how to test kernels..??

[Rash]

Hi guys (you guys are the Jedi's in the world of
Android)..
My sgs i9000 is on the Dark Knight ROM based
on ova 4.0.4.. Currently using latest devil
kennel..
I want to test some different kernels and see
what suits me the best..!!
What I would like to know is what must I look
out for apart from features.. Check it's stability,
speed, responsiveness..
What else can I check and how.. Would be nice
if someone posted a list of points.. (things to
look for when testing/trying new kernels..