Fast-Track Your Evening: 5 Kitchen Appliances to Whip Up Meals in Record Time

Cooking at home is a great way to save money and eat healthily, but it can be a challenge when you're short on time. Here are five kitchen appliances that can help you get dinner on the table faster.

Reaching for the slow cooker to get a meal done fast may sound counterintuitive, but it's an efficient cooking method when you plan ahead. Use it to prepare meals in the morning that will be ready when you get home. The Hamilton Beach defrost-and-go, programmable slow cooker is a great option as it has a unique defrost function that safely defrosts and cooks meat. Or, try the GreenPan Elite six-quart slow cooker for a durable and stylish choice.

Pressure cookers are another great option for speedy meals. They use pressure and steam to increase the temperature inside the pot, which significantly reduces cooking time. The Instant Pot Rio is highly reviewed for its ease of use. It offers seven cooking functions and four customizable presets to save your favorite cooking settings. For a more versatile option, try the Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi-Function Cooker. It can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sear, saute, and reduce.

Fast-Track Your Evening: 5 Kitchen Appliances to Whip Up Meals in Record Time

Air fryers are popular for their ability to reduce oil usage and provide a convenient alternative to an oven. The Instant Vortex six-quart air fryer can broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate meals. It also has six customizable programs for easy one-touch meals. For a more advanced option, check out the Typhur Dome. This 10-in-1 appliance is self-cleaning and can be controlled via an app.

A food processor is a valuable tool for cutting prep time. The powerful Cuisinart custom 14-cup food processor has a large feed tube for whole fruits and vegetables, as well as a smaller feed tube for liquids and smaller ingredients. For smaller jobs, the Cuisinart mini chopper is a more compact and affordable option.

Fast-Track Your Evening: 5 Kitchen Appliances to Whip Up Meals in Record Time

Immersion blenders are a convenient and time-saving tool. No need to transfer ingredients to a blender or dirty extra dishes. The KitchenAid immersion blender comes with a three-cup blending jar for individual blending jobs. For a budget-friendly option, the Hamilton Beach two-speed immersion blender comes with a wand and whisk.

By incorporating these kitchen appliances into your routine, you can significantly reduce cooking time and enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals with the same ease as ordering takeout.

Fast-Track Your Evening: 5 Kitchen Appliances to Whip Up Meals in Record Time