2 isn’t always better than 1

Farberware’s Dual Head Potato Masher looks as though it would mash potatoes in half the time of a regular masher, but looks can be deceiving. What better way to test it than a mash-off? My cousin Taryn and I each filled a bowl with five potatoes, boiled and peeled, ready to be smashed. She stood armed with a typical stainless-steel masher, and I with the dual-head version, waiting for the “Go!” signal. After 30 seconds of mashing, we compared results.

To my disappointment, the potatoes were of about the same consistency in both bowls. They were both slightly lumpy — perfect for the type of mashed potatoes my uncle was making.

“How come?” I asked my cousin. She just shrugged and said, “Your masher is harder to wash.”

I wondered whether strength was an issue: Did my cousin achieve the same outcome as me because she is younger and stronger?

I decided to try both mashers, this time counting how many times I smashed the potatoes. At 12 mashes, both bowls of potatoes looked the same: pretty lumpy. At 24 mashes they both were equally smooth, and would only get get smoother with the addition of liquid.

I guess looks are deceiving.

How it works: Two levels of metal prongs facing in opposite directions are stacked above one another. While the user pushes down, a metal spring allows the top prong to bear down on the bottom prong, giving the potatoes an extra squeeze.

Pros: Durable. Dishwasher-safe. Looks pretty cool.

Cons: A little heavier than the single masher. Takes more drawer space. Another layer of metal to wash.

Does it work? Yes.

Worth it? It costs about the same as a regular masher so if the style is pleasing and you have space, yes.

Cost and availability: I found mine at Ross Dress for Less for $6. It’s also available on several online sites including amazon.com ($11.99) and with a soft-grip handle at walmart.com ($13.50).

Got a gadget that you love? Or are you curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com, or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza Suite 210, Honolulu 96813.