If you’re still using one of those traditional hand-held potato mashers, chances are you’re getting nicely defined triceps but rather clumpy mashed potatoes. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, if you’d prefer to exert yourself a little less and get a perfectly light and fluffy end product instead, a heavy-duty potato ricer is the way to go.
This dedicated tool works by pushing the cooked spuds through a perforated disc to create small, rice-like pieces of potato. You simply place your spuds in the cup (sometimes called a hopper) and squeeze the handle to pass the potato through the small holes. This process makes the mashed potatoes feel less dense, so you’re left with smooth and aerated potatoes. You can then add milk and butter for extra creaminess, and, hey presto, you’ve got yourself some restaurant-quality mash. (You can also use them to turn fresh tomatoes into pasta sauce and to whip up a fast egg salad.)
Of course, no two ricers are the same. The materials used, along with the basic design and number of perforations on the disc, will determine how hard you need to squeeze. Here, four potato ricers that can help you put top-notch mashed potatoes on the table without giving you a workout first.
1. Vita Saggia Stainless-Steel Potato Ricer
This potato ricer has been designed to deliver fluffy mashed potatoes while saving your arm and wrist from fatigue. It features long, comfortable silicone handles along with a non-slip knob to hold the ricer in place over a bowl or pot. This makes it easier to process big batches of whatever’s on your menu. Crafted from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, the sturdy design features a fixed perforated disc that will stand up to frequent use. It’s also dishwasher safe, which means cleaning up is a cinch.
Pros: It comes with a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Cons: This ricer only has holes on the bottom of the disc and not along the side of the hopper, so it may not be efficient as some.
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2. WramCrystal Stainless-Steel Potato Ricer
This device is a true kitchen workhorse. It can mash not only potatoes but also yams, pumpkins, lemons, oranges and even watermelons. The hopper has a capacity of 13.7 ounces, which means you can fit just shy of two cups of produce. It also has perforations that stretch up the side of the hopper to maximize efficiency. The handle features ergonomic ridges for your fingers, making it comfortable to use.
Pros: It’s highly versatile and large enough to comfortably fit over mixing bowls.
Cons: Its size can make it a little cumbersome to fill and clean.
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3. YOUKAA Stainless-Steel Potato Ricer
Sometimes the simplest tool is the best. Case in point: this no-frills potato ricer which, thanks to its ergonomic design promises easy operation. Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, the durable tool is resistant to heat, rust and corrosion. The polished surface is not only stylish but also makes the ricer much easier to clean. You can simply rinse any food residue off with running water, or place it in the dishwasher. With a 3.5-inch hopper, it’s one of the smaller designs on this list but no less powerful than the rest.
Pros: It represents great value.
Cons: The sleek handle may become slippery when wet.
4. MyLifeUNIT Potato Ricer
Fit for commercial kitchens, this ferocious brute is built for churning through large numbers of potatoes. It features an extra-large bowl and can mash three cups of potatoes with every squeeze. The extended handle, which measures 11.5 inches, is designed to create maximum leverage to keep your arms and wrists from tiring. The heavy-duty stainless steel construction will hold up to wear and tear and won’t rust or corrode. Plus, it has a cool angular design—kind of like a Cybertruck—which sets it apart from its competitors.
Pros: Its large capacity means you can make a lot of mash at a time.
Cons: The high quality will cost you. It’s the most expensive option on this list.
Courtesy of Amazon
