How to use a food processor as a blender: what works and what doesn't

The blender is in the dishwasher. You've got a food processor on the bench, a recipe that calls for blending, and a mild sense of optimism. Can it do the job?

For a lot of tasks, yes. But not all. 

Knowing how to use a food processor as a blender (and where it falls short) helps you get more from both appliances without any guesswork. Here's exactly what works, and what doesn't, when using a food processor as a blender.

The key difference between food processors and blenders

Blenders and food processors are sometimes mistaken for the same thing. They're not, and understanding the difference makes it easy to know which one to reach for.

A blender is a liquidiser. It's designed to create smooth textures from liquid-based ingredients – smoothies, soups, sauces, and shakes. The tall, narrow jar creates a vortex that pulls ingredients toward the blade, which works brilliantly when there's enough liquid to keep things moving.

A food processor is your food prep workhorse. Wide bowl, interchangeable blades, built for solid ingredients. Chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, kneading, mixing. The kind of prep work that would take you three times as long with a knife and a box grater. 

Here's a quick comparison:

When can you use a food processor as a blender?

More than you might expect, actually. There are plenty of tasks where a food processor steps up just as well (or close enough that you won't notice the difference). 

Dips and thick spreads 

Hummus, pesto, white bean dip, baba ganoush – this is where the food processor doesn't just stand in for a blender, it actually does a better job. 

The wide bowl keeps everything in contact with the S-blade, and there's no need for liquid to keep things moving. If you've ever made hummus in a blender and had half of it stuck above the blade, you'll know exactly what we mean. 

Purees 

Roasted pumpkin, steamed carrots, cooked lentils, baby food; if it's soft and cooked, a food processor handles it beautifully. Work in smaller batches for the smoothest result, and add a splash of stock or water if the mixture needs loosening. 

Batters and wet mixes 

A food processor has your Sunday morning sorted: pancake batter, cake batter, muffin mix. It brings these together quickly and cleanly, with no lumps and barely any washing up. 

Chunky sauces and salsa 

Tomato salsa, chimichurri, chunky pasta sauce – the food processor is genuinely excellent here. Use short pulses and check as you go. The trick is stopping before it goes too far (and be warned, that happens faster than you'd think). 

Smoothie-style drinks 

A food processor can blend soft fruit and yoghurt into something drinkable and tasty, but it won’t be as silky as a blender can make it. Add a splash of liquid and process a little longer if you want it thinner. It gets the job done. But if you like your smoothies silken, the blender is your star tool. 

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When you shouldn’t use a food processor as a blender

There are tasks where a blender simply does a better job, because that's what it's specially designed to do. Reaching for the food processor for some of these will leave you frustrated, wishing you’d just waited for the blender.

Silky-smooth smoothies and shakes 

If texture matters - if you want something smooth and delicious without any grainy bits - a blender is the right tool. The vortex action and narrow jar produce a consistency that a food processor bowl can't replicate. Close, but not quite there. In short: if you want silky, reach for the blender. 

Crushing ice 

Don't do it. Food processors aren't designed for ice; the results are unpredictable, and it's not kind to the blade. A good blender handles ice easily. 

Hot soups and sauces 

For hot liquids, a hand blender is actually the star. It blends directly in the pot, no transferring, no steam building up in a sealed jar, and hardly anything to clean (so long as you avoid splashing). 

You can also use our KichenAid Pure Power Blender and K400 blender because they have vented lids, letting the steam escape safely.

A food processor can puree cooled soup, but you'll need to wait for it to cool down and work in batches. Fine if that's what you've got. Not ideal if you're hungry. 

Large volumes of liquid 

You’ll want to learn this the easy way rather than the hard way: food processor bowls aren't sealed for high-liquid mixtures. Fill one with too much liquid and it will find its way around the blade and onto your bench. Blenders are designed to contain and circulate liquids safely. 

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FAQ

Can I use a food processor as a blender? 

Yes, for some tasks. A food processor handles dips, purees, batters, and chunky sauces well. But for silky-smooth results (smoothies, shakes, or anything requiring a really smooth texture), a blender will give you a better outcome. The two appliances are designed for different jobs: a blender is built for liquids, a food processor for food preparation.

What can I use if I don't have a blender? 

A food processor is your closest substitute for many blending tasks (dips, purees, sauces, batters). For hot soups or small quantities, a hand blender is often the smarter choice: it blends directly in the pot, nothing to transfer, barely anything to wash. For smoothies, a food processor will get you there, just expect a thicker, less smooth result than you'd get from a blender. 

Can you make shakes in a food processor? 

You can, but with some trade-offs. A food processor will combine the ingredients, but expect a thicker, less smooth result. If you're after a silky-smooth shake, your blender is the better tool. 

How do you use a food processor to make a smoothie? 

Add your fruit, yoghurt, and a small splash of liquid to the bowl, fit the S-blade, and secure the lid. Pulse in short bursts, scraping down the sides as you go. Want it thinner? Add a splash more liquid and keep going. It won't be as silky as a blender smoothie, but it works on days when the blender isn't an option. 

The right tool for the job

A food processor is more capable than many people realise, and for dips, purees, and thick sauces, it's genuinely the better tool. But for smooth drinks, ice, and hot liquids straight from the stove, your blender earns its spot on your bench.

In an ideal kitchen, you'd have both. But now at least you know exactly what each one can do. 

Do you still have questions? Read our in-depth guide to using a blender as a food processor.