If you love homemade hummus as much as I do, you’ve probably wondered which food processor gives the creamiest result. Or maybe you’ve asked whether you even need a food processor — could a blender or an immersion blender work just as well? You’re in the right place.
I’ve made hummus with every gadget I could get my hands on: big food processors, compact blenders, and handheld stick blenders. Here’s what I learned to help you pick the best tool for silky, smooth hummus.
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But first — blender or food processor?
You can make hummus in either a blender or a food processor. I used to use a blender before I owned a food processor. It made decent hummus and blended quickly, but the blender often warmed up and left the hummus a bit warm, which I didn’t love. Also, getting every last bit out of a narrow blender jar can be a hassle, especially if the blade isn’t removable. Scraping it clean always felt messy.
For these reasons, I prefer a food processor. The wider bowl makes it easier to scoop out every bit, and removable blades make cleaning much simpler.
The best tools for making hummus
1) Think beyond the traditional food processor
You don’t always need a standard food processor. For example, the Cookworks Hand Blender became one of my favorite hummus tools. It comes with a 500ml beaker and handled chickpeas, soups, and purees well. The beaker is a bit small for large batches, but you can blend in two rounds. It’s affordable and works great for typical portions.
2) Why a handheld blender might be enough
Before splurging on an expensive food processor, try a handheld blender. Choose one with a stainless steel shaft rather than plastic — it feels sturdier and blends more effectively. A handheld that includes a beaker or narrow jug is especially handy for small batches like hummus. Wide containers don’t give the same smooth, fast results and often need more scraping.
3) When a full-size food processor makes sense
If you want a multi-tasker that chops, slices, and processes larger quantities, a full-size food processor is worth it. But big bowls often need larger quantities to blend well, so they’re not ideal for small batches. That’s why I usually pick mini or compact models — they handle smaller amounts more efficiently and are better for everyday hummus-making.
My top picks
If you want something bigger than a handheld blender, here are my favorites:
Kenwood Compact Food Processor FP120
A solid, affordable choice that’s easy to use — great for beginners. It comes with a blender attachment, and the 1.4-litre bowl is roomy enough for a good batch of hummus. It can be a bit noisy, but it’s a reliable all-rounder.
Pros:
– Great value
– 1.4-litre capacity
– Includes blender attachment
– Simple to operate
Cons:
– Can be loud
– Attachments take up storage space
If you want more power and features, the Kenwood Multipro Compact+ FDM312 SS adds a built-in scale and more power, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Russell Hobbs Desire Electric Fruit & Vegetable Mini Chopper
If you don’t want lots of attachments, this mini chopper is compact and perfect for small batches. It has a 1-litre glass bowl, which feels sturdier than plastic. It’s great for hummus and chopping vegetables, and it’s dishwasher safe.
Pros:
– Durable glass bowl
– No extra, unused attachments
– Compact and easy to store
– Comes with a storage lid
– Dishwasher safe
– Quiet
Cons:
– Only 200W, so it may struggle with very tough ingredients
– Glass bowl needs careful handling
Cuisinart Mini Prep Pro
A good option for small kitchens, with a 900ml capacity that’s ideal for a single batch of hummus. It has drizzle holes for adding liquids while blending and can grind nuts or coffee beans.
Pros:
– Compact and space-saving
– Drizzle holes for adding liquids during blending
– Can grind nuts/coffee
– Easy to clean and use
– Powerful for its size
Cons:
– You might need to stir mid-blend to even things out
– Slightly pricier for the capacity
– Not for large batches
Final thoughts
After trying lots of gadgets, I find that compact or mini food processors work best for most home hummus makers — they handle small batches well and are practical. The Kenwood FP120 stands out for versatility and price, while a handheld blender or a mini chopper like the Russell Hobbs Desire is excellent if you want something small and efficient.
In the end, choose the tool that fits your kitchen and how much hummus you usually make. Any of these options will help you get that smooth, creamy hummus you’re after.