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If you love velvety mashed potatoes, silky sweet potato purée, or light, pillowy gnocchi, a ricer or potato press can be a game-changer. These simple tools break cooked vegetables into fine, even pieces without overworking the starches, so your mash stays fluffy instead of gummy. Think of a ricer like a giant garlic press for potatoes — press, and out comes a cloud. Whether you're a weekend cook or a weekday dinner hero, this small investment can lift your dishes to restaurant quality without complicated technique.
Across the UK you'll find a handful of brands that consistently get great reviews for ricers and presses. Nordic Nest stocks a variety of curated kitchen tools and is known for carrying stylish and practical options. Brands that regularly appear on shoppers' lists include Joseph Joseph, Heirol, Dorre, and WMF — each with slightly different strengths like compact design, heavy-duty stainless steel, or budget-friendly options. I’ll walk through what makes each pick stand out so you can match the tool to your cooking style.
Nordic Nest specialises in design-forward kitchenware and often sources products that balance form and function. If you prefer tools that look as good on a shelf as they perform at the sink, a Nordic Nest selection can be a safe bet. They tend to carry both innovative plastic models and premium stainless-steel presses, giving you options depending on whether you prioritise weight, durability, or aesthetics.
The Joseph Joseph Helix is a great example of modern design solving old problems. At about 10.4 inches long, it’s compact enough for small kitchens but engineered to minimise the effort required to press potatoes. The Helix mechanism reduces hand strain by transforming a twisting motion into a pressing action — handy if you make mash for a crowd. It’s lightweight, often available in white, and appeals to cooks who want a tool that’s easy to store and simple to clean.
If longevity and heavy-duty performance are priorities, stainless-steel presses deserve a close look. Stainless models are usually more rigid and can handle denser foods without bending. That matters if you’re producing large batches or occasionally pressing root vegetables that are a bit firmer. Brands like Heirol, Dorre, and WMF offer stainless-steel presses that feel solid in the hand and often come with larger chambers for quicker processing.
Heirol’s stainless-steel press is built for regular use. It’s the sort of tool that feels reassuringly weighty when you pick it up, and that heft translates into less effort when pressing. Many users appreciate its straightforward construction — fewer moving parts mean less to go wrong and easier cleaning. If you want a tool that will last for years and won’t look out of place in a professional-style kitchen, a Heirol press is worth considering.
Dorre makes kitchenwares that balance charm and practicality, and their Poppy potato press reflects that ethic. With a clean design and stainless build, it’s both attractive and functional. The Poppy tends to be slightly more budget-friendly than some premium German steel brands while still delivering a crisp, fine texture. It’s a good middle ground if you want durability without paying top-tier prices.
WMF is a go-to name for many home chefs who favour German build quality. Their Gourmet press often boasts a polished finish and an ergonomic handle designed to make pressing comfortable even during larger prep sessions. The result is consistent texture and minimal effort, which is exactly what you want when you’re serving up mashed potatoes for a family dinner or holiday spread.
So how do you decide between a traditional ricer and a press? A ricer forces food through small holes and creates very fine strands of potato, ideal for ultrafine mash and delicate textures. A press — depending on its plate design — may push larger pieces through and can be quicker for big batches. If you like sofa-soft mash and little to no lumps, go ricer. If you want speed and a tool that doubles as a vegetable masher for slightly chunkier textures, a press might be the better fit.
Using a ricer or press is simple: cook your potatoes until very tender, drain well, and work in batches so the tool isn’t overloaded. Use a spoon to push any remaining bits through the chamber. Clean-up is where a lot of people worry — but most modern models disassemble easily. Rinse immediately after use to prevent drying, and for stubborn bits, soak briefly in warm water before washing. Stainless-steel models can often tolerate a dishwasher, but handwashing preserves the finish longer and helps avoid water spots.
Don't limit yourself to mash. Ricers and presses are excellent for making gnocchi dough, passing cooked carrots or parsnips into silky purees, or preparing homemade baby food. They also work for pressing cooked apples into sauce with a fine texture, or for removing excess water from cooked spinach when you’re making spanakopita or souffle. Imagine turning a bag of cooked beets into a smooth, vivid purée for dips or sauces — that’s the kind of versatility these tools offer.
The UK market is friendly for shoppers who like to compare features and prices before buying. Beyond specialist stores, high-street and online retailers stock a wide range of options, from straightforward budget models to designer pieces. Here are a few reliable places to look for the brands mentioned earlier and to compare features easily.
Nordic Nest is a great destination if you appreciate Scandinavian styling and thoughtful design. They often stock brands that blend form with function, and you’ll find models like the Joseph Joseph Helix alongside streamlined stainless-steel presses. Their site makes it easy to browse by brand and finish, which helps when you’re trying to match a tool to your kitchen’s look.
Lakeland has a long tradition of stocking practical, well-tested kitchen gadgets. If you want hands-on advice from staff or to try products in-store, Lakeland is a favourite for many UK cooks. They often carry a broad price range and plenty of accessories that pair nicely with ricers, such as measuring cups and potato peelers, so you can kit out a full prep station in one visit.
John Lewis is known for a thoughtful selection and reliable customer service. They typically list higher-end brands alongside solid mid-range options, and their product pages include reviews that can help you judge real-world performance. If you prefer shopping with a mix of reassurance and a focus on build quality, John Lewis is a strong choice.
Amazon UK offers perhaps the widest selection and is handy when you want to compare dozens of models quickly. You’ll find everything from budget plastic ricers to heavy stainless-steel presses. Look for listings with multiple images and numerous customer reviews to get a clear picture before buying. Remember to check dimensions — especially length and chamber size — so the tool fits your storage space and batch needs.
Wayfair often lists designer and bulkier items that might not appear on high-street shelves, while Robert Dyas is a good source for affordable, practical kitchen tools. Both retailers are solid if you’re hunting for a specific brand or a good-value alternative to premium models. They also sometimes offer seasonal discounts that make premium models more accessible.
Prices in the UK vary depending on materials and brand. Expect to pay around £10 to £30 for basic plastic ricers or small presses that are great for occasional use. Mid-range stainless-steel models typically sit in the £30 to £60 bracket and offer sturdier construction and larger capacity. Premium designer or professional-grade presses can run £60 and up, but they often come with lifetime durability and refined ergonomics. Think about how often you’ll use the tool: frequent cooks often save money long-term by choosing a higher-quality model.
Pick a tool that matches your cooking habits and storage constraints. If you entertain often or cook for a family, a larger, heavy-duty stainless-steel press will save time and effort. If you have limited space or prefer minimalist gadgets, a compact model like the Joseph Joseph Helix might be ideal. Also consider cleaning: fewer parts and dishwasher-safe finishes make life easier, but handwashing can preserve finishes longer. In short, match function to frequency — that’s the secret to a satisfying purchase.
Before you buy, run through a quick checklist: what capacity do you need, is the length manageable for your storage, is the handle comfortable for repeated use, and does the build material match your durability expectations? If you can, read user reviews that mention long-term durability and whether the tool handles larger batches. And don’t forget to check whether the product comes with a spare plate or tool attachments — those small extras can be useful down the road.
Potato ricers and presses are deceptively simple tools that deliver a big uplift in texture and ease for a range of dishes. Whether you opt for the clever compact action of the Joseph Joseph Helix, the sturdy reliability of a Heirol or WMF stainless-steel press, or a charming Dorre Poppy model, there’s a tool to suit every kitchen and budget. Shop with your cooking habits in mind — frequent cooks should invest in durability, occasional chefs can pick compact convenience — and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality mash and purées at home in no time.
| Ricers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dorre Poppy Potatoe Press Stainless Steel | £ 20,60 | |
| Heirol Heirol Potato Press Stainless Steel | £ 51,10 | |
| Wmf Gourmet Potato Press Stainless Steel | £ 63,- |
