A potato ricer is used to break up boiled potatoes. It is like a large garlic press; one puts the potato inside, then presses the handle. The potato is forced through small holes and comes out the other side looking like cooked spaghetti. The following four photos show a potato press from different angles.

The potato ricer converts the solid boiled potato into a soft and fluffy consistency. In this sense, it is similiar to a potato masher. However, the ricer does not break up the potato starch as much and consequently the result is much smoother than using a masher.

A potato ricer is used to break up potatoes for recipes such as potato dumplings.