A small food processor is a staple in any kitchen.  It makes sauces, salad dressing, grinds nuts and make breadcrumbs.  Due to the wide range of tasks that these machines performs, you want a product that is going to last a long time and keep its functionality throughout its lifespan.

This review takes a look at the four of the best small food processors on the market now.  They range from top-end (Cuisinart DFP-3) to budget friendly (Black & Decker Mini Pro Plus).

The Cusinart Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor is the pinnacle of small food processors.  It comes with many of the same features that the "big-boy" food processors do.  The Handy Prep comes with a blade, slicing disc and a shredding disc (much like the 9-cup and larger series), and has a chute feed on the top to allow continuous feeding.  The two buttons on the front of the machine represent On and Pulse.  If you are familiar with the full-size Cuisinart food processors, you will have no trouble navigating this one.

In the box with the unit is also a spatula that's fitted to the cup, recipes and instruction booklet.  A five year warranty covers the motor and you get three years for the entire machine.

Unfortunately, if black or stainless steel is the look in your kitchen, this guy is out of the question.  It only comes in white.

The Cuisinart DLC-2 Mini Prep Plus Food Processor is another great product from Cuisinart.  It features a two-direction motor that allows you to "Chop" like a normal food processor with the sharp side of the blade, or "Grind" for nuts and coffee with the dull side of the blade.  This feature sets this food processor apart from the competitors.  Its great for grinding things, but it also helps to get a more even chop for other things.  The ability to reverse the blade's direction helps rotate the food inside the cup, which keeps it from only chopping in one area while leaving the rest untouched.

The lid has two small holes that are great for emulsifying oil in dressings without making a mess.  The base is made out of plastic so it's very lightweight and comes in two colors, white and brushed chrome.  

The warranty on this machine is much less than the other Cuisinart model reviewed.  It's covered by and 18-month limited warranty on everything.  This is something to keep in mind if you have a tendency to break things (like my S.O.!).

The KitchenAid Chef Series Food Chopper is a sturdy, workhorse food processor.  It's rugged build and compact size make it the perfect addition to your kitchen.  Read the full review here.

Another great feature of this machine is the wide array of colors that it comes in.  One color is sure to match your kitchen decor.

The Black & Decker MFP200 MiniPro Plus Food Processor is the easiest on the wallet out of the entire bunch.  It has a two cup bowl and comes with many of the accessories that the more expensive models have.  It features a two a speed motor, slice and shred discs, and blade.  There is a chute feed on the top that allows continuous operation for big jobs.

Don't let the small cup size fool you, this food processor has a much larger footprint than the rest reviewed here.  The warranty is one year on all parts.

Any of these four small food processors are a great value.  They are all small tools for big jobs.