a process for homogenizing a pumpable product , in which the product is pressurized and homogenized in an homogenization means equipped with a drive which has a drivable rotor rotatably mounted in a housing , and a stator that is stationary or drivable at an adjustable relative speed relative to the rotor , characterised in that a pressure which can be set independently of the drive of the homogenization means is applied to the product upstream of the homogenization means by means of a pump means equipped with a separate drive , the pressure being controlled such that no cavitation occurs in the homogenization means , and a device for carrying out the process .