Boiled and mashed potatoes cooking times
How long to cook potatoes: 15–20 min boiled, 20–25 min steamed, 8–10 min in the microwave and 8–10 min in a pressure cooker. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook potatoes
Times are for 1 kg potatoes, for 4–5.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil | 15–20 min | from cold salted water, once boiling | Bring to the boil, then simmer. |
| Steam | 20–25 min | over simmering water | Keeps them drier, good for mash. |
| Microwave | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | Chunks, with 4 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| Pressure cooker | 8–10 min | on high pressure | Chunks on a trivet with 250 ml water; quick release. |
Also see: Roast potato and potato times (roast, baked, mashed and Yorkshires).
Before you start
Peel and cut into even chunks about 5 cm. Floury potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edward, Russet) make the fluffiest mash.
How to tell it’s done
A knife slides in with no resistance. For mash, drain, let them steam dry for a couple of minutes, then mash with warm milk and butter.
Questions
How long to boil potatoes?
15–20 min from cold salted water, once boiling. Bring to the boil, then simmer.
How long to steam potatoes?
20–25 min over simmering water. Keeps them drier, good for mash.
How long to microwave potatoes?
8–10 min on full power, covered. Chunks, with 4 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.
How long to cook potatoes in a pressure cooker?
8–10 min on high pressure. Chunks on a trivet with 250 ml water; quick release.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.