Best Potato Masher
Making irresistible mashed potatoes at home can be a chore, especially if you don’t have a good quality potato masher to make the job a lot easier. So, how are you mashing your potatoes? If you aren’t using a potato masher when preparing warm mashed potatoes for your family, you might be struggling to get the results you want, or you might be spending a lot more time prepping your meal than you’d like. Thankfully, there are a lot of different potato mashers on the market that will simplify things for you, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on these products either!
Side note: Keep in mind that, even though it’s called a potato masher, it doesn’t mean you can only use this product when preparing potatoes. You can also use it for a variety of other foods, such as when you’re making guacamole. So, it’s definitely a kitchen tool that you might find yourself using a lot more often than you might think.
What Makes a Good Potato Masher?
The right potato masher will be comfortable to hold, so your hand won’t get tired as you use it. And it will allow you to create fluffy mashed potatoes that are nice and smooth. As you shop, looking for the right features will help ensure you select a masher that will be right for you in terms of its design, size, durability, and sturdiness. For instance, if you want a really smooth consistency for your mashed potatoes, you might want to go with a masher that is perforated, but if you prefer a coarser mash, you might find that a wire masher is the better way to go. No matter which you prefer, using a masher can help you achieve the right texture that you might not be able to get easily with other methods and products.
As mentioned above, there are several different options on the market when it comes to potato mashers. And, once you start using one, you might find that it’s just right or you might want to give a different style a try. A little trial and error can help you figure out which type of masher gives you the texture you want when preparing foods like mashed potatoes. Again, because these products aren’t expensive, you might be able to easily afford buying more than one to test them out. You might find different uses for them, or you might simply use them to create a variety of mashes that your family can dig into.
To help you get a better idea of the potato mashers that you can choose from, we have come up with the list of products below. Check out the various features that you can take advantage of to make your life in the kitchen a bit easier, especially when you are short on time but you don’t want to sacrifice a restaurant quality meal at home with the family.
1. Editor’s Choice: KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher
This potato masher from KitchenAid is designed to make the task of mashing up fruits and vegetables a lot easier. You can use it for bananas, avocados, potatoes, and more. It boasts stainless steel that is resistant to rust and tough enough to last a long time.
We also like that the handle on this potato masher is ergonomically designed and well-balanced, so it should be comfortable and easy to hold. Plus, this masher can also be washed in the dishwasher, so you don’t need to worry about needing to wash it by hand when you are done using it.
Pros:
- This potato masher is made of durable stainless steel that is rust resistant.
- This product features a wide handle that is designed to be easy to grip and comfortable to hold during use.
- You can clean this potato masher by simply putting it in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- This potato masher isn’t right for you if you prefer using a potato masher with a horizontal handle.
- This product is priced higher than other potato mashers that are available.
2. Runner Up: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Smooth Potato Masher
This perforated potato masher can be a great addition to your collection of kitchen tools. It is from OXO, so if you are familiar with this brand’s products, you might want to consider giving this one a try.
Attractive features include the durable stainless steel, the fine-grid plate that helps prevent clumps and helps you achieve a smooth consistency when preparing mashed potatoes and other foods, and the horizontal, pressure-absorbing handle that helps make mashing fruits and veggies quicker and easier. Plus, you can wash this potato masher in the dishwasher for speedy and simple cleanup.
Pros:
- This potato masher is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher safe.
- The fine-grid mashing plate helps you get smoother results more easily.
- The horizontal handle has a non-slip grip and can help you get more leverage when mashing fruits and vegetables.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state this potato masher bent during use, so taking care to apply the right amount of pressure might be necessary.
- Some people might find the horizontal handle harder to use, but this will depend on your preferences.
3. Best with a Thick Handle: Cuisinart Nylon Potato Masher
Many potato mashers that are on the market are not safe to use with nonstick cookware. This can limit how you can use it, and it can certainly be frustrating. So, shopping for a masher that is safe for nonstick cookware, such as this one from Cuisinart, can resolve this problem.
This is a nylon potato masher, so it shouldn’t scratch your nonstick pots and pans. And it is also heat resistant up to 400°F, providing you with even more versatility. Plus, when you need to clean it, you can just pop it in the dishwasher, so you don’t need to worry about spending time washing it by hand.
We especially like that this potato masher has a handle that is designed to be comfortable. It is also large enough to make it easy to get a good grip on it, which is necessary when you’re mashing ingredients.
Pros:
- This potato masher features a perforated plate to help you get smooth results.
- Because this potato masher is made of nylon, it is safe for use with nonstick cookware.
- This potato masher can resist high temperatures and it is dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- This product has a vertical handle that some might find harder to use than a horizontal handle.
- Some customer reviews state that this product is hard to clean because of the perforated plate.
4. Best Nylon Potato Masher: Cooking Light Potato Masher
Another nylon potato masher that is worth considering is this one from Cooking Light. It can handle temperatures up to 400°F, it measures roughly 11.5” tall, and it features a round plate that is perforated to help you get the smooth results you want in no time at all.
As mentioned above, what’s great about a nylon potato masher like this one is the fact that you can use it with nonstick cookware, so this can give you greater versatility that you can’t get with other mashers. In addition to that, this product is made of durable materials and it has an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to grip.
Pros:
- You can use this potato masher with nonstick cookware because it is made of nylon that is heat resistant.
- This potato masher has a comfortable, non-slip handle.
- This product is dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Some people might find the perforated head hard to clean.
5. Best Stainless Steel: Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Food Masher
If you are a fan of the Gorilla Grip brand, it is worth checking out their potato masher, which is made of stainless steel to be durable and resistant to rust. This potato masher has a heavy-gauge wire design that can help make it easy to thoroughly mash all of your ingredients in a bowl. Plus, this design can also make the product easier to clean than perforated designs, and it can be gentler on your bowls to help prevent scratches.
To ensure you can get a solid and comfortable grip on this masher, it features a vertical handle that is ergonomically designed. And the handle also boasts soft rubber to help prevent it from slipping out of your hand during use.
Pros:
- This potato masher features a curved wire loop head that is made of stainless steel, which is resistant to rust.
- The handle on this potato masher is soft, ergonomically designed, and comfortable to hold.
- This potato masher is available in a range of colors.
- You can wash this potato masher in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- Some people might find the vertical handle harder to use.
6. Best Silicone: Zulay Kitchen Non-Scratch Potato Masher Kitchen Tool
To get the best of both worlds – a durable stainless steel masher that won’t scratch your nonstick cookware – check out this option from Zulay Kitchen. The stainless steel wire head is covered in silicone to make it soft enough to use with your nonstick pots and pans.
This product is heat resistant, and it features a thick, balanced handle that helps make it easy and comfortable to grip and hold during use. Also, the S curved wire design helps you get great results fast, and the silicone that covers it is nonstick to prevent food from sticking to it.
Pros:
- This potato masher features a stainless steel head that is covered in silicone, so you can use it without scratching your nonstick cookware.
- This product is easy to clean, particularly because food is less likely to stick to its nonstick silicone as much as it would on other mashers.
- You can wash this potato masher in your dishwasher.
- This masher is available in multiple color options.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that this potato masher is too large.
7. Best Round: TEELY Potato Masher
This is yet another affordably priced potato masher that is designed to be durable and easy to use. The handle is ergonomically designed and balanced, and it is covered in silicone to be comfortable too.
Featuring stainless steel, this product is heat resistant and easy to clean. It has a round plate that is perforated with smooth holes, so if that is the type of masher that you prefer, this can be a great option to consider. Plus, the mashing plate is sturdy to make mashing a variety of ingredients a snap.
Pros:
- This potato masher features a round, stainless steel, perforated plate.
- The handle on this potato masher is comfortable and non-slip.
Cons:
- Some customers state that this product is flimsy, so you might need to avoid using too much pressure when mashing fruits and vegetables.
8. Best for Mixing: The World’s Greatest 2-in-1 Mix N’Masher Potato Masher
For something a little different, check out this potato masher, which does the job of mashing your fruits and veggies as well as mixing them. As you mash and mix your ingredients, you can also use the convenient side wires to ensure you scrape all of the food off the sides of the bowl so you don’t leave anything behind.
This product is made of tough 18/8 stainless steel that is rust resistant. It is designed to be simple to use, and you can pop it in the dishwasher when you need to clean it. Plus, it has a vertical handle that you can use to get a good grip during use.
Pros:
- This potato masher can be used to mash and mix ingredients.
- Made of durable stainless steel, this product features side wires to ensure you mash all of your food to the right consistency.
Cons:
- Some people might find that this type of masher is harder to clean than other styles.
Things to look out for:
Are you convinced that a potato masher is something that you need to add to your collection of kitchen tools? Great! Now it’s time to think about what you will look for as you browse what’s for sale. It’s pretty obvious that one of the first things to think about is the style of masher that you would prefer. But what else should you consider? To help you get started, here are some things we recommend looking out for:
One of the things that you might overlook is the handle of a potato masher. Remember, this is something that you will use with your hands, so you want it to be easy to hold, and it should also be comfortable to hold. You don’t want to feel any strain in your hand as you use the masher to mash up potatoes, avocados for guacamole, chickpeas for hummus, or anything else. So, carefully look at a handle’s features, and see if an item was ergonomically designed for your comfort. If you want a handle that’s designed to be thick and easy to grip, you have options. You can even choose from handles that are vertical if you think this style would be easier to use.
The head of a potato masher is something else to consider. Some will look like wires that are bent in a way that makes it easy for them to get through potatoes to mash them up. This might be a good way to go if you aren’t always in the mood for super smooth mashed potatoes. And this can also be a smart choice if you want a masher that will be easier to clean. On the other hand, there are mashers that have flat, circular heads with holes throughout. These can help you get a smoother result, but it’s worth keeping in mind that they might also present a bit of a challenge when it comes to thoroughly cleaning them.
Yet another feature to look into is the material that a potato masher is made of. Stainless steel is a popular option because of its durability and its ability to resist rust, but if you want to go with something different, that’s totally fine. For example, you might discover that a nylon potato masher or one that is covered in silicone is a better choice for your needs and preferences, especially if you are worried about scratching your bowls or pots and pans when making mashed potatoes.
Finally, consider how easy it will be to clean a potato masher completely after use. If you want a product that you can just pop in the dishwasher for added convenience, be sure to look for that feature.
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