Buying guide for best potato mashers
There’s never been a better time to cook at home, whether you like to prepare healthful meals for your family or enjoy the art of putting together culinary creations. That’s because there are almost countless small appliances on today’s market that that help make life in the kitchen easier for home chefs. And while electric-powered gadgets that chop, puree, slice, and peel help cut down on the time it takes to prepare ingredients for recipes, sometimes all you need is a simple, hand-held tool to do accomplish a specific task. A potato masher is such a tool - basic, yet practical for many uses.
A potato masher consists of a handle with a sturdy head typically made of metal with openings in the shape of holes or slats. It’s constructed to give the user leverage while pulverizing potatoes and other foods in preparation to be served or added to other components of a recipe. Sounds pretty simple and useful, huh? It’s definitely a tool that will come in handy time and time again, that’s why you’ll want to choose a well-made potato masher that can stand up to years of use.
Although this kitchen utensil has a simple design, there are some features that you’ll want to consider before you buy. Not only have we picked out our favorite potato mashers on the market based on their durability and user-friendly designs, but we’ve put together some helpful information and tips to get you started. So continue reading to find the perfect tool that will make it easy for you to perfectly prepare all of your mashable ingredients.
Considerations to help you choose a potato masher
Before you choose a potato masher, here are a few points to consider as you shop for the best one for your needs.
How often do you plan to use your potato masher? If the recipes you frequently make will require you to use it on a regular basis, you may want to invest in a expensive model that’s more likely to hold up to frequent mashing. In contrast, consider a inexpensive potato masher for occasional use.
Do you have limited hand strength? Some potato mashers have horizontal or contoured handles that make it easier to use for individuals with issues like arthritis, carpal tunnel, or tendinitis.
Where will you store your potato masher when you aren’t using it? Potato mashers with small holes at the top of the handles can easily be hung up when not in use. However, they nature of their design takes up more space in a kitchen drawer than a serving spoon or spatula. If you need a masher that will fit nicely in drawer with limited space, opt for one with a compact design.
How mashed do you need your food to be? Some mashers are better suited for making potatoes and other foods smooth and lump-free, such as those with thick-gauge wire heads that provide reliable mashing power.
Did you know?
Are you looking for a potato that is especially easy to mash? Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them one of the softest potatoes, as well as a great choice for making classic mashed potatoes.
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How do potato mashers work?
Using a potato masher will quite possibly be one of the easiest tasks you do while cooking. Once you have chosen the type of soft food you want to mash, simply grip the handle and go to work. Push up and down on the utensil until you achieve the desired consistency.
Uses of a potato masher
The name says it all - a potato masher is the tool you want for mashing potatoes. That’s a no-brainer, but this useful tool has other purposes, including making some of the following tasty concoctions:
Preparing cooked beans to make bean burgers.
Smashing garbanzo beans for hummus.
Mashing bananas in order to bake banana bread.
Pulverizing sweet potatoes to put in a casserole.
Breaking nuts into pieces for a variety of recipes.
Crumbling ground meat for sauces.
Mashing eggs for egg salad.
Turning avocados into guacamole.
Making soup using a variety of vegetables.
You can also use a potato masher to prepare other types of soft fruits, vegetables, meats, and more into a soft consistency for making baby food, or for serving to individuals with health conditions that limit the ability to chew coarse foods.
Parts of a potato masher
As we mentioned in the introduction, potato mashers aren’t complicated tools. You basically have a handle and the head that does the mashing, but let’s take a closer look at these components and options you will find as you shop for the perfect potato masher for your cooking needs.
Heads
The mashing surface of a potato mashers is also referred to at the top or the head. They are made of metal, typically stainless steel, and feature thick-gauged curved wire loops or plates with holes. Mashers with wire heads are usually very sturdy, but usually require more mashing to achieve the desired consistency. Metal plate mashers smash larger portions of food at a time. However, the downside to this design is that food tends to get stuck in the holes and around the slates.
Some potato masher heads are also coated in chrome. This feature does a good job preventing food from sticking to the surface of the wires or plates during mashing, and also makes them easier to clean.
Handles
The most common type of potato masher handle is vertical. They are constructed of metal, and some are coated in plastic or silicone to make them easier to grip. Some handles are even curved or contoured to further enhance the mashing performance. Although rarely found in standard potato mashers, some models have wooden handles.
The alternative to vertical handles is a horizontal design. This type of handle provides a boost of leverage, especially for consumers with limited hand strength.
Materials
Potato mashers that are made of metal such as stainless steel are the most popular kind, and they are also the most durable. However, mashers that are made entirely of plastic, nylon, or silicone are also available. They are best suited for occasional use, and don’t offer the same longevity as their metal counterparts.
"Potato mashers with wire loops are less likely to scratch the surfaces of various types of mixing bowls, including those made of plastic or metal. "
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Prices of potato mashers
Another great asset of owning a potato masher is the price won’t break your budget. You can easily find inexpensive models for less than $10, but for designs that are a bit sturdier, you can expect to pay between $11 to $13. If you choose a masher that is around $14 and a bit more, you’ll find that the metal from the handles to the mashing heads are strong and made to last for years if not decades.
Tips for selecting and using a potato masher
Keep in mind that potato mashers work best on soft foods. When it comes to mashing most vegetables, potatoes, and fruits, you’ll need to cook or boil them first. Avocados, berries, and bananas are a few exceptions, as they are already soft and easy to mash raw. Canned beans are also easy to mash.
When food gets stuck on your potato masher, gently tapping it on the side of the mixing bowl or pan will dislodge pieces so you can easily continue mashing.
Wash your potato masher thoroughly after each use, and dry off any moisture before storing it.
Potato mashers that have silicone or plastic coated handles will provide a decent grip and reduce the likelihood of slippage during use.
Do you want to get creamy results? If so, a potato masher with a plate that has small holes is a good choice, as it will do a good job smashing lumps and larger pieces.
FAQ
Q: Will stainless steel potato mashers develop rust?
A: For the most part, stainless steel stands up against rust and corrosion very well, but both can occur. Keeping your masher clean and dry will help prevent this issue.
Q: I cook a lot and plan to use a potato masher at least several times a week. What features should I consider?
A: Look for a potato masher that’s made of wire loops with heavy-gauge wire that isn’t like to bend or break. In addition, heads that have chrome coatings have added strength and rust-resistance.
Q: Can I wash my potato masher in the dishwasher?
A: Many potato mashers are dishwasher-safe, but it’s always best to check the manufacturers’ information before putting your new utensil in the dishwasher. Also, repeated washings can potentially wear down plastic-coated handles over time.
