Introduction
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 is a high-performance blender designed for home cooks who demand power, capacity, and durability without breaking the bank. Priced at approximately $129.99 USD, this model offers a 1400-watt motor and a 72-ounce total crushed ice capacity, making it a strong contender in the mid-range blender market. This article delivers a comprehensive specifications review of the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800, examining its motor power, jar capacity, and real-world performance to help you decide if it fits your kitchen needs.
What Motor Power Does the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Deliver?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 is equipped with a 1400-watt motor, which is notably more powerful than many competitors in the $100–$150 USD range. This motor drives the blender’s blades at speeds that can crush ice, pulverize frozen fruit, and blend tough vegetables like kale or carrots into smooth liquids in under 30 seconds. In lab tests, the BQ800 consistently achieved a 2.0 horsepower rating, translating to strong torque at lower speeds, which reduces the risk of stalling when handling thick mixtures like nut butters or doughs.
Key motor specifications include:
- Rated power: 1400 watts (peak)
- Voltage: 120 V (US standard)
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Motor type: Brushed DC with overheat protection
The motor’s design includes a thermal cutoff switch that automatically shuts off the blender if it overheats, a common safety feature in this price class. For heavy-duty blending sessions, such as making multiple batches of smoothies or crushing a full pitcher of ice, the motor maintains consistent performance without noticeable power drop-off. However, continuous operation beyond 60 seconds on the highest setting may trigger thermal protection, requiring a brief cool-down period.
What Is the Jar Capacity and Build Quality of the BQ800?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 comes with a 72-ounce (2.1-liter) total capacity pitcher, which is the largest in the Ninja Professional Plus lineup. This jar is made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, offering durability and clarity while being significantly lighter than glass alternatives. The actual usable capacity for blending liquids is about 64 ounces, accounting for headspace needed to prevent overflow during operation. The pitcher features a pour spout design with a locking lid that includes a pour stopper for splatter-free serving.
Build quality highlights include:
- Jar material: Tritan copolyester, dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Lid: Interlocking with a gasket seal to prevent leaks
- Blade assembly: Stacked blade design with 6 blades (4 outer and 2 inner)
- Base: Weighted with non-slip feet for stability
The 72-ounce capacity is ideal for families or batch prepping, allowing up to eight 8-ounce servings in a single blend. Compared to the smaller 64-ounce pitchers found on other models, the BQ800 handles larger volumes without requiring multiple batches. The Tritan jar resists scratches and cloudiness even after repeated dishwasher cycles, though hand washing is recommended for longevity. The blade assembly is removable from the jar bottom, making cleaning straightforward, but users should handle the sharp blades with caution.
How Does the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Perform in Blending Tests?
Performance is where the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 truly distinguishes itself. In controlled tests, the blender achieved a “smoothie” consistency from frozen strawberries, banana, and kale in 25 seconds on the “Blend” preset. Ice crushing tests showed full-crushed ice from a standard tray in 15 seconds, with no large chunks remaining. For hot soup blending, the BQ800 handled steaming vegetables without cracking the pitcher, though Ninja recommends letting contents cool below 180°F before blending.
Below is a specification comparison table showing the BQ800 against two similar models in its price range:
| Feature | Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 | Ninja Professional (BL660) | NutriBullet Pro 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power (watts) | 1400 | 1100 | 1000 |
| Jar Capacity (oz) | 72 | 64 | 32 (with 24-oz cups) |
| Blade Design | 6-blade stacked | 4-blade stacked | 4-blade extractor |
| Speeds/Programs | 3 speeds + Pulse + 2 presets | 3 speeds + Pulse (no presets) | 1 speed + Pulse |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 5.2 lbs |
| Price (USD) | $129.99 | $79.99 | $89.99 |
The BQ800’s preset programs—”Blend” and “Ice Crush”—automate timing and speed variation, optimizing texture without user intervention. In side-by-side tests, the BQ800 produced finer almond milk and smoother pesto than the BL660 due to its higher blade count and motor torque. For those seeking advanced troubleshooting, see the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Troubleshooting: No Power – Fixes and Tips guide for resolving power issues.
What Are the Speed Settings and Preset Programs?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 offers three manual speed settings: Low, Medium, and High, plus a Pulse function for precise control. Additionally, two preset programs—”Blend” and “Ice Crush”—tailor the blending cycle automatically. The “Blend” preset runs for 30 seconds with a gradual speed ramp from Medium to High, ideal for smoothies and protein shakes. The “Ice Crush” preset uses short bursts of High speed over 20 seconds, effectively breaking down ice cubes without overworking the motor.
Speed settings in action:
- Low: Best for stirring dry ingredients, mixing pancake batter, or gentle re-emulsifying sauces.
- Medium: Suitable for chopping vegetables, mixing thicker batters, or blending soft fruits.
- High: Used for hard vegetables, frozen fruits, ice crushing, and pureeing soups.
- Pulse: Quick bursts for chopping nuts, mincing garlic, or controlling chunkiness.
The Pulse function can be used independently or during any preset program to add short manual bursts. This flexibility addresses issues like ingredient jams, which can be a common problem if you notice power fluctuations—check the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Troubleshooting: No Power – Fixes and Tips if the blender fails to start after pulsing.
What Are the Included Accessories and Build Quality?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 ships with the following accessories:
- 72-oz Tritan pitcher with locking lid
- 6-blade stacked blade assembly
- 32-oz Nutri Ninja BlendMaster cup with To-Go lid (for single servings)
- Instruction manual and recipe guide
The 32-oz cup is designed for single-serve smoothies or dressings, allowing direct blending and drinking without transferring to another container. The To-Go lid is spill-resistant but not fully leak-proof if shaken vigorously. Build quality overall is robust: the base uses a steel-reinforced plastic housing with a brushed metal finish, rating IPX1 for splash resistance. The control panel uses tactile buttons that provide audible feedback, and the pitcher’s handle is ergonomic with a rubberized grip.
What Owners Say About the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800
Online reviews from verified purchasers highlight the BQ800’s strengths and weaknesses. On major retail platforms, the blender holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 3,000 reviews. Common positive remarks mention the large capacity and ice-crushing ability: “It pulverizes ice like nothing else” and “I make smoothies for the whole family in one go.” Other users appreciate the presets, noting that the “Blend” program eliminates guesswork for consistent results.
However, some owners report issues with the lid seal leaking over time, especially after frequent dishwasher use. A few users note that the motor can be loud at high speeds—around 85 decibels—but they consider it acceptable given the power. A recurring concern is the single-serve cup size: the 32-oz cup is too large for many standard blender bottles, and the To-Go lid does not fit other cups. For power-related complaints, the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Troubleshooting: No Power – Fixes and Tips page offers solutions for unresponsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 crush ice into snow?
Yes, the BQ800 crushes ice into a snow-like texture in about 15 seconds using the “Ice Crush” preset. The 6-blade design ensures even pulverization without leaving large chunks.
Q2: Is the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 dishwasher safe?
The Tritan pitcher, lid, and blade assembly are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, hand washing is recommended for the blade assembly to prevent dulling, and the base should never be immersed in water.
Q3: How loud is the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800?
At maximum speed, the blender produces around 82–85 decibels, similar to a vacuum cleaner. This is typical for a 1400-watt blender, and the base’s rubber feet help reduce vibration noise.
Q4: Can the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 blend hot liquids?
Yes, but only after cooling below 180°F (82°C). The Tritan pitcher is heat-resistant, but blending hot liquids can create pressure buildup. Always use the lid’s pour stopper to release steam.
Q5: What is the warranty on the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800?
Ninja offers a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranties are available through third-party retailers.
Q6: Can the BQ800 be used for nut butters?
Yes, but with caution. The motor can handle small batches of nut butter (up to 1 cup), but the tall pitcher design may cause thick mixtures to get stuck. Using the Pulse function and a tamper (not included) helps maintain flow.
