A potato masher is composed of a grip and a robust head that is usually made of steel and has holes in the form of pores or planks. It is designed to provide the user with leverage when crushing potatoes and other items in preparation for serving or adding to other ingredients of a recipe. Doesn't that sound easy and helpful? It is a gadget that will undoubtedly come in helpful occasionally, and that's exactly why you need to have a well-made potato masher in your cabinet - something that can withstand seasons of use. Even though this kitchen equipment has a simple form, there are several characteristics to consider before purchasing. We have included some useful information and pointers to get you going. Keep reading to locate the ideal instrument for correctly preparing all your mashable items.
What to Consider When Buying a Potato Masher?
When you buy a potato masher, here are some things to keep in mind as you look for the ideal one for your needs:
Intention to use
If the recipes you usually prepare will necessitate its use on a daily basis, you may wish to buy a more costly model that is better able to withstand continuous mashing. Buy a cheap potato masher for rare usage.
Hand strength
Some potato mashers include horizontal or curved handles that make them simpler to use for people who have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.
Ease of storage
Potato mashers with little holes at the end of the grips can be simply fixated when not in use. But, due to the complexity of their shape, they occupy more room in a kitchen cupboard than a single fork or flipper. If you want a masher that would perfectly fit in a cabinet with space constraints, choose a collapsible or small masher!
Degree of mashing
Several mashers, like those with thick-gauge wire tips that give consistent mashing power, are ideal for preparing potatoes and other meals that are soft and lump-free.
Why Should You Buy Potato Mashers?
To use a potato masher is likely to be one of the simplest chores you will perform while prepping. When you have decided what kind of pureed foods you would like to mash, just grab the grip and get to business. Move the item vertically and horizontally till you get the smooth texture.
What Is a Potato Masher Used For?
A potato masher is an instrument you need for mashing potatoes, as the term implies. That is self-evident, however, this handy equipment can also be used to make these delectable blends:
- Making bean burgers with cooked beans
- Chickpea bean puree for hummus
- Making banana bread by mashing bananas
- To make a dish, pulverize sweet potatoes
- Crushing nuts into little bits for use in a number of recipes
- Using ground beef to make sauces
- Making egg salad by mashing eggs
- Making guacamole from avocados
- Soup made with a variety of veggies
You might use a potato masher to soften different types of soft berries, vegetables, sausages, and other foods for creating baby food or serving to people who have health concerns that make it difficult to chew gritty meals. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spfdr83Xq_c[/embed]
Which Features to Look for When Buying a Potato Masher?
Heads
The base or head of a potato masher is sometimes known as the mashed surface. They are constructed of metal, usually stainless steel, and have thick-gauge twisted wire rings or slots in slabs. Mashers with metal heads are often very durable, although they need more mashing to reach the proper uniformity. Metal plate mashers can smash larger amounts of food at once. The disadvantage of this design is that food gets trapped in the pores and across the slates. Many potato masher tips are also chrome-plated. This design keeps food from clinging to the base of the wiring or plates while mashing and making it easily cleanable.
Handles
Vertical potato masher handles are the most popular. They are made of metal, and most of them are treated with silicone to make them safer to hold. Many grips are even bent or molded to improve mashing efficiency even more. Even though wooden handles are uncommon in standard potato mashers, few types do exist. A horizontal design is a substitute for vertical handles. This sort of handle increases leverage, which is very beneficial for customers who have limited arm mobility.
Materials
Potato mashers made out of steel are the most preferred as well as the most resilient ones. Mashers made completely out of acrylic, nylon, or rubber, on the other hand, are just average. They are especially suitable for intermittent use and do not last as long as metallic equivalents.
What’s the Price Range for a Potato Masher?
Another advantage of having a potato masher is that it is inexpensive. You can readily find low-cost variants for less than $10, but for stronger designs, consider paying between $11 and $15. If you buy a masher for $14 or more, you will discover that the steel from the grips to the mashed heads is sturdy and built to survive for years, if not generations.
Tips to Buy and Use a Potato Masher
- Remember that potato mashers function best with soft foods. Most veggies must be cooked or boiled before being mashed. Avocados and bananas are some exceptions because they are delicate and effortless to mash while raw. Canned beans can also be mashed easily.
- When food gets trapped on your potato masher, lightly hitting it on the top of the combining dish can release the bits and allow you to keep mashing smoothly.
- After each usage, properly clean your potato masher and carefully wipe it before keeping it.
- Potato mashers with rubber or plastic-covered handles will have a good grip and prevent slippage while in use.
