If you’re anything like me and love a good bowl of homemade hummus, you’ve probably wondered what the best hummus food processor is for achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
Or maybe you’ve even wondered if you really need a food processor—could a blender or even a hand blender do the job just as well? You are in the right place.
Over the years, I’ve tried making hummus with just about every kitchen gadget imaginable, from large food processors to compact blenders and even the trusty handheld kind. Let me walk you through what I discovered so you can find the perfect tool to make your own batch of delicious hummus.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking a link. This costs you nothing. As an Amazon affiliate I earn on qualifying purchases.
But first, should you make hummus in a blender or 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 mixed quickly, but there was one big problem: the blender heated up during the process, leaving me with warm hummus until the end. Now, I’m not sure if this happens with all blenders, but this is what I experienced and it wasn’t ideal.
Another challenge with using a blender is getting all the hummus out. Blenders are tighter and scraping every last bit can be a real struggleespecially if the blade is not removable. Trust me, I’ve tried using a spoon, spatula, even my fingers, and it always ends up being a bit of a messy affair.
So if you are deciding between a blender and a food processor, I would definitely recommend the food processor. It’s wider, making it much easier to remove every bit of your delicious hummus, and the removable blade is a game-changer for hassle-free cleanup.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into the best food processors for hummus and which ones really shine when it comes to making that perfect, creamy consistency.
The best tools for making hummus
1. Think Beyond the Traditional 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 it 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 fruit, and of course, chickpeas for hummus.
I originally bought it to blend baby food (which it handled great), but it quickly became my go-to for making hummus. Admittedly, the beaker is a bit small for large batches, but you can always mix in two rounds if needed. For my regular servings, it was ideal, and I used it so much that I finally gave up after a few years — but given its affordable price, it wasn’t a big deal to replace.
2. Why a hand blender may be all you need
Before you dive into the world of fancy, advanced food processors, consider giving a hand blender a shot. Personally, I would recommend choosing one with a stainless steel construction 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 more durable and more efficient.
I also suggest buying one hand blender that comes with a glass or narrow jug. This makes blending much more efficient, especially when working with smaller batches like hummus. Mixing in a wide container isn’t the same – it’s not as quick or smooth and you may find yourself constantly scraping down the sides to get everything fully incorporated.
But what if you need something more versatile than a hand blender? That’s where a full-sized 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 make hummus—say, chop onions or slice 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 making hummus, they’re worth considering.
However, in my personal experience, I have found that using a large food processor for a small batch of hummus did not work very well. With larger bowls, you need a larger amount of ingredients to get the right consistency, and most of the time, I don’t want to make a huge batch of hummus.
This is why full-sized or even compact food processors like the Kenwood Compact Food Processor, despite being labeled as “compact,” were still too big for my needs. For this reason, I gravitate toward the mini or smaller options, which handle smaller quantities much better and are more practical for my daily hummus making.
My top picks for food processors
If you’ve decided you need more than a hand blender for making hummus, here are my top picks:
1. Kenwood Compact FP120 Food Processor
You really can’t go wrong with it Kenwood Compact FP120 food processor. It’s a very affordable option and very easy to use, which makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to mess with too many settings. Plus, it comes with a blender attachment so you get a little more functionality out of it.
Although it’s a compact model, the 1.4 liter bowl is surprisingly roomy, making it ideal for whipping up a good batch of hummus, cementing its position as one of the best compact food processors for hummus.
One thing to note though – it’s a bit louder but not unbearable, just something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise.
If you’re working on a budget but want something that offers a little more, the Kenwood Multipro Compact+ FDM312 SS it could be a step up. It’s more advanced, has a built-in scale and offers twice the power, making it a fantastic investment if you’re serious about your kitchen gadgets.
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money
- Large capacity of 1.4 liters
- Includes blender attachment for added versatility
- Simple and easy to operate
Disadvantages:
- It can be a bit loud when in use
- All the parts and accessories can take up quite a bit of space, which can be a problem if you have limited storage space
2. Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Fruit & Vegetable Mini Chopper
If you’re not a fan of food processors with unnecessary parts you never use, the Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Mini Fruit and Vegetable Chopper it might be your best bet. It’s compact, ideal for small batches of hummus, and comes with a 1 liter glass bowl – a big plus if you prefer something more durable than the usual plastic options.
I personally love the glass bowl. It feels more durable and looks better than the standard plastic bowls that most food processors have. This mini slicer is not only great for hummus, but also works great for chopping vegetables. And when you’re done, just put it in the dishwasher. Easy peasy!
Advantages:
- Durable glass bowl, a rare find in food processors
- No unnecessary blender attachment
- Compact and doesn’t take up much space
- It comes with a storage lid so you can easily store leftovers in the fridge
- Dishwasher safe
- Not noisy
Disadvantages:
- Power limited to 200W, which can struggle with harder components
- The glass bowl, while lovely, 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 capacity of 900ml, which is more than enough to make a batch of hummus that will last you a while.
A unique feature is the integrated drizzle holes which are incredibly useful when you want to add extra liquid to your mix.
It also offers the ability to grind nuts or coffee beans, making it more versatile than your typical mini food processor.
Advantages:
- Compact size, ideal for small kitchens
- Built-in drizzle holes for easy addition of liquids while mixing
- It can grind nuts and coffee beans
- Easy to use and clean
- Quite powerful despite its size
Disadvantages:
- You may need to stir it in the middle of the process to ensure everything is mixed evenly
- A bit on the expensive side for what you get
- It is not suitable for the production of 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 don’t want to make huge batches. Among my top picks, the Kenwood Compact FP120 food processor stands out for its versatility and affordability, making it a great all-rounder.
However, if you’re like me and prefer something even more handy for smaller portions, a hand blender or mini chopper like the Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Mini Chopper for fruits and vegetables it is incredibly effective.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your kitchen needs and how much hummus you plan to make. But whichever option you choose, these tools will help you create that smooth, creamy hummus you’ve been craving.
