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Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Best Hand Mixer for Mashed Potatoes

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Learn the secret to getting spectacularly smooth mashed potatoes!
Learn the secret to getting spectacularly smooth mashed potatoes!

When made well, mashed potatoes can be the perfect pillowy accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal, worthy of its own praise. If potatoes haven’t been mashed enough, it’s safe to say they’re just smashed potatoes undeserving of the name mashed potatoes. To ensure you can make the best possible delicious side dish, I recommend that you invest in a hand mixer instead of using a fork or potato masher.

How do I make the smoothest mashed potatoes?

If you’ve ever tasted smooth and creamy mashed potatoes, chances are they were made with the help of a hand mixer. Be on the lookout for hand mixers that look durable and powerful, as you’ll need both of these features if you intend on preparing large batches.

What should I be looking for in a quality hand mixer for my mashed potatoes?

If you plan to use the mixer for tasks other than mashing potatoes, you might want a model that has multiple speed settings. This can be especially helpful when adding liquids to your mashed potatoes, as you don’t want to have the mixer on high and splash milk or cream all over the place.

Many people complain that they don’t feel like dragging out their hand mixer to mash potatoes when they could easily do it with a hand tool. However, if you choose a smaller model that still has enough power, you can have the best of both worlds! The smaller size will help you save precious cabinet space while providing you with the ultimate in mashing power.

Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are within hand's reach.
Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are within hand’s reach.

Some people prefer lumpier mashed potatoes, whereas some prefer a soft and pillowy consistency. Because no two palates are the alike, choosing a hand mixer that comes with two or more removable beaters will ensure you’re equipped with an arsenal of tools for your next potato-mashing venture.

As you browse your hand mixer options, be mindful of the size and shape of the beaters. A model that has beaters with wider holes means easier cleanup. Nothing is worse than following up a delicious dinner with a mountainous pile of dishes, including a set of hand mixer beaters with stubborn potato clumps embedded in the tines.

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What are some of the cooler features of a hand mixer?

Sunbeam FPSBHS0301 Mixmaster Dual Function Hand and Stand Mixer, 250 W, 5 Speed, White

One helpful feature in an excellent hand mixer is a flat back end that will let you set the mixer down on a surface without dripping excess potatoes all over the place. Some elite hand mixers include a bowl stand, which enables the user to rest the hand mixer on the bowl while preventing it from falling in.

Check out the Sunbeam FPSBHS0302 250-Watt 5-Speed Stand Mixer at Amazon

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Storage Case, Wire Beaters, Whisk and Bowl Rest, 250W, White (62682RZ)

Although it’s not a requirement, some hand mixers have storage cases that can be snapped into the bottom of the mixer when it’s not in use. This is especially helpful if you have limited storage space or are prone to losing things.

Check out the Hamilton Beach 62682RZ Hand Mixer with Snap-On Case at Amazon

Some hand mixers are equipped with a release button or switch. When located away from where the user will be keeping their hands, this feature can be especially handy when you’re ready to deal with the mashed potato cleanup.

KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, Empire Red

Pretty appliances can beautify your kitchen. For the design-conscious user, some stand mixers come in a wide array of colors. This gives you more decorative options than the standard white, gray, or silver.

Check out the KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer at Amazon

What are the benefits of using an electric hand mixer over a manual potato masher?

There will always be people who have their preferences. Personally, I have always mashed my potatoes with a mixer, because that was what my parents did when they cooked for us. If you’re cooking for more than 3 to 4 people, however, mashing a large quantity of potatoes by hand can be downright exhausting. Using an electric hand mixer eliminates that extra effort so you can use it elsewhere when you’re preparing a big dinner.

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A good hand mixer is always going to yield a beautiful bowl of mashed potatoes faster than a manual potato masher. If you’re someone who loves saving time—especially in the kitchen—a hand mixer can help you in that department.

Again, if you’re the kind of person who loves soft and pillowy mashed potatoes, a hand mixer gets you smooth taters in a jiffy. Trying to get a manual mashed potato masher to produce fluffy mashed potatoes is a lot like trying to mix cake batter with a chopstick. It’s possible, but it’s a lot of work (and, frankly, looks quite silly).

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Smooth!

When you’re ready to bring this little powerhouse into your kitchen, you can be sure that you’ll have the fluffiest and creamiest mashed potatoes for your family get-togethers!

For more potato-related goodness, be sure to check out this review on the best potato ricer for gnocchi, and these recommendations on the best french fry cutters for sweet potatoes and the best mandoline for sweet potatoes. You might also like this recipe for cooking amazing sweet potatoes in the microwave!

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