Patent ID: 7172335

Claim:
An automatic mashed potato system, comprising: a housing unit having an upper cavity with a closure; a heating container positioned within said housing unit; a mixing container removably positioned within said heating container; a seasoning unit within said closure for releasing a seasoning material into said mixing container at a predetermined time; a mashing unit extending from said closure for mashing potatoes within said mixing container; and a drain assembly fluidly positioned within a lower portion of said mixing container for selectively draining fluid from within said mixing container prior to mashing of potatoes, wherein said drain assembly is comprised of: a plunger movably positioned within a lower aperture within said mixing container; a spring positioned between a lower end of said plunger and a bottom side of said mixing container applying a downward force upon said plunger thereby sealing a flanged upper portion of said plunger within an interior surface of said mixing container; a solenoid; and an engaging member connected to said solenoid and extendable beneath said plunger to elevate said plunger thereby opening said drain assembly to allow for the draining of fluid from said mixing container.