THE BEST PASTA MAKERS OF 2024

If you’re eager to craft your own fresh, homemade pasta, a manual pasta maker is a crucial tool for the task. However, the plethora of options on the market can make it daunting to pinpoint the ideal one for your needs. This article serves as a guide, examining the key criteria we considered in selecting the finest manual pasta makers. Our objective is to furnish valuable insights that cater to both beginners and seasoned pasta enthusiasts. We will delve into factors like user-friendliness, durability, and versatility, offering expert recommendations to empower you in making a well-informed decision. Stay tuned as we unveil our top picks to enhance your experience in creating delectable, homemade pasta!

Despite being more budget-friendly than electric pasta machines, the Marcato Atlas stands out as the priciest manual option we encountered. However, the adage “You get what you pay for” holds true in this case. The meticulously crafted Italian-made Marcato 150 showcases attention to detail that becomes apparent as the machine excels in the kitchen.

When feeding pasta dough into the rollers, the user can easily hold the sheet with one hand while cranking the handle with the other. A distinctive feature is its “0” setting, exceptionally wide, making it unnecessary to extensively flatten the dough before sending it through the pasta rollers.

During the rolling process, the conveniently operated knob can be adjusted with one hand, eliminating the need to pause and put the dough down – a significant time-saving advantage. Cutting the sheet is a breeze; attaching the included fettuccine and spaghetti accessory ensures the creation of restaurant-quality pasta effortlessly.

The overall experience of using this machine is delightful. Its width allows for a secure grip on a thick block table, ensuring stability during operation. In a gluten-free pasta roll-off against the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller, the difference between the two noodles is barely discernible.

While the KitchenAid is undoubtedly faster, it comes at more than double the price. For those seeking a hand-crank machine that is both easy and effortless to use, the Marcato Atlas 150 emerges as the top choice.

If you’re in search of the finest KitchenAid pasta attachment, look no further than this pasta roller and cutter. Widely regarded by reviewers as a “must-have,” this stainless steel KitchenAid pasta attachment serves as an excellent addition to any KitchenAid mixer, making it an ideal gift for those who enjoy kitchen adventures.

Featuring eight thickness settings, this electric pasta maker allows you to customize your pasta preferences effortlessly. Powered by your stand mixer, it provides the convenience of having both hands free to guide your fresh dough through either of the two included pasta cutter attachments.

Users appreciate this KitchenAid attachment for its consistent and smooth cuts, noting its sturdy construction. The primary drawback identified with this electric pasta machine is that cleaning can be a bit time-consuming. To prevent rusting, adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial, involving the use of the included brush to loosen and clear away the dough once it has solidified.

Despite its positive features, the Imperia Pasta Maker falls short of being the top choice due to a significant drawback: the roller knob necessitates the use of two hands. Unlike competing models that employ a pull-and-turn mechanism, the Imperia requires users to push down a button before turning the knob. This design nuance forces individuals to set down the pasta sheet before continuing, leading to a slower process. While this may not pose major issues for regular pasta, it becomes a deal-breaker when working with delicate gluten-free dough.

Setting aside this drawback, there are notable aspects to appreciate about the Imperia Pasta Maker. It excels in producing thin sheets of dough and effectively perforates fettuccine and spaghetti shapes. The clamp is sufficiently large to accommodate thicker-than-normal block tables, ensuring stability during use. Despite a slight squeak in the handle turning process, users find it to be a minor inconvenience in exchange for achieving perfect homemade pasta.

The CucinaPro Pasta Maker Deluxe Set offers excellent value for money, providing additional angel hair and ravioli cutting attachments alongside the standard fettuccine/spaghetti cutter.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The roller has a tendency to create slightly uneven sheets, and the cutters may not fully perforate the desired shapes. Additionally, the knob settings are not as standardized as those on other machines, requiring users to go through a few extra settings to achieve the desired thinness comparable to other models.

The Antree pasta maker attachment stands out as the top choice for KitchenAid mixers, excluding the K45SS, KitchenAid’s Classic Series 4.5-liter model. Offering eight thickness options and equipped with a cleaning brush, this pasta attachment distinguishes itself by creating smaller cuts, producing 5.5-inch sheets of pasta. However, the smaller surface area may limit the dough thickness for some users.

One notable feature is the removable hard plastic hatch, allowing easy access to the internal mechanisms for thorough cleaning. Some reviewers suggest using smaller amounts of dough at a time to prevent clogging, acknowledging that this may extend the overall pasta-making process.

How to Make Pasta ?

Making pasta using a pasta maker involves a few simple steps. Here’s a basic guide to help you make fresh pasta with a pasta maker:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

• Pasta maker
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pasta cutter
• Clean surface for rolling and cutting

• Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
• Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
• Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough begins to form.

1. Knead the Dough:

• With your hands, start kneading the dough. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, sprinkle some water.
• Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

1. Rest the Dough:

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

1. Divide the Dough:

• After resting, cut the dough into smaller sections, making it easier to work with.

1. Roll the Dough:

• Take one section of the dough and flatten it with a rolling pin until it’s thin enough to fit through the pasta maker’s widest setting.

1. First Pass Through the Pasta Maker:

• Set your pasta maker to the widest setting and pass the rolled dough through. Fold the dough into thirds and repeat. This helps to create a smooth texture.

1. Continue Rolling:

• Gradually reduce the thickness settings on your pasta maker with each pass until you reach your desired thickness.

1. Cut the Pasta:

• Once the dough sheet is at the desired thickness, cut it into the desired pasta shape using the cutter attachment on your pasta maker or a knife.

1. Drying (Optional):

• Allow the freshly cut pasta to dry for a short time (15-30 minutes) before cooking, especially if you plan to store it.

1. Cooking:

• Cook the fresh pasta in boiling, salted water for a few minutes (cooking time varies based on thickness and shape).

1. Serve:

• Drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce or toppings.

Remember, making pasta becomes more intuitive with practice, and you can experiment with different flours, liquids, or flavorings to customize your pasta. Enjoy your homemade creation!