Have you ever wondered how gnocchi came to be these cute dumplings from dense potatoes?-If you did, don’t worry, we have you covered!
To prep yummy homemade gnocchi and enjoy them with your favorite dressing, you need the best potato ricer for gnocchi.
This utensil helps you rice potatoes into a superfine mash that can be used for gnocchi dough.
In addition to helping you make the ideal texture, a potato ricer will also enable the potatoes to release steam after being cooked.
This is essential because the less steam and water, the less flour you’ll need to use to dry out the mixture. And, with less flour, you’ll get softer and tender gnocchi.
Therefore, if you love homemade gnocchi as much as we do, check out the 10 best potato ricers currently and learn some useful tips too!
Table of Contents
Why Is A Potato Ricer Necessary For Gnocchi?
If you’re a fan of homemade gnocchi, then you need a potato ricer to prep the potatoes. Processing them with a mixer or a masher won’t create the best texture for the yummiest gnocchi.
When you opt for a potato ricer to prep the potatoes for the gnocchi, you optimize the texture and help them release surplus steam and water.
This is crucial because you’ll later need to use less flour to make the blend drier. Consequently, without excessive flour, your gnocchi will be softer and tender.
Indeed, potato ricers are something that every kitchen can benefit from. They’re portable, hand-held, and easy to maintain. Plus, they’re easy to use thanks to their straightforward features.
It’s also good that this appliance can ease your daily life further by removing out the most boring part of working with potatoes, i.e. their peeling.
You needn’t peel them before putting them into the bowl, because the ricer will do the peeling itself.
Interesting:
You’ve probably thought about this too: why is it called a ricer when it’s intended for potatoes, rather than rice?-It actually has to do with the verb, rather than the noun.
The ricer part refers to the tool creating a rice-like texture from the foods you pass through. These are fine and thin shreds.
Riced vs. Mashed Potatoes
Despite what you may have thought, there’s a difference between mashed and riced potatoes, that is, ones passed through a ricer and ones mashed manually or electrically.
The riced potatoes are fluffier and lighter in texture because the device separates the pieces and provides room for a less gummy texture.
On the other hand, with a masher, you’ll get a bowl of textured spuds, which is great when you want to add extras like cheese or herbs.
Which Features Are The Most Important?
As with any other product you intend to purchase, it’s essential to consider some of the most important features in order to be sure you’re making a good decision.
Before you opt for a potato ricer, check out these properties:
Material
With a stainless steel construction of a potato ricer, you’re investing in something that will last for a long period of time.
Steel is also rust-prone and durable.
However, these models tend to be more expensive than others that have a plastic body. Plastic is cheaper and sturdy, but not as long-lasting and durable as steel.
Hole Sizes
The holes in the grater disc will directly influence how fast you’ll be mashing potatoes to make heartwarming gnocchi.
You’ll notice that some models have multiple grater discs. Opt for these if you want to get different textures from the foods you’ll put through.
But, also consider that the smaller ones will require more strength use, even though they’re perfect for pressing juices or other thin texture foods/drinks.
The larger holes are awesome for the coarser texture and this one is excellent for gnocchi dough.
Hole Location
In addition to the holes’ size, another important feature is their number.
This will determine the speed of the processing. The location of these holes also matters. Some appliances have holes only at the base where the ricing disc is.
They’re great for home use because they demand using less strength compared to the models with holes located on the sides.
In fact, these have more pores and therefore, require you to use more strength to operate them.
Still, this will mean you’re ricing larger amounts faster. The two-side hole model may be more suitable if you prep larger batches often or in restaurants.
Handle
Since this is a manual machine, it requires certain hand strength to be operated.
Hence, it can be challenging to use it if it has a short handle, particularly for people with arthritis or other hand aches.
This is why you should always opt for a longer handle and lever.
They should also be comfy, ergonomic, and made of sturdy materials to last.
Look for ones coated with rubber to ensure maximum comfort and no unwanted slips.
Pot Hook
The edge holding design is pivotal for a ricer.
A knob extension for pot holding could be an important property of your ricer because of the stability it offers when you want to place the ricer over a bowl or a pot.
Having the ricer move all the time can be very frustrating and take a lot of time.
Consider this addition if you wouldn’t like this to happen.
Interchangeable Discs or Not
To get a versatile texture from the potatoes, opt for ricers that come with the feature of interchangeable discs.
These discs will enable you to choose between various textures, including fine, medium, or coarse. If this isn’t something you’ll need, choosing one with the disc already being part of the design is just fine!
Size
Opt for a wider bowl design if you’ll be often ricing potatoes in larger quantities and for larger crowds.
The minimum is that the hopper basket can hold one whole potato. But, there are also heavy-duty models which can fit several.
Nonetheless, if you regularly prep batches for not more than two people, a smaller hopper would be perfect for you.
Maintenance
When we buy a certain product, we want it to be easy to use and easy to clean so that we have more time to focus on prepping food.
This being said, if you prefer the dishwasher, choose models that can be washed in it or at least some of its parts.
Which Are The Advantages Of Having A Potato Ricer?
This handy, versatile, and compact tool is easy to use and practical. It’s handheld and requires slight pressure applied for the perfect airy mashed potatoes.
It will help you take out the need for peeling hot potatoes because you can retain the skin when you put them through and harvest the mesh. The peel will be divided by the ricer itself.
What’s more, potato ricers are eco-friendly since they don’t need electricity to function. And, they’re suitable for beginners because they’re user-friendly.
And, we love how easy to clean the device is- this is important, especially when we’re short on time.
How to Use a Potato Ricer To Make Yummy Gnocchi?
- Have semi-boiled, dried potatoes (together with the peel)
- Put on the large hole disc on the bottom of the cup (this step isn’t necessary if the disc is part of the design)
- Hold the device by its handle with one hand
- You pop the potato into the cup
- Using your other hand, press down the lever and start pushing
- The potatoes will come out in the bottom make sure you have a tray underneath to collect them
- When you’re done, you clean the ricer by hand or put it in the dishwasher
What Are The Other Uses Of Potato Ricers?
In addition to helping you make delicious potato mash for gnocchi dough, you can also use it to prep other foods too.
Below, check out the best ones:
Guacamole
Press avocados through your ricer and make the creamiest texture for yummy guacamole.
Tomatoes
If you need tomato sauce, take out your potato ricer.
It will help you mash them for sauce or canning. However, don’t rice the entire tomato, but rather cut it into chunks.
Hummus
You can press the cooked chickpeas in your ricer to prep delicious hummus.
The texture will be exquisite. You can also press other legumes through it, for example, beans, for pureed dishes with ideal texture.
Baby Food
Rice any veggie you want that’s been previously cooked soft and prep homemade, healthy, and nutritious meals for your little ones.
Apple Sauce
You can rice cooked apples through your ricer and make mouth-watering applesauce!
Frozen Foods/Remove Surplus Water
Did you know that your potato ricer can help you get rid of the surplus water from foods like cooked greens and add them to recipes like quiche?
You can also thaw frozen foods like spinach with your ricer!
Best Potato Ricers for Gnocchi
1. Oxo Good Grips Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 11.5 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | OXOX9 |
Highlighted Features
- Comfy handle
- Sturdy design
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Dishwasher-safe
This all-stainless steel potato ricer is the ideal choice for the smoothest and fluffiest potatoes to make the yummiest gnocchi.
The construction is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting while the ergonomic handle and lever are rubberized to ensure maximum comfort while working.
Moreover, you can use it with wet hands without worrying it will slip.
The non-slip knob will help you keep the ricer in place over a pot or a bowl. When you’re done using it, you can wash it by hand or in the dishwasher, it’s safe for both.
We really love how versatile this ricer is; you can use it with so many other foods, including cauliflower, apples, etc.
Customers who purchased this ricer praised it the most for the quality materials, durability, and ease of use.
2. Bellemain Potato Ricer with Interchangeable Discs
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.91 x 5.04 x 4.21 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.83 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bellemain |
Highlighted Features
- All stainless steel construction
- Padded handle & lever
- Easy to use& clean
- Interchangeable discs
If you want versatility and optimal performance from a potato ricer, this one will meet those needs. Made from premium 18/10 stainless steel, this unit has been polished and made long-lasting and durable.
It features a non-slip knob to ensure steady work at all times.
Thanks to the rubberized sections on the handle and lever, you’ll never feel uncomfortable or while ricing potatoes.
Its engineering is designed to lower cracks, deep edges, and awkward seams where food tends to get stuck. You can wipe it once or twice after use and put it in the dishwasher and it’s clean!
We love that this ricer comes with interchangeable discs with different hole sizes and shapes; the set features three different ones, to suit everyone’s needs.
You can use it with so many other foods, including baby food, guacamole, steamed cauliflower, hummus, etc.
3. Tundras Stainless Steel Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 10.98 x 4.17 x 3.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.19 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Tundras |
Highlighted Features
- Strong construction
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Comes with interchangeable discs
Make nourishing and healthy meals on a daily easily with this potato ricer. It boasts a strong stainless steel construction and it’s durable and long-lasting.
It doesn’t bend or break and will last for a lifetime with proper care. It features easy-grip handles designed to lower the tension and pressure in the hands and wrists.
What’s more, the ricer comes with three interchangeable discs, meaning you can prep different foods and create the desired textures easily.
After you’re done using it, the ricer is super easy to clean; you can do it in the sink or the dishwasher.
Customers who purchased it gave it the most kudos for its quality material, versatility, and easy cleaning.
4. Priority Chef Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.5 x 4 x 4.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Priority Chef |
Highlighted Features
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- Comfy handle & lever
- Versatile
Prepping potatoes for gnocchi has never been easier-this affordable potato ricer is what you need! It will help you create heavenly dishes comfortably, efficiently, and fast.
Boasting a complete stainless steel construction, this ricer is sturdy and long-lasting.
It won’t rust or bend and break. The handle and lever have been padded with silicone to ensure maximum user comfort.
Any remains from food can be easily rinsed off. Moreover, in addition to using it for fluffy gnocchi, you can also use it to make other foods like guacamole, hummus, apple sauce, and more.
Customers who purchased it gave it the most praise for being easy to hold, durable, and sturdy!
5. LHS Heavy Duty Potato Ricer & Masher
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 11.4 x 3.1 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.54 pounds |
| Manufacturer | LHS |
Highlighted Features
- Helps you prep larger batches faster
- Easy to use & clean
- Sturdy design
- Rubberized handles
With this heavy-duty potato ricer and masher, you can prep larger batches of riced foods quickly and comfortably.
Being designed ergonomically, it can be used by people with hand pain or arthritis.
This is an ideal choice for larger food batch prep, thanks to its increased capacity bowl which can tackle bigger potatoes or other fruits or veggies.
The lever and handle are non-slip and extra comfy thanks to the rubberized padding. This is a model with both sides featuring holes, meaning you will prep bigger batches faster.
To use it, you just lift the lid of the bowl and put it in the potato, and begin to push with the lever.
After you’re done using it, wash it by hand or in the dishwasher-it’s suitable for both.
6. Vita Saggia Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.5 x 4 x 4.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Vita Saggia |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy construction
- Larger cup
- Larger handle & lever
- Comfy on the hands
- Versatile
This premium quality potato ricer is constructed using heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel and has been mirror-polished.
It boasts a non-slip and strong handle and lever which are padded with silicone to ensure maximum comfort.
Moreover, you’ll love the non-slip silicone knob which will help you keep the ricer in place when it’s over a pot or a bowl.
In addition to prepping potatoes, this ricer can also help you prep other meals, including baby food, hummus, guacamole, and more.
Thanks to the longer handles, it’s easy to press it without having feeling tiredness in the hands, which is beneficial for people with hand pain or arthritis.
Being mirror-polished, its cleaning is easy; you can do it in the sink or dishwasher.
7. White Ladle Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 13 x 4 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
| Manufacturer | White Ladle |
Highlighted Features
- Made of sturdy steel
- Versatile
- Practical
- Dishwasher-safe
- Padded handle & lever
Whether you need it to make homemade gnocchi or healthy baby food, this potato ricer will never fail you!
It boasts a strong and durable body made of 304 stainless steel and a padded handle and lever with silicone to ensure comfort. These pads are removable, which many users find beneficial.
The grip is optimized and people with hand pain or arthritis can use it.
The non-slippery silicone knob will help you keep the ricer in place when it’s over a pot or a bowl.
Its compact design makes it easy for storage while its construction makes it great for the dishwasher or sink; it’s entirely up to you!
Customers who bought it gave the most kudos for its durability, sturdiness, and easy cleaning.
8. Speensun Potato Ricer with Interchangeable Discs
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 11.93 x 3.94 x 3.62 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
| Manufacturer | SPEENSUN |
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use & clean
- Sturdy design
- Interchangeable discs included
- Versatile
Without having to spend a small fortune, you can have this versatile potato ricer. It’s made using premium stainless steel and it’s heavy, durable, and long-lasting.
It won’t corrode or distort and it can serve you for a lifetime with the right care.
Thanks to the three interchangeable discs included (thin, medium, and thick), you can easily prep the desired texture of multiple foods, not just potatoes.
The handle and the lever offer a good grip thanks to the rubberized parts which will ensure you’re comfy at all times.
The non-slip silicone knob is excellent when you want the utensil to stay firm while on top of a bowl or a pot.
The ricer has detachable parts, making it even easier for cleaning-you can do it in the sink or the dishwasher.
9. Star Utensils’ Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.8 x 5.16 x 4.02 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.52 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Star Utensils |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy & compact
- Versatile
- Practical
- Saves space
- Easy to use
Say goodbye to gummy gnocchi when you have this potato ricer. It will help you create fluffy and light mashed potatoes effortlessly.
Compact and easy to use, this potato ricer boasts an all stainless steel construction, rubberized handles for extra comfort, and a non-slip silicone knob for setting it easily on top of bowls or pots.
The knob can also be used to hang the device on a rack and save space in your kitchen!
It will help you make food prep fun and easy; the longer handle and lever are ideal for low pressure and comfort while working.
The ricer plate is fixed, which means less mess in the kitchen and no discs lost. Thanks to the steel being polished, the ricer’s lifespan is prolonged and its cleaning is effortless.
You can rinse it under water or put it in the dishwasher.
10. My Life Unit’s Heavy Duty Potato Ricer
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 11.42 x 3.54 x 3.74 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Manufacturer | MyLifeUNIT |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy design
- Detachable parts
- Ergonomic handle & lever
- Larger bowl
- Versatile
If you’re on the lookout for a heavy-duty potato ricer with holes on both sides, this unit could be perfect for you.
It helps you tackle larger batches faster and thanks to its sturdy all-stainless steel design, it will last for long without losing its performance.
The larger bowl can fit nearly three cups of potatoes, but other veggies and fruits too. The extended handles help you have leverage and easy pushing, without any soreness or discomfort in the hands.
This is particularly important for people with hand pain or arthritis. The rounded and ergonomic handle and lever help you tackle any food in the bowl easily.
Since the unit can be disassembled, the cleaning and maintenance are effortless. You can clean it in the dishwasher or the sink.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the best potato ricer for gnocchi, your food specialties will never taste the same: they will taste exquisite!
If you’re tired of homemade gnocchi that is gummy, you’ll love to hear that a potato ricer can help you change this.
This kitchen utensil is designed to rice the potatoes finely and remove the surplus water and steam which results in less need for flour while prepping the dough. This helps you create soft and tender gnocchi.
Our best pick is an excellent option for those not on a budget and who want a ricer that performs and lasts. But, our budget choice is also wonderful: it offers quality construction and good performance.
Happy ricing!
