Benefits of Using a Potato Ricer

But once in a while, a tool comes along that genuinely adds comfort and ease to the kitchen. And the potato ricer is one such tool. Also known as a ricer appliance or ricer tool, the potato ricer is much more versatile than the name suggests.

Many people see a potato ricer as a glorified potato masher. Today, we’ll show you the multiple benefits of using a potato ricer that will change the way you see this tool.

First off, the potato ricer effortlessly creates mashed potatoes. You can say goodbye to those gooey lumps that your masher creates and you don’t even have to peel them. They’re also great for making purees that are nice, smooth, and easy to serve. And on a hot day, you can squeeze out a lemon or watermelon for a refreshing juice. These are just a few of the advantages that come with potato ricers.

Are potato ricers worth it? To truly understand their worth, let’s look at these benefits in a bit more detail.

For Mashed Potatoes

So, let’s get the obvious use out of the way first. A potato ricer will turn your mashed potatoes from lumpy and bland to smooth and fluffy.

But how different is it from using a masher or a fork? Here are all the ways it’s better.

This is a Potato Ricer -- also known as a ricer appliance and ricer tool — This is a Potato Ricer — also known as a ricer appliance and ricer tool

Fine mashing

All of us want our mashed potatoes to come with that smooth and mushy finish. The problem with using a masher is that the results change depending on your own efforts.

Whether you’re simply not in the mood to grind or you’re tired from a long day, the mash quality can be inconsistent.

With a potato ricer, the metal holes and grills give you the same consistent smoothness every time.

And you can even use different plates depending on how fine you want the mash to come out. The device will break down any lumps into finely mashed and delicious potatoes.

No gooey results

When you use a masher or a fork, you’re essentially squashing the starch in the potato.

And every time you push down and repeat the process, you’re pressing and releasing even more starch.

The result is that your potatoes are mashed, but they seem more gluey and sticky than you wanted.

The potato ricer leverages your strength indirectly. So, you’re not directly pushing down and over the potatoes.

You’re only applying your strength as the potato ricer does the job. The device and plates will consistently mince and mash the potatoes without creating that gooey effect.

Time-Saving

For most people, a big reason why they prefer a potato ricer is that there’s no peeling. Yes, you read that right!

All those extra minutes you spend scraping and peeling the potato can now be spent on other prep works.

And the device will retain the peels without allowing them to pass on to the mashed results.

Also, potato ricers only require a firm press from a single or both hands.

So, you don’t have to perform that monotonous grind and pushing action on a bowl just to ensure that there are no lumps. Here too, you save a whole of time.

Options in plates

Potato ricers come with metal plates that form the ‘teeth’ through which the potato passes.

The veggies come out on the other side as a consistently fluffy potato that’s mashed to perfection.

Many models come with two or more plates that have different sized holes or teeth.

So, you can choose between a more robust mashed result or very finely mashed potatoes based on which plate you use.

Doubles as a Garlic Press

Most people agree that a garlic press is an unnecessary tool to have in your kitchen.

Buying a whole new tool only for handling garlic seems like a redundant purchase.

But what if it comes as a feature in another incredibly useful tool? That’s what the potato ricer offers.

Of course, it’s not as efficient as a real garlic press, which is smaller and more compact. But it gets the job done.

And anything that makes life in the kitchen easier is a welcome change for most of us.

Doubles as a cheese grater

Sometimes you’re cooking in a hurry and simply don’t have the time to grate the cheese manually. Once again, it’s the potato ricer to the rescue!

Use one of the finer plates if you’re using soft cheese (Eg. Feta).

Gently press down on the handle and watch the cheese easily fall out of the other side in fine twists and twirls.

Use it as a Juicer

You’ll have to boil the potatoes first before mashing them in a ricer. But with soft fruits, you can simply chuck them in and start squeezing.

Throw in an orange or a lemon and put the ricer to work. You’ll have all the peels and fleshy bits inside while the fresh juice comes oozing out into the cup.

It’s the fastest orange juice or lemonade you’ll get without using electricity.

Use it for sauce, puree or jam.

Whip out your potato ricer the next time you want to mince your veggies into a soft, liquidy form.

If used correctly, your homemade sauces or veggie purees will come out in perfect consistency.

Soft veggies like tomatoes will easily go through without the skin. Harder foods like carrots or apples will require some boiling first.

Once they’re soft, put them through the ricer to get a nice, creamy paste that’s ready to serve or cook with.

Zero Electricity

This multi-purpose kitchen tool sounds like it needs some source of power to run.

But you’ll be glad to know it doesn’t need any batteries or electricity to run. All you do is press down on the handle and watch the magic happen.

Closing Notes

Getting a potato ricer for making finer mashed potatoes is a no-brainer. But this tiny investment will yield a lot more culinary returns thanks to all the other ways it helps in the kitchen.

From preparing the baby’s puree and juice for the kids, to quickly grating cheese or making your favorite jam, this tool handles it all!

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