Potato & Food Mashers
A potato masher has many uses besides mashing potatoes. Made of durable metal and wood, these food mashers can also be used for making sweet potato casseroles, mashing vegetables and eggs, crushing cookie crumbs, preparing guacamole, and creating patterns on pastries and cookies. With sizes ranging from 18 to 32 inches in length, these tools are available in a variety of styles to fit a variety of needs.
Potato Mashers: What You Need to Know
Food mashers make it simple to break down a variety of ingredients, such as hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, and beans. To create smooth, creamy mixtures that aren't runny or mealy, mashers enhance user control over the finished product's texture. Available in a variety of sizes, kitchen mashers can be used for many different food prep applications.
Common Questions About Food Mashers
What are hand potato mashers made of?
Most models are made of stainless steel, with a handle made of stainless steel, wood, or plastic. Because it's non-reactive when exposed to acidic substances such as tomatoes, lemon juice, and vinegar, stainless steel can be safely used with most ingredients. It also resists rust, making it a durable choice for high-volume use. Some stainless steel potato mashers feature chrome plating for improved scratch resistance and reduced sticking.
Although plastic and wooden potato mashers are available, they aren't as durable and easy to clean as stainless steel, and they aren't well-suited for high-volume operations.
Do I need a food masher?
If your establishment serves menu items such as refried beans, tomato sauce, guacamole, or mashed potatoes, a mash potato masher can be a helpful tool in the kitchen. Using a food processor or blender to process such ingredients can result in a mealy or runny texture that's not good for spooning or dipping. For a smooth texture that's thick and easy to scoop, a manual masher is the best choice.
What is the difference between a potato ricer and a masher?
A potato ricer works differently than a masher. Using a ricer to process cooked potatoes, cauliflower, or other ingredients will result in a very fine, pureed consistency. While this is excellent for many sauces and soups, it's not optimal for dips and side dishes such a refried beans, mashed potatoes, and guacamole. To smoothly mash ingredients while retaining a thicker texture, a kitchen masher can provide better control over the final product.