Ninja BN701 vs BL660 is a choice between automatic pitcher programs and a more flexible serving setup. Both handle large batches, but the linked BL660 also includes two personal cups. The BN701 bundle does not.
Quick verdict: choose presets or blend-and-go cups
Choose BN701 for family batches and timed Auto-iQ programs. Choose BL660 when you also want to blend one smoothie directly in a cup and take it with you. If your priority is silky green smoothies, the BN701’s independent test results deserve attention before buying.
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Ninja BN701 vs BL660 at a glance
| Decision point | What changes the buying decision |
|---|---|
| Pitcher capacity | Both: 72 oz nominal size, with a 64 oz maximum liquid fill. BN701 does not have a larger usable pitcher. |
| Controls | BN701: three Auto-iQ presets plus manual speeds and pulse. BL660: three manual speeds, pulse and a single-serve button. |
| Personal cups | BN701 bundle: none. BL660 bundle: two 16 oz cups, to-go lids and a separate cup blade assembly. |
| Power figures | BN701: advertised 1,400 peak watts. BL660: rated 1,100 watts. Those figures are not a matched blending-performance test. |
| Cleanup | Both: dishwasher-safe removable blending parts; follow the guide for blade/lid placement. Wipe the motor base separately. |
| Hot liquids | Neither: a suitable choice for blending hot soup. Both guides prohibit hot ingredients or liquids. |
Family batches or one smoothie to take out?
Illustration of serving routines, not Ninja product photography or a smoothie test.
For several drinks at once, either pitcher covers the same maximum liquid capacity. The BN701’s main advantage is its timed pulsing, blending and pauses; it is not extra space.
For one morning smoothie, the BL660 cup can reduce transferring and washing a full-size pitcher. Blend in the cup, remove the blade assembly and fit a drinking lid. You still need to wash the cup blade and lid.
Do not assume a BN701 can become the BL660 cup system by buying a random attachment. Match accessories to the exact model; the supplied BN701 kit is pitcher-only.
When the BN701 is the better fit
Best for: someone making batches of frozen drinks who prefers a preset cycle over managing the controls throughout. Its physical controls also let you choose a manual speed or pulse.
Main limitation: Auto-iQ does not guarantee a silky smoothie. RTINGS tested the dark-grey BN701 and found excellent ice crushing with the Ice Crush preset, but a grainier result with fibrous ingredients such as kale. That is a useful distinction between crushing ice and thoroughly processing greens.
Pay for the preset workflow if you will use it. The 1,400 figure is peak power, and Ninja’s ‘more powerful’ marketing comparison is against BL610—not proof that BN701 makes better smoothies than BL660.
When the BL660 is the better fit
Best for: a household that wants both a large pitcher and individual drinks. The two included cups and their dedicated blade assembly are a practical bundle advantage when people want different smoothie recipes.
Main limitation: you control the pitcher blending manually. There is no equivalent set of BN701 Auto-iQ cycles. The 16 oz cup is also a smaller serving vessel, so follow its fill marking rather than the pitcher’s capacity.
Choose it for serving flexibility—not an unverified claim that its cup produces a smoother blend. We did not find a directly matched BN701/BL660 texture test to establish that.
Cleaning and everyday handling
Dishwasher-safe parts help, but both pitchers have a sharp removable blade stack. Follow the handling instructions: if pouring with the lid removed, remove the blade assembly first by its shaft. Unplug before disassembly and cleaning.
BL660 adds cups, lids and a second blade assembly to store. BN701 has fewer supplied accessories, although it still occupies counter and cupboard space as a full-size blender. Measure clearance to lift and open the pitcher, not just the base footprint.
Ninja BN701 vs BL660: which is better value?
If you regularly make one smoothie to go, compare the BL660’s complete cup bundle against the BN701’s pitcher-only offer. If you mostly serve several people and value timed programs, BN701 is the more relevant purchase. A lower price can swing the decision when you do not need the other model’s defining feature.
Check the current price, model number and included accessories on Amazon. International redirects may show a different product; both supplied links resolved to the same substitute listing in the UK during our check. These are US models, so also verify local voltage and warranty.
Common buying questions
Is BN701 better for ice crushing?
RTINGS found excellent ice crushing in BN701 testing. That supports it for frozen drinks, but it does not establish a win over BL660 without a matched comparison.
Does BN701 come with personal cups?
Not in this verified bundle. BL660 includes two 16 oz cups. Do not confuse BN701 with Ninja’s different DUO or Kitchen System bundles.
Is BN701 an ice cream maker?
Its Ice Cream program blends suitable frozen ingredients; it does not freeze or churn a liquid base. For a dedicated frozen-dessert appliance, see our Ninja CREAMi model comparison.
Research notes
Researched October 13, 2026. Decively has not tested these blenders. Bundle facts were verified on Amazon.com and Ninja’s exact-model pages; handling and program details come from Ninja’s guides. RTINGS’ results are attributed to its tested dark-grey BN701. No matched BL660 taste, texture or durability result is claimed.
Original US destinations: BN701 Grey, B0855B5Z6F; BL660 Grey/Silver with two cups, B00939FV8K. Prices, bundles and localized matches may change.
Ninja — BN701 specifications and pitcher-only bundle
Ninja — BL660 specifications and included personal cups
Ninja — BN701 quick-start and recipe guide
Ninja — BL660 owner’s guide, hosted by LINCC
RTINGS — tested BN701 ice-crushing and fibrous-ingredient performance
