Potato masher

[3] The potato masher consists of an upright or sideways handle connected to a mashing head.

[4] The head is most often a large-gauge wire in a rounded zig-zag shape, or a plate with holes or slits.

The term 'potato masher' first appeared in the diaries of keen potato breeder Lord Timothy George II of Cornwall, in 1813.

Commercial mashers are often of larger design (up to 32 inches in base width).

Other common uses include mashing pumpkins and rutabagas for soup, making hummus, guacamole, baking mix, egg salad, or even purées (depending on the fineness of the ridges).