The 12 Best Potato Mashers That Actually Do The Job And More
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The comforting allure of mashed potatoes is a cornerstone of the quintessential American Thanksgiving spread. As the table is laden with a gleaming turkey, for mashed potato lovers, it's not the bird that captures their heart, but the creamy mound of spuds beside it. But arriving at that plate of potato perfection isn't always a straightforward journey, especially without the right tools in hand.
While you could easily grab the first potato masher in sight at a local grocery store, it's worth noting that not all mashers are created equal. There's a galaxy of mashers out there, each designed with specific needs, preferences, and kitchen scenarios in mind. Whether it's the texture you're aiming for, the effort you wish to invest, or even if you're looking for tools that allow younger members to chip in, there's a masher tailored to that exact need.
With the holiday season signaling a time of feasts and family gatherings, the importance of a dependable potato masher cannot be understated. That's why we've sifted through the myriad options to spotlight the crème de la crème of potato mashers. Our selection is designed to empower you, ensuring that making mashed potatoes, whether for a festive occasion or a regular dinner, is a resounding success.
How we selected products
To find mashers capable of making the best mashed potatoes, the voice of the actual user was paramount. These hands-on accounts come from individuals who've put these tools to the test, maneuvering them through thick and thin, and later facing the sink for cleanup. Reviews, spanning glowing recommendations to more critical feedback, were the backbone of our research, offering an unfiltered perspective into each product's strengths and weaknesses.
While press releases and media mentions can sometimes lean towards promotional narratives, they also offer insights into a product's standing in the wider market. A high volume of reviews can hint at a product's reliability and its popularity among users. Moreover, when a product sparks enough enthusiasm for users to share their experiences, or if it emerges as a trending favorite in culinary communities, it certainly catches our attention.
The primary function of a potato masher is to mash potatoes. With this in mind, we scrutinized each masher's ability to transform potatoes into the desired consistency. Beyond mashing potatoes, we also valued a tool's adaptability. Doubling up to handle tasks like mashing avocados for guacamole or bananas for a bread recipe added to its appeal. The longevity and comfort of using a masher are tied to its construction and design. We had a keen eye for products made from sturdy materials, and those that were ergonomically crafted to ensure ease of use during prolonged periods.
Best overall potato masher: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Smooth Potato Masher
If you're looking for the perfect harmony between design, efficiency, and value, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Smooth Potato Masher should be at the top of your list. This masher strikes an excellent balance, delivering everything one could hope for in a masher and then some.
What's immediately striking is its affordability. Generally priced around $15, it's a steal for its quality. One of the standout features is its horizontal handle. This design isn't just for aesthetics; it ensures a comfortable grip, facilitating an effortless press on the potatoes. As you press, the potatoes glide through the masher's oblong holes, producing a velvety, smooth texture with ease.
Made from resilient stainless steel, it promises longevity. This masher also prioritizes your comfort. The handle is designed for an ergonomic grip, ensuring your hands don't tire out, even if you're handling a mountain of potatoes for a grand Thanksgiving feast. Plus, once you're done, pop it into the dishwasher without a second thought. It's BPA-free, guaranteeing a safe, toxin-free experience.
For those accustomed to using a ricer for their mashed potatoes, this masher might be a game-changer. It achieves a similar silky consistency but demands far less effort. However, a word of caution: While the OXO masher is robust, exerting excessive force on harder substances, like a block of cold butter, might compromise its shape.
Pick up the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Smooth Potato Masher on Amazon for $15.99.
Best budget potato masher: Zulay Kitchen Potato Masher Stainless Steel
For those who want to keep their wallets happy without sacrificing quality, the Zulay Kitchen Potato Masher Stainless Steel is a fantastic choice. While prices can fluctuate depending on the retailer, you'll typically find this handy tool for around $9 on Amazon. Considering its stainless steel construction, this masher offers incredible value for the price.
Simplicity is the name of the game with this product. Its classic design makes it ideal for those who prefer a no-frills approach to their kitchen gadgets. Reviewers often praise its sturdiness and the ease with which it can be cleaned—impressive attributes given its budget-friendly nature. But don't let its affordability fool you. The Zulay Kitchen Potato Masher is not limited to just mashing potatoes. Its sturdy build makes it versatile enough to handle other mashing tasks, like avocados and bananas, with equal aplomb.
If you're looking for a reliable yet affordable option, this masher strikes a wonderful balance. It's perfect for both everyday cooks and those embarking on their culinary journey who don't want to splurge on high-end tools just yet.
Purchase the Zulay Kitchen Potato Masher on Amazon for $8.99.
Best electric potato masher: Masha Electric Potato Masher Hand Blender
Cooks who want to take the effort out of mashing potatoes with gadgets that virtually do all the work will love the Masha Electric Potato Masher Hand Blender. While this appliance does come with a steeper price tag, hovering around $95, it's a justified investment if you're seeking consistency and ease in your mashing endeavors.
This isn't your typical immersion blender. The Masha Electric Masher sets itself apart by doing more than merely blending the potatoes. Its innovative blades work to push the potatoes through grates on the side, achieving a remarkably smooth texture. Imagine taking all the arm-work out of traditional mashing and replacing it with a tool that first whips and then smooths your potatoes to perfection.
Though it may not boast a wealth of reviews on the American Amazon site, a glance at the U.K.'s Amazon platform reveals its popularity across the Atlantic. The same company that offers the Masha in the UK will ship it to you via the U.S. Amazon site, although delivery may take slightly longer. So, plan your purchase keeping that delivery time in mind.
Purchase the Masha Electric Potato Masher on Amazon for $99.99.
Best luxury potato masher: Rösle Potato Masher
Sometimes, it just feels right to splurge on an absolutely beautiful product — and if you're anything like us, that splurge better come with an effective product as well. Meet the Rösle Potato Masher. This one stands out as the embodiment of luxury combined with functionality.
Available at upscale retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Sur La Table, and Bloomingdale's, the best deals for this piece are on Amazon. The masher, akin to our top overall pick, boasts a grated bottom, ensuring ultra-smooth mashed potatoes. But its aesthetics elevate it further. Graceful arches rise and converge into a robust handle, a design that's both functional and visually captivating. Crafted from stainless steel with a satin finish handle, the masher has a weighty, substantial feel, reassuring users of its premium quality.
Rösle, with its roots in German engineering since 1888, is renowned for delivering some of the most exquisite kitchenware. And this potato masher is no exception, seamlessly fitting into the lineage of Rösle's stellar products. Whether you're adding to your Rösle collection or starting a new one, this masher is a delightful acquisition. Beyond personal use, consider this masher as a sophisticated wedding gift option. It promises to infuse a touch of opulence into a simple culinary task.
Purchase the Rösle Potato Masher from Amazon for $45.32.
Best potato masher for use in nonstick pans: OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher
For fans of nonstick cookware, there's the magic of whipping up dishes without the nagging worry of food sticking to the pan. However, the beauty of the non-stick surface demands care. This coating, while superbly functional, isn't invincible. Repeatedly using metal utensils can lead to chipping, potentially spoiling your pan and even mixing the liner in with your food. To ensure the longevity of your nonstick cookware, opt for utensils explicitly crafted to be gentle on such surfaces. That's why we love the OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher.
Constructed from nylon, this masher is tailor-made for your nonstick pan. The nylon composition ensures that the pan's surface remains untouched and pristine. And for those concerned about post-mashing cleanup? This masher is dishwasher-friendly for ultra-easy cleanup.
Given that it's nylon, there might be apprehensions about its ability to withstand heat. However, the OXO masher is heat resistant, allowing you to mash with peace of mind even in warm pans. The handle's design ensures a comfortable grip, enhancing the ease of the mashing process. Many users have also highlighted its optimal size—neither too large nor too small, ensuring both functionality and easy storage.
Purchase the OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher on Amazon for $12.20.
Best potato masher for making a large quantity: Thunder Group Chrome Plated Round-Faced Potato Masher
When it's time to feed the masses and mashed potatoes are on the menu, you need a tool that can handle the volume. For those grand occasions or commercial needs, the perfect potato masher would be one with both a long handle and a substantial mashing surface. The Thunder Group's Chrome Plated Round-Faced Potato Masher is just the right fit.
The Thunder Group masher is available in two sizes, ensuring flexibility based on your needs. Whether you choose the 24-inch or the 18-inch handle, you're guaranteed an efficient mashing experience, especially when catering to a large audience. Its broad mashing surface, spanning a generous 4.5 inches in diameter, guarantees efficient mashing. This design ensures quicker preparation of larger potato batches.
This masher's sturdy construction is evident. When using a tool for substantial batches, you want durability and reliability, and this masher exudes both. The best part is that even though it takes up a lot of space, this masher, being dishwasher safe, ensures a hassle-free post-cooking experience.
Purchase the Thunder Group Round-Faced Potato Masher from Webstaurant Store for $9.49.
Best potato masher for young cooks: Mini Masher
Cultivating a passion for cooking can begin at an early age. With the rising popularity of Montessori-inspired tools—emphasizing the inclusion of children in household activities—it's delightful to see kid-friendly kitchen gadgets like the Mini Masher come to the forefront.
The Mini Masher has a design that mirrors the classic potato masher but has been miniaturized for those tiny, eager hands. It effortlessly blends durability with kid-friendly functionality. Made of stainless steel, it promises both longevity and safety. And for parents fretting over clean-up? The Mini Masher is dishwasher-friendly, and its compact size ensures it doesn't hog space. And at a price of just under $5, it's not only a fantastic tool but also a delightful memory-maker. Imagine capturing those priceless moments of your little one contributing to family meals, proudly mashing away.
For those looking to support Montessori principles, purchasing from a brand like For Small Hands is a meaningful choice. This company offers a plethora of child-sized tools, making it an excellent destination for parents seeking to expand their collection of kid-friendly kitchen tools. However, a word to the wise: the Mini Masher is ideally suited for children aged two to seven. Older children might find it a tad too small and would likely benefit more from transitioning to a regular-sized potato masher from another category.
Purchase the Mini Masher from For Small Hands for $4.95.
Best innovative potato masher: Smood Lite
In a world filled with run-of-the-mill kitchen tools, it's rare to find a product that challenges the status quo and brings a breath of fresh air to a kitchen staple. Enter the Smood Lite by Dreamfarm, an Australian brand that's turning heads with its innovative designs and unique approach to everyday kitchen tasks.
At first glance, the Smood Lite's design might raise eyebrows. Its spring coil feature doesn't immediately scream potato masher. But in action, it's a revelation. Simply place the dome-shaped spring over a potato, press down with a single hand, and like magic, you have mashed potatoes. The idea is straightforward: Tackle each potato individually for a batch of perfectly mashed spuds.
Dreamfarm doesn't just stop at innovative design; it injects fun into these products, even in naming them. The Smood stands out, and for those budget-conscious chefs, there's the Smood Lite—a more affordable version that retains all the genius of its sibling.
Beyond its unique mashing mechanism, Smood Lite is crafted with comfort in mind. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, making the mashing process a breeze. Say goodbye to the traditional mashing struggle and welcome a new era of effortless potato perfection.
Purchase the Smood Lite from Amazon for $9.95.
Best dual potato masher: Williams Sonoma Dual Potato Masher
Selecting kitchen tools means making lots of decisions on design, but when it comes to mashing potatoes, we often find ourselves torn between two popular designs: the zigzag wire masher and the ricer. Williams Sonoma, ever the innovator in kitchen tools, presents a solution that combines the best of both worlds with its Dual Potato Masher.
This ingenious masher sports a zigzag wire design with a ricer layered over it. The brilliance lies in its dual-action approach: As you mash, the potatoes are simultaneously pushed through the ricer, yielding ultra-smooth results. It's like getting two tools in one.
The design truly shines when dealing with medium to large batches of potatoes. The masher ensures there's ample material to press, while the ricer ensures a fine, lump-free consistency. No more trade-offs between texture and efficiency, and it'll seem like you're doing twice the work with each press.
You might think that this dual-feature tool would be a hassle to clean, but Williams Sonoma has got you covered. Simply place the masher in the top rack of your dishwasher and let it handle the cleaning. Practicality meets innovation in this kitchen game-changer.
Purchase the Dual Potato Masher from Williams Sonoma for $24.95.
Best potato ricer: OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Adjustable Potato Ricer
Using a potato ricer instead of a typical wire potato masher creates a smoother potato mixture with fewer passes with the ricer. It may require more elbow grease if your potatoes struggle to go through the ricer, but for the most incredible mash outcome, it's well worth the effort.
We're particularly fond of OXO's potato ricer, which features three different settings, allowing you to adjust the output size for various purposes. Though this option is handy, for mashed potatoes, you'll likely want to use the fine setting. We love how it rests right on the bowl, making it easy to transfer the potatoes right where you need them. Not to mention, this ricer is top-rack dishwasher safe, adding to its convenience, and given that mashed potatoes are often part of a much larger meal, you'll be thankful for this simple cleanup option.
Find the OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Adjustable Potato Ricer on Amazon for $36.95.
Best foldable masher: Joseph Joseph Delta Folding Potato Masher
If you're familiar with the typical wire potato masher, you've likely experienced its odd shape and the difficulty of storing it. Joseph Joseph's masher offers a brilliant solution to this common kitchen issue.
Instead of remaining in a rigid position that often gets stuck in drawers, the larger masher part of this utensil folds down for ultra-easy storage. Additionally, its plate is made of nylon, which is gentler on your bowls and pans compared to metal. The masher's design is slightly curved, allowing you to mash efficiently along the edges of your pot. Equipped with a locking collar, the masher stays securely in place during use, ensuring it doesn't shift around when you don't want it to but can still fold flat for better storage.
Put those storage woes to rest with the Joseph Joseph Delta Folding Potato Masher on Amazon for $10.99.
Best 2-in-1 masher: HIC Kitchen 2-in-1 Mix N'Masher Potato Masher
If you've made mashed potatoes, you know that it involves more than just mashing; you often need several utensils for the preparation. That's why a utensil that both mashes and mixes is so valuable.
This utensil is not only functional but also features an interesting-looking masher head. It's strong and durable, easily withstanding the mashing, mixing, and preparation required for making mashed potatoes. This helps cut down on the extra tools you may typically use while preparing a batch of mashed potatoes. The wires extending from the masher are designed to help you scrape your pot or bowl clean of any mashed potato debris, ensuring your mash is thoroughly combined. Plus, it's machine washable, so after you're through, there'll be fewer utensils taking up valuable space in the dishwasher.
Mix things up with the HIC Kitchen 2-in-1 Mix N'Masher from Amazon for $12.97.