Food processors are one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. If you are a serious cook, a food processor is a must. They are capable of slicing, grating, chopping, pureeing and even kneading. They range from very small (or mini) food processors to machines with a 16-cup capacity for large dinner parties.

It's essential to understand the difference between a food processor and a blender. While blenders are designed to emulsify foods into liquid form (think smoothies and frozen margaritas), a food processor is meant for pureeing, slicing, chopping, and dicing. Food processors are also an easy way to make one ingredient ice cream. Blenders generally offer a tall container, whereas food processors' wide, flat bases are meant for dry ingredients or diluted liquids.

Food processors are measured in cups, ranging from 3-16 cups. Bigger units are best for large parties and dishes, but a smaller unit might be more practical if you have limited space. Smaller machines are easier to clean, but they are obviously limited in capacity. When cleaning your unit, watch out for the very sharp blades.

Power is measured in watts and ranges from 500 to 1200 watts. The more powerful the machine, the more expensive it becomes. As a general rule, more power will give you better results. When using a more powerful processor, you'll be able to achieve improved prepping outcomes such as more uniformed chopping or the ability to dice dense food. Also, it's important to note that a heavy base helps to stabilize while in operation.

Food processors typically have two primary control settings: On/Off and Pulse. However, smaller food processors may also offer high-low speeds. High-end models even offer "dough" settings.

Food processors tend to come with a set of attachments for shredding, slicing, whisking, blending, citrus juicing, mixing dough, or grinding. Usually, price dictates what (and how many) accessories will come with the unit.

Most food processors come with at least one S-shaped blade, although this blade may come in several styles, such as smooth, saw, and perforated.

• Smooth - For chopping meat and veggies
• Saw - For chopping and pureeing frozen products, nuts, meats and herbs
• Perforated - For mixing liquids, sauces and condiments

Some heavy-duty, professional food processors offer discs with these styles:

• Slicing - For flat, thin slices or rings of veggies.
• Julienne - For long "straws" or "sticks" (think hashbrowns!)
• Grating/Shredding - For creating powders, citrus zests, and shredded cheeses.

Make sure to identify all of your cooking needs so you can purchase the best unit without adding clutter in your kitchen.

Standard bowl sizes hold anywhere from 1 to 6 quarts. However, you can get larger industrial sizes as well. Most bowls are made from plastic, which tends to be cheaper. They can also come in stainless steel, which is more durable but pricier. Some food processors come with more than one bowl size. This is a very nice feature if you are making something small and don't want to clean a big bowl.

Larger food processors often offer a feeder tube or a wide chute so you can add additional ingredients into the bowl as it processes. Some machines are capable of processing larger pre-cut veggies like potatoes and carrots. Included with these chute-style food processors is a pusher or prod to insert the food safely.

Most food processors have this function. Safety locks ensure that the processing cannot start unless the lid is locked on properly, which prevents any kind of accidents.

Many models come with a storage case for all your attachments. Also, they might include a spatula and recipe book.

Once you determine your capacity and processing needs, you'll be able to choose the perfect food processor for your kitchen.