Today's fast-paced lifestyles demand efficient kitchen tools, and no tool offers quicker, more efficient results than the food processor. These remarkable machines can chop, slice, dice, mix, blend, shred, puree and knead everything -- from soups to nuts. As if speed weren't enough, the food processor also delivers exceptionally uniform results. The products listed here are the best of the best, including both full-size and compact models.

Cuisinart Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor DFP-3

Priced between $59 and $110, the Cuisinart Handy Prep 3-cup Food Processor offers greater versatility, power and capacity than standard mini choppers. This unit not only chops and mixes but also comes with a continuous-feed chute, as well as shredding and slicing discs. Compact and lightweight, the clear work bowl accommodates up to 3 cups of dry ingredients, or 1-1/2 to 2 cups of semi liquid ingredients. The continuous processing work bowl lets you continuously slice, shred or grate ingredients directly into a separate waiting bowl.

Cuisinart Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor DFP-3
Cuisinart Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor DFP-3

Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus 11-Cup Food processor DLC-2011N
Part of Cuisinart's Premier line, the Prep 11 Plus Food Processor DLC-2011N may be all you need for food preparation in the kitchen. This versatile machine chops, slices, shreds, minces, grates, mixes, whips and purees and kneads dough quickly and efficiently. It is priced around $199 and is worth every penny. This unit has Cuisinart's unique one-piece Supreme wide-mouth feed tube assembly, which can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables. The 3/4-horsepower motor, powers through its tasks effortlessly. A smooth touchpad control panel includes four settings: Off, On, Pulse, and a separate Dough setting designed specifically for mixing bread dough.

Cuisinart Prep 7 DLC-2007N

Another member of Cuisinart's Premier series, the Prep 7 is an upgraded version of the Pro Classic 7-cup Processor. This model is a smaller version of the Prep 11 Plus and sells for about $149. It has all the basic accessories including the Cuisinart expanded feed tube assembly. The Prep 7 is a nice model for first-time owners as well as proficient users.

Magic Bullet System

The Magic Bullet is a truly unique, versatile and powerful appliance. This unit sells for around $59.99 and functions not only as a food processor, but also as a blender, a juicer, and, for certain tasks, as a mixer. It comes with a number of mixing and storage containers that are microwavable as well. This unit has a compact high-torque power base and an assortment of mixing cups that handle a wide assortment of tasks. Because the Bullet cups are microwave-safe, you can cook ingredients before or after processing. It's fast, efficient and fun!

Krups Mini Chopper GVA2

The Krups Mini Chopper GVA2 houses a powerful 300-watt motor in its compact base. This unit did an impressive job with its tasks. It has a pressure-activated lid for easy on/off operation. The pulse action is extremely effective in chopping, grinding, mincing and pureeing an assortment of ingredients. This unit also comes with an emulsifying disk, which can be used to chop small amounts of cream or egg whites or to emulsify mayonnaise. The usable capacity is about 12 ounces or 1-1/2 cups. At $39.99, this model is a bit pricier than some others, however, you won't be disappointed.

KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor KFP750

The KitchenAid 12-cup Food Processor KFP750 absolutely exudes power. It is reasonably priced at $249; however, you can find it for much less at retail and department stores. This impressive machine comes with numerous accessories that provide a full range of processing capability. You get both large (12-cup) and small (4-cup) transparent work bowls to handle a full range of tasks. Plus, you also get a handy storage case to store all of the accessories. Superb features, such as touchpad controls, a powerful 700-watt motor and quiet operation make this unit an excellent choice.

KitchenAid Chef's Chopper Series KFC3100CR

The KitchenAid Chef's Chopper Series KFC3100CR, at $49, outperforms most standard mini choppers. It features impressive styling in gleaming chrome and black, as well as exceptional performance. The unit is compact but very powerful. It has a 3-cup work bowl and an ultra sharp stainless-steel mini-chopping blade. There is a single Pulse button for simplified operation. The cutting blade is equipped with "Reverse Spiral Action, which pulls foods down into the path of the blade for uniform chopping, mincing and pureeing. The domed lid has two openings: a slot to drop garlic cloves through the opening and a drip hole to pour oil or other liquids in while making mayonnaise or pesto.