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In a world gone crazy with not-so-good-for-you ingredients, it’s no secret that DIY is in – and pasta is no exception. We’ve checked out and researched the best pasta makers for home chefs of all types so you don’t have to! Check out our top recommendations for every kitchen and chef below.
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What to Consider When Buying a Pasta Maker
When buying a pasta maker, there are, believe it or not, several factors to consider. From our research and experience, here are a couple you might want to consider in your buying process:
Manual vs Electric
One of the primary decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a manual or electric machine. Manual machines are secured to a table or counter and require you to hand-crank them to operate. Electric machines, on the other hand, do the cranking for you. Many seasoned pasta professionals swear by their manual machines, but it might be easier to get an electric machine if you’re just starting out, considering they do a lot of the hard labor for you.
Size
Many of us have smaller kitchens than we might like, meaning size is a consideration at play when deciding to buy a kitchen appliance like a pasta maker. In general, manual machines will occupy a smaller space than electric machines. This isn’t to say, of course, that there aren’t electric machines that are on the smaller side. You just might have to look harder!
Material
We can all agree that in 2024, we’re buying things for the long-haul, right? Gone are the days of use and throw-away – we’re into long-lasting stuff here. Material is a good indicator of how long your machine might last. We suggest stainless steel machines, though there are many that are made of plastic or aluminum. Stainless machines tend to offer more stability, as well as just general durability.
Accessories
Similar to a food processor, pasta machines tend to come with accessories such as a cutter or cleaning tool. These can be awesome additions and a good factor in your decision-making process. This is especially true because cleaning pasta machines can be a challenge. Many machines can’t get wet, leaving you to pick out the dried-on dough with whatever you have on hand… unless you get nice accessories with your maker.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of our favorite pasta machines:
Best Manual Pasta Maker
We love this beautiful, simple manual machine from Marcato available at Sur la Table. Made with simplicity in mind, it has solid construction and and is easier to clean than many other manual machines.
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Best Electric Pasta Extruder
Seriously, what can’t Philips do? I love their baby bottles and pacifiers, but also their electric pasta extruder. The size is great, compared to other electric extruders, and it can make really great pasta in under 20 minutes!
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Best Mixer Attachment
The KitchenAid Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment has my heart in terms of stand mixer attachments. While there are many to choose from, I prefer to stick with brands I know and trust many times – like KitchenAid. I know with certainty it will fit my mixer and do a great job, just like my stand mixer has for many years. It’s on the pricey side for sure, but definitely a good buy from a size perspective.
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Best Budget Buy
Look, we’re not judging! Money doesn’t grow on trees for us, either, which is why we love this $37 pasta maker from ISILER. With 9 adjustable thicknesses and over 6k reviews, we’re big fans. It is aluminum, which we don’t love, but overall this one is a great pick for those who aren’t looking to spend the big bucks.
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Best Splurge
While we’re all about a good deal, we also love the splurge. If the professionals use it (and love it), we’re in. This one from Imperia, sold on the Webstaurant Store, gets us all excited. Imported from Italy, you’ll be making authentic-tasting pasta in no time.
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Best for Beginner
Hamilton Beach was the maker of many of my “first” things I got in my own kitchen, so it only makes sense that they have a great pasta maker for beginners! With the ability to make an entire pound of fresh pasta in under 15 minutes, this automatic maker is a shoe-in for your kitchen. I also love the amount of accessories that are included, as well as the recipe book.
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FAQs
Especially if you’re new to pasta making, you might still have some questions about it all. No worries – we’re here to help!
How Do You Use A Pasta Machine?
There are two main steps when making pasta. First, the dough is rolled thin by flattening it in between rollers and then the dough goes through a cutter to get the individual strands. The first step can take a few rounds to get it at the desired thickness.
How Do You Clean A Pasta Maker?
Whichever product you choose will have its own way of cleaning, but generally speaking, pasta makers are not as simple as “tossing it in the dishwasher.” Many of the manual machines aren’t even able to get wet, so they’ll need to be carefully cleaned with brushes or toothpicks to remove excess dough. Extruder-style machines are slightly easier to clean in some ways, allowing for disassembly of parts, but it is critical to check your machine’s instructions.
Can You Make Pasta Without A Machine?
While it is true that you can make pasta without a machine, it is a real challenge and requires quite a bit of manual labor and practice. For beginners (or those not looking to go ultra-gourmet), a pasta machine is a great place to start pasta-making.
Should You Lubricate Your Pasta Maker?
Like a car or bicycle, pasta makers can start to make noise and squeak over time, thus, they must be well-taken care of to ensure longevity. One way you can do this is by lubricating the pasta machine with a food-grade mineral oil. Be sure to use food-grade lubricating oil, as other oils, such as vegetable oil, can get sticky or make your machine even worse!
Can You Make Anything In A Pasta Maker Besides Pasta?
For sure! Other items that your pasta maker can make might include crackers, cookies, wonton wrappers, or even pie crust.
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