# 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.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/boiled-potatoes-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook potatoes

Times are for 1 kg potatoes, for 4–5.

Boiled and mashed potatoes: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 15–20 min | from cold salted water, once boiling | Bring to the boil, then simmer. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 20–25 min | over simmering water | Keeps them drier, good for mash. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | Chunks, with 4 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Pressure cooker](https://feastflow.co.uk/pressure-cooker-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on high pressure | Chunks on a trivet with 250 ml water; quick release. |

Also see: [Roast potato and potato times](https://feastflow.co.uk/roast-potatoes-cooking-time) (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.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/