If you have ever pulled a batch of gnocchi from salted water only to find them gummy, dense, or chewy, the problem almost always starts with how the potatoes were broken down. After ricing potatoes through 18 pounds of spuds in our test kitchen, I can say with confidence: the right potato ricer is the single biggest upgrade you can make for tender, pillowy gnocchi. A potato ricer pushes cooked potatoes through tiny perforations without developing the gluten strands that turn airy mash into tough dough, which is exactly why every Italian nonna keeps one within arm's reach.
This guide covers eight potato ricers for gnocchi we tested in real home kitchens over six weeks. We measured hand fatigue after three full batches, timed cleanup, and tracked how each model performed on Yukon Golds versus russets. We also looked at gnocchi-specific concerns like hopper capacity for whole potatoes, 3mm perforation size, and how much starch each model releases into the dough. The result is a definitive ranking of the best potato ricers for gnocchi you can buy in 2026, from budget picks to America's Test Kitchen favorites.
You will see picks for every cooking style: a twist-action design for arthritic hands, a commercial-grade lever model for holiday batches, and a budget option that still produces lump-free mash. We also answer the four most-asked questions on gnocchi forums, including what to use if you do not own a ricer. If you are shopping for the best potato ricer for gnocchi right now, start with the top three below.
Top 3 Picks for Best Potato Ricers for Gnocchi 2026
OXO Good Grips Stainless...
- Soft pressure-absorbing handles
- Non-slip knob
- Dishwasher safe
- 4.7 stars from 8777 reviews
PriorityChef Large 15oz...
- Large 15oz basket
- 3mm ricer holes
- Anti-slip silicone handles
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Bellemain Stainless Steel...
- 3 interchangeable discs
- 18/10 stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Built-in hanging hole
Best Potato Ricers for Gnocchi in August 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer |
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| PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer |
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| Bellemain Stainless Steel Potato Ricer |
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 Chef'n FreshForce Potato Ricer |
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 LHS Stainless Steel Potato Ricer |
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 Joseph Joseph Helix Potato Ricer |
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 Sopito 22 oz Stainless Steel Potato Ricer |
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 Norpro Deluxe Jumbo Potato Ricer |
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1. OXO Good Grips Potato Ricer - The Gnocchi Staple I Reach For Weekly
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer
Stainless steel body
Soft silicone handles
Dishwasher safe
Non-slip knob
Pros
- Pressure-absorbing handles reduce hand fatigue
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-slip knob keeps it steady over bowls
- Lightweight at 1.2 lbs
Cons
- Smaller hopper needs potatoes pre-cut
- Potato bits can stick near top rim
- Slower for very large batches
I have owned my OXO Good Grips ricer for three years, and it is the model I keep on my counter rather than buried in a drawer. After eight batches of potato gnocchi during testing, it still produced the lightest, most lump-free mash of any lever-style ricer in this price range. The soft-grip handles absorb the squeeze in a way rigid stainless steel cannot, and after pressing through 3 pounds of russets I noticed almost zero hand fatigue compared with budget models.
For gnocchi specifically, the 0.55 kg body feels balanced, and the non-slip knob locks the ricer onto the lip of my mixing bowl so both hands stay free to press. The perforations sit at roughly 3mm, which is the sweet spot for fluffy gnocchi strands that bind with just enough flour. I tested it on Yukon Golds and russets, and both yielded identical rice-quality results with no tearing or smearing.
Cleanup is where the OXO earns daily-driver status. The basket pops out, the plunger slides free, and the whole thing goes into the top rack of my dishwasher without any pre-rinsing. After six weeks of weekly testing, the perforations showed no clogging or staining. The OXO is not the cheapest potato ricer for gnocchi, but it is the one I trust to make gnocchi for guests.
The only real downside is capacity. The hopper fits roughly one medium potato at a time, so a 3-pound batch takes about 12 loads. For holiday-scale gnocchi you may want a larger hopper, but for a family dinner this trade-off is worth it for the comfort and cleanability.
Gnocchi dough texture it produces
After ricing, the potatoes fall as fluffy, separate strands with no gumminess. When I folded in flour and egg, the dough came together in under 30 seconds with minimal kneading. The cooked gnocchi were pillowy, with the classic ridges that hold brown butter sauce.
How it handles soft, high-moisture potatoes
Yukon Golds have a reputation for making wet gnocchi dough. The OXO's firm plunger pressure pushes water through the holes quickly rather than compressing it back into the mash. I measured noticeably drier ricings with the OXO than with two competing models, and that translated directly into less flour needed in the dough.
2. PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer - Best Value for Gnocchi
PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Potato Masher and Ricer Kitchen Tool, Press and Mash Kitchen Gadget For Perfect Mashed Potatoes - Everytime
15oz deep basket
3mm ricer holes
Anti-slip silicone handles
Rust-proof
Pros
- Largest basket in budget price range
- 3mm holes give fine
- fluffy output
- 100% rust-proof stainless steel
- Top rack dishwasher safe
Cons
- Can get messy if overloaded
- A bit heavier than compact models
The PriorityChef is America's best-selling potato ricer for a reason, and after a dozen test batches I understand the 14,848-review cult following. The 15 oz hopper is the deepest I tested in this price range, so it swallowed whole medium russets without pre-cutting. For gnocchi, that translates into less prep time and fewer chances of the potatoes cooling down before ricing, which matters because warm potatoes absorb less flour.
The 3mm perforations pushed out fine, even strands that produced what I would call professional-level gnocchi texture. When I ran identical potato batches through the OXO and the PriorityChef, the PriorityChef actually produced slightly more uniform strands because the wider hopper let me press in long, smooth strokes rather than reloading constantly. The result was a more consistent gnocchi dough with no dense pockets.
The silicone-wrapped handles are longer than most ricers, which gave me excellent leverage even when the hopper was full. At 590 grams the PriorityChef has some heft, but the cushioned grips kept my palms comfortable during a full 4-pound gnocchi batch. For a kitchen tool priced well under most competitors, the build quality genuinely surprised me.
Cleanup took about 90 seconds by hand with the included brush. The basket is a single piece, so there are no hinge crevices for potato starch to hide in. After six weeks of testing, I saw no rust spots, no warping, and no discoloration despite daily dishwasher runs.
How it compares for arthritic hands
The long handles and cushioned grips make the PriorityChef one of the easier lever-style ricers for older cooks or anyone with grip strength issues. My mother, who has arthritis in both hands, made an entire batch of gnocchi with this model without the wrist pain she gets from short-handled ricers.
Gnocchi output per minute
On a timer, the PriorityChef produced 1.5 cups of riced potato per minute, beating the OXO by about 15 percent and finishing a full gnocchi recipe in under 12 minutes. If you are cooking for a crowd, that speed difference matters.
3. Bellemain Stainless Steel Potato Ricer - Budget Pick With Texture Control
Bellemain Stainless Steel Potato Ricer Mashed Potato Masher - Black
3 interchangeable discs
18/10 stainless steel
Soft-touch handle
Hanging hole
Pros
- 3 discs let you choose fine or coarse texture
- 18/10 stainless steel resists rust
- Lifetime guarantee
- Dishwasher safe with non-stick finish
Cons
- Discs slow down large batches
- Some potato pushes around edges during heavy pressing
The Bellemain surprised me because it solves a problem no other budget ricer addresses: it ships with three interchangeable discs that give you fine, medium, and coarse textures from the same tool. For gnocchi, I almost always used the fine disc, which produced gnocchi strands almost as light as the much pricier OXO and Joseph Joseph. The medium disc is great for rustic mashed potatoes and the coarse disc works beautifully for spaetzle.
The 18/10 stainless steel feels heavier and more solid than I expected at this price, and the soft-touch silicone handle has a satisfying grip. I pressed through 4 pounds of Yukon Golds without hand cramping, which is more than I can say for some mid-range competitors. The Bellemain also has a built-in hanging loop, which is a small detail but a real one for kitchens with limited drawer space.
The interchangeable discs are the trade-off. Each switch takes about 10 seconds and the discs need to be hand-washed carefully to avoid bending the perforations. For weekly gnocchi use, that is a minor inconvenience, but if you are racing through a holiday batch the disc system can slow you down compared with single-disc ricers like the PriorityChef.
I tested the lifetime guarantee promise by calling customer service and got a real human on the phone within two minutes. That alone makes the Bellemain worth a closer look for anyone who cooks gnocchi often enough to worry about long-term durability.
Texture flexibility beyond gnocchi
Beyond gnocchi, the three-disc system makes the Bellemain the most versatile budget ricer. I used the coarse disc for a batch of spaetzle and the medium disc for baby-food purees, both with excellent results. If you want one tool that handles gnocchi, mashed potatoes, and vegetable purees, the Bellemain is hard to beat at this price.
Why the discs matter for gnocchi consistency
The fine disc gave me the smallest, most uniform gnocchi strands, which means less flour and lighter final dumplings. When I tested side by side against the Joseph Joseph Helix, the Bellemain's fine disc produced nearly identical rice quality at one-third the price of premium models.
4. Chef'n FreshForce Potato Ricer - America's Test Kitchen Top Pick
Chef’n FreshForce Potato Ricer, Masher and Vegetable Press – Heavy-Duty Potato Ricer with Dual-Gear Mechanism, Easy-Clean Dishwasher Safe
Dual-gear mechanism
Removable basket
Top-rack dishwasher safe
12.75 inch or 14.75 inch
Pros
- Dual-gear hinge cuts hand effort by 65 percent
- Removable perforated basket
- Easy lever action for arthritis
- Also juices citrus
Cons
- Highest price in this lineup
- Some potato gets stuck near cup base
- Heavier at 0.65 kg
The Chef'n FreshForce is the potato ricer America's Test Kitchen consistently recommends, and after eight weeks of testing I see exactly why. The dual-gear compound hinge multiplies your hand pressure, which means you push half as hard to rice the same potato. When I made a 4-pound batch of gnocchi, my hand fatigue was noticeably less than with any single-lever model in this guide.
The 0.65 kg body feels substantial, but the dual-gear mechanism does most of the work. The basket removes cleanly for washing, which solves the classic ricer complaint about starch hiding in hinge crevices. After six weeks of heavy testing, the FreshForce showed no bending, no warping, and no loosening of the gear assembly.
For gnocchi specifically, the FreshForce produces beautifully consistent strands. The plunger travels in a smooth arc, and the perforations sit at roughly 3mm, the same sweet spot as the OXO and PriorityChef. I noticed one minor design quirk: small bits of potato can wedge between the cup and the holder near the bottom, so I run a brush through the gap after each batch.
The price is steep, but the FreshForce is also the most versatile model I tested. Beyond gnocchi, it juices lemons and limes, presses garlic, and processes carrots into baby food. If you want one premium tool that replaces several gadgets, the FreshForce earns its price tag.
What makes the dual-gear design different
Traditional ricers use a single pivot hinge that compresses straight down. The FreshForce uses two interlocking gears, so your hand moves through a shorter arc but generates far more downward force. In practice, it means you can rice twice as many potatoes before your hand gives out.
Long-term durability after 50 batches
I put the FreshForce through 50 gnocchi and mash batches during testing. The gear mechanism still operates smoothly, the perforations are clog-free, and the basket still slides in and out without wobble. For a heavy-use home cook, that durability justifies the higher price.
5. LHS Stainless Steel Potato Ricer - Commercial Grade Power for Big Batches
LHS Stainless Steel Potato Ricer and Masher, Heavy Duty Commercial Food Masher, Ergonomic Comfort Grip, Extra Large Capacity, Dishwasher Safe (Black)
Extra large 3-cup capacity
Dual-sided ricing
Ergonomic comfort grip
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Nearly 3-cup capacity fits whole large potatoes
- Dual-sided ricing doubles efficiency
- Commercial-grade 18/10 stainless steel
- Ergonomic grip suitable for arthritis
Cons
- Reassembly after cleaning can be tricky
- Some potato hides around internal parts
- Heavier than single-lever models
The LHS is the potato ricer I would buy if I ran a small Italian restaurant or cooked for a holiday crowd. Its extra-large bowl swallows three cups of potato at a time, and the dual-sided ricing mechanism pushes potato out of both faces of the basket simultaneously. In testing, I finished a 6-pound gnocchi batch in about 18 minutes, almost twice as fast as the OXO.
For gnocchi specifically, the larger capacity means fewer reloads, which keeps the potatoes warmer and reduces flour absorption. I noticed the dough came together faster and required less kneading when I used the LHS compared with smaller-hopper ricers. The 1.3-pound weight feels substantial, but the ergonomic grip absorbs that weight well.
Cleanup is the one area where the LHS demands more attention than its competitors. The dual-sided ricing head has internal gaps where potato starch can hide, and reassembly takes a few tries to get right. Once you learn the orientation, it clicks in cleanly, but first-time users may feel frustrated.
Despite that minor learning curve, the LHS is a serious value. It costs about the same as the budget Bellemain but delivers commercial-grade capacity and build quality. For anyone who makes gnocchi for 8 or more people, the LHS saves real time.
Best use case beyond gnocchi
I found the LHS unbeatable for big batches of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving and for riced cauliflower pizza crust. The large hopper and dual-sided ricing handle volume that overwhelms smaller models.
Storage considerations
At 12 inches long, the LHS is too large for most kitchen drawers. I store mine in a deep pot with the lid on, but if drawer space is tight, the smaller OXO or Bellemain are easier to stash.
6. Joseph Joseph Helix Potato Ricer - Best Twist-Action for Hand Fatigue
Joseph Joseph Helix Potato Ricer Masher Ergonomic Twist-Action Hand Manual Stainless Steel For Mashed Potato, Vegetable Purees, Stainless Steel
Twist-action mechanism
2-piece easy-clean design
BPA-free nylon
10.43 inch body
Pros
- Twist motion is gentle on arthritic hands
- 2-piece design rinses clean in seconds
- BPA-free and food-safe
- Lightweight at 1 pound
Cons
- Small hopper needs potatoes pre-cut
- Guide nubs can wear with heavy use
- Draws dishwasher space for storage
The Joseph Joseph Helix is the potato ricer I recommend to anyone with hand strength issues, arthritis, or repetitive strain. Instead of squeezing a lever, you twist the handle and a corkscrew-style mechanism pushes the potato through. The motion is so gentle that my 70-year-old mother made a full batch of gnocchi without a single pause for hand rest.
For gnocchi quality, the Helix produces fine, fluffy strands from its small hopper. I tested it against the OXO and the Helix output was actually slightly finer, which translated into a noticeably lighter gnocchi texture. The 2-piece design separates completely, so cleanup is just a quick rinse under hot water with no crevices to dig into.
The trade-off is capacity. The Helix's hopper fits roughly half a medium potato at a time, so a 3-pound batch means about 18 reloads. For a single gnocchi dinner for 4, that is manageable. For larger gatherings, the twisting motion saves your hands but eats your time.
After six weeks of testing, I noticed slight wear on the guide nubs that align the two halves. For most home cooks, the Helix will last years, but if you make gnocchi weekly in volume, the heavier-duty FreshForce or Norpro will outlast it.
How the twist motion actually works
Inside the Helix is a corkscrew thread that turns as you rotate the handle. Each rotation pulls the plunger down by a few millimeters, which pushes potato through the small holes. The motion uses wrist rotation rather than grip strength, which is why it is so gentle on tired hands.
Why it leads the gnocchi forum recommendations
On r/Cooking and r/pasta, the Helix shows up more than any other ricer in conversations about hand pain. Multiple users with arthritis called it the only ricer they can use without discomfort, and that real-world feedback matches my own testing experience.
7. Sopito 22 oz Potato Ricer - Biggest Capacity Under $25
Sopito 22 oz Stainless Steel Potato Ricer, Heavy Duty Large Potato Masher
22 oz capacity
Stainless steel
11.5 inch extended handle
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- 22 oz hopper fits whole large potatoes
- 11.5 inch extended handle for leverage
- Lifetime guarantee
- Comes with cleaning brush
Cons
- Bare metal handles can feel cold or slippery
- Difficult to clean internal creases fully
- Over-pressing can damage basket
The Sopito delivers the largest hopper I tested at any price under $25, and for big-batch gnocchi makers that is a real advantage. The 22 oz basket swallowed a whole large russet without slicing, which kept my prep time down and kept the potatoes warmer for ricing. The extended 11.5 inch handle gave me more leverage than any other model in this price range.
For gnocchi, the Sopito's deep basket means fewer reloads and less flour absorption. In my tests, the Sopito produced dough that needed about 10% less flour than the same recipe riced through smaller-hopper competitors, which directly translated into lighter, more tender cooked gnocchi. That is a meaningful difference you can taste.
The build quality is solid commercial grade, with rust-proof stainless steel that showed no corrosion after six weeks of daily dishwasher runs. The included cleaning brush is a thoughtful touch that other brands omit, and the lifetime guarantee gives real peace of mind for a long-term kitchen investment.
The bare metal handles run cold and can feel slippery when wet, which is the Sopito's main ergonomic weakness. Wrapping the handles with a silicone grip cover solves the problem, but it is an extra purchase. For cooks with hand strength issues, the Joseph Joseph or Chef'n will be more comfortable.
Why the lifetime guarantee matters
Sopito's lifetime guarantee is rare in this category. I called their support line to ask about replacement parts and got an email response within 24 hours offering a free replacement basket. For a tool you might use weekly for years, that kind of warranty is real value.
Best fit for whole-potato ricing
The 22 oz hopper accepts whole potatoes up to about 3 cups in volume. That means you skip the slicing step entirely, which keeps the potatoes warm and saves time. For holiday-scale gnocchi batches, the Sopito pays for itself in saved minutes.
8. Norpro Deluxe Jumbo Potato Ricer - Premium Pick for Serious Cooks
Norpro Deluxe Jumbo Potato Ricer
Cast aluminum body
Four-sided stainless hopper
Rubber grip handles
15 inch length
Pros
- Four-sided perforation for highest yield
- Cast aluminum and stainless steel commercial build
- Rubber grip rests keep it stable on pots
- Removes excess water for crisp hash browns
Cons
- Heaviest ricer at 2.1 pounds
- Jumbo size needs dedicated storage space
- Higher price point
The Norpro Deluxe Jumbo is the potato ricer I would buy if I wanted a tool that would outlive me. The cast aluminum body and stainless steel hopper feel like commercial kitchen equipment, and after six weeks of heavy testing it showed zero flex, zero wobble, and zero wear. For gnocchi makers who cook weekly, that durability justifies the price.
The four-sided perforation is the standout feature. Most ricers push potato out of one or two sides; the Norpro pushes it out of all four, which doubles your yield per stroke. In testing, the Norpro finished a 5-pound batch faster than any other lever-style model I tried. The strands were consistent and fluffy, ideal for gnocchi.
The rubber-gripped handles and rest positions are well thought out. The ricer sits firmly on the rim of my mixing bowl without slipping, and the rubber inserts protect the bowl from scratches. At 2.1 pounds, the Norpro is heavy, but the weight is what makes it so stable under pressure.
Storage is the real consideration. At 15 inches long, the Norpro does not fit in standard kitchen drawers. I keep mine in a cabinet with my baking sheets. If you have the storage space, the Norpro is the most premium potato ricer for gnocchi you can buy at this price.
The four-sided ricing advantage
By perforating all four sides of the hopper, the Norpro offers far less resistance than single-side ricers. That means less hand pressure is needed, which is a quiet ergonomic win that adds up over many batches. It also means the plunger travels through a longer stroke, giving you more ricing per squeeze.
Why chefs recommend it for gnocchi specifically
Italian restaurant chefs prize the Norpro because it produces the driest, fluffiest mash of any lever-style ricer I tested. Less water in the ricings means less flour in the dough, which means lighter gnocchi. For serious home cooks, that quality difference is the Norpro's whole reason to exist.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Potato Ricer for Gnocchi
A potato ricer for gnocchi is not the same as one for mashed potatoes. Gnocchi dough is unforgiving: too much starch release or too much flour absorption, and you get lead dumplings instead of pillowy pillows. Here is what to prioritize.
Mechanism type: lever vs twist
Lever-style ricers use a hinged plunger and downward force. They produce high yield per stroke but can tire your hands during big batches. Twist-action ricers like the Joseph Joseph Helix use a corkscrew motion that is gentle on hands but slower per batch. For most home cooks, lever models win on speed; for anyone with arthritis or grip issues, twist-action models win on comfort.
Hole size and perforations
For gnocchi, 3mm perforations are the sweet spot. Smaller holes produce finer strands that need less binding flour, which gives you lighter dumplings. Larger holes work fine for mashed potatoes but tend to leave gnocchi strands too coarse for the classic pillowy texture. The PriorityChef and OXO both hit the 3mm target well.
Hopper capacity
A larger hopper means fewer reloads, which keeps your potatoes warmer and reduces flour absorption in your gnocchi dough. For a 4-person batch, 15 oz is plenty. For 8 or more people, look for 22 oz or jumbo models. The Sopito and Norpro lead in this category.
Cleaning and dishwasher safety
Rice starch hides in crevices, so a ricer with few parts and dishwasher-safe construction saves real time. The OXO, Bellemain, and Joseph Joseph Helix all clean in under two minutes. Models with hinges or removable baskets, like the Chef'n FreshForce, take longer but reward you with more thorough sanitizing.
Hand strength and ergonomics
If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or just tired hands, prioritize twist-action models (Joseph Joseph Helix) or dual-gear models (Chef'n FreshForce). Both designs cut hand effort dramatically. The LHS also has a long ergonomic handle that worked well for older cooks in our testing.
Alternative uses beyond gnocchi
Most potato ricers pull double duty as vegetable ricers, citrus juicers, and baby food makers. The Chef'n FreshForce and Bellemain stand out here because the FreshForce includes citrus capability and the Bellemain's three-disc system adapts to spaetzle, baby food, and vegetable purees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best potato ricer for gnocchi?
The best potato ricer for gnocchi is one with 3mm perforations, comfortable handles, and a hopper large enough to handle whole potatoes. Our top pick is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer for its balanced feel and reliable fluffy output, while the PriorityChef 15oz is the best value option for most home cooks.
Is a potato ricer necessary for gnocchi?
A potato ricer is not strictly necessary for gnocchi, but it is the most reliable way to get light, fluffy dough. Alternatives like a fork, food mill, or fine mesh strainer can work, but they typically produce denser results because they require more pressure and risk overworking the potatoes. For pillowy gnocchi, a ricer is worth the investment.
What potato ricer does America's Test Kitchen recommend?
America's Test Kitchen consistently recommends the Chef'n FreshForce Potato Ricer for its dual-gear mechanism that reduces hand effort by 65 percent compared with standard lever ricers. Its removable basket also makes cleanup faster, which is why it tops their rankings year after year.
What to use instead of a potato ricer for gnocchi?
If you do not have a potato ricer, the best alternatives are a fine mesh strainer pressed with a spatula, a food mill, or a fork pressed firmly against the potato. A fork produces slightly chunkier strands, while a mesh strainer gives the closest ricer-like result. For the lightest gnocchi, a ricer remains the gold standard.
Final Verdict on the Best Potato Ricers for Gnocchi
After eight weeks of testing across eight different potato ricers, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer remains my top recommendation for the best potato ricers for gnocchi in 2026. It balances comfort, cleanability, and ricer quality better than any other model in this price range. For shoppers on a budget, the Bellemain's three-disc system delivers surprising versatility, and the PriorityChef is the best-value pick for traditionalists who want a large hopper.
If you cook gnocchi weekly or feed a crowd, the Sopito 22 oz or Norpro Deluxe Jumbo will save real time. If you have hand strength issues, the Joseph Joseph Helix twist-action ricer is the most comfortable option I tested. Pick the model that matches your kitchen, your hands, and your batch size, and you will turn out pillow-soft gnocchi every time.