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iCucina Portable Bullet vs. Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

iCucina Portable Bullet

$35.97 from Amazon

Ninja Nutri Pro Compact

$74.99 from Amazon
iCucina Portable Bullet vs. Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro

Overall Verdict

In our rigorous testing, the Ninja BN401 emerged as the clear winner over the iCucina Portable Bullet in every category. Its 900-watt motor proved to be significantly more powerful than the iCucina's 300-watt, enabling it to effortlessly blend tough ingredients like raw nuts, fibrous greens, and frozen fruit to perfection. In contrast, the iCucina struggled to follow, often leaving chunks and uneven textures in its rest. TheNinja even crushed ice to a snow-like consistency in no time—a feat that the iCucina was unable to achieve.

The differences between these two models are not limited to their motor power ratings alone. The iCucina Portable Blender, which is priced lower, employs low-quality plastics, which compromise the aesthetic and longevity of the product. 

On the other hand, the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro features high-quality details that imitate the design and build quality of more expensive units. In addition to its robust build, the sleek and modern design adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. Moreover, the appliance's "Auto-iQ" technology provides pre-set blending programs and pulse options, enabling optimal blending results without any guesswork.

Overall, while the iCucina appeals to those on a tight budget, discerning buyers may find the Ninja with its heavy-duty capabilities a standout alternative.

Ranking by
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Pros & Cons

  • It’s good for simple plant-based blends.
  • Built quality is mediocre but fine for the price.
  • Simple design allows for straightforward use, cleaning, and storage. 
  • It stands stably, rather than jumping around, while working.
  • This blender is an all-arounder that works without a fuss. 
  • Nearly all of its capability is outstanding—it’s very well equipped to crush ice and make smoothies. 
  • The 1000-watt motor provides heavy-duty blending performance. 
  • Smart preset programs are designed to deliver excellent consistency. 
  • There are solid design details throughout the blender.
  • The lack of versatility. 
  • Short power cord.
  • The motor base is roughly the same size as a standard full-sized blender. 
  • It’s relatively noisy.

Key Specs

Dimension
H13.6 x W5 inches
H14.2 x W6.4 inches
Weight
2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
Number of speeds
1
4
Pulse/Turbo option
No
Yes
Dishwasher-safe wand
Yes
Yes
Accessories
An extra blending cup, two to-go lids
An extra blending cup, two spout lids

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$40.41
$84.93
$35.97 at Amazon
$74.99 at Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
4.7
9.4

Protein Shake

6.0
8.8
iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Protein Shake Test
A batch of protein shake packed with dried blueberries, oatmeal, and almonds prepared by the iCucina Personal Blender is checked for smoothness by being drained through a stainless steel mesh strainer, with a smartphone displaying the total blending time (1 minute and 49 seconds) next to it.
Scooping a spoon of solid chunks including dried blueberries and almonds that the iCucina personal blender was unable to pulverize in the test of preparing protein shake from a stainless steel mesh strainer.
Ninja BN401 Personal Blender Protein Shake Test
A batch of protein shake prepared by the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Single-Serve Blender is checked for smoothness by being drained through a stainless steel mesh strainer, with a smartphone displaying the total blending time (1 minute) next to it.
Using a spoon to scoop a small smattering of dried blueberry chunks from a mesh strainer containing protein shake produced the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Blender.
Blending Time
1 mins 50 secs
1 min 01 sec
Result
Very Coarse
Slightly Smooth

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

5.0
10
iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Frozen Fruit Smoothie Test
Scoping a spoon of fruity smoothie from a plastic cup that is standing between the iCucina personal blender and a smartphone displaying the blending time (1 minute and 50 seconds)
After finishing blending, the fruity smoothie made by the iCucina personal blender is spread throughout a white paper.
Ninja BN401 Personal Blender Frozen Fruit Smoothie Test
A spoon of fruity smoothie packed with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and mango made by theNinja BN401 Nutri Pro blender with a smartphone displaying the total blending time ( 59 seconds) next to it.
To check for solid chunks, after finishing blending, the fruity smoothie made by the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender is spread throughout a white paper.
Blending Time
1 min 50 seconds
1 min
Result
Silky Smooth
Silky Smooth
Suction

Fibrous Greens

4.0
9.5
iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Fibrous Greens Test
A glass of water combined with fibrous greens pulp produced by the iCucina Single-Serve Blender.
A glass of water with fibrous green pulp produced by the iCucina Personal Blender sinking from its top to bottom.
Ninja BN401 Personal Blender Fibrous Greens Test
A glass of water and fibrous greens pulp produced by the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Single-Serve Blender.
A glass of water with fibrous green pulp produced by the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Personal Blender sinking from its top to bottom.
Blending Time
20 seconds
20 seconds
Result
Very Coarse
Very Fine

Crushed Ice Cubes

0.0
10
iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Crushed Ice Test
A black tray of crushed ice produced by the iCucina Single-Serve Blender being on a table.
The amount of unblended ice cubes (4.41 oz) of the iCucina single-serve blender displayed on a scale’s screen.
Ninja BN401 Personal Blender Crushed Ice Test
A black tray of crushed ice produced by the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Personal Blender being on a table.
Ice Fineness
Coarse
Very Fine
Unblended Ice
73.5% of 6 oz
0% of 6 oz

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.7
9.6

In the Box

The iCucina Personal Blender with a motor base and blending cup attached lying on a table with a to-go lid, a blending cup with lid, a paper carton box, and a user guide by its sides.
The Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender lying on a white table with the accessories by its side, including a blending cup with lid, a spout lid, a paper carton box, a recipe book, and owner’s manuals.

Dimensions

The iCucina personal blender standing on a gray table, with the length of its motor base being noted to the side as 5.7 inches, and the total length and width of the unit as 13.6 inches and 5.0 inches, respectively.
The Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender standing on a gray table, with the length of its motor base being noted to the side as 8 inches, and the total length and width of the unit as 14.2 inches and 6.4 inches, respectively.
Height
13.6" (34.5 cm)
14.2" (36.1 cm)
Width
5.0" (12.7 cm)
6.4" (16.3 cm)
Weight
2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
Length
Shaft Length

Build Quality

7.5
9.5
The motor base and cup assembly of the iCucina single-serve blender lying side by side on a table.
The motor base and blending cup of the Ninja Bn401 Nutri Pro single-serve blender lying side by side on a table.

Blades

6.0
9.5
A close-up of the blade assembly sporting 4 stainless steel prongs of the iCucina blender
A close-up of the blade assembly sporting 4 stainless steel prongs of the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro single-serve blender.
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Type
Cross
Cross
Guard Material
Blade Count
4 blades
4 blades
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Motor Base

iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Motor Base
iCucina Portable Bullet Blender Motor Base
A close-up of the iCucina Motor Base
The Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Motor Base
The Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Motor Base
A close-up of the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro Motor Base
Rated Voltage
120 V
120 V
Rated Power
300 Watts
1000 W
Working Time
≤ 1 minute
N/A
Protection
No
Yes
Weight
2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
4.5 lbs (2.0 kg)
Cord Length
NaN" (NaN cm)
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
Extra Feature
Silicon feet, a cooling fan
Rubber grips on the bottom, cooling fan.

Blending Cup

10
10
Two blending cups of the iCucina personal blender standing on a table, with the width of their top and bottom being noted to the side as 2.8 inches, and the total length of the unit as 8.6 inches.
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender’s cups showing the height, depth, and width in inches
Illustrated dimensions of the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender’s cups showing the height, depth, and width in inches
The Ninja BN 401 Nutri Pro spout lid
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Capacity
28.0 fl oz (828.1 ml)
24 oz
Weight
0.4 oz (11 g)
1 lb
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes
Measurement
Yes
Yes
Suitable For
Small and Medium batches
Small and Medium batches
Accessories
To-go lids
Spout Lids

Speed and Controls

Someone is measuring the noise level of the Icucina personal blender with the noise meter (97 dB).
Someone is measuring the noise level of the Ninja BN401 Nutri Pro personal blender with the noise meter (101.2 dB).
Activation
Button
Twist
Min Speed
N/A
N/A
Max Speed
19,814 RPM
18,996 RPM
Presets
No
Yes
Noise Level
97 dB
101 (db)
Digital Display
No
Yes
Pulse Mode
No
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.3
9.7

Hands-Free Operation

10
10

Assembly

8.0
9.5

Cleanability

8.5
9.0