If you’re anything like me and absolutely love a good bowl of homemade hummus, you’ve probably wondered which is the best food processor for hummus to achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
Or maybe you’ve even questioned if you really need a food processor—could a blender or even a handheld blender do the job just as well? You’re in the right place.
Over the years, I’ve tried making hummus with just about every kitchen gadget you can imagine, from large food processors to compact blenders and even the trusty handheld kind. Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered, so you can find the perfect tool to whip up your own batch of delicious hummus.
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But First, Should You Make Hummus in a Blender or a Food Processor?
You can make hummus in either a blender or a food processor—I’ve done it both ways. Back when I didn’t have a food processor, I relied on my blender. And while it did the job, it wasn’t exactly the smoothest experience.
Sure, the hummus turned out creamy, and it was quick to blend, but there was one big issue: the blender would heat up during the process, leaving me with warm hummus by the end. Now, I’m not sure if this happens with all blenders, but that’s what I experienced, and it was far from ideal.
Another challenge with using a blender is getting all the hummus out. Blenders are narrower, and scraping out every last bit can be a real struggle, especially if the blade isn’t removable. Trust me, I’ve tried using a spoon, spatula, and even my fingers, and it always ended up being a bit of a messy affair.
So, if you’re deciding between a blender and a food processor, I’d definitely recommend the food processor. It’s wider, making it much easier to scoop out every bit of your delicious hummus, and the removable blade is a game-changer for hassle-free cleaning.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into the best food processors for hummus and which ones truly shine when it comes to making that perfect, creamy consistency.
The Best Tools for Making Hummus
1. Think Beyond the Traditional Food Processor
Let’s be honest—when it comes to making homemade hummus, you don’t necessarily need a standard food processor. In my case, the Cookworks Hand Blender turned out to be one of the best hummus-making tools. It comes with a 500ml beaker, making it super versatile for blending everything from soups to fruits, and of course, chickpeas for hummus.
I originally bought it to blend baby food (which it handled wonderfully), but it quickly became my go-to for making hummus. Admittedly, the beaker is a bit small for large batches, but you can always blend in two rounds if needed. For my usual portions, it was ideal, and I used it so much that it eventually gave up after a few years—but given its affordable price, it wasn’t a big deal to replace.
2. Why a Handheld Blender Might Be All You Need
Before you dive into the world of fancy, high-end food processors, consider giving a handheld blender a chance. Personally, I’d recommend choosing one with a stainless steel build rather than plastic. The plastic versions can feel flimsy and don’t blend as effectively, at least in my experience. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is sturdier and more efficient.
I also recommend buying a handheld blender that comes with a beaker or narrow jug. This makes blending much more efficient, especially when working with smaller batches like hummus. Blending in a wide container just isn’t the same—it’s not as quick or smooth, and you might find yourself constantly scraping the sides to get everything fully incorporated.
But what if you need something more versatile than a handheld blender? That’s where a full-size food processor comes in handy.
3. When a Full-Size Food Processor Makes Sense
If you’re looking for something that can do more than just make hummus—say, chopping onions or slicing other vegetables—then investing in a full-sized food processor might be the way to go. They’re versatile, and if you want to tackle more kitchen tasks beyond hummus-making, it’s worth considering.
However, from my personal experience, I’ve found that using a big food processor for a small batch of hummus didn’t work very well. With larger bowls, you need a bigger quantity of ingredients to get the right consistency, and most of the time, I don’t want to make a huge batch of hummus.
That’s why full-sized or even compact food processors like the Kenwood Compact Food Processor, despite being labelled as ‘compact,’ were still too big for my needs. For this reason, I gravitate towards mini or smaller options, which handle smaller quantities much better and are more practical for my everyday hummus-making.
My Top Picks for Food Processors
If you’ve decided you need more than a handheld blender for making hummus, here are my top picks:
1. Kenwood Compact Food Processor FP120
You really can’t go wrong with the Kenwood Compact Food Processor FP120. It’s a highly affordable option and very easy to use, which makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with too many settings. Plus, it even comes with a blender attachment, so you get a bit more functionality out of it.
While it’s a compact model, the 1.4-litre bowl is surprisingly spacious, making it perfect for whipping up a good-sized batch of hummus, cementing its spot as one of the best compact food processors for hummus.
One thing to note, though—it’s a bit on the louder side, but it’s not unbearable, just something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise.
If you’re working with a budget but want something that offers a little more, the Kenwood Multipro Compact+ FDM312 SS could be a step up. It’s more advanced, has a built-in scale, and offers double the power, making it a fantastic investment if you’re serious about your kitchen gadgets.
PROS:
- Excellent value for money
- Generous 1.4-litre capacity
- Includes a blender attachment for added versatility
- Simple and easy to operate
CONS:
- Can be a bit loud when in use
- All the attachments and accessories can take up quite a bit of space, which might be an issue if you have limited storage
2. Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Fruit & Vegetable Mini Chopper
If you’re not a fan of food processors with unnecessary attachments you never use, the Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Fruit & Vegetable Mini Chopper might just be your best bet. It’s compact, ideal for small batches of hummus, and comes with a 1-litre glass bowl—a big plus if you prefer something sturdier than the usual plastic options.
I personally love the glass bowl; it feels more durable and looks better than the typical plastic bowls most food processors have. This mini chopper isn’t just great for hummus but works wonderfully for chopping vegetables as well. And when you’re done, simply pop it in the dishwasher. Easy peasy!
PROS:
- Durable glass bowl, a rare find in food processors
- No unnecessary blender attachment
- Compact and doesn’t take up much space
- Comes with a storage lid, so you can easily store leftovers in the fridge
- Dishwasher safe
- Not noisy
CONS:
- Limited power at 200W, which might struggle with tougher ingredients
- The glass bowl, while great, means you have to be extra careful not to drop it
3. Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro Mini
The Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro Mini is another fantastic option, especially if you’re working with a small kitchen space. It offers a 900ml capacity, which is more than enough for making a batch of hummus that’ll keep you going for a while.
One unique feature is the built-in drizzle holes which comes incredibly handy when you want to add extra liquid to your mixture.
It also offers the option to grind nuts or coffee beans, making it more versatile than your typical mini food processor.
PROS:
- Compact size, perfect for small kitchens
- Built-in drizzle holes for easy addition of liquids while blending
- Can grind nuts and coffee beans
- Easy to use and clean
- Quite powerful despite its size
CONS:
- You may need to give it a stir mid-process to ensure everything blends evenly
- A bit on the pricey side for what you get
- Not suitable for making larger batches
Final Thoughts: Which Food Processor is Best for Hummus?
After years of experimenting with different gadgets, I’ve found that a compact or mini food processor is the best option for making hummus at home, especially if you’re not looking to make huge batches. Among my top picks, the Kenwood Compact Food Processor FP120 stands out for its versatility and affordability, making it a great all-rounder.
However, if you’re like me and prefer something even more manageable for smaller portions, a handheld blender or a mini chopper like the Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Fruit & Vegetable Mini Chopper is incredibly efficient.
In the end, the best choice depends on your kitchen needs and how much hummus you plan to make. But whichever option you go for, these tools will help you create that smooth, creamy hummus you’ve been craving.