As a kid, mashed potatoes were one of my favorite foods on the planet. I was weirdly excited whenever I saw them on our school’s lunch menu, I requested them whenever my grandfather took me to KFC, and I definitely looked forward to Thanksgiving, when I was allowed to eat as much gravy-slathered mashed potato as I could stomach.
These days, my mashed food preferences are a little more varied. While I will never shy away from a good potato puree, I can’t say no to plantains in mofongo, gently mashed refried beans, or Japanese sweet potato with miso butter and scallions. All this to say, my current masher—which happens to be tied for top pick below— gets plenty of use on things other than potatoes.
In addition to my favorite masher, we turned to the Allrecipes Allstars, our dedicated team of trusted experts, to test popular models. We then selected our top choices based on design, handle comfort, and ease of use.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kitchenaid-gourmet-stainless-steel-wire-masher--219354a28d6c49daa2d4a33bc9c26529.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Affordable; great for big batches; comfortable and grippy handle
Grain of Salt: Can leave chunks; doesn’t get into the curves of a bowl
This wire masher by KitchenAid is a classic for a reason; it’s well-built and gets the job done. “You can’t go wrong with this style of potato masher,” says Allstar Ashley Schuering, who tested mashers for us. “It performs exactly as you would hope.”
Made of thick stainless steel, this masher makes quick work of pulverizing a big batch of potatoes thanks to its nearly 5-inch width. The handle is ergonomically designed for easy handling and feels very balanced in the hand. Ashley found it to be particularly sturdy, and the nonslip grip made it comfortable to hold.
One caveat is the wire design. The wide gaps might mean spending more time mashing smaller foods, like beans, to achieve a very smooth consistency since the squiggle can leave chunks behind. Aside from that, its simple construction makes it easy to clean by hand, and the entire unit can also be placed in the dishwasher. I also really appreciate the affordability of this masher and that it comes backed by a 1-year warranty.
The Details: Stainless steel, ABS plastic; 10.24 x 4.5 inches; dishwasher safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/loisa-stainless-steel-masher-d6e9d18cd6d0429bba8111839ab9625c.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Curved base works well in a bowl or pot; finer grid works on small foods; available in cheerful colors
Grain of Salt: Large amounts can take longer
Though I’d owned the KitchenAid masher for years, I was thrilled to switch to this masher by Latin kitchen goods purveyor, Loisa. Available in four cheerful colors, this masher was designed specifically for staples of the Latin-American kitchen like brothy frijoles, mashed yucca, and plantains for mangu.
The slightly curved, round base is made from stainless steel, and its shape makes it easy to use in a bowl or pot. I also love the silicone handle, which gives it a cushiony grip that prevents hand fatigue. One note is that the mashing grid is only 3.25 inches wide, which is quite small if you’re working through a large amount of food, but it makes it easier to store. This is very easy to clean by hand, but it’s dishwasher-safe too.
The Details: Stainless steel; 9.5 x 3.25 inches; dishwasher safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oxo-good-grips-stainless-steel-smooth-potato-masher-94c89fa34dd840e3a3bab7f8d01a65c3.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Round shape works well in a bowl or pot; easy to maneuver; can quickly mash a large batch
Grain of Salt: Bulky to store; might feel too short for mashing in a tall pot
If ergonomics is a concern, this version from OXO has a horizontal handle that helps to absorb downward pressure on the wrists and alleviate strain. Its 4-inch width can accommodate nearly every size hand, and it also has a cushioned, nonslip grip for extra comfort and safety. Ashley can attest to its durability as well since she has owned an earlier model of this masher for over a decade.
The new version is a little bit taller, a little bit wider, and there are different-sized holes. “The variation in hole sizes means you can definitely get a super uniform, creamy consistency if you want or leave it a little chunky if that’s your style,” says Ashley. She discovered that this can quickly work through large batches of potatoes or whatever you’re mashing, and the rounded curves fit snugly into your pot’s curves.
It’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, but its design also makes it possible to clean by hand with a sponge and warm, soapy water. “The only issue is the sharp metal holes tend to shred regular sponges and Scrub Daddies—it’s better to use a brush-style sponge to get it,” says Ashley. “The only thing to be aware of is the inside of the connecting metal pieces, which are slightly concave at the base and can hold onto some of the potatoes if you don’t pay attention.”
The Details: Stainless steel, rubber; 6.13 x 4 inches; dishwasher safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/farberware-professional-nylon-heat-resistant-masher-eaaadf711c4b4da8a341237a5eaf4a1b.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Extremely versatile; lightweight; heat-resistant up to 450 degrees
Grain of Salt: Requires more active mashing to achieve a finer texture
A masher isn’t exclusively for vegetables and this budget-friendly model by Farberware offers lots of versatility thanks to its unique shape. The head of this tool has five angled blades that can be used to chop up ground meat as it browns on the stove (it’s heat-resistant up to 450°F), or to separate chunks of canned fish for making tuna salad or salmon cakes. The edges can help scrape the sides down while its round head makes it easy to get into every curve of a pot, pan, or bowl.
Ashley agreed that this is more for cutting than mashing. She enjoyed using it to make chunky applesauce, and she had to pay attention to where she was mashing to create a uniform mash. She found herself having to keep her thumb on top of the handle to maneuver it better. Its BPA-free nylon construction makes it very lightweight and suitable to place in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, but it becomes a bit slippery during use.
The Details: Nylon; 11 x 2.5 inches; dishwasher safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/joseph-joseph-delta-folding-potato-masher-stores-flat-space-saving-locking-2ce7f9610c3246ae943bd6d24f130904.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Shape works well in a bowl or pot; mashes uniformly; comfortable handle
Grain of Salt: Doesn’t work well with skin-on potatoes; better for small batches
Even though I’m in a larger kitchen than my last one, I still struggle with having enough storage. This Joseph Joseph potato masher’s collapsible design is one of my favorites for space-saving purposes, especially if you have shallow kitchen drawers.
It features a stainless-steel shaft with a grippy handle that Ashley felt was every bit as comfortable as the others. More importantly, the BPA-free nylon mashing plate stayed in place while working through a batch of potatoes. While it did mash uniformly, the smaller mashing area and smaller holes meant Ashley exerted a significant amount of pressure while using this, which led to some fatigue. Due to that, she recommends this for smaller, two to three-pound, batches of potatoes or other root veggies.
This is easier to clean in the dishwasher than by hand. The bottom half of the masher isn’t the problem—rinsing out the holes was effortless—but some potato got up the handle and under the grip. Ashley ended up using a toothpick to get under there, but placing it in her dishwasher’s top-rack would’ve been much less annoying.
The Details: Stainless steel, plastic; 11.89 x 3.94 inches; dishwasher safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tovolo-silicone-potato-stainless-steel-handle--core-food-mashers-kitchen-utensil-vegetable-ricer--avocado-blender-scratch-resistant--ea0715dc2fca4eadb26e43f628afc0c9.jpg)
Why It’s Great: Easy to maintain; great height for tall pots; heat-resistant; can quickly mash a large batch
Grain of Salt: Rectangular shape makes it harder to get into the edges of a pot or bowl
Similarly shaped to our best overall pick, this masher by Tovolo is made of stainless steel, with the added touch of a silicone coating on the tines making it suitable for use with your favorite nonstick cookware. The coating also makes it heat resistant up to 600°F, so you can use it to break up hamburger meat while cooking bolognese sauce or mash fruit as it stews.
Ashley was able to quickly work through a large batch of potatoes, though the squiggle design did allow a few larger chunks to remain behind. She did find that the lack of a coating on the handle can lead to a slippery grip. “To solve the problem, I added a few rubber bands to add grip—not the most comfortable,” she says. “My musician husband then had the brilliant idea of adding some gaffer tape, which was much more comfortable.”
Though slightly shorter than our pick, it’s still tall enough to reach into deeper pots so you don’t have to transfer foods to a bowl before mashing. Once you’re finished mashing, you can put it straight into the dishwasher for cleaning. “This one is even easier than the KitchenAid to clean on account of the silicone coating,” says Ashley.
The Details: Stainless steel, silicone; 10 x 4.5 inches; dishwasher safe
Our Takeaway
My top pick is the KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, a classic model that is well-built and remains very affordable. My other favorite is the Loisa Masher—it has a slightly smaller head, but its shape lends itself well to finer mashing and it comes in four vibrant colors, perfect for gifting.
How To Pick The Right Potato Masher
Design
“A great potato masher should be comfortable to use, durable, and efficient,” says Nic Vanderbeeken, executive chef of Aperitif in Ubud, Indonesia. “I always look for a masher that has a sturdy handle with a good grip, which is crucial for control and ease of use.”
Vanderbeeken prefers stainless steel since it’s strong, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. “The head design matters too,” says Vanderbeeken. “A masher with a wider, perforated surface area allows for quicker mashing, producing a smoother consistency.” Additionally, look for a curved head design, as that will fit better into the curves of a pot or mixing bowl.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a masher in nonstick or ceramic-coated cookware, a metal mash head can damage the surface. We recommend buying a silicone-wrapped mash head instead of moving the potatoes to a mixing bowl, and dirtying another dish.
Ashley’s testing also showed that a comfortable, nonslip handle isn’t to be overlooked. It should give you enough leverage while using, but not cause fatigue before everything is fully mashed. And a grippy surface will prevent your hand from slipping while it’s over hot ingredients.
Care
Most mashers these days are designed to be dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning, though you’ll always want to check the manufacturer’s care specifications to be sure. Ashley found the silicone-coated mash head of the Tovolo to be the easiest since the potato detritus slid right off. Those made of plastic or metal other than stainless steel may be best hand-washed as well as any mashers with unusual designs, like the Farberware.
How We Tested
We tasked Ashley Schuering with testing potato mashers on a few of our popular recipes: Garlic-Feta Mashed Potatoes, Sarah’s Homemade Applesauce, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Irish Champ, and Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes. This allowed her to get an accurate feel for how the mashers performed in a home kitchen environment while analyzing these important criteria:
- Design: Is the handle nonslip? Does the material seem durable? Does the masher get into the curves of a bowl or pot? Are there any extra features to appreciate?
- Performance: Does it quickly mash potatoes (or other ingredients)? Is the mashing uniform? Is the masher sturdy when in use? Is it comfortable throughout the mashing, or was there hand fatigue?
- Ease of Cleaning: Does the masher need extra cleaning tools? Is the potato masher dishwasher safe? Is it easy to wash with a sponge? Does a quick wash fully clear the holes, or does it need extra attention?
Common Questions
What is the difference between a potato masher and a potato ricer?
“A potato masher gives you a slightly chunkier, more rustic texture, which is great if you like your mashed potatoes with a bit of bite,” says Vanderbeeken. “A potato ricer produces ultra-smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes, almost like a puree. I think it really depends on the dish you’re aiming for—comfort food calls for a masher, while fine dining often requires the finesse of a ricer.”
What other recipes can you use a potato masher with?
“I’ve used it to mash root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, make chunky guacamole, crush berries for jams, and even prepare refried beans,” says Vanderbeeken. “Its versatility is something I really appreciate.”
What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?
“For mashed potatoes, I always recommend starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds,” says Vanderbeeken. “They break down easily and give that creamy texture everyone loves. To avoid gumminess, don’t overwork the potatoes—mash them just enough. I also think warming the milk and butter before adding them helps create a silky finish.”
Why Take Our Word for It?
Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a Los Angeles-based writer specializing in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at the Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, wine tools, and other home and kitchen goods and interviews field experts for their insight.
Ashley Schuering is an Allstar who’s spent over 20 years in the restaurant business, with over 5 years working as a line cook and pastry cook in professional kitchens. In addition to being our Resident Grocery Shopping Expert, she also runs the blog, Confessions of a Grocery Shopping Addict.
Want to know more about the Allrecipes Allstars? Learn about their favorite recipes, kitchen hacks, and product picks.
+ There are no comments
Add yours