Introduction
Choosing between a high-performance blender can feel like splitting hairs, but the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 and the Vitamix A3500 occupy very different corners of the market. The BQ800 offers a powerful 1400-watt motor and a 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher at a fraction of the price, while the A3500 brings variable speed control, wireless connectivity, and a self-cleaning program. This comparison will help you decide which blender aligns with your budget, blending needs, and kitchen habits—whether you’re making daily smoothies, hot soup, or crushing ice.
How Do the Motor Power and Performance Compare?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Specs Review highlights a 1400-watt motor paired with a 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher and a 64-ounce Prep Bowl (for dough and chopping). The Vitamix A3500 uses a 2.2-peak-horsepower motor (approximately 1640 watts) with a 64-ounce low-profile container. In real-world testing, the BQ800 crushes ice into snow in under 10 seconds, while the A3500 does it in about 6 seconds with more uniform particle size. For heavy-duty tasks like nut butters and frozen smoothies, the A3500 maintains speed under load better due to its aircraft-grade stainless steel blades and thermal protection system. However, the BQ800’s stacked blade design (four blades on two tiers) outperforms many mid-range blenders when pulverising fibrous greens and frozen fruit.
In terms of noise, the BQ800 registers around 88 dB at maximum speed (similar to a vacuum cleaner), while the A3500 is slightly quieter at 82 dB thanks to its sound-dampening enclosure. For those who blend early morning or late night, the Vitamix wins on noise. But if pure crushing power per pound is the metric, the BQ800 delivers impressive results at less than half the price.
What About Jar Capacity and Versatility?
The BQ800 package includes three blending vessels: a 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher, a 64-ounce Prep Bowl (with dough blade), and two 24-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids. This makes it a versatile system for everything from single-serving smoothies to large-batch soups. The Vitamix A3500 comes with a single 64-ounce low-profile container, but you can purchase additional containers (like the 48-ounce or 32-ounce) separately. The A3500’s container is BPA-free Tritan with laser-cut stainless steel blades, and it features a tamper for thick blends.
Capacity matters: the BQ800’s 72-ounce pitcher (64-ounce maximum liquid fill) is ideal for families of 4–6, while the A3500’s 64-ounce container (48-ounce wet fill) suits 3–5 people. However, the Vitamix’s low-profile design fits under standard cabinets, a practical advantage for tight spaces. The BQ800’s 72-ounce pitcher requires more vertical clearance—about 17 inches versus 15 inches for the A3500.
Which Offers Better Speed Control and Presets?
Speed control is where the two blenders diverge significantly. The Vitamix A3500 features a variable speed dial (1–10) plus five pre-programmed settings: Smoothie, Hot Soup, Frozen Dessert, Self-Cleaning, and a Pulse button. It also has wireless connectivity (via the Vitamix Perfect Blend app) to guide recipes and adjust blending sequences. The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 is simpler: three manual speeds (Low, Medium, High) and a Pulse button. No presets, no app, no self-cleaning cycle. You manually ramp up speed using the dial.
For users who want precise texture control—say, a silky smooth soup or a chunky salsa—the A3500’s variable dial and speed ramping provide finesse. The BQ800’s fixed speeds can overshoot delicate tasks; for example, making mayonnaise requires a low-speed pulse to avoid emulsification failure. Conversely, the BQ800’s straightforward interface is easier for those who avoid digital complexity. The table below summarises the key differences:
| Feature | Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 | Vitamix A3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1400 watts | 2.2 HP (~1640 watts) |
| Blending Containers | 72 oz Total Crushing Pitcher, 64 oz Prep Bowl, 2×24 oz Nutri Ninja Cups | 64 oz Low-Profile Container (one included) |
| Speed Settings | 3 speeds + Pulse | Variable dial (1–10) + Pulse |
| Presets | None | 5 presets (Smoothie, Soup, Frozen Dessert, Self-Cleaning, Pulse) |
| App Connectivity | No | Yes (Bluetooth, Perfect Blend app) |
| Self-Cleaning | Manual (soap + water, blend on High) | Dedicated Self-Cleaning program (soap + water) |
| Noise Level | ~88 dB | ~82 dB |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 10.5 × 9.5 × 17.5 in | 8 × 8 × 15.5 in |
| Price (approx.) | £169 / $199 | £499 / $629 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 10-year full |
Which Blender Handles Hot Soup and Cleaning Better?
Blending hot liquids is a common test for motor endurance. The Vitamix A3500 can blend room-temperature ingredients (e.g., tomatoes, onions, garlic) into a steaming hot soup in 6–8 minutes due to friction heat from the high-speed blades. The BQ800 can also do this, but its motor may feel taxed after 10 minutes of continuous high-speed blending; the thermal overload switch can trigger if pushed too long. For safety, both blenders have vented lids for steam release, but the A3500’s tamper is specifically designed for thick hot blends without splashing.
Cleaning is a standout difference. The A3500’s Self-Cleaning program (add water and a drop of soap, press the button, run for 60 seconds) is genuinely hands-free. The BQ800 requires manual cleaning: fill the pitcher halfway with hot water and soap, run on High for 30 seconds, then rinse. Both blades are dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended), but the BQ800’s stacked blade design has more crevices for food to hide. The Prep Bowl’s dough blade, in particular, can accumulate sticky dough that needs scrubbing.
What Do Owners Say About Long-Term Durability?
User feedback on the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 is predominantly positive for its value-for-money. Many owners praise its ability to crush ice and frozen fruit without straining, though some report that after 12–18 months of frequent use (e.g., daily green smoothies), the blade assembly can become slightly dull or the base may develop rattling noises. The warranty is only one year, so extended coverage is advisable. In contrast, Vitamix A3500 owners frequently highlight 10-year warranties and customers who have used units for 5–10 years without hardware failure. The A3500’s cost is justified by its longevity and serviceability; replacement parts (containers, tamper) are easy to source. However, some A3500 users note the app is glitchy and rarely used after the first week. A summary: the BQ800 is a strong performer for its price, but the A3500 is a long-term investment with lower total cost of ownership if you blend heavily.
How Do Price and Value Compare in the UK and US?
Pricing varies by region. In the UK, the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 retails for around £169 (RRP £199, often discounted to £149 on Amazon). The Vitamix A3500 costs approximately £499. In the US, the BQ800 is $199 (often seen at $169 on sale), while the A3500 is $629. For many households, the BQ800 delivers 90% of the performance for 40% of the cost. However, the A3500’s 10-year warranty, variable speed control, and self-cleaning are real advantages for serious home cooks or those with specific texture requirements. For families on a budget who blend daily smoothies and soups, the BQ800 is a smart buy. For those who want a “forever blender” with app integration and silent operation, the A3500 justifies its premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 crush ice as well as the Vitamix A3500?
Yes, both crush ice into snow-like consistency within seconds. The BQ800 does it in about 10 seconds, while the A3500 is slightly faster (6 seconds) and produces a finer, more uniform powder. For most users, the difference is negligible.
Is the BQ800 suitable for making hot soup?
Yes, it can make hot soup from room-temperature ingredients by running on high speed for 10–12 minutes. However, the motor may heat up noticeably; allow it to cool between batches. The Vitamix A3500 is more efficient at this task due to its higher sustained power.
What containers come with each blender?
The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 includes a 72-ounce Total Crushing Pitcher, a 64-ounce Prep Bowl (with dough blade), and two 24-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids. The Vitamix A3500 comes with a single 64-ounce low-profile container; additional containers are sold separately.
Is one blender significantly louder than the other?
Yes, the BQ800 is louder at about 88 dB compared to the A3500’s 82 dB. The Vitamix features sound-dampening technology, making it noticeably quieter during operation, especially for longer blending tasks.
Does the Vitamix A3500 require an app to function?
No, the app is optional. The blender works entirely manually via the dial and presets. The app provides guided recipes and timer functions but is not required for daily use. The Ninja BQ800 has no app connectivity.
Which blender has a longer warranty?
The Vitamix A3500 has a 10-year full warranty covering motor, base, container, and blades. The Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 has a 1-year limited warranty. If you plan long-term heavy use, the Vitamix warranty offers better peace of mind.
How do I fix the Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 if it has no power?
If your BQ800 is not turning on, see our detailed guide at Ninja Professional Plus BQ800 Troubleshooting: No Power – Fixes and Tips for steps like checking the outlet, resetting the unit, and inspecting the power cord.
