Let's face it: Making a heaping helping of classic mashed potatoes for a big family meal can be a major pain. Don't rely on a fork or spoon to get the job done: Snag a handheld potato masher from the picks we've put together to make your life much simpler when it comes to prepping delicious, home-cooked carb-fests. Then, just rinse it off, throw it into your drawer, and go — much easier, right?
When deciding on a potato masher, consider three key points in time: when you're using it, when you're done with it, and when you don't need it.
When you're using it: How much pressure are you applying? How many potatoes per meal are you preparing? Think about how much strain you're putting on your arms and wrists during the prep, and look for a design that can alleviate undue stress.
When you're done with it: How easy is it to clean? A single serpentine steel or silicone bar can often be simpler to clean and might require just a quick rinse, while more porous bases could require more attention.
When you don't need it: Where will it go? Due to their design, many potato mashers can be a bit cumbersome in terms of storage options. So, consider your space before committing to a model that may be great when you're mashing, but a massive pain when you're not.
Whether you're mashing fruit for homemade baby food or avocado for a batch of guac, the stainless steel mesh head on this vertical potato masher can effortlessly crush any food to a fine consistency. Reviewers particularly love the comfortable rubber grip, as well as the hanging hook for easy storage.
If you're working with non-stick cookware, this masher by OXO will be your new best friend. Too many home cooks settle for metal kitchen tools that can absolutely ruin the Teflon coating of their nonstick pans, but OXO's nylon masher means you can work right off the nonstick surface without fear of irreparable scratching.
It's also dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 400 degrees, and features a nonslip handle for an expert grip.
This sleek and classic masher features a 9-inch, triple-chrome-plated shank and head with a coated plastic handle for easy use. Reviewers particularly love this gadget's simple design, light weight, and solid construction.
4
Best for Tough Vegetables
HIC Harold Import Co. The World’s Greatest 2-in-1 Mix N’Masher
The sturdy dual-construction potato masher makes mixing and mashing even the firmest root vegetables — think parsnips or rutabagas — a cinch. But don't just take our word for it — as one Amazon reviewer states,"This is one serious potato masher!"
Whether you're mashing potatoes, root vegetables, or fruit, the sturdy stainless steel wire head on this unanimously highly rated kitchen tool will make for quick and precise prep work. As its name suggests, the grooves on the handle provide a more comfortable grip and help prevent your hand from slipping.
This handy potato masher makes mashing effortless — but it does the same for storage, too. It can actually fold up to save space when not in use. Just squeeze the sides and flip it so that it folds flat in your kitchen drawer. Its sturdy stainless steel body makes it simple to clean, and it’s dishwasher-safe, making it a great choice for quick and easy mashing.
This potato masher may be one of the most eye-catching tools you'll find, and that's due to its bright red, protective silicone coat.
The added coat means you get fluffier potatoes, even simpler cleanup, and an attractive design that deserves a spot on your countertop. As food doesn't stick to the silicone, you can rinse it off or toss it into the dishwasher and be good to go. Plus, it's heat-resistant, which is always useful for a kitchen tool.
Now, let's just get this out of the way: We are not suggesting that any old hand blender can do what a manual potato masher can. Try mashing potatoes with a standard hand blender, and all you'll wind up with is an overworked motor and a soupy, starchy mess.
But Braun has found a solution, designing a designated masher attachment for its popular MultiQuick 5 hand blender. With 21 adjustable speeds and additional accessories including a chopper, whisker, and beaker, it can tackle a number of tasks for holiday meal prep with ease.
You might wonder if you really need to “spring” for the Dreamfarm Smood Potato Masher when a standard flat-based masher might do. Well, the first time that masher smacks the bottom of the bowl and sends a shudder all the way up through your arm, you'll be wishing you had this spiral design on hand.
That's because the Dreamfarm Smood's coiled masher is designed to absorb the blowback from hard strikes, so you can mash away with all your might without the risk of a sore shoulder.
For those who suffer from wrist issues or other joint pain, vertically held mashers can cause strain after long periods of use. And when it comes to mashing potatoes for the holidays, there are definitely long periods of use.
That's where this simple, ergonomically designed masher from Cooking Light comes in handy. Its horizontal grip allows you to put more of your arms into the work, lessening pressure and strain on your wrist and forearm.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
Brittany N/A VincentBrittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over a decade for publications like G4, Popular Science, Playboy, Empire, Complex, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, GameSpot, Variety, Rolling Stone, Yahoo, and more.
Michael NataleCommerce EditorMichael Natale is the commerce editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gift guides, kitchen appliances, lifestyle products, and more.
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