@ToolPackinMama have you considered the toaster/patty variety? They live in the freezer and can be called to duty with relative swiftness:)

@ToolPackinMama you can microwave-‘bake’ a whole potato and then cut it in half, smash the halves flat, and shallow fry those. Skin holds it together. Much easier than grating and drying and frying! If… you have a potato.