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Fresh pasta has a delicious taste and texture and is simple to make if you've got a quality pasta maker! Many people find making pasta intimidating, but it's as easy as making the dough and running it through the machine. You'll be sure to impress your friends and family with the gourmet flair of fresh pasta, and you can let your creativity run wild with different flavors!
When choosing a pasta maker, consider how often you will use it and what kinds of pasta varieties you're interested in. Our favorite was Marcato's Atlas 150 since it can make various noodle sizes and shapes, allows you to add a motor, and is made from stainless steel. Keeping those points in mind, we've researched and found our favorite pasta makers with research that's backed up by an Italian chef, so you can make your own noodles with confidence.
Danilo is an Italian chef who has grown up cooking traditional dishes under his nonna and mamma's tutelage. He has also worked in Italian restaurants in various countries such as Australia and Japan. The skills he has acquired in a home and professional kitchen have enabled him to preserve and expound on Italian cuisine while dabbling in recipes from other cultures.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Choosing a pasta maker can be difficult, but you can get the best bang for your buck by keeping these five points in mind!
Manual and automatic pasta makers offer drastically different experiences. Think about what you value most, such as ease of clean-up and durability, and decide how much you want to spend.
Manual pasta makers require you to use a hand crank to move the pasta dough through the machine. This is the traditional way pasta is made, and many manual pasta makers come from companies with decades of experience.
It can take a lot of muscle to make a lot of pasta, but they often last longer since they are made of simple, sturdy materials. They can also be easier to clean since there are no electrical parts to avoid, and many models can be cleaned without water. Some models offer a detachable motor to use when you want a little extra speed and convenience.
Once you’ve tasted fresh pasta, you will understand why it’s worlds apart from dry pasta. Fresh pasta is denser, tender, tastier - you can even eat it plain - and merges better with whatever sauce you pair it with.
You might think that a pasta maker that rolls out flat dough can only yield spaghetti when in reality, the sky is the limit to how many pasta types you can create with it. Linguine for parmesan or cream-based sauces, fettucine for carbonara, tagliatelle for tomato meatballs, angel hair for tomato-based sauces, and more.
And yes, there are specific pasta shapes that work best with a particular sauce, such as trofie (worm-like twists) that boost the flavor of pesto. A pasta maker allows you to get the most out of your pasta dough for your sauce pairings.
Automatic pasta makers use an electric motor to automatically move the pasta dough through the machine. The motor is either attached to a manual model or built directly into the machine. They’re very easy to use and require much less effort! Some even have options to mix and knead the pasta dough for you, as well as kneading dough for things like pizza or bread.
However, having a motor means these models can be a little finicky in terms of maintenance. Automatic pasta makers are also prone to breaking after a few years. This means you either must try to repair the motor or buy a new machine. Plus, you have to be careful when cleaning around any electrical parts.
When choosing a pasta maker, you want to be sure to check what kinds of pasta it can produce. Will you be satisfied with one or two pasta varieties, or do you want the option to make a variety of shapes? More complex shapes, like ravioli or penne, might require a specific model or separately sold attachment.
A pasta maker's main function is helping you make your pasta dough, but most machines come with a variety of blades or extruders to make different pasta shapes. Machines have a dial that allows you to adjust the thickness of your noodles, so you can have thinner noodles to suit lighter tomato or oil-based pastas, and thicker pastas to hold heavy and cream-based sauces.
Blades are used to cut through sheets of pasta for noodles like fettuccine and lasagna. These are usually included with every pasta maker and are made from durable materials like stainless steel.
To make spirals, penne, and macaroni, you'll need an extruder or die for each different shape. Bronze-plated pasta extruders or dies are the best for shaped noodles as they give pasta a textured surface, making it easier for sauce to stick to the noodles.
Other durable and slightly more affordable materials, like stainless steel or Teflon, are also used for at-home pasta makers and will give you a smoother noodle that's still perfectly tasty.
Prices range from $15 to upwards of $300, and the old adage rings true: you get what you pay for! Pasta makers can be expensive, but it’s an investment in a product that will last you for years.
More expensive products should come with a warranty, information on how to buy replacement parts, and good customer service to help you with any problems. The company should have a good reputation and be up-front about how to maintain their pasta makers.
Cheaper models are fine for occasional use, but they may be more difficult to use and clean. Plus, if they are made from cheaper materials they may not hold up to the labor-intensive process of pasta making! You may find it hard to buy replacement parts or to get it fixed if the company isn't passionate about their pasta makers.
Of course, if you only want to try making pasta once or twice, you can make your own noodles without a pasta maker. All you need is a rolling pin and a lot of elbow grease!
I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but most of the best pasta makers come from Italy. We know our way around pasta, after all. What’s more, the machine should be made of steel and not aluminum, if you want something sturdy and rigid.
Authentic Italian restaurants around the world have amazing pasta makers that spit countless pappardelle and spaghetti with ease. You’d be surprised that the machines are manual, too.
The key is quality. For example, if you’re looking at blades for flat pasta, the barrels must be perfectly aligned and parallel. Skimping on the quality will only disappoint you because when you crank that lever, the machine will produce more torn or weirdly shaped dough than usable ones.
Pasta makers shouldn’t budge when you’re using them. The heavy weight of the machine itself or a solid clamping mechanism should hold it securely in place on your table or workstation. One of the tell-tale signs of a bad pasta maker is a poor clamp or unstable center of gravity.
It’s dangerous to have the machine, especially automatic ones, slip around during use. Hair or jewelry can get stuck in any moving pieces! To find out whether the pasta maker is unstable or has a poor clamp, we suggest reading customer reviews carefully or considering buying in person.
It’s important to be able to clean the machine thoroughly by following manufacturer instructions. If it says not to use water, believe them! For machines that don’t come apart easily, you should never use water to clean them as they may rust. Instead, use dry cloths, brushes, or compressed air.
Pasta dough can use ingredients like raw egg, so it’s important to keep it clean to avoid food poisoning. Thorough cleaning is also necessary if you are making pasta for someone with an allergy.
Gluten-free pasta isn’t truly gluten-free if old bits of wheat pasta get mixed in! If you're keeping any allergies in mind, be sure to get a pasta maker that is dishwasher safe for maximum sanitation.
All of the Italian restaurants that I’ve worked with have industrial manual pasta makers. While they can spit out pasta sheets (and give the user an arm workout) in record time, cleaning is a delicate process that requires commitment.
A damp cloth, cleaning brushes for grinders and pasta makers, and anything thin and pointy like toothpicks or skewers will be weapons of choice. Let the pasta maker dry for an hour or more before cleaning because wet dough is trickier and messier to clean. Caked-on flour, on the other hand, is easy to wipe off from the machine.
Use the toothpicks to get in between the attachments and small corners. I also like to use scrap dough (not too dry or wet) and run it through the dirty parts of the machine because dough is cohesive, and it will pick up its remnants from the surface. Stick to these tips, and your pasta maker investment will give you much return.
Many manual pasta makers can inherently make different shapes of pasta like spaghetti and fettuccine, but if you want to save the trouble of cutting individual shapes like ravioli, you can look for a machine with an attachment. These often only work with specific models, but they can save you a lot of time depending on the shape.
With electric pasta makers, discs are often used to create different pasta shapes and sizes. These discs are slotted in front of the space where the pasta comes out, and with them, you can easily make extremely thin noodles like angel hair, macaroni, and more.
Again, these often only work with specific models of the same brand, so read carefully before buying in the case that you're buying them separately from the maker. If they're included in your electric pasta maker, though, make sure the machine has built-in storage to save you the trouble of hunting for your discs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Marcato Atlas 150 Machine|8320 | $79.99 Mid | Best for Manual Pasta Making | ||
2 | Sailnovo | $30.49 Low Mid | Best for Beginner Pasta Making | ||
3 | Philips Pasta Maker Plus|HR2375/06 | $299.95 High Mid | Best for Quick Pasta Making | ||
4 | Philips Compact Pasta and Noodle Maker|HR2370/05 | $179.95 High Mid | Best Electric Option for Making Thin Noodles | ||
5 | Delihom | $49.99 Low Mid | Best Pasta Machine for Ravioli Making | ||
6 | Marcato | $179.95 High Mid | Best Hybrid Option for Making Sheets and Thin Pastas | ||
7 | Emeril Everyday | $240.00 High Mid | Best for Its Versatility in Pasta Making and more | ||
8 | Gourmex | $34.95 Low Mid | Best for a Compact Design | ||
9 | iSiLER Roller Pasta Maker|150 | $37.95 Low Mid | Best Hybrid Option for Pasta and Noodles | ||
10 | Gvode Pasta Maker Attachment Set | $97.99 Mid | Best Attachment Pasta Maker for KitchenAid Stand Mixer |
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker works great for those who are new to pasta making. Since motor attachments and more pasta shapes are available separately, you can purchase what you need when you need it. It can also make things like pita bread, dumplings, and pastelitos.
Some reviewers had problems with the handle moving around when they tried to roll dough. However, quite a few reviewers said the pasta maker was heavy and sturdy. They also liked how the maker could create a variety of noodles that varied in their thickness.
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker is one of the best options for pasta-making beginners. It keeps things simple by using a crank while offering a good range of pasta types and thicknesses. It even has a non-slip mat on the bottom to help you keep the machine in place. Since it comes with everything, it's more straightforward to buy without worrying about other attachments.
A few reviewers said the handle would pop off at times when they tried to make noodles. However, more than a few reviewers were happy that the blades were sharp, so they would easily cut the noodles. They also found the machine easy to set up and use.
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker is a solid option for making batches of pasta quickly. It only takes 10 minutes to do so, making it the fastest automatic option on the list. It also comes with measuring cups and a recipe book, so it's a good option for people who don't have those supplies or need more of them.
Some reviewers said the machine wasn't easy to use and the pasta would stick together. On the other hand, many reviewers said the noodles turned out great if they followed the recipes exactly. They also appreciated how easy it was for them to clean the machine.
Pros:
Cons:
This one is made for people who want to automatically make noodles instead of kneading the dough themselves. The product comes with three attachable discs to change the pasta types, and the device is designed to make some pasta in about 18 minutes.
A few reviewers found the machine difficult to use since it would sometimes lock up when they tried to make pasta. On the bright side, a large number of reviewers said it made high-quality pasta that wasn't too dry. They also found it straightforward to use once they got used to the machine.
Pros:
Cons:
Not many pasta makers can create ravioli, so this one works great for people wanting to make it. Since it offers only a few pasta types, this might be a good choice for people who already know what they like pasta-wise.
A couple of reviewers had issues with the pasta maker not cutting the noodles all the way through on thinner settings. Despite that point, plenty of reviewers said the machine did a great job of making ravioli. They also noticed the roller did a great job of flattening out dough.
Pros:
Cons:
This is meant for people wanting a hybrid option, so they can make their pasta manually or automatically. This might be a good choice for people who want a bit of versatility. It also does a good job of making thinner pasta types for people who don't like thick noodles.
Some reviewers said the motor wasn't that powerful, and it would stop working after a few months. On the other hand, multiple reviewers said the hand crank worked great for pasta making. They also said it makes high-quality pasta that tasted good.
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker from famous chef Emeril Lagasse has tons of shaping discs for people wanting to make various pasta shapes. It also offers attachments for meat grinding, juicing, and many others. This means it's a great choice for people who want one machine that can perform multiple functions.
A couple of reviewers said it was difficult to use the device, so it took them a while to effectively make pasta. Despite that point, a great number of reviewers said the discs and the pasta maker were easy to clean. They also said they could quickly make pasta with this machine.
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker is designed to easily come apart and put back together. Because of this, the pasta maker is a good choice for people who want to use it occasionally without storing it on their counters. It also has a simple design and a recipe book, making it great for beginners.
A couple of reviewers said the pasta maker moved around when they used it, and the clamp didn't help that much. On the bright side, multiple reviewers said they could easily make pasta with this one. They also said the maker itself was sturdy and didn't break easily.
Pros:
Cons:
This pasta maker is a great choice for those who can't decide between a manual and automatic pasta maker. Since it's a hybrid type, you can easily switch between the two. It also works great for people who want to make noodles and pasta sheets since it supports both types.
A couple of reviewers had issues with the handle falling off and the maker breaking after a few months. Nevertheless, more than a few reviewers felt the pasta maker was easy to use and set up. They also liked how it was dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
Cons:
These are perfect for KitchenAid stand mixer owners. They work great for people who want to start making pasta but want to save counter space. Since the attachments don't take up much storage space, they work great for occasional pasta making.
Some reviewers said the attachments weren't that durable, so they would break after a while. Nevertheless, quite a few reviewers liked how they were attachments rather than entire machines. They also felt the attachments made excellent pasta that looked and tasted good.
Pasta makers help you to create a strong dough by rolling it to build up the gluten fibers so you can make different shapes without the dough cracking or falling apart.
You feed the dough in between two rollers, gradually adjusting the space between the rollers to be thinner and thinner until you get your desired thickness. Then you change modes on the pasta maker to run the pasta through blades or extruders to give your noodles their shape.
It will take you a little trial and error, but you'll soon get the hang of making fresh pasta! Most pasta dough recipes are simple, and there are plenty of online tutorials available.
One helpful tip for using your pasta maker is to pay attention to the feel of your dough. Wet dough will stick in the machine, so you typically want your dough to be on the drier side. This helps the machine get a good grip on your dough allowing it to travel smoothly through any moving parts.
Fresh pasta can be cooked while it's still soft for a lovely delicate noodle, or you can dry out your pasta overnight to achieve an al-dente texture!
Here are a few tips for achieving delicious pasta. Kneading and resting are crucial steps in the process. Kneading the dough well to excite the gluten, then letting it rest enough (wrapped for about 20 minutes in the fridge before shaping) will get you firm pasta that won’t taste rubbery when cooked.
When you boil the pasta, never add oil - this is an unnecessary step that will make your pasta slippery and prevent your sauce from sticking to it! Salt, with frequent mixing - fresh pasta has more starch which causes fast boiling - is enough. As long as you follow those steps and remove the pan's lid after placing the pasta, it won’t stick, and your water won’t overboil.
There are plenty of pasta recipes that don't require a piece of expensive equipment like a pasta maker out there, so is it even worth getting one? Chef Danilo answered this commonly asked question in his own words.
Danilo says, "Is a pasta maker worth it? Well, my nonna (grandma) swore against a pasta maker while my mamma uses one at home.
So, if you're an avid pasta lover or see yourself frequently hosting parties or events with an Italian theme, then yes, invest in a pasta maker. If you're cooking for a small group especially, a manual pasta maker will become indispensable to you in the kitchen.
Either way, a pasta maker is still an investment that can give you so many benefits for efficiency and pasta exploration - especially since there are about 350 types of pasta!"
Maybe you need a quick sauce fix, a recipe for a side dish, or just a way to strain your pasta. Whatever your needs, mybest can help you find them!
If you're still not sold on our 10 best list, here are some more suggestions from Amazon. You may even recognize a few from our list!
No. 1: Marcato |Atlas 150 Machine|8320
No. 2: Sailnovo|
No. 3: Philips|Pasta Maker Plus|HR2375/06
No. 4: Philips |Compact Pasta and Noodle Maker|HR2370/05
No. 5: Delihom|
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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