Jenny in Florida Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 (Humor me, please. My son is leavng for London with his choir tomorrow, and I'm a little nervous about the trip. So, I'm sitting here not sleeping and trying to distract myself.) You may have seen this fad if you're on Facebook. People post pictures of nostalgic items and challenge others to admit whether they recognize the pictured item. A few days ago, there was a picture of a potato masher with the challenge to like (or share?) the picture if you are old enough to know what it does. And I'm a little flummoxed. Not only do I know what that utensil is, but I have one in the drawer in the kitchen and use it probably twice a week. So, here's the question: Do you have and use a potato masher? And the follow-up: If you don't have one, how do you make mashed potatoes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I know what one is, own one, and use it. I'm 30, so not really vintage just yet. My DH makes "mashed" potatoes with a mixer. I keep telling him he's making whipped potatoes, but he thinks I'm being difficult. *sigh* He's probably right. I hope your son has a great time in London and you find a way to get some sleep soon! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have one. Own one. Use one. OK, I have more than one, but I'm still not sure why. PS. I would be nervous about the trip, too, but I'm sure he'll have a great time! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I know what it is and what it looks like, but I use a ricer for mashed potatoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I love my potato masher! I rarely use it on actual potatoes, but it's handy for squishing all kinds of cooked foods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awisha. Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have one, use one and I am only 27. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruby Rose Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 My DH makes "mashed" potatoes with a mixer. I keep telling him he's making whipped potatoes, but he thinks I'm being difficult. *sigh* He's probably right.: You are being difficult, but you do make a good point. :D I make my "mashed potatoes" with a mixer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 You are being difficult, but you do make a good point. :D I make my "mashed potatoes" with a mixer. :iagree: I used to use a potato masher, but my hands aren't as strong as they used to be thanks to arthritis. We still use the masher for squishing stuff, but my Kitchen Aid mixer does a great job making the potatos now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have one. I use it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those are the only times we have mashed potatoes. I don't like potatoes and neither do the kids. DH never requests potatoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have one. Own one. Use one. Me too. And it's not vintage or anything. I think I bought it at Target. It's an Oxo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Me too. And it's not vintage or anything. I think I bought it at Target. It's an Oxo. Mine is, too! :001_smile: The other one I have is a vintage one from the 1940's. It's very cool. But the Oxo one works better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindergretta Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 :grouphug: I hope sleep doesn't elude you. Your son will have such a wonderful time! I saw that on FB and was totally :confused: . We have a couple and use them for mashed potatoes and many other things, as well. Vintage?? :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 That one puzzled me too. I own one, but I will freely admit I prefer my immersion blender for mashing potatoes (you know, the once or twice a year I make them, LOL). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have and use a potato masher for making mashed potatoes *and* for making guacamole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have one and use it all the time. I mainly use mine for "smashed" potatoes and for mashing up ground beef and turkey. I use the mixer for mashed potatoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have two; of different designs, use them fairly often. Mashed potatoes should be mashed with a masher. Whipped potatoes are those that have been whipped in a mixer. Of this I am quite certain. :D There is controversy, though, about the pre-mash process: boil vs. microwave. Dh prefers the former, I prefer the latter, as it results in fewer dishes to wash. We are both of the skins-on persuasion, but feel no ill will towards those who prefer skins-off. Obviously, thin-skinned varieties are essential for a skins-on approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I own a potato masher but I have been corrupted by my (American) husband and now make mashed potato with an electric whisk. The texture is much better. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Duplicate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I used one all the time until after I got married. Dh is a mashed potato snob and has to have them beat with a mixer. They are one of his favorites so that is now how I do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 My name is MissKNG and I mash my potatoes with a masher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Of course I own a potato masher! I fear that many people probably make instant mashed potatoes from a box. *shudder* Isn't this the trip that you thought your son wouldn't be able to go on? I hope he has a wonderful time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy in Australia Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Good grief. If I ever see one of those on my FB page as a "do you remember..." I'm going to have a little fit. Yes, I have one, too, and I use it about twice a week. I have teen boys. I have to use it twice a week :tongue_smilie::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuzu822 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have one and used it this week to make golden mashed potatoes. I do also whip them in the mixer. Depends on how we're feeling. :D I'll be 30 in two weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have a potato masher, but I use the mixer to make "mashed" potatoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama2cntrykids Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have an old school one in my drawer that I use. I grew up eating mainly boxed potato flakes, but as an adult, I realized how much better the real deal is. YUM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have a potato masher, but it gets used to mash bananas. Mashed potatoes do not get made here at all. Not good for DH's and my low carb diet, and one of the kids has a severe texture issue with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 i have one. It used to be my grandma's. She gave it to me 14 years ago when I moved across the country. I have a stand mixer and never, ever use it for potatoes. I don't make mashed potatoes that often, but I do mash other things like beans with it too. Not really bananas -- I generally use a fork. I like my potatoes lumpy anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 You are being difficult, but you do make a good point. :D I make my "mashed potatoes" with a mixer. :lol: He'll be so happy someone agrees with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have a potato masher and use it for mashed potatoes. Growing up, my mom always used a hand mixer, and I use that as well if I make mashed (whipped) potatoes for company (like Thanksgiving). But dh has expressed a preference for "lumpy" mashed potatoes. So, a masher it is most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 (Humor me, please. My son is leavng for London with his choir tomorrow, and I'm a little nervous about the trip. So, I'm sitting here not sleeping and trying to distract myself.) You may have seen this fad if you're on Facebook. People post pictures of nostalgic items and challenge others to admit whether they recognize the pictured item. A few days ago, there was a picture of a potato masher with the challenge to like (or share?) the picture if you are old enough to know what it does. And I'm a little flummoxed. Not only do I know what that utensil is, but I have one in the drawer in the kitchen and use it probably twice a week. So, here's the question: Do you have and use a potato masher? And the follow-up: If you don't have one, how do you make mashed potatoes? Yes, I own one and use it. Previously I made mashed potatoes with a hand mixer. I think they are better w/ the potato masher. ETA:I use it even when making potatoes for company. I'm able to get out almost all the lumps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I use my potato masher to make refried beans. I use the mixer to make mashed potatoes. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have and use a potato masher for making mashed potatoes *and* for making guacamole. I use my kitchen aid for mashed potatoes, but always use the potato masher for guacamole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildcat Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 (edited) . Edited January 6, 2023 by Wildcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have one but don't use it anymore. Like AKMom the arthritis is too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltop Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I used to have a potato masher but I got rid of it during a kitchen purge. I prefer to make mashed potatoes with my ricer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureMoms Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I own one and use it regularly. I still use it now that we don't eat potatoes. I'm only 31, really not that old! ETA, and I have a kitchenaid. The masher works better for some things... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I use my kitchen aid for mashed potatoes, but always use the potato masher for guacamole. And I always use a fork for guacamole. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I used one all the time until after I got married. Dh is a mashed potato snob and has to have them beat with a mixer. They are one of his favorites so that is now how I do it. I'm so sorry, Mama Geek, that your dh demands that you make mashed potatoes the wrong way. So sad. Such sadness in mine heart today for you. :crying: I'm about to mashed potatoes and use the RIGHT implement for the job-a POTATO MASHER! I mean, I'm not trying to say that I'm better than you or anything, but......well, I am in this respect. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I make mashed potatoes with my hand mixer. That is the only thing I still use that mixer for. :) I do have a potato masher, but I hate it! I bought it for my refried beans, but it doesn't mash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have a potato masher (but not like the one pictured, which would produce very lumpy mashed potatoes.) I don't a make them that often (maybe once or twice a month in the colder months), but when I do, they are definitely from scratch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have one and it gets used all the time. I also have the pastry blender that I saw floating around FB this week as a "vintage" thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 (edited) Of course I own a potato masher! I fear that many people probably make instant mashed potatoes from a box. *shudder* Isn't this the trip that you thought your son wouldn't be able to go on? I hope he has a wonderful time! It's good to hear I'm not alone in hanging onto my "old fashioned" utensils! Thanks to everyone who's answered. Rivka: Yes, this is the trip. The choir director came through with a nice scholarship once we made it really, really clear that we had exhausted our other options. Edited August 11, 2012 by Jenny in Florida Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairyMom Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I use a handblender because I leave the skin on. It cuts it up nicely and adds air to the mix so the potatoes are fluffier. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have two different mashers and mash regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have one. Own one. Use one. OK, I have more than one, but I'm still not sure why. Me too! PS. I would be nervous about the trip, too, but I'm sure he'll have a great time! :grouphug: :grouphug: I would too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Have one and use it. It did take me a while to find the kind I wanted when I moved out though. I grew up using the wire zigzag kind and that's what I wanted but most stores carried something that was a flat slotted plastic piece on the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 (edited) I use one all the time. I am too lazy to wash my stand mixer every single time I want to smash a potato, carrot or some beans/lentils. I am only 32. Edited August 11, 2012 by kijipt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kb44 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I know what one is, and it's use. Want one, but not for mashing potatoes, LOL. I use a mixer for mashed potatoes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hthnmamax2 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I use the wire zigzag one AND then I also mix them with a handheld mixer. :D I like lumpy yet creamy potatoes and I can't achieve that creaminess without the mixer because of the severe tendonitis in my wrists. DH says I'm too picky. I say I'm particular! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 I have one and it gets used all the time. I also have the pastry blender that I saw floating around FB this week as a "vintage" thing! How can a pastry blender be "vintage?" What else would you make pastry with? Is pastry itself vintage? :confused::confused::confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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