How Does a Potato Masher Work?

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Potato Mashers
- A potato masher is a simple yet useful kitchen utensil. Designed to create creamy mashed potatoes, these utensils are easy to use and can even be used with different foods. There are a few types of potato mashers on the market today; from the simple potato masher that takes some muscle strength to potato ricers that do most of the work for you.
How They Work
- A traditional potato masher comes in two basic styles. Both consist of a hefty handle made of rubber or wood and, on modern mashers, the handle is ergonomically designed for a good grip. Two stainless steel wires extend from the handle to the mashing head. One type of potato masher has a stainless steel plate with holes, and the other is a continuation of the stainless steel wire, bent into a wave-like pattern. When pushed down on top of boiled, softened potatoes, both the plate with holes and the wave shaped wire break up the potato, mashing it into a soft, creamy consistency. A moderate amount of strength is needed to mash potatoes in this way.
Potato Ricer?
- A potato ricer is another type of potato masher. Shaped like a garlic press or a clamp, a softened potato is put into the stainless steel cup. The bottom of the cup has holes or slots and when the handles are squeezed together, the potato is pressed through the holes. These types of potato mashers may be preferred by those who don't have the time to manually mash potatoes.
Other Uses
- Potato mashers can be used to mash bananas for banana bread or even softened apples to make apple sauce. Certain baby foods can be made by using a potato masher; boiled carrots, boiled apples, and even soft fruits like peaches can be mashed into a creamy pulp.

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