The Best Potato Masher

Buying Guide for Potato Mashers

Why buy a potato masher?

The trick to achieving beautifully creamy, nonsticky mashed potatoes is to use a well-designed potato masher. Because of their long handles and wide heads, potato mashers are well-suited for their purpose and are easier to use than doing this job with a fork. They also prevent your potatoes from becoming overworked and pasty, as a mixer might. But this handy kitchen utensil can do more than just mash potatoes. You can also mash avocados for guacamole, crush tomatoes for salsas, cut butter and flour for pastries, and more.

What should you look for in a potato masher?

• Handle: The best potato masher should be easy to hold and use yet sturdy enough to withstand years of use. Choose a potato masher with a long, strong handle and a comfortable grip. Some mashers are available in colors that complement your other cookware.
• Head Material: Many potato mashers have stainless-steel heads, which are sturdy and typically rust-resistant. On the other hand, if you want to use your masher on a nonstick pan, you may want to select a softer material, such as nylon or silicone, to minimize scratches.
• Size: A larger masher can make quick work of your mash, but it may be more difficult to use when cooking smaller amounts or using a smaller pot or bowl. It could also be troublesome if you have limited storage space. Keep these factors in mind when you consider a potato masher’s measurements.

Is a perforated or wire potato masher better?

The choice between a perforated or wire masher depends on your preferences and the consistency of potato (or other mash) that your recipe requires. A perforated masher head is constructed from a plastic or metal plate with holes that force the potatoes through. Wire mashers usually consist of a single coiled wire fashioned in a zigzag shape attached to the handle. Perforated mashers are great for those who prefer a smooth, creamy consistency. A wire masher will give you more textured, chunky potatoes. Finally, various modern designs are neither perforated nor wire.

Our Picks for the Best Potato Masher

Pros: The Farberware Professional Heat-Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher is a five-blade multi-functional tool that serves as a meat chopper and doubles as a masher, letting you mix and mash soft foods like cooked potatoes, carrots, beans, and others. The nylon head is BPA-free and heat-resistant up to 450 F. It’s safe to use on all types of cookware, including nonstick and coated. This masher is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup easy.

Cons: The head on this meat and potato masher is not wide. So while it may work out well for smaller to moderate-sized batches, it may take extra effort if you’re mashing a large amount.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a tool that can mash a wide variety of foods, including ground meats and more, you may want to consider this one. In addition to the black masher featured here, you can get this item in a cool aqua color if you want something a bit livelier to match your decor or appliances.

 

Pros: This premium stainless-steel potato masher comes with a thick, protective silicone coating, allowing you to use it directly inside your valuable nonstick cookware. The durable silicone ensures you always get smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes or other foods while keeping your favorite pots and pans scratch-free. The balanced handle gives you the best grip for ultimate comfort and performance. Made from high-quality materials, it mashes without bending and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It also comes in several bright colors, so you can choose your favorite.

Cons: With a mashing head that measures 4.7 x 3.5 inches, this tool may be a bit large for those who plan on mashing small amounts or using a smaller pot or bowl.

Bottom Line: This potato masher from Zulay Kitchen is a great option for those who don’t want a metal head that may damage nonstick cookware. It’s also unique in that it’s available in several fun colors. Remember that this product may be best for larger amounts of mashed foods due to its size.

 

Pros: The KitchenAid Wire Masher is a kitchen essential for smooth mashed potatoes and vegetables or even extracting juice from soft fruits. The head is made of thick, 4.5-millimeter stainless-steel wire that’s sturdy and rustproof. The handle is ergonomically constructed and well-balanced for comfort and efficient performance, even with heavy use. This masher has a sophisticated appearance and feel thanks to details like the matte handle and debossed branding. It’s also safe for the dishwasher, making cleaning a breeze.

Cons: This is another masher that may be best for use in larger pans or bowls. The head dimensions are 4.92 x 3.15 inches.

Bottom Line: KitchenAid is a trusted name in cooking tools, and this masher wears the name well—literally and functionally. You’ll be able to choose between black, red, and aqua handle colors, and the wide headspace will make quick work of mashing larger amounts.

 

Pros: This set from Spring Chef makes it easy to mash potatoes, ground meats, or even make baby food. This stainless steel potato masher is simple but effective—its long, nonslip handle keeps your hands away from piping hot steamed foods, so you can go to work on them safely and comfortably. The included vegetable peeler also boasts convenient features, with dual stainless blades and a potato eye remover to remove blemishes and soft spots.

Cons: The masher is lightweight, which may be beneficial for ease of use but may also sacrifice the product’s durability.

Bottom Line: This potato masher and peeler set is an excellent value for scratch-made mashed potato lovers or those who want to peel and mash carrots or sweet potatoes for homemade baby food.

 

Pros: The OXO Good Grips Nylon Potato Masher for Nonstick Cookware is an ideal tool for mashing potatoes, soft vegetables, and other foods. It’s safe for nonstick cookware and heat-resistant up to 400 F so you can use it in your favorite pots and pans. The soft, nonslip handle provides a comfortable grip that makes it easy to use even when your hands are wet.

Cons: This potato masher has an unconventional head design that can trap bits of potato, making cleaning a little less straightforward than with some more traditional designs.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a potato masher that’s easy to use, safe for nonstick cookware, and heat-resistant, this one from the reputable OXO brand might be the one for you. Keep in mind that the head features a different design that may take a bit of TLC during cleaning.

Final Thoughts

A dependable potato masher is a must if you love delicious, fluffy potatoes or other mashed foods. As we’ve seen, you want a tool that will help you get the best results quickly and efficiently without causing damage to your cookware. We’ve researched the best potato mashers, and we’re confident that one of our top picks will make a great addition to your kitchen.