You can start using the Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender by locking the pitcher onto the base, selecting a preset, and pressing the start button. This unit uses 1,400 watts of power to crush ice and blend ingredients in as little as 30 seconds. It’s a tool for home cooks who need to process large batches of ingredients quickly.
Preparing your Ninja Professional Plus Blender
To get the best results, you must have the right setup ready before you plug in your machine. You’ll need:
- The motor base, which must sit on a clean, level, and dry surface.
- The 72-ounce pitcher with the locking lid and the pouring spout.
- The stacked blade assembly, which must be handled with care as it’s very sharp.
- A stable power outlet that matches the voltage rating shown on the bottom of the base.
If you’re missing the lid or the blade, you can order replacements from the Ninja Kitchen official support site. Don’t attempt to use the blender with third-party blades, as these may not lock correctly and could damage the motor.
Steps for blending your ingredients
- Place the motor base on a flat, dry surface and plug it into a wall outlet.
- Slide the pitcher onto the base until you hear a click, which tells you it’s locked in place.
- Lower the stacked blade assembly carefully onto the drive gear inside the pitcher.
- Add your liquids first, then your soft ingredients, and finally your ice or frozen items.
- Secure the lid by aligning the handle with the pitcher’s spout and pushing the handle down until it clicks.
- Press the power button to turn the unit on, then select your desired preset or manual speed.
- Wait for the blender to finish its cycle before you try to remove the lid.
- Unlock the pitcher by pressing the release button on the side of the base and lifting it off.
Careful: The blades are extremely sharp, so always handle them by the plastic center post. Tip: If the ingredients get stuck, stop the machine, unplug it, and use a silicone spatula to push the food toward the blades.
How your blending time changes
The time required depends on the texture you want and the hardness of your items. If you use frozen fruit, the motor needs more time to break down the ice crystals than it does for fresh greens.
| Ingredient Type | Estimated Time | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Smoothies | 30–45 seconds | Watch for a swirl. |
| Frozen Drinks | 60 seconds | Check for ice chunks. |
| Dips or Sauces | 20–30 seconds | Look for smooth texture. |
| Crushed Ice | 15–20 seconds | Stop before it melts. |
Always start with short bursts to avoid over-processing. It’s much safer to blend for a few extra seconds than to start with a long cycle that might turn your ingredients into liquid.
How do you tell me if I did it right?
A successful blend results in a uniform texture with no visible chunks of ice or frozen fruit. If you see large pieces remaining, you have likely overloaded the pitcher or failed to add enough liquid to help the blades move. This happens because the blades rely on a vortex to pull ingredients downward. To prevent this, always ensure your liquid-to-solid ratio is balanced and never fill the pitcher past the “Max Liquid” line.
Safety rules and cleanup
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends keeping fingers and utensils away from blades while the appliance is plugged in to avoid injury. After you finish, unplug the base and wipe it with a damp cloth.
You should wash the pitcher and lid in warm, soapy water immediately to prevent food residue from drying. The pitcher and lid are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but the blade assembly must be hand-washed. These parts last for years if you avoid using abrasive scrubbers.
Alternative blending methods
Using pulse for texture
Use the pulse button for short, controlled bursts. This is best for chopping vegetables or making salsa where you want a chunky consistency rather than a smooth puree.
Single-serve cups
If you purchase the compatible single-serve cups, you can blend directly into your travel container. This saves time on cleanup, though you must use the specific blade assembly designed for those smaller cups.
Manual speed settings
Instead of using presets, use the manual low, medium, or high speeds. This allows you to monitor the texture in real time, which is helpful when you’re working with delicate herbs or spices.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I crush ice in the blender?
Yes, this blender is specifically designed to crush ice into snow in about 20 seconds. Ensure the pitcher is locked and the lid is fully secured before you start the crushing cycle.
Why is the blender not turning on?
The blender won’t start if the pitcher isn’t locked onto the base or if the lid isn’t clicked shut. Check that the handle is pushed all the way down.
Is it safe to put hot liquids in the blender?
No, you should never process hot liquids in this blender because the steam can build up pressure. Allow all ingredients to cool to room temperature before you start the blending process.
How do I clean the blade assembly?
You can clean the blades by running them under warm water with a drop of soap. Always hold the plastic center column and use a long-handled brush to avoid touching the sharp edges.
What happens if I overfill the pitcher?
If you fill past the max line, the ingredients won’t circulate correctly, and the motor may overheat. Always keep your total volume below the highest marking on the side of the pitcher.
How often should I sharpen the blades?
You don’t need to sharpen the blades yourself, as they’re designed to be replaced if they become dull. If you notice it takes much longer to blend, check the blades for wear.
Conclusion
Following these steps ensures your machine stays in good working order. Always keep the base clear of water and store the blades in a safe place away from children. If you encounter any electrical issues or the motor smells like burning, stop using the unit immediately and contact the manufacturer.