Cook potatoes (or other foods) until very soft.
Place a portion into the perforated basket.
Close the pressing plate and align the handles.
Squeeze the handles together to force food through the holes.
Repeat in batches for consistent texture.
Tip for best results:
Rice potatoes while warm, and avoid overworking the pressed potato afterward to reduce gumminess.
Care and Maintenance (Especially for Vintage Pieces)
To preserve a vintage ricer like this:
Hand-wash and dry immediately to reduce corrosion and protect painted handles
Use a soft brush to clear perforations
Avoid prolonged soaking, especially if there are worn paint areas or oxidation
If stored, keep it in a dry place to prevent rust spotting
Why Collectors and Home Cooks Still Want Them
Vintage ricers remain desirable because:
They are durable, repairable, and simple
They reflect mid-century kitchen design, often with distinctive enamel colors
Many cooks prefer the texture a ricer produces compared with modern shortcuts
In Short
This item is best described as a vintage handheld potato ricer / food press with green enamel handles, likely produced in the mid-20th century style. It was designed to press cooked foods through a perforated basket to create smooth, consistent purées, most famously for fluffy mashed potatoes, and it remains a practical and collectible kitchen classic.
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