Have you ever wondered how restaurants make their mashed potatoes so creamy and smooth? They use potato ricers to create a lump-free texture for perfectly delicious and mouthwatering potatoes. Potato ricers aren’t just for making your favorite comfort food; you can also make pierogies, baby food, applesauce, pasta, vegetable purée, and more. Not sure where to start or what to look for in a potato ricer? Here is my list of some of the highest-rated potato ricers on the market so you can whip up your next crowd-pleasing dish in no time. What We Don’t Love: May need to run some batches through additional times Looking for the best all-around potato ricer to make smooth and creamy mashed potatoes? Go with Priority Chef’s Large Potato Ricer. This 15-ounce kitchen tool has some of the highest ratings among customers online and is an overall crowd-pleaser. It has everything you’d want in a potato ricer: a pot rest on the handle to make loading and operating easier, silicone handles for easy gripping, and it’s made of durable and sturdy stainless steel, which makes cleaning a breeze. Many reviewers rave about the smooth consistency this ricer makes, though some note that every so often they need to run a batch through again to work out additional lumps—but this seems to be a common issue in most potato ricers. Though the hopper size is on the smaller side (fitting about one small-sized potato at a time), you can use both peeled and unpeeled potatoes to mix up your mashed potato recipes. Other reviewers note that it takes some muscle to close the press, but overall it’s an excellent and reliable option for longevity and consistency. Price at time of publish: $30 Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Dimensions: 12.5 x 4 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Hopper Capacity: 1.8 cups | Dishwasher-Safe? Yes (top rack only) What We Don’t Love: No pot-holding knob on which to rest ricer while cooking Chef’n FreshForce’s Potato Ricer Press is made of BPA-free plastic with a removable stainless steel basket for easy cleaning. While many potato ricers can be heavy and difficult to use for some (for example, those with small hands or hand mobility issues), this one has an additional gear that makes for less strain on hands when pressing the handles together. Many reviewers loved that, even though it is lightweight and easy to hold, its design is sturdy and reliable. One flaw in the design of this potato ricer that kept it from taking the best overall spot, however, is that it does not have a feature that allows you to rest it on a bowl or pot to make loading the hopper less messy. The hopper is also on the smaller side, often only fitting one small potato or half of one. Still, reviewers say the smooth consistency this ricer makes is worth the extra time pressing may take. Overall, this potato ricer is a great lightweight option that helps easily make delicious mashed potatoes. Price at time of publish: $55 Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.6 x 12.75 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Hopper Capacity: about 1 small potato at a time | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes (top rack only) What We Don’t Love: Can be difficult to clean Looking for a well-made potato ricer but don’t want to spend a fortune? Nurch Potato Ricer is the perfect option. The ricer is made from plastic and comes with three interchangeable discs (fine, medium, coarse) to make a variety of dishes, including pasta and baby food. Even better, this potato ricer has a gear design on its handle that makes it easy to rest the tool on a pot or bowl when reloading. Even though this potato ricer is made mainly of plastic, several users note that it is sturdy and not easy to break when using. It’s important to note that the hopper on this tool is on the larger side, so it may be more challenging for smaller hands to use. While this appliance is dishwasher-safe, many users note it can be challenging to get the inner cup out to clean it. But they do praise the bargain tool’s high-quality features, like the ability to mash peeled and unpeeled potatoes, and that it helps make their mashed potatoes taste as good as any five-star steakhouse’s recipe. Price at time of publish: $29 Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Dimensions: 14.5 x 3.7 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Hopper Capacity: About 2 cups | Dishwasher-Safe? Yes What We Don’t Love: Heavy, not as easy to store Need a potato ricer with a high yield output to feed a crowd? Choose Norpro’s Deluxe Jumbo Potato Ricer. This tool outputs about three cups of mashed potatoes at a time, and the hopper basket is perforated on all four sides making for a large batch of lump-free potatoes in minutes. Many users enjoy the grooves on the handles that make it easier to grip and press together. Those grooves also make it possible to rest the device on pots or bowls for a seamless transition between reloading and mashing. Due to its size, this potato ricer is on the heavier side and is not the best option for those with small hands or hand pain issues. Some reviewers noted that due to the basket having holes on all four sides, it’s essential to close the handles slowly to prevent mash from squeezing out the top. The hopper features fine holes that make for a smooth consistency, but some users say it’s hard to mash potatoes that are not super soft due to their small size. Still, overall, if you’re making mashed potatoes for a crowd, you won’t find a better large-capacity potato ricer than this one to help you make fluffy and smooth mashed potatoes. Price at time of publish: $55 Material: Cast aluminum, stainless steel | Dimensions: 15 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Hopper Capacity: 3 cups | Dishwasher-Safe? Yes What We Don’t Love: Difficult to remove the plunger from the hopper Potato ricers are great for making mashed potatoes, but if you’re looking for a bit more versatility in your kitchen appliances, Bellemain’s Stainless Steel Potato Ricer is the perfect option. Bellemain’s potato ricer comes with three interchangeable disc options that make it easy to grate up various foods, including baby food, dense root vegetables, and fruit purées. The grips on the handles make it easier to squeeze them together, making this an excellent option for users with hand pain or mobility issues. However, some reviewers note that removing the plunger from the hopper basket can be difficult after squeezing. This potato ricer also has a non-slip knob that allows you to rest it on bowls or pots when using. While its stainless steel design makes it easy to clean, many users mention that it’s best to use dish gloves if cleaning by hand as the discs have sharp edges. This potato ricer does best with peeled potatoes and is not recommended for making riced cauliflower. Its 18/10 stainless steel design ensures it won’t bend, rust, or stain, but it’s still important to thoroughly dry it before storing. Price at time of publish: $24 Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 12.9 x 4.9 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Hopper Capacity: 2 cups | Dishwasher-Safe? Yes (top rack only) What We Don’t Love: Metal levers can make it difficult to comfortably squeeze together Stainless steel potato ricers are some of the easiest types to clean, but not all are made equally. The best stainless steel potato ricer on the market is the Rorence Stainless Steel Potato Ricer. Not only is this potato ricer sturdy and includes soft silicone on the handles to make for more effortless pressing, but it also comes with three removable discs, making it an excellent grater for more than just potatoes. Just ask Bintu Hardy, the food blogger and recipe developer behind Recipes from a Pantry, who enjoys using her Rorence Potato Ricer for its versatility. You can also choose if you’d like a pop of color with their red silicone design or choose a neutral black for a classic style. As with other potato ricers, it’s best to press the levers down slowly to prevent excess food from coming out of the sides of the hopper. Some reviewers also noted that the stainless steel levers are on the sharper side, making it uncomfortable to squeeze together sometimes. Like many of us, Hardy enjoys kitchen appliances that are easy to store and are multipurpose, and the Rorence Potato Ricer checks off both, with its design having a hanging hole to store it easily and out of the way. “The interchangeable discs are a breeze to switch out, and it’s so handy to have three different sizes to work with. Plus, it came with an extra inner cup, which is a bonus.” — Bintu Hardy, Food Blogger, Recipes from a Pantry Price at time of publish: $30 Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 12.8 x 4.8 x 4.2 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Hopper Capacity: 1 cup | Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
How We Selected
To put together her final list of the best potato ricers, Kelsey looked through dozens of options available on several major retailers and bestseller lists. She delved into criteria such as customer ratings, capacity, ease of use, extra features, cleaning, and storage. She also consulted two food bloggers and recipe experts: Bintu Hardy of Recipes from a Pantry, and Jennifer Segal of Once Upon a Chef.
What to Look for When Buying a Potato Ricer
Ease of Use and Grip
Not all potato ricers are made equal. Some are harder to press than others, depending on their size and the material they’re made of. It’s important to research potato ricers before purchasing to see if they are lightweight or heavy-duty.
Size of Holes
Depending on the consistency you want your mashed potatoes or foods to be, you’ll want to pay attention to the hopper’s hole sizes. Some potato ricers come with interchangeable discs that make them more versatile and able to mash more foods. Others only come with one disc and can be more limiting in what you can use your potato ricer for if you’re looking to make more than mashed potatoes or to mash softer foods.
Pot-Holding Knob
Pot-holding knobs or rests are a great addition to have on a potato ricer. The knob or rest allows you to set the ricer on a pot or bowl while reloading it to make the process easier and create less of a mess.
Amount of Waste
Potato ricers do not create much waste, but make sure to double-check if the ricer can mash unpeeled potatoes if you’re trying to avoid any food waste. Also, it’s a good rule of thumb to press potato ricers levers together slowly to prevent excess food from coming out of the top of the hopper or getting stuck between the interchangeable discs.
Cleaning and Storage
Most potato ricers are dishwasher-safe but can also be cleaned using warm water and soap. If washing by hand, it’s best to use cleaning gloves due to the ricer’s sharp edges. Also, make sure to let your potato ricer dry thoroughly before storing it to prevent rust.
What else can I use a potato ricer for?
Potato ricers are a versatile tool, especially when you get models with interchangeable blades. You can use a potato ricer to make guacamole, gnocchi, applesauce, baby food; mash bananas for banana bread or pancakes; or get the excess liquid out of spinach. Some potato ricers can even make perfect-sized pasta noodles without much fuss. It’s best to research your potato ricer before purchasing to confirm the hole sizes of the grater(s).
What is the difference between a potato ricer and a masher?
Potato ricers look similar to a garlic press and create rice-like potato pieces while incorporating air in the pressing process, which makes for a light and fluffy potato texture. Potato mashers require a methodical press and twist motion to mash up potatoes for a silky consistency. Potato mashers are a better choice if you like to make mashed potatoes with the potatoes’ skins, but not if you want a more whipped and fluffier texture.
Is a ricer better than a masher for mashed potatoes?
Your tool of choice depends on what you define as the perfect mashed potatoes. Potato mashers tend to be a better option if you want a more textured mashed potato or if you’re adding additional items, like herbs or cheese. Chef and blogger Jennifer Segal of Once Upon a Chef prefers using a masher in her recipes due to the recipes she uses it for. “I primarily use the masher for mashed potatoes, but it’s also great for mashing beans and veggies, especially slow-cooked tomatoes for homemade tomato sauce,” she says. However, if your ideal mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy with a consistent texture, a potato ricer should be your tool of choice.
Do I need to peel my potatoes before using a potato ricer?
This depends on the type of potato ricer you have. Many potato ricers on this list work with both peeled and unpeeled cooked potatoes, but it’s always best to read the fine print to see what each ricer can handle.
Why Trust Simply Recipes?
Kelsey Graham is a freelance writer with a background in writing about food and restaurants. She is always looking for versatile and efficient kitchen appliances and takes pride in researching products to find the best ones to use in her cooking adventures. Read Next: The Best Food Processors
