Now that I'm cooking for one, I didn't like getting out my hand mixer just to mash a single potato. This hand masher works well and I like the shape. It's not round, like the picture indicates - it's a little more oval and aligns beautifully with the inside of the pot. I've used it to mash white and sweet potatoes, squash, even broccoli. Only downside is that it does take up a good chunk of drawer space in my small kitchen. But it still beats the electric mixer.