I know some also use a food mill or a ricer. However, maybe 15 or so years ago, I picked up a potato masher haphazardly because it was cheap and a tool I didn't have on hand. During the holidays ...

Mash potatoes with a potato masher or rice them with a potato ricer or food mill, then let cool 5 minutes. Add carrots, scallions, egg, bacon, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to potatoes ...