Quick Cooks are utilizing slow cookers, microwave ovens, grills, pressure cookers and other appliances to help them get dinner on the table faster these days.

Which kitchen appliances do you most rely upon?

Oh the microwave definitely! I don't know how anyone managed/s without one. We always forget to take meat out of the freezer to defrost, or we just don't plan meals as early as the morning. So it comes to "I'm hungry, let's make dinner" - imagine if we still had to try and defrost something first the hard way!

The other appliances we use a lot are our blender and electric beater - it's much quicker than trying to whisk something by hand or even chop things up finely.

OK, this may sound kind of backwards for quick-cooking, but I rely on my Crockpot.

I know its a slow cooker, but it lets me throw things in in the morning before I get started for the day, and it cooks for me all day long while I'm doing other things!

My mum passed on her (circa 1970s) electric frying pan to me - it's got a lid and is really versatile. I wouldn't be without it now <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I haven't seen any like it in the shops, so if it ever dies I'll be devastated <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Jane <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Greenspice, I had one of those wonderful electric frying pans, too, and I loved using it...it turned out an absolutely perfect pot roast! I passed mine along to one of my daughters, just as your mom did, but lately I'm considering buying another!

Michelle, there really has been a resurgence in crockpot cooking in the past few years. I agree that although the actual cooking time is considerable, the prep work is usually fairly effortless. I definitely consider my crock pot a significant quick cooking appliance.

Elle, I can't imagine living without my microwave oven, either! I use it all through the day...I'd be lost without it! Another appliance I rely upon is my ice cream maker. I have an electric model with a freezer bowl (no rock salt or ice needed) and it makes a soft-serve ice cream in about half an hour. I know it's easier to buy ice cream and there are a gazillion fabulous flavors available, but I think it's fun to make it at home.

I love my George Foreman Grill. It cooks both sides at once so burgers, fish, etc. are done in half the time.

I just purchased an ELECTRIC pressure cooker. It cooks food about 70% faster than normal methods. I am wondering if anyone knows if you can cook frozen foods/meats in it. If so, would it require more time?

Digital pressure cooker -Bravatti blender-great knives that are sharp all the time. A good pressure cooker makes meat and all tender fast. From chicken to ribs that fall off the bone in about 30 minutes. For the best shredded beef. Oh my. I have a cooks essential.

Brobben . . it requires a little more time for the frozen meats in the pressure cooker but not much. . I think you would be better off using micro wave to defrost n it takes not time at all. I prefer not to put frozen meat in pressure cooker.

I'm thinking about getting the GT xpress 101. Anybody have one?
Do ou like it? Where are you getting our recipes?
Sheryl

I have a GT Xpress 101. Actually two. I love and hate it. I adore the quick cooking part of it, but no matter what I did--sprayed it, oiled it, etc--foods stuck to it after the first several uses.

I complained to the company and got another one for free. But after a few uses, the same thing happened. Foods stuck. I was so so sad.

But except for that, I really like it because I can make all those quick yummy things in it.

I also have one of those old sandwich presses, something like the Xpress 101. You fill two slices of bread with whatever you want and press it down to cook. My kids loved it when I filled it with cheese, pizza sauce and whatever meat and veggies for pizza sandwiches. The crust comes out crunchy and the filling is ample. I'd use leftover pot roast, apple pie filling, etc to stuff the sandwiches. Quick and easy.