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In order to create that oh-so-yummy and fluffy texture, it is helpful to use a potato masher that’s equipped with a durable handle, a sturdy, level base, and all the right details (size, manual or electric, key features, and other options) to match your preferences.
The following is a collection of some of the best potato mashers on the market. Check out the options below to see the range of features available for a variety of users.
- BEST OVERALL: OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zulay Stainless Steel – Premium Masher Hand Tool
- BEST UPGRADE: Prepara Stainless Steel Potato Masher
- BEST FOR KIDS: Best Manufacturers 8-Inch Masher
- BEST FOR SMALL BATCHES: ZYLISS Potato Masher, Stainless Steel
- BEST SPRING STYLE: Dreamfarm Smood One-Press Spring Coil Potato Masher
- BEST WAVE STYLE: Tovolo Silicone Potato Masher
- BEST ELECTRIC: Braun MultiMix 5 Electric Hand Mixer
- BEST RICER: Chef’n FreshForce Potato Ricer Press
- BEST FOR NONSTICK PANS: OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Potato Masher
When it’s time to make mashed potatoes, it’s essential to remember that there are different types of potato mashers, each constructed with different materials and handles. Some are more versatile, while others are easier to clean. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a new potato masher.
Types of Potato Mashers
When it comes to potato mashers there are wire mashers and smooth mashers. The handles on these tools are available in both horizontal and vertical styles.
The head, which is attached to the handle, is the part of the tool that does the actual work and mashes the potatoes. The head styles, usually constructed of stainless steel, can be shaped into zig-zag wire heads or perforated flat heads.
Different head styles work for different preferences. For example, wirehead mashers are strong and sturdy, but are harder and more tiring to use, whereas mashers with flat plates can mash more potatoes in one sitting, but can be more difficult to clean.
Material
Most potato mashers are made of stainless steel, but some consist of nylon, silicone, plastic, or wood. Stainless steel is generally pricier than the rest, but it’s also the most popular material as metal potato masher options are rust-resistant and durable.
One advantage to a silicone or nylon potato smasher is that it’s less likely to scratch nonstick cookware. Nylon is also heat-resistant (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as dishwasher-safe. Wood mashers give your kitchen collection a rustic look but are not very popular since they are difficult to clean.
Handle
Most modern potato mashers have either a vertical stick or a horizontal handle. Horizontal handles are shaped a bit like a handlebar and are common on heavy-duty potato masher options. The handle allows them to be gripped with the entire palm of the hand. When necessary, cooks can use their upper-body strength to press onto these handles, which is helpful in mashing potatoes quickly and efficiently. Stick handles work too, although they may take more time. A long-handle potato masher is a good choice for those making large batches of mashed potatoes.
Try to find a potato masher with an ergonomically designed handle. They’re usually better for the hand and arm and are designed to prevent discomfort or injury. Paired with a good kitchen knife or one of the best vegetable choppers, they can make whipping up mashed potatoes a breeze.
Cleaning
Potato mashers can be hard to clean, so don’t forget to take cleanup into account when shopping for your new masher. Generally, the larger the holes in the masher, the easier it is to clean—with the easiest being a wire-head potato masher. The mashing plate of any potato masher can be difficult to clean, especially if it’s not cleaned immediately after use. Soak the masher in water if there’s no time to clean it right away.
The good news is that almost all potato mashers are dishwasher-safe. Just make sure to rinse it off right after use and place it immediately into the dishwasher for best results.
Versatility
Although it may seem like a simple tool, a potato masher can be used to create a variety of dishes, from breakfast to appetizers to desserts. High-quality potato mashers can be used to mash various types of fruits, vegetables, beans, or boiled eggs for egg salad, crush walnuts, or tenderize meat. They can even be used to make homemade baby food.
You can also mash a couple of soft avocados to make a fresh batch of guacamole, mix up the fixings for a meatloaf, muddle mint leaves or sliced citrus fruits for cocktails, or stir up the components for pastry dough.
Our Top Picks
Now that we’ve gone over the key features of a good potato masher, we can look at a few examples. Below are a handful of favorites, each unique for its own reasons.
Best Overall
OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher
OXO is known for its kitchen accessories (the brand makes some of the best meat tenderizers and pizza cutters around), so it’s no surprise that their potato masher would rank high on our list. Constructed of high-quality stainless steel, this potato masher is sturdy, well made, and should be long lasting. Not only is it ideal for mashing potatoes, but it can also be used for prepping assorted fruits, boiled root vegetables, and a variety of other dishes to boot.
It’s also a great option for folks with a weakened grip or arthritis, as they can mash food easily with this imported, fine-grid model. It’s also dishwasher-safe, but it should definitely be rinsed or soaked after each use. Otherwise, this type of masher can be difficult to clean.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic
- Masher head type: Perforated
- Features: Horizontal handle design
Pros
- Easy-to-use horizontal handle design
- Good for weak hands
- Fine perforations create a smooth mash
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean
Get the OXO potato masher at Amazon, Walmart, OXO, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Bang for the Buck
Zulay Stainless Steel – Premium Masher Hand Tool
The Zulay Kitchen Premium Wire Potato Masher can do it all. What’s more? It’s easy to clean. If you prefer a lumpier end result to your potatoes, this is your masher.
With its long and smooth non-slip grip, you can easily grasp and mash with it, and it only takes a moment to cream butter. Its food-grade stainless steel is sturdy enough for nearly anything mashable. Plus, it’s durable and easy to store with its in-handle hook hole.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic
- Masher head type: Wire
- Features: Ergonomic, nonslip handle
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable nonslip handle
Cons
- Wire spacing can leave lumps
Get the Zulay potato masher on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Upgrade
Prepara Stainless Steel Potato Masher
This masher is unique in that it offers a quick-and-easy storage solution: Just give it a squeeze to flatten it down for storage or re-assemble it in a snap to start mashing again. This BPA-free, stainless steel gem is ready to get to work on all sorts of foods.
Its high-quality materials ensure that your hands and arms won’t feel strained or stressed after use, while its handle provides an excellent grip. The holes in this folding potato masher are a unique round shape. This masher is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic
- Masher head type: Perforated
- Features: Masher head folds flat for storing
Pros
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Sturdy construction
- Round perforations perform similarly to a ricer
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
Get the Prepara potato masher on Amazon.
Best for Kids
Best Manufacturers 8-Inch Masher
Some kids love to spend time in the kitchen. For those young ones who want to get their hands into the mashed potatoes, a mini potato masher can give them a job to do. The Best Manufacturers 8-Inch Masher is ideal for small hands. This little masher even has a smaller handle and mashing surface that makes it easier for children to use.
Though this masher is great for kids, it’s still a full-featured masher. Designed for all ages, it’s a balanced masher with a comfortable handle. The stainless steel wire-style mashing head is ideal for mashing potatoes or small portions around the kitchen, such as avocados for avocado toast or berries to top yogurt. When the job is done, just toss the masher into the dishwasher to clean.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel
- Masher head type: Wire
- Features: Mini size
Pros
- Small size is ideal for kids
- Great for mashing small portions
- Sturdy steel construction
Cons
- Too small for large batches of food
Get the Best Manufacturers potato masher on Amazon.
Best for Small Batches
ZYLISS Potato Masher, Stainless Steel
Featuring premium stainless steel and a soft, secure grip, this masher is ideal for whipping up a small batch of vegetables for two on a weeknight or rounding out a hot lunch on a cold afternoon. Small inner holes and larger outer holes make for smooth and creamy results. It also comes with a handy integrated silicone bowl scraper and the handle features a hanging hook for easy storage.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and silicone
- Masher head type: Perforated
- Features: Integrated silicone bowl scraper
Pros
- Built-in silicone bowl scraper
- Masher head design allows for quick mashing
- Soft nonslip handle
- Hanging hook for storage
Cons
- Some users note the silicone separates from the handle over time
Get the Zyliss potato masher on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Spring Style
Dreamfarm Smood One-Press Spring Coil Potato Masher
The handy spring design on this nylon masher is great for mashing foods from pumpkins to baby food, and its ergonomic multi-grip handle can work in several hand positions. It’s BPA-free, safe for the dishwasher, and works beautifully each time it’s pressed down and the food is forced through the narrow openings between the spring coils. This masher is heat resistant to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself.
Product Specs
- Material: Nylon and plastic
- Masher head type: Spring style
- Features: Unique mashing head
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Ergonomic handle
- Safe for use on nonstick cookware
Cons
- Users with weak hands may find the mashing process difficult
Get the Dreamfarm potato masher on Amazon.
Best Wave Style
Tovolo Silicone Potato Masher
Scratch and heat-resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, this Tovolo wave-style silicone potato masher has mashing tines covered with silicone. This coating ensures that your mash is the texture you want it to be while keeping your cookware safe from scratches.
Make anything you’d like, from applesauce to butternut squash soup. This kitchen tool is gentle on pans and equipped for a variety of tasks like scraping, flipping, mixing, and spreading. You can also choose between two colors—red or charcoal.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and silicone
- Masher head type: Wire
- Features: Gentle on cookware
Pros
- Safe for use on nonstick cookware
- Sturdy stainless steel frame
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Metal sides of the masher head could scratch pots
Get the Tovolo potato masher on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Electric
Braun MultiMix 5 Electric Hand Mixer
An electric mixer is an excellent substitute for a traditional hand masher. These handy devices are used more like a potato mixer, churning soft, cooked potatoes into a tasty mash. For mashing potatoes and more, the Braun MultiMix 5 is the best electric option. This mixer is both powerful and comfortable to use, with a design that reduces mixing effort while churning out smooth potatoes, batters, and icings.
Using this mixer is simple with one-handed controls and a one-touch button for switching accessories. This mixer includes a multi-whisk (a whisk and beater in one) and a dough hook, enabling users to make a huge range of recipes beyond mashed potatoes. A completely sealed design prevents any errant pieces of potato from getting inside the housing, so this mixer is easy to clean. Its attachments are also dishwasher-safe.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
- Masher head type: N/A
- Features: Can create a huge range of recipes
Pros
- Fast and low-effort potato mashing
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive compared to traditional mashers
Get the Braun hand mixer at Amazon, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Ricer
Chef'n FreshForce Potato Ricer Press
Many chefs cite using a potato ricer as the best way to get smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes. Those who prefer mashing potatoes with this classic tool should reach for the Chef’n FreshForce Potato Ricer Press. This top-rated potato ricer features a dual-gear mechanism, which increases pressing power. Along with the easy-to-squeeze handle, the mechanism reduces the effort needed to rice potatoes. In fact, Chef’n boasts this potato ricer is 65 percent more efficient than conventional ricers on the market.
One downside of potato ricers is that they can be hard to clean. This ricer aims to reduce cleaning time: It has a removable stainless steel basket and all parts are dishwasher-safe in the top rack.
Product Specs
- Material: Stainless steel and plastic
- Masher head type: Ricer
- Features: Easy to squeeze
Pros
- Efficient operation
- Removable ricer basket for easier cleaning
- Top rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Chef’n potato ricer on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best For Nonstick Pans
OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher
Stainless steel potato mashers can quickly damage sensitive cookware like nonstick pots and pans. To prevent any damage, reach for a suitable potato masher, like the OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher. Instead of steel, this entire potato masher is made from nylon, which means no part of it will damage cookware. Since it’s fully made of nylon, it’s soft to the touch and nonslip.
A perforated flat masher head makes quick work of mashing potatoes, avocados, berries, or other soft foods. This masher is heat-resistant to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so users don’t need to worry when using it in a hot pan. It’s also dishwasher-safe for straightforward cleaning.
Product Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Masher head type: Perforated
- Features: Fully nylon construction
Pros
- Safe for all cookware
- Heat resistant to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonslip design
Cons
- Can be hard to clean due to narrow perforations
Get the OXO nylon potato masher at Amazon, Walmart, or OXO.
Our Verdict
Because of its horizontal handle design, the OXO potato masher is a tool everyone (even those with weak and arthritic hands) can easily use. For those who want a more classic design at a very affordable price, the Zulay potato masher is another excellent masher.
How We Chose the Best Potato Mashers
Potato mashers are a simple cooking tool, but like any other basic kitchen item, a high-quality one will be much easier to use. Through extensive product research and analyzing user reviews, we chose the best potato mashers keeping a few criteria in mind.
Most importantly, the potato masher should mash soft foods easily and effectively. We chose potato mashers with effective mashing heads and comfortable handles. We prioritized mashing heads that were appropriately spaced to create smooth potatoes without being so fine that they were difficult to clean. Ergonomic and nonslip handles were also two important features.
Potato mashers are a kitchen necessity for many, so we also kept affordability in mind when choosing the top picks. To cater to a range of users, we chose both wire and perforated-style mashers. Our list of top picks includes a masher suitable for almost anyone, from those with weak hands to aspiring chefs to young kids.
FAQs
Although we’ve covered quite a bit in this article on potato mashers reviews, it’s OK if you still have questions about your new potato masher. Read on for some answers.
Q: What is the best way to mash potatoes?
The best way to mash potatoes really comes down to personal preference. If you like a chunky mash, a hand masher is best. For ultra-smooth potatoes, a food mill will do the trick. For the fastest process from kitchen to table, an electric hand mixer is a speedy choice. Many cooks cite a potato ricer as the best way to prepare mashed potatoes. This tool essentially works as a mash potato squeezer, squishing potatoes through small holes to create smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Q: What else can you mash with a potato masher?
You can mash numerous foods besides potatoes with a potato masher, such as avocados, bananas, beans, carrots, turnips, hard-boiled eggs, apples, or cauliflower. Some of these foods would need to be cooked first, of course.
Q: Is a potato ricer better than a masher?
It depends on the consistency you prefer. Ricers produce a fluffier, airier mash than a regular potato masher.
Q: What can you use instead of a potato masher?
There are several products you could use instead to achieve similar results. You could try a food mill, a potato ricer, a stand mixer, or a food processor from one of the best cookware brands.