I've been trying to cut down on the amount of kitchen gadgets that I have in my home, but my Cuisinart Mini-Prep Processor is one of those things that I just can't give up.

If you don't need a large food processor, or you'd like to have a small one that you can keep out for quick jobs, this is the one to buy. It's nice and compact and can easily be left out on a counter or stored in any small space, and it works amazingly well. I use it daily for onions and garlic and keep it right next to my stove. It's also great for mixing sauces, pestos, and dressings.

Just last night, I was making Spanish rice, so I threw my onions and fresh cilantro into my mini-processor and within seconds had everything ready to add to my rice. I love that it has a blunt and sharp side, so you can dice, mince, and even puree with this one little tool.

If you typically do large jobs, this may not be the food processor for you, as it is small and can't handle large jobs at one time, but for quick jobs, it can't be beat. Heck, it even grinds coffee beans, which allowed me to get rid of my coffee grinder. I'm all for multi-purpose kitchen equipment.

The entire chopping bowl, cover, and blade are all dishwasher-safe, and it's simple to unattach and clean. I usually take mine apart and put it all on the top shelf of my dishwasher. I also like the fact that it won't work at all unless the bowl and the cap are locked into place. With curious little kids around the house, that safety feature is extremely important to me.

If you're looking for a great deal on a small food processor, be sure to check out the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Processor before making your final decision. At less than $30, it can't be beat.