Do I really need a potato ricer?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on April 05, 2026
To achieve clump-free mashed potatoes, most experts recommend using a ricer. Forcing the cooked mealy potato through the ricer’s small holes creates rice-sized pieces of potato (hence the name) and the air that is incorporated while pressing contributes to the light fluffiness.
What is a potato ricer called?
It’s Called A Ricer, But It’s For Potatoes If you’ve ever used a ricer you would most likely agree: you don’t know how you ever made mashed potatoes without one. The reason mashed potatoes made with a ricer are so good is all about the mixing.
What can you use instead of ricer?
But I have no desire to spend the money on a tool with a single use like a potato ricer. Luckily, you can use a box grater to process the cooked potatoes for gnocchi. This may ruffle the feathers of some traditionalists, but tradition be darned.
What can I use instead of potato ricer for gnocchi?
Grater, food mill, masher, fork…the potato doesn’t have to be all that fine. Homemade potato gnocchi can be a bit rustic. The key is not to overwork the potato, and then the dough once you add flour. I find that a coarse cheese grater works well.
How much does a potato ricer cost?
Compare with similar items
| This item OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer | OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Adjustable Potato Ricer | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars (5507) | 4.6 out of 5 stars (773) |
| Price | $2695 | $3395 |
| Shipping | FREE Shipping. Details | FREE Shipping. Details |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
Can you use a masher instead of a ricer?
If you’re after a bowl of textured spuds, especially good when adding extras like herbs or cheese, a masher should be your choice. If fluffy and smooth is your idea of potato nirvana, go with a ricer. When you have a pile of potatoes to work through, you don’t want a flimsy tool that’s going to cause a hand cramp.
Can you use a grater to rice potatoes?
For best results, turn the potatoes over halfway through the baking time. Peel the potatoes, and then pass them through a potato ricer, food mill or grate them over the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl. Add the lightly beaten egg and the salt to the potatoes and mix well with a wooden spoon.
Which is the best ricer?
- Best Overall, Potato Ricer: OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Adjustable Potato Ricer.
- Best Overall, Potato Masher: Zyliss Stainless Steel Potato Masher.
- Best For Gnocchi: Priority Chef Potato Ricer and Masher.
- Best Wave-Style Masher: Tovolo Silicone Potato Masher.
- Best Spring-Style Masher: Dreamfarm Smood Potato Masher.
How do you use a potato ricer?
Fill the basket with a few pieces of potatoes. If your potato ricer came with a choice of disks, fit the potato ricer with the one with the largest holes and fill the basket with a few chunks of potatoes. Hold the ricer over the empty pot or a bowl and squeeze the handles of the ricer together until the potato begins extruding through the holes.
What is the best brand of potato ricer?
Vita Saggia Stainless Steel Potato Ricer and Masher, Heavy Duty, Premium Grade, Large… Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Potato Ricer and Masher with 3 Interchangeable Discs,… Zulay Kitchen Large 13.5oz Potato Ricer Stainless Steel – Heavy Duty Ricer Kitchen… PARADIZM Potato Ricer Stainless Steel,Extra-Large top Stainless Steel Potato Rice,Rice…
How do you make riced potatoes in a Potato Mill?
Insert the medium-sized disc into the mill or choose the medium-to-small-milled option to create riced potatoes. Place the mill over a large bowl. Cut the potatoes into quarters and insert one or two of the quarters (or more, depending on the size of your apparatus) into the bowl or shaft of the mill.
Can you use a potato ricer to press turnips?
A potato ricer can be used for either white potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also use it for pressing other types of foods, such as parsnips, turnips, or even making fruit coulis or small amounts of baby food.Some potato ricers will come with a choice of disks, each with different sized holes.