Fast Foward: On the boil

From waffle-makers to water filters, Michael Oliveira-Salac and Martin Skegg recommend the best in kitchen gadgets

Urban living is synonymous with a fast and hectic lifestyle. Spending half the day on a dish is fine for TV chefs but, for the rest of us, grabbing a bite to eat is as much as we can manage. As for eating healthily, it's about as easy as an expedition to the moon. However, with the right appliances, it can be simple to cook a tasty meal and boycott TV dinners - well, at least for one night.

1. Petra waffle maker

Sheer indulgence: hot, fresh waffles, perfect for breakfast. Pour batter into the moulds and they're ready in minutes. pounds 54 from Selfridges. For further information call 0171-629 1234.

2. Roberts Revival 250 radio

Retro-styled AM/FM radio in a choice of 10 colours to brighten up your kitchen. pounds 100. For information and stockists call 01709 571722.

3. Tefal Le Saucier

With a digital thermostat and built-in stirrers, the Tefal makes up to a litre of perfect sauce. Just tell it which sauce you want to make, add the ingredients, and it does the rest. pounds 60. For information and stockists call 0800 616413.

4. Meyer asparagus cooker

Steams upright for perfectly tender spears. pounds 18. For further information call 0151 6506500.

5. Zelig hood extractor fan

A stainless-steel hood that can either filter and recycle air or extract it through a hose. With built-in lighting. pounds 1,360, available from Fulham Kitchens, London SW6, 0171-736 6458.

6. Meyer Circulon commercial pans

Professional-quality, anodised non-stick pans that are durable and easy to clean. An even heat distribution prevents burning. From pounds 42. For information and stockists call 0151 6506500.

7. Tefal Rondo 1500 blender set

Tackles anything from milkshakes to crushed ice. Unlike most blenders, the Tefal has its motor and knife built into the lid, making operation quick and hassle free. pounds 55. For information and stockists call 0800 616413.

8. Breville Juice Fountain

Even the busiest person has time for a juice. The Breville takes whole pieces of fruit and vegetables and pulps them. pounds 50. For information and stockists call 0800 525089.

9. Black & Decker Spillbuster

Compact vacuum that's ideal for cleaning up all kitchen spills, even liquids. pounds 30. For further information and stockists call 01753 574277.

10. Philips Essence toaster

A curvaceous toaster and sandwich maker in one. Suitable for different sized slices of bread, or pop in the non-stick moulds for toasties. pounds 40. For information and stockists call 0845 6010354.

11. Samsung M308 Sam Junior

Space-saving microwave with 500 watt output and 0.3 cubic feet oven. pounds 80. For information and stockists call 0800 521652.

12. Habitat numbered glasses

Tall juice glasses. pounds 1 each from Habitat. Call 0845 6010740 for nearest stockist.

13. Ikea kitchen utensils

Made from durable nylon plastic, these will treat your pans with the respect they deserve. 80p each from Ikea stores nationwide. Call 0181-208 5607 for nearest store.

14. Gaggenau EB300 oven

Finished in utilitarian stainless steel, this extra-wide (90cm) oven includes a meat probe, rotisserie and baking stone. It even has a self-cleaning programme. pounds 3,500. For stockists nationwide call Gaggenau on 01908 328360.

15. Breville Aqua Fountain

Electronic water filter which removes chlorine, lead, micro-biological cysts, pesticides and mercury. It filters at a rate of two litres a minute. pounds 40; additional filters pounds 10. For information and stockists call 0800 525089.

16. Philips Citrus Press

This juicer has a particularly simple but useful feature: its container is translucent and non-stain, so you can see what you're doing and spot the pips. pounds 40. For information and stockists call 0845 6010354.

17. Waring blender

Chrome blender with glass jug, suitable for shakes or cocktails. Features high/low speed control. pounds 179 from Harrods. For further information call 0171-730 1234.

18. Braun Multiquick Baby Set

A versatile hand blender with attachments made specifically for those catering for young children. The brush fitting cleans baby's bottle and there are two motorised stirrers to mix baby food or sauces. pounds 24.50 from Argos. Call 0870 8003030 for your nearest store.

19. Numbered mug by Proper

Numbered from one to six, these mugs are the work of a group of designers from London's fashionable Old Street. pounds 9. For further information and stockists call 0171-729 6070.

20. Cucina Coffee Maker HD 7502

Prepare up to 1.2 litres of filter coffee in style. A buffer ring protects the jug. pounds 30. For information and stockists call 0845 6010354.

21. Russell Hobbs hand-held mixer

Neat and compact, it lets you work on a cake mix, batter or meringue without fuss. pounds 19. For information and stockists call 0161 9473170.

22. Timestone food timer

This unique-looking clockwork timer keeps track of your cooking for up to an hour. pounds 16.95 from Ocean mail-order. Call 0171-670 9083.

23. Siemens Porsche kettle

It's cordless, it's finished in brushed stainless steel, but most importantly it's a Porsche. Zero-100C in a couple of minutes. pounds 85. For further information or mail order call 0845 8418000. n