The Verdict
The KitchenAid K400 variable speed blender pairs a 5-speed dial and dedicated presets with an Intelli-Speed motor and asymmetric blade system designed to smooth out tough ingredients like almonds and kale. Finished in Milkshake and packaged with an included tamper and 56 oz BPA-free jar, it offers reliable everyday blending power right on your kitchen counter.
Why We Love It (Key Features) of the KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender
- Three-Part Blending System: Combines a vortex-creating ribbed jar design, an asymmetric blade cutting at four angles, and Intelli-Speed Motor Control that senses jar contents to maintain optimal speed through dense recipes.
- Versatile 5-Speed Control and Preset Programs: A variable dial lets you fine-tune textures from smooth to chunky, while three preset recipe programs handle Ice Crush, Icy Drink, and Smoothie tasks at the turn of a knob.
- Included Tamper: Lets you guide stubborn or floating ingredients directly down into the blending vortex without stopping the motor to scrape the jar.
- Quick Self-Clean Cycle: Routine maintenance stays painless by simply adding water and a drop of dish soap to the jar and running the built-in self-clean cycle.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powers through stubborn, fibrous ingredients like whole kale and hard nuts | Expansion jars (such as the 6-oz small batch or 16-oz personal packs) must be purchased separately |
| Three preset recipe modes simplify ice crushing and daily beverage prep | Requires dedicated counter height and footprint to accommodate the 56 oz jar and tamper setup |
| Hassle-free cleanup using the dedicated self-clean program | Manual tamp effort may still be needed when processing very thick blends |
Who Should Buy This?
This countertop blender is tailored for home cooks and smoothie enthusiasts who regularly blend dense whole foods, frozen drinks, and textured recipes. If you want precise variable control alongside straightforward preset cycles—and value having an included tamper and self-cleaning function ready to go—it fits seamlessly into daily kitchen prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories come included with this KitchenAid K400 variable speed blender?
Model KSB4028 includes the blender base, one 56 oz BPA-free blender jar, one blender jar lid, and one tamper.
Can I use personal or small-batch travel jars with this blender?
Yes, but they are sold separately. The blender is compatible with optional accessories including the 6-oz Small Batch Jar Expansion Pack (KSB2040BBB) and the 16-oz Personal Blender Jar Expansion Pack (KSB2030PJB).
How do you clean the blender jar after use?
The unit features an automatic self-clean cycle. Add clean water and a single drop of soap to the jar, then run the cycle for fast cleanup.
5.0 out of 5 stars Decent Blender I researched blenders, watched a ton of videos and narrowed it down to the vitamix, ninja and ka k400. I ended up picking the KA k400 because it has a strong motor and comes with a tamper, is only 15 inches in height so it fits under my cabinet with no problem, standard countertop to cabinet distance is 18 inches. This blender also came in the same contour silver as my other KA countertop appliances. It is very easy to use just turn the knob to either a number or picture icon and hit the on button. The picture icons have predetermined times and will automatically stop after the determined time is complete. It can make ice into snow. it is loud but I just expect that from a blender. It is aesthetically pleasing alot of blenders are just ugly. So far I have only used this blender for smoothies. It does an excellent job of making a frozen fruit smoothie super smooth in a short amount of time, BUT I have to use the tamper to help move the fruit & ice around and monitor it to see if I need to add more liquid to get the ‘vortex’ mixing started. After watching lots of blender reviews, I knew I wanted a blender with a ‘tamper” like the vitamix brand offers. Not all brands of blenders of a tamper although they should. The tamper is invaluable to help move stuff around in the blender. The tamper does not touch the blades. All and all I am happy with my purchase.Variation: Color: Contour Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing American made machine I’ve had this for a few months now and it’s amazing. Got an extra personal container and now I use it all the time. Just set it to smoothie with my personal container and I have a perfect drink in like a minute, ready to walk out the door. I’ve learned that some KitchenAid appliances are made in the USA and some are made in china, this being one of the American made products definitely makes it work the price. Especially as I’ve hear other brands known for blenders specifically have outsourced parts and gone down in quality, the most recent online blender review video I saw also places this second to a Breville blender that’s more than double the piece, personally I’d take pay less for designed and made in America, than designed in Australia and made in ChinaVariation: Color: Contour Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Purees Leafy Greens with No Problem, Is Powerful! This blender is the best I’ve owned. It makes fabulous smoothies, and crushes ice with no problem. It’s very powerful. In my opinion it works just as good as a juicer. It has a heavy base which makes it sturdy, has a cleaning cycle, and I paid much less than the cost of higher brand models. It purees leafy greens with no problem.Variation: Color: Contour Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Top-tier blender, highly recommend!This blender is worth every penny. The build quality is excellent, and it feels very sturdy. It blends everything effortlessly in seconds. It is very easy to use, easy to clean, and the performance is outstanding. If you are looking for a durable, high-performance blender, this is the one to get.Variation: Color: Contour Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Great blender, nice design Great blender. Had a vitamix that died and had to be sent back for repairs after 6 months. Bought this one to make smoothies while our other one was repaired. This is a great blender, half the price of the vitamix and just all- around better design.Variation: Color: Contour Silver