different recipes, which may be a limitation for some users. If you're the type of person who likes to experiment with different recipes and ingredients, you might find that the Ninja SS201 doesn't offer enough flexibility in terms of speed control. However, for most users, the blender's speed and power should be more than sufficient for most blending tasks.
Performance
Making Soups
The Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Pitcher has some limitations when it comes to handling hot ingredients. This blender isn't designed to be used with anything hot, which means it’s not suitable for making soups or any other hot blends. If you're thinking about preparing hot liquids, this model won’t be a good fit.
Its jar, however, has a decent capacity. You can make multiple servings in one go, which is great if you're blending for more than one person. But there’s a catch. When it comes to blending fibrous vegetables like kale or broccoli, it struggles to achieve a perfectly smooth texture. The results may still have some chunks, which can be disappointing if you're looking for a silky smooth blend.
In terms of performance, after several tests, the Ninja Foodi SS201 earned 48 points. While it performs reasonably well in some areas, it doesn’t match up to higher-end blenders like the Ninja Chef blender or the Vitamix A2500, which offer smoother blends and more versatility. So, while the SS201 has its strengths, it’s not perfect for all types of blending tasks.
Making Smoothies
After checking how the Ninja ss201 foodi power pitcher handles blending fibrous produce, it seems this appliance has some room for improvement in this area. According to the assessments, even when processing smaller batches in the main jar, fibrous greens like kale are not fully pulverized, resulting in a grainy texture.
This is likely due to a lack of power relative to the large jar size. Other Ninja models with included personal-sized jars seem better equipped to thoroughly blend denser ingredients in smaller portions. The SS201 would also struggle with higher-volume recipes due to insufficient processing power at full capacity.
It's disappointing this blender cannot consistently achieve smooth, lump-free textures from items like kale even after extended blending periods. This performance falls short compared to similarly-priced competitors. The occasional surge in volume and speed is also curious, suggesting potential issues with power regulation.
Making Nut Butter
After testing smoothies, I decided to check how the Ninja ss201 foodi power pitcher 4in1 handles making nut butter, it seems this appliance also does a pretty great job at the task. According to the assessments, it produces a very smooth nut butter that would be enjoyable to spread.
The process also sounds fairly straightforward, slowly increasing the speed to fully incorporate ingredients. While it may take some time to complete, having to pause briefly to scrape down the sides isn't too much of a hassle.
For occasional homemade nut butter needs, the SS201 looks to deliver nice, spreadable results with just a bit more hands-on attention compared to higher-end machines. I can see why full-size blender models with more power make the job even simpler.
Still, getting such a smooth texture is a testament to the Ninja's blending abilities. For those seeking a simple, affordable option to experiment with nut butters, this blender appears to fit the bill well. The high marks for texture are promising for anyone relying on nut butters as a regular snack. Overall a capable choice given the price point.
Crushing Ice
The Ninja blender ss201 seems highly effective at crushing ice. According to the assessments, it earns perfect scores for both the preparation and texture when performing this task.
The reviews indicate this blender needs only a brief minute on the dedicated "Ice Crush" setting to pulverize ice into an ultra-fine, uniform consistency resembling snow. This level of precision and speed is quite impressive.
Being able to easily make crushed ice, slushies or frozen cocktails in such a short time frame would no doubt be a huge convenience, especially in warmer months. The uniform texture achieved suggests even melting would occur at an ideal pace.
It's clear the Ninja's powerful blending capabilities are well-suited to ice applications. The rave reviews show homeowners can rely on it to simplify recipes calling for crushed ice too. For anyone hosting events requiring volume ice production, this blender looks like it could be a true time-saver.
How To Use Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender
The 10-speed dial in manual mode caught my attention. Having precise adjustment over the blending power level seems ideal for tasks like nut butters that require a gradual increase. I can see fine-tuning countless recipes to perfection with this feature.
The inclusion of preprogrammed settings like Smoothie, Ice Crush and more also piqued my interest. Being able to throw all ingredients in and let the blender do the work for the allotted time would save precious minutes in my day-to-day routine. The pulse function provides extra flexibility too.
I was thrilled to discover the cleaning cycle option as well. No longer would I have to tediously scrub residue - simply running hot soapy water on the "Bowl" setting takes care of it automatically. What a time-saver!
The auto shut-off at 60 seconds is also a nice safety feature. No more worrying about over-blending soups or risking friction burns. Overall, the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender's thoughtful design aims to simplify tasks while maintaining manual control.
While some high-end models offer fancier perks, the Ninja foodi ss201 power blender & processor seems perfectly capable of handling my regular blending needs. For the affordable price, it appears the perfect workhorse blender worth making space for on my countertop. Ease and efficiency are what busy home cooks like myself need most.
Easy to Clean
The most concerning aspect seems to be the risk of injury from the very sharp, detachable blade assembly. Careful handling is certainly required to avoid any accidental cuts or nicks when removing this part for washing.
Thorough cleaning also seems hampered by the design. Tight spaces like where the blade column meets the jar would be tricky to scrub effectively and free of residue. This nook could easily harbor lingering mess.
For safety-conscious individuals or those who prioritize easy maintenance, these cleaning difficulties may pose issues over time. Getting into all crevices to sanitize fully after each use looks to require caution and dexterity.
While the powerful blending performance remains worthwhile, cleanup is an important consideration that some may find less than ideal with this model.
Noise Level
The Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender definitely leans on the louder side. According to the decibel rating, it emits sound nearly equivalent to a busy restaurant kitchen at full power.
For light sleepers or those who like to blend early or late, this could pose an issue. The high-pitched motor noise may disrupt roommates, partners or kids trying to nap.
If a quieter operation is a top priority, there are better options out there. The Ninja BN751, for example, seems to have noticeably lower decibel output. This would make it kinder for blending at sensitive times.
The Foodi SS201 still gets the job done well for most recipes. But noise control just isn't its strong suit. Light blending tasks should be fine, but it may not be ideal for early risers or those on the night shift. Slightly louder models could be a better fit if noise tolerance is higher.
Comparison with Other Blenders
Both blenders seem like good options depending on your needs in the kitchen. From my research, the KitchenAid K400 appears to be the stronger choice if you plan to blend a lot of leafy greens and fibrous veggies. Its more powerful motor really pulverizes kale and broccoli into a silky-smooth puree that's perfect for smoothies, soups and other recipes. It can also heat as well as blend hot ingredients, which is super handy.
That said, the Ninja Foodi does have some perks over the KitchenAid. Namely, it seems like it would be better for making nut butters and thicker dips or sauces. This is because it comes with a few additional features focused on processing drier, chunkier mixtures into smooth and creamy textures. The touchscreen controls and pre-programmed settings also make it simpler to use for novice cooks.
These two countertop appliances both aim to make blending easy and versatile in the kitchen. However, when examining their features and performance side-by-side, it becomes clear that each caters to slightly different cooking styles.
Starting with capacity, the Oster Pro 1200 has a significant edge. Its 48 ounce pitcher is enormous - perfect for mixing up big batches of smoothies, soups, or blended drinks to enjoy throughout the week. It also includes a 24 ounce personal blending jar for on-the-go portions. The Ninja's 72 ounce pitcher is no slouch, but the Oster just provides more flexibility.
When it comes to blending power, the Oster also has an advantage. Despite the 1200 watt motor, It’s still strong enough to make light work of even the toughest ingredients. Kale, spinach, carrots and smoothies, the Oster pulverizes fibrous veggies into silky-smooth purees. User reviews confirm it far outperforms the Ninja in terms of texture and consistency for blended recipes. This is especially useful if smoothies or plant-based soups are a regular part of your diet.
On the other hand, the Ninja's specialty is noise reduction. With its Quiet Blend technology, it operates at a mere 94 decibels - significantly quieter than the Oster's 97 decibel volume. For households where noise is a concern, like with babies sleeping or working from home, the Ninja could be preferable just for the peace and quiet. It also excels at crushing ice, making homemade slushies or frozen cocktails a breeze.
In terms of cleaning, the Oster has an advantage here as well. All its parts are dishwasher safe for a simple wash after use. The Ninja requires more hand-washing of components. Both have presets and functions for different recipes, but the Oster's power means faster, smoother results.
After analyzing reviews and specs, it's clear the Vitamix has some superior features that make it a top-performing choice.
For starters, the Vitamix 5200 blender is built to last - its hardened steel blades and motor base will no doubt outlive most kitchen tools. More importantly, its horsepower allows it to tackle just about any recipe with finesse. Whether pureeing greens into velvet smoothies or grinding nuts into creamy butter, the Vitamix processes it all with just the touch of a button. The Ninja simply can't match its precision, making sauces or dips consistently lump-free.
The Vitamix also has an edge in versatility. Its variable speed settings and ability to both blend and heat ingredients with the touch of a button opens up so many possibilities. You can make anything from nut milks to soup right in the same container. Cleaning is easier too since no parts need to be detached. While the Ninja can handle ice well, for most recipes, the Vitamix is unparalleled in quality and performance.
Both have foodi blenders have a 72oz pitcher for batch blending, but the SS351's is noticeably sturdier with reinforced sides. Its motor base also feels hardier than the SS201's plastic build. These differences become important when tackling thicker mixtures on a regular basis. The SS351 likely has more longevity for frequent use.
When it comes to performance, the Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender again has an edge. With the 1200-watt motor, reviews confirm it reaches a finer blend faster than the 1400 watts motor which is fitted in the SS201. This is hugely helpful when prepping smoothies or meals in a time crunch. Its pulse feature is also more powerful for achieving the perfect texture in dips or sauces.
Some added perks of the SS351 include its pair of 24oz personal blending cups. These allow for making single servings on the go in seconds. Meanwhile, the SS201 only comes with the standard pitcher. The SS351 is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, though a bit louder during operation.
Now, the SS201 isn't without merits - it operates at a noticeably quieter volume which some prioritize. But for most users, the SS351's superior blending and versatile features outweigh this difference. Its strength handles even frozen fruits with ease, creating silky-smooth results.
The Vitamix E310 blender feels incredibly sturdy. Its 2 peak horsepower motor base is built to commercial grade standards for longevity. Meanwhile, the Ninja, though well-made, uses more plastic which may not stand up to daily heavy use as well over years.
When it comes to blending, the Vitamix is in a different league. Reviews rave about its ability to pulverize even frozen bananas and tough nuts into perfectly silky textures. Presets for recipes like nut butters or hot soups ensure flawless results with minimal effort. The Ninja, though no slouch, simply can't match its consistency.
The Vitamix also wins on versatility. Its variable speed settings and ability to both blend and heat in the same container opens up so many possibilities - from creamy soups to homemade nut milks. Cleanup is also easier with no detachable parts. Meanwhile, the Ninja focuses more on preset programs.
Admittedly, the Vitamix does carry a higher price tag. But for those who blend daily, its commercial performance will last a lifetime of meal prep. And its precision frees up creative cooking potential. While the Ninja is great for occasional blending, the Vitamix is an investment that truly takes recipes to a restaurant level with minimal effort.
The Vitamix A2300 feels built to last. Its aircraft-grade stainless steel blades and heavy-duty motor base have a commercial-grade sturdiness. The 64oz container is also roomier than the SS201's 72oz pitcher. Meanwhile, the Ninja is lighter and more compact for smaller kitchens.
In terms of blending power, the A2300 is in a league of its own. Its variable speed settings and precision-tuned blades pulverize ingredients to silky-smooth perfection. Users rave about its ability to crush ice into "snow" in seconds, saving time in warm months. The Ninja simply can't match this level of pulverization consistently.
Some added perks of the Vitamix include its programmable timer and ability to sync with Vitamix's app for extended control. The Ninja keeps things straightforward with presets. However, it does operate at a noticeably quieter volume which could be preferable for some.
While the Vitamix carries a higher price tag, its commercial-grade performance, versatility of use, and built-in longevity make it an investment that truly pays dividends over time. For serious home chefs, it's simply unrivaled in terms of blending precision. The Ninja still excels at basic tasks but can't quite compete overall.
My Verdict
After putting the Ninja Foodi SS201 through its paces over the past month, I have to say I'm impressed with its performance for the price. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it proved more than capable of handling my daily blending needs with ease.
The combination of manual control via the 10-speed dial plus pre-programmed settings gave me versatility for any recipe. The auto shut-off and included tamper provided peace of mind. And the cleaning cycle made maintenance a breeze. Overall, it packs a lot of value into a relatively affordable package.
Compared to other options I tested like the Oster Pro, KitchenAid and Vitamix, the Ninja Foodi SS201 Power Blender is admittedly louder and has less power overall. But for occasional home use, it delivers smoothies, soups and more without complaint. I can't argue with the results it produces for the much lower cost.
For busy folks on a budget who need basic blending functionality, I have no hesitation recommending the Ninja Foodi SS201. It's a workhorse that simplifies recipes without breaking the bank. While not the most high-end machine, it's a solid value for most home cooks. For the price, it's hard to beat.
