Choosing a German-engineered potato press for perfect mash and creative desserts
The WMF Gourmet Multipresse is a specialized tool designed for creating ultra-smooth potato purée and the trendy 'Spaghettieis' dessert. Buyers should understand that its 26.5 cm size and polished Cromargan 18/10 stainless steel construction represent a premium, durable investment for frequent kitchen use. This isn't a basic ricer; it's a multifunctional press built for specific culinary results.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The 26.5 cm diameter is ideal for processing larger batches of potatoes efficiently, but requires significant counter and storage space compared to smaller 20 cm models.
- The 'geschmacksneutral' (flavor-neutral) polished stainless steel is crucial for preventing metallic tastes and ensuring the pure flavor of potatoes or fruit for desserts comes through.
- While spülmaschinenfest (dishwasher safe), hand-washing the fine-mesh press plate is often recommended to maintain optimal performance and prevent food particle buildup.
What Our Analysts Recommend
High-quality potato presses feature a robust, single-piece lever mechanism that won't bend under pressure and a fine, consistent perforation pattern on the press plate for smooth results. The WMF's use of 18/10 Cromargan, a premium stainless steel alloy, indicates superior corrosion resistance and longevity compared to standard 18/0 stainless steel found in budget models.
Kartoffel- & Spätzlepressen Market Context
Market Overview
The potato press market is divided between inexpensive, often plastic-bodied models and premium, all-metal German-engineered tools like those from WMF and Zyliss. There's growing consumer interest in multifunctionality, with presses marketed for both savory dishes and dessert applications like Spaghettieis.
Common Issues
Lower-quality presses suffer from weak hinge points that snap, plates that bend under pressure, and mechanisms that become stiff or jam. Another frequent complaint is difficulty cleaning the fine mesh, where potato starch can harden and clog perforations if not rinsed immediately.
Quality Indicators
Look for a solid, one-piece construction with no visible welds on the lever arms, a comfortable, non-slip grip on the handles, and a press plate that is securely riveted, not just clipped, into the frame. The smoothness of the lever action is a key tactile indicator of good manufacturing.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade A Interpretation
A Grade B with a 10% estimated fake review rate suggests the review corpus is generally reliable, but shoppers should be slightly more critical than with an A-grade product. The high number of verified purchases (all marked 'V') strongly bolsters overall credibility.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on the detailed 4-star reviews, which often provide the most balanced insights into real-world performance and minor drawbacks. Given the adjusted rating of 4.40/5 is still excellent, the consensus among authentic reviews appears genuinely positive.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Pay particular attention to reviews mentioning long-term durability (e.g., 'after 2 years...') and specific use cases like making Spaghettieis or baby food. Be wary of overly vague 5-star reviews that don't mention specific features like the polished steel or the 26.5 cm size.
Expert Perspective
The WMF Gourmet Multipresse represents the high-end segment of this category, with its rating profile—a strong 4.67/5 slightly tempered to 4.40/5 after authenticity adjustment—indicating it largely delivers on its premium promise. The high volume of reviews (2444) for a niche kitchen tool signals strong market presence and user satisfaction. Its key differentiators are the commercial-grade 18/10 stainless steel and the dual-purpose design for both savory and dessert preparation.
Purchase Considerations
This press is best suited for home cooks who frequently make mashed potatoes from scratch and value a perfectly smooth texture, or for those interested in creating Spaghettieis. Consider if the premium price is justified over a mid-range model, especially if you'll use it only occasionally.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the lever mechanism and plate design with competitors like the Zyliss 'Easy-Squeeze' or the Rosenstein & Söhne models to assess ergonomics and value.
