It effectively handles most kitchen preparation jobs: whizzing up bread crumbs, mixing dough, chopping meat and vegetables, puréeing soups and whisking dressings. Additional cutting discs can be used for grating, slicing and shredding.

However, there are a few tasks a food processor cannot do. For example, it's not good at whisking cake batters or whipping cream and egg whites. It can turn mashed potatoes to glue and fresh herbs to bruised shreds. It can't process small amounts of food, and if the mixture isn't liquid enough, you'll have to keep scraping down the sides of the container. But despite this list of shortcomings, most cooks wouldn't be without one.

The most powerful and durable tend to be processors with the container sitting on top of the motor, rather than to one side. If you choose one of these, make sure it's not too tall to fit between the countertop and high-level cupboards.

Size

Containers come in various sizes. Though it's a good idea to choose a large one, bear in mind that small amounts of food will be a problem. Some people overcome this by having a blender as well.

Weight

Make sure the base is wide and heavy enough to stop the machine creeping across the countertop while processing. If possible, try one out in the shop before buying.

Care

Most containers are made of plastic, which easily absorbs grease and smells. Wash the container thoroughly in hot soapy wateras soon as you've finished using it. Make sure you clean out the hollow shafts of the blades, crevices in the base and around the control panels after use.