The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the right appliances can make a huge difference in how efficiently and enjoyably you cook. One blender that has been making waves in both home and professional kitchens is the Ninja Professional Plus. With bold claims about power, versatility, and convenience, it has built a strong reputation since its release. But is the Ninja Professional Plus really as good as the hype suggests?
In this in-depth, SEO-optimized article, we’ll dive into every aspect of the Ninja Professional Plus—its features, performance, pros and cons, real-world usability, and how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a busy parent, or someone looking to upgrade their kitchen arsenal, this review will help you decide: Is Ninja Professional Plus any good?
What Is the Ninja Professional Plus Blender?
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender (often referred to as the BL660 or BL610, depending on the model) is a mid-to-high-tier countertop blender in Ninja’s popular Pro series. Designed to tackle everything from smoothies and soups to frozen drinks and nut butters, it’s marketed as a “professional-grade” appliance for everyday kitchens.
Manufactured by SharkNinja, a company known for its innovative kitchen tools, the Ninja Professional Plus blends robust performance with modern design. It promises commercial-style blending power at a price that’s more accessible than true professional models.
Key Features That Set the Ninja Professional Plus Apart
Before judging whether the Ninja Professional Plus is effective, let’s explore the standout features that define its functionality:
1. Powerful 1100-Watt Motor
At the core is a powerful 1100-watt motor. This is significantly stronger than many entry-level blenders (which typically max out at 600–800 watts), allowing it to pulverize tough ingredients like ice, frozen fruit, fibrous vegetables, and even nuts.
This high wattage translates into faster blending, less heat build-up, and better nutrient retention—especially important when making raw smoothies or hot soups.
2. Total Crushing Technology with Pro Extractor Blades
The blade design is where the Ninja Professional Plus truly shines. It features:
- Durable, 4-point stacked blades
- Sharp stainless-steel construction
- Optimized blade curvature for downward flow
These blades work in harmony with the motor to “extract” nutrients by breaking down cell walls in fruits and vegetables more thoroughly than standard blenders. This technology is particularly appealing for health-conscious users.
3. Two Large Blending Containers
The Ninja Professional Plus includes:
- 72-ounce (9-cup) pitcher – Ideal for family-sized batches or meal prep.
- 16-ounce (2-cup) single-serve cup – Perfect for smoothies on the go, with a to-go lid included.
Both containers are made of BPA-free plastic—a health-conscious choice—and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
4. Three Pre-Set Programs with Manual Speed Control
The control panel features:
- Pulse
- Smoothie
- Ice Crush
- Auto-IQ (select models)
While it lacks the fully digital interface of more advanced models like the Ninja Foodi Blender系列, the tactile buttons and manual speed dial offer intuitive, reliable operation. The pre-programmed settings are useful for beginners or those who want consistency without guesswork.
5. Self-Cleaning Functionality
Cleaning blenders can be a chore, but the Ninja Professional Plus simplifies it. Simply add warm water and a drop of dish soap to the pitcher, press Pulse a few times, and voilà—clean blender with minimal effort.
This feature alone can be a game-changer for busy individuals who value efficiency without the scrubbing.
Performance: How Well Does It Actually Blend?
The true test of any blender is its performance. Let’s break it down by common kitchen tasks.
Smoothies: Silky Consistency Every Time
Creating smoothies is perhaps the most common use for any high-speed blender. The Ninja Professional Plus excels here. Whether you’re blending leafy greens, thick frozen fruit, protein powder, or seeds, the 1100-watt motor and stacked blades ensure a smooth, lump-free texture in less than 45 seconds.
Users consistently report that this blender outperforms cheaper models in breaking down kale, spinach, and frozen berries—ingredients that often result in gritty or fibrous blends in lower-end machines.
Ice Crushing and Frozen Drinks
Thanks to its Ice Crush setting, the Ninja Professional Plus makes short work of ice. Crushed ice is uniform and fine, great for frozen margaritas, slushies, or blending thick smoothie bowls.
It handles dry ice crushing as well (e.g., for cocktails or desserts), though continuous ice use should be done in short bursts to avoid overheating.
Soups: From Raw to Hot in Minutes
A major highlight of the Ninja Professional Plus is its ability to make hot soups using friction heat. You don’t need stove-top cooking—just blend raw ingredients like onions, carrots, broth, and spices on high speed for 3–5 minutes, and the friction from the blades generates enough heat to cook the soup.
While it doesn’t fully replace a stovetop for all recipes, it’s an impressive feature for quick meals like tomato soup or creamy broths. Just note that this function works best when blending sufficient volume and on highest speed.
Nut Butters and Dough
Turning nuts into butter is a difficult task for many blenders, but the Ninja Professional Plus does a decent job—especially with almonds, peanuts, and cashews. It may take a few minutes and multiple scraping sessions, but it eventually produces rich, creamy nut butter with no added oils.
Moreover, the blender can knead bread dough or blend pancake batters, though it’s not a dedicated food processor. For occasional use, however, this versatility adds value.
Crushing Spices and Grinding Coffee Beans (With Care)
While not a primary function, power users have repurposed the Ninja Professional Plus to grind spices and coffee beans. The powerful motor can pulverize peppercorns or cinnamon sticks, but keep sessions short and clean thoroughly afterward to avoid flavor carryover.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
To give you a balanced view, here’s a detailed table summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the Ninja Professional Plus:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 1100-watt motor—handles tough ingredients with ease | Noise level is noticeable—can be loud during high-speed operation |
| Multiple container sizes—great for both family meals and individual servings | Plastic pitchers may scratch—especially when blending ice or nuts frequently |
| Excellent blending consistency—especially for smoothies and soups | Limited digital features—lacks programmable timers or app connectivity |
| Easy to clean—self-cleaning option and dishwasher-safe parts | Not as powerful as Vitamix or Blendtec—for ultra-fine textures or commercial use |
| More affordable than premium competitors—around $80–$120 retail | Base is larger—may take up more counter space |
Who Is the Ninja Professional Plus Best For?
The Ninja Professional Plus caters to several user types:
1. Families and Meal Preppers
With a large 72-ounce pitcher, you can blend multiple smoothies or batch-prep soups, sauces, and baby food in one go. This saves time and energy—ideal for parents or those who meal prep weekly.
2. Health Enthusiasts and Smoothie Lovers
If your daily routine includes green smoothies, protein shakes, or nutrient-packed tonics, this blender delivers full extraction and consistent results. The BPA-free containers also ensure safety for daily use.
3. Budget-Conscious Buyers
Compared to premium blenders like Vitamix (which can cost $400+), the Ninja Professional Plus offers 80–90% of the performance at a fraction of the price. For those who want power but aren’t ready to splurge, this is a smart investment.
4. Users Who Value Ease of Cleaning
Busy professionals or people with limited time will appreciate the self-cleaning function and dishwasher-safe parts. This blurs the line between convenience and functionality.
Comparison: Ninja Professional Plus vs. the Competition
To judge whether this blender is actually “good,” it helps to benchmark it against key competitors.
Ninja Professional Plus vs. Vitamix 5200
The Vitamix 5200 is often considered the gold standard. While it has a similar wattage (also around 1100–1380 watts), it typically blends smoother, quieter, and with superior longevity due to hardened blades and a tamper.
However, the Vitamix costs double or triple the price of the Ninja Professional Plus. For average home use, the Ninja often delivers comparable results at a better value.
Ninja Professional Plus vs. Nutribullet Pro 900
The Nutribullet Pro 900 offers a 900-watt motor and a compact design, making it great for small kitchens or single users. However, it only includes single-serve cups (no large pitcher), limiting its versatility.
The Ninja Professional Plus wins here with its dual-container setup and higher motor power—especially if you need to blend for more than one person.
Ninja Professional Plus vs. KitchenAid K400
KitchenAid’s K400 blender is stylish and offers variable speed, but its motor is often rated around 1000 watts—slightly less powerful. The Ninja models tend to be more aggressive in breaking down fibrous material, giving them an edge in performance.
Plus, Ninja typically offers better price-to-performance ratios.
Customer Reviews and Real-World Feedback
Across major retail platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, the Ninja Professional Plus consistently holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on thousands of customer reviews.
Common praise includes:
- “Blends frozen fruit like butter—no chunks!”
- “Perfect for morning smoothies and baby food prep.”
- “Easy to clean—just add soap and pulse.”
- “Great value for the price.”
Criticism tends to focus on:
- “Loud when blending ice.”
- “Plastic container scratches easily.”
- “Not quiet enough for early morning use.”
Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Many users feel that the performance and versatility justify any minor flaws.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
To get the most out of your Ninja Professional Plus and ensure it lasts for years, follow these best practices:
Regular Cleaning is Key
Even though the self-cleaning function works well, perform a deeper clean every few weeks. Wash the blade assembly thoroughly and inspect for food buildup.
Avoid Blending Extremely Hard Items
While the blades are durable, avoid regularly blending items like whole coffee beans, ice cubes in large batches, or hard spices. These can dull the blades over time.
Don’t Overheat the Motor
Limit continuous blending to 60–90 seconds at a time, especially when processing tough ingredients. Let the motor cool for a minute if needed before resuming.
Use the Right Container for the Task
Use the large pitcher for soups and family meals. Reserve the single-serve cup for smoothies and shakes. Misusing containers can reduce efficiency or damage the seal.
Is the Ninja Professional Plus Worth the Money?
At a retail price typically ranging from $80 to $120, the Ninja Professional Plus delivers exceptional value. When you consider its:
- 1100-watt motor
- Two interchangeable containers
- Ability to make hot soups, nut butters, and frozen drinks
- Easy cleaning and durability
…it becomes clear that this blender punches above its weight class.
For under $100, it competes with blenders priced much higher. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of commercial-grade machines, it more than meets the needs of the vast majority of home users.
If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile, and budget-friendly blender, the Ninja Professional Plus is absolutely worth considering.
Where to Buy and Warranty Info
The Ninja Professional Plus is widely available through:
- Amazon (often with Prime delivery)
- Walmart, Target, and Best Buy
- Direct from the Ninja website
It typically comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Some retailers offer extended protection plans for additional peace of mind.
Always purchase from authorized sellers to ensure warranty validity and receive genuine products.
Final Verdict: Is Ninja Professional Plus Any Good?
After thorough analysis of features, performance, user reviews, and market comparisons, the answer is a resounding yes—the Ninja Professional Plus is a good blender.
It’s not the absolute top-tier machine for serious culinary professionals, but for home cooks, fitness enthusiasts, parents, and budget-conscious shoppers, it strikes the perfect balance between power, versatility, and affordability.
While no blender is perfect, the Ninja Professional Plus minimizes compromises. It makes smoothies silky, crushes ice reliably, heats soups through friction, and cleans up with ease. The plastic containers may show wear over time, and the noise level is worth noting—but these are minor trade-offs for what you get.
The Bottom Line
If you want a capable, no-nonsense blender that can handle almost any kitchen task without draining your wallet, the Ninja Professional Plus is definitely a good choice. It’s a well-engineered appliance that earns its place on countertops across America.
Whether you’re blending your morning smoothie, preparing nutritious meals for your family, or whipping up a batch of hummus, this blender delivers consistent, reliable performance you can count on.
So, is the Ninja Professional Plus any good? Absolutely—and for most people, it might just be the best blender they’ll ever need.
What is the Ninja Professional Plus Blender and who is it designed for?
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender is a high-performance kitchen appliance designed for individuals who frequently prepare smoothies, soups, frozen drinks, and other blended recipes. It features a powerful 1400-watt motor and comes with dual-layer blades that are engineered to crush ice, pulverize whole fruits and vegetables, and blend ingredients into smooth, consistent textures. Built with a large 72-ounce pitcher and two 16-ounce to-go cups, it caters well to both families and those who enjoy meal prepping or taking blended beverages on the go.
This blender is ideal for home cooks, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals looking for a reliable and efficient blending solution. Its intuitive design allows both novice and experienced users to create complex recipes without much learning curve. With multiple speed settings and preset programs, the Ninja Professional Plus offers flexibility for a wide range of culinary tasks, from making nut butters to grinding coffee beans. Its combination of power, capacity, and convenience makes it a solid choice for everyday kitchen use.
How powerful is the motor in the Ninja Professional Plus Blender?
The Ninja Professional Plus Blender is equipped with a 1400-watt motor, which is considered quite powerful in the mid-to-high range of countertop blenders. This high-wattage motor provides robust torque, enabling it to break down tough ingredients like ice, fibrous vegetables, and frozen fruit with ease. The power output ensures consistent blending and reduces the possibility of motor strain, even during extended use or when handling dense mixtures such as protein shakes or thick smoothie bowls.
Compared to many standard blenders that operate between 500 to 1000 watts, the Ninja Professional Plus stands out for its ability to handle demanding blending tasks without overheating. The motor’s efficiency is enhanced by intelligent blade design and optimized jar geometry, which work together to circulate ingredients for a smoother blend. Users report significantly reduced blend times, especially when making frozen desserts or hot soups, thanks to this powerful motor. Overall, the performance is commendable for home use and approaches that of some commercial-grade models.
Can the Ninja Professional Plus make hot soup?
Yes, the Ninja Professional Plus Blender can make hot soup using its unique “Soup” preset function. This feature leverages friction heat generated by the high-speed spinning blades to heat ingredients directly in the pitcher. By blending on high for several minutes, typically around 4 to 6 minutes depending on the recipe, the blender can raise the temperature of the mixture enough to produce a steaming hot soup without requiring a stove or microwave. This function is especially convenient for quick, healthy meals with minimal cleanup.
To make hot soup, users typically add cooked vegetables, broth, and seasonings, then activate the Soup preset. The blender runs at a sustained high speed, emulsifying and heating the mixture simultaneously to create a creamy texture. While the soup won’t reach boiling temperatures, it becomes pleasantly warm and is ideal for dishes like tomato soup or butternut squash. Users should follow safety guidelines—such as not overfilling the pitcher and using the lid with the vented center cap—to avoid any risk of spills or burns during operation.
What safety features does the Ninja Professional Plus include?
The Ninja Professional Plus is designed with several safety features to ensure safe operation in a busy kitchen environment. One of the most important is the interlock system, which prevents the blender from operating unless the pitcher or cups are properly seated on the base. This minimizes the risk of accidental starts and spills. The pitcher lid includes a locking mechanism and a removable center cap that allows for ingredient addition during blending while reducing the risk of splatters.
Additionally, the blender is equipped with overheat protection that automatically shuts off the motor if it detects excessive strain or prolonged use that could lead to damage. The non-slip feet at the base ensure stability during operation, especially at high speeds. The materials used in construction—BPA-free plastic for the pitchers and durable components for the blades—are tested for food safety. These features collectively enhance user confidence, particularly for households with children or inexperienced kitchen users.
How easy is the Ninja Professional Plus to clean?
Cleaning the Ninja Professional Plus Blender is straightforward and user-friendly thanks to its self-cleaning function and dishwasher-safe components. The large pitcher, to-go cups, lids, and blade assemblies can all be placed in the dishwasher’s top rack, making post-blend cleanup convenient. For quick cleaning, users can add warm water and a drop of dish soap to the pitcher, then run the “Clean” preset or blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, effectively loosening residue and minimizing hands-on scrubbing.
The blender’s blade assembly detaches easily from the pitcher base, allowing more thorough cleaning around the blades where food can accumulate. The smooth interior of the pitcher and cups prevents material from sticking, especially when cleaned immediately after use. However, certain sticky ingredients like nut butters or thick smoothie remnants may require extra attention. While not fully hands-off, the cleaning process is significantly easier compared to many other high-powered blenders, contributing to its appeal for daily use.
What are the key differences between the Ninja Professional Plus and other Ninja models?
The Ninja Professional Plus distinguishes itself from other Ninja blender models through its powerful 1400-watt motor, Soup and Clean presets, and larger 72-ounce pitcher. Models like the Ninja Professional (BL610) offer similar power but lack the preset programs, requiring users to manually control blending times and speeds. The Professional Plus also includes dual-layer blades and a more refined control panel with LED indicators, enhancing usability and performance consistency. These upgrades make it more suited for advanced blending tasks and frequent users.
Compared to compact models like the Ninja NutriBullet or smaller personal blenders, the Professional Plus focuses on versatility and volume, making it better for family-sized batches. It also outperforms the basic Ninja Blender models in durability and heat generation capabilities, particularly for soups. While it is more expensive than entry-level options, its combination of features, build quality, and performance offers greater long-term value. Choosing between models ultimately depends on individual needs—whether prioritizing portability, simplicity, or multi-functional power.
Is the Ninja Professional Plus worth the investment?
For users seeking a dependable, versatile blender for daily use, the Ninja Professional Plus is generally considered a worthwhile investment. It offers strong performance, multiple blending functions, and high-quality components at a price point that is competitive within the mid-range market. Its ability to crush ice, make hot soup, and create smooth, lump-free blends sets it apart from many standard blenders. The inclusion of both a large pitcher and personal cups adds value for families and individuals alike, reducing the need for additional appliances.
Moreover, its durability and ease of cleaning contribute to long-term satisfaction and reduced maintenance costs. While premium brands like Vitamix or Blendtec may offer slightly better performance or longer warranties, they come at significantly higher prices. The Ninja Professional Plus strikes a practical balance between cost and capability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on power or functionality. Overall, it delivers excellent value for most home kitchens.