Baked potato - what is the best way to do them?

[shivvy]

I always avoid baking potatos although I really like them. My memory of trying to do it previously is that they are never nice when done in a microwave, but that it takes soooo long in a conventional oven.
Anyone got what they reckon is the best method?
Thanks

[spudqueen]

I do them in the oven - gas mark 6 for 1 - 1 1/2 hours (depending on how many potatos there are) but my friend boils them before putting them in the oven so they do not take as long.

[maxi2]

Here are a couple of tricks with baked spuds.

1) Start them off in the microwave for a minute or so, then

2) Transfer them to the oven with a metal skewer through the middle for the final cook. The skewer will conduct the heat to the middle of the potato thereby reducing the cooking time.

[rozthatwas]

Try the following. Cut a potato in half, put cut side down on the board, and slice down from top to nearly bottom. Sprinkle with oil, salt & pepper, and spice, if liked. Roast on oiled baking sheet for 1/2 to 1hr. Gas 7 or 220c . Delicious!

[heathfield]

I do them fully in the microwave, then coat them with oil and a sprinkling of salt, and stick them under the grill to get a crispy skin, turning once.

[Goofy35]

Put a med-large potato in the microwave for about 7 mins (prick it a few times first and wrap in kitchen roll). Lightly coat in oil and sprinkle with salt and put in very hot preheated oven for about 10 mins or so to make it nice and crunchy on the outside. Much quicker than leaving in the oven for an hour and a half.