Sure, buying dried pasta from the supermarket might be quick and easy, but does it taste even half as good as freshly rolled homemade pasta?
We don’t think so.
Whether you’re looking for a new challenge in the kitchen, or you’re new to the world of Italian cookery, a pasta maker might just be the next thing for you.
Surprisingly, there are a whole load of different pasta machines on the market nowadays, ranging from traditional manual machines that are a lot of fun to use to high-tech electric rollers that’ll whip up a few sheets of lasagne in moments.
To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the top pasta makers on the market, both manual and electric, so you can get your hands on one right away.
Best Pasta Makers
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Best Overall
1Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine
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Best For Higher Budgets
2GSD Imperia Italian Pasta Gift Set
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| 6
Best For Low Budgets
6Lakeland Silver Pasta Making Machine
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1. Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine
- Three aluminium rollers included.
- 10 thickness settings.
- Features a pasta recipe.
- Compact and easy to store.
Designed and made in Italy, the Marcato Atlas 150 is considered to be the creme de la creme of pasta makers.
Its simple design is robust, yet functional, allowing the user to create delicious lasagne sheets, fettuccine or tagliolini pasta with ease.
Simply attach the pasta maker to your worktop, using the clamp included in the kit, adjust the knob to the correct thickness (one of ten!) and begin to use the handle to manually feed the pasta dough through the rollers.
Once you’ve mastered the art of making pasta, there are endless attachments to buy that are compatible with this pasta maker, opening up your pasta world to endless opportunities.
You can even buy an electric motor further on down the line that transforms this traditional roller into an electric one!
Specifications
Pros
- Can make lasagne sheets, fettuccine or tagliolini.
- 13 attachments available for additional purchase.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Easy to clean with a wet cloth.
Cons
- Heavy to move around.
- Pasta must be partially rolled before put in the machine.
2. GSD Imperia Italian Pasta Gift Set
- Six different thickness settings.
- Includes fettuccine and tagliatelle attachments.
- Features a small recipe book to get you started.
- Bonus ravioli set included.
Another huge name in the world of pasta makers is Imperia, and this pasta making kit includes everything you could need to succeed in Italian cookery.
Its high price tag is justified by the myriad of accessories that come with the roller. As well as a traditional roller, detachable handle and rolling pin, you’ll also find a spaghetti and tagliatelle attachment, ravioli mould tray and an instruction booklet for using each of these attachments.
The GSD Imperia Italian Pasta Gift Set also features an adjustable cog, so that you can change the thickness of the pasta to suit your preferences or recipe.
For ease of use, the noodle maker can also be clamped to the side of your kitchen worktop and is easily cleaned with a warm damp cloth.
Specifications
Pros
- Clamps to the work surface for easy use.
- Made with sturdy materials to last.
- Easy to clean with hot soapy water.
- Plenty of pasta options.
Cons
- Doesn’t work as a freestanding appliance.
- The handle comes out quite easily.
3. SMART Pasta Making Machine Bundle
- Electric pasta machine.
- Six attachments for different types of pasta.
- Comes with a measuring jug, spanner, cleaning brush and a mini cheese grater.
- Includes a 12-month warranty.
If you’re searching for a smart pasta maker that requires little to no effort, then look no further than this all-in-one appliance.
Simply add the eggs, flour and water to the mixing compartment, use the large LED display to choose your pasta settings, and the machine will do everything else for you. From kneading the dough to rolling it out and eventually to creating perfect spaghetti, fresh pasta doesn’t come easier than this.
The pasta extruder will also air-dry the dough partially as it leaves the machine, preventing any of the pasta clumping together again. Pop it in a pan of boiling salted water, and it’ll be ready to enjoy in just a couple of minutes.
Specifications
Pros
- Consistent and hassle-free results.
- Very quick and easy to use.
- LED buttons make it easy to change settings.
- Air dries pasta to prevent clumping.
Cons
- Limited to spaghetti or shapes only.
- More expensive than other models.
4. VonShef 5 in 1 Fresh Pasta Maker Machine Roller
- Four attachments included.
- Range of thicknesses available.
- Clamps to worktop for hands-free use.
- Pasta cutter included.
The VonShef 5 in 1 Fresh Pasta Maker Machine Roller is the perfect toy for any newbies dipping their toes into the world of Italian gastronomy.
Not only is this pasta roller incredibly reasonably priced for its functionality, but it’s also one of the more compact models of pasta maker, perfect for storing in a kitchen cupboard.
With four different cutters included in the pasta kit, users will be able to make up to five different types of pasta including, lasagne, spaghetti, tagliatelle, ravioli and fettuccine.
It’s also possible to adjust the thickness of the rollers, to get your perfect pasta size.
Specifications
Pros
- Can make five different types of pasta.
- Ergonomic handles for comfortable use.
- Stainless steel makes the appliance durable.
- Two year manufacturer’s warranty included.
Cons
- Can be tricky for first-time users.
5. KitchenAid 5KSMPRA Pasta Sheet Roller and Cutter
- Kitchen aid attachments.
- Electric function.
- Roll pasta to a width of 15cm.
- Eight different pasta thicknesses are available to choose from.
If you’ve got a KitchenAid mixer sitting on your kitchen countertop, then you’re in luck. If you haven’t then these high-end pasta roller attachments might just convince you to buy one.
Combined with the right mixer, you can make, roll and cut your pasta dough with just one piece of equipment.
Fixing onto the head of a KitchenAid mixer, these attachments act as a kind of electric pasta roller, drawing the dough through without any effort required from the user. You can whip up a batch of lasagne, linguine or tagliatelle in no time.
Once you’ve enjoyed your pasta and the machine is ready for the cleanup, this set comes with a handy cleaning brush that’ll have your cutters looking sparkling clean in no time at all.
Specifications
Pros
- Simple and easy to attach to the mixer.
- Eliminates the need for any manual work.
- Easy to store.
- Will last you a life-time.
Cons
- Only compatible with KitchenAid mixers.
- Quite a big investment.
6. Lakeland Silver Pasta Making Machine
- Eight thickness settings to choose from.
- Produces lasagne, tagliatelle, spaghetti and linguine.
- Manual roller with a clamp.
- Removable handle.
Sitting at the lower end of the price scale, this Lakeland Silver Pasta Making Machine is about as affordable as it gets within the pasta roller market.
That’s not to say that this machine doesn’t live up to its more expensive competition. In fact, with eight thickness settings to choose from, four different types of pasta to make and an easy-to-store design, you get a lot more than you pay for with this machine.
Its stainless steel finish gives the pasta maker a classy touch, while its integrated pasta cutters mean there’s no messing around trying to add the correct cutter. Simply pop your pasta dough in, and out comes your choice of tagliatelle, spaghetti or linguine.
A common issue with this Lakeland model is the handle. While it is known to fall out a little too often, this is an easy thing to look past when you consider its endless list of perks.
Specifications
Pros
- Well known and reliable brand.
- Clamp and handle are detachable for easy storage.
- Easy to wipe clean.
- Attaches to the kitchen work surface for hands-free use.
Cons
- Handle falls out regularly during use.
Pasta Roller Buying Guide
Type
Manual
If you’re looking for the most traditional type of pasta maker, then you’ll want to go with a manual pasta maker machine.
This classic kitchen appliance requires a little bit of manual labour from the user, but that’s all part of the fun. Manual pasta machines are operated with a handle that used to draw the pasta dough through the rollers.
On these more traditional appliances, you can alter the thickness of your dough, and buy extra cutters to achieve different types of pasta. You’ll need to cut the dough to your desired length by hand.
Manual pasta rollers are generally a lot more durable, and affordable, than electric pasta makers, as a manual pasta maker is likely to be with you for your lifetime.
Electric
An electric pasta maker will do the majority of the work for you, whipping up a variety of pasta styles and shapes in just five minutes. Simply feed the pre-prepared pasta dough into the machine, and it’ll do the rest for you.
As an electric appliance, these are more costly than their manual counterparts, and they don’t generally last as long. However, if you’re someone who can’t resist the temptation of fresh pasta, but you don’t have the time or patience to do it all of the time, this machine will be a lifesaver.
Size and Design
The size and shape of the pasta maker you buy wholly depends on the space available in your kitchen.
Most pasta makers are larger and bulky, so you’ll want to make sure you have somewhere to store it if you don’t want it to sit on the countertop.
Whilst a heavier variety, a manual pasta machine tends to come with detachable parts and handles, making it easier to store. A downside to many manual machines is that they may need to be clamped onto a sturdy worktop in order to be used.
Speed
Using a manual pasta roller is undoubtedly slower than an electric model. However, in the world of electric pasta machines, speeds can vary wildly, and this is often a major selling point for some brands.
If quick results are important for you on your pasta making journey, then an electric pasta maker will be the best option. Take time to compare different electric pasta machines and how quick they claim to be at producing sheets.
Pricing Range
A pasta maker machine will set you back anything from £30 to £200, depending on the make, model and type of machine that you’re hoping to buy. As a general rule of thumb, manual pasta makers are much more affordable than electric appliances, with a top-of-the-range model costing no more than £100.
Electric models, on the other hand, can be expensive, costing a minimum of £50 and up to around the £200 mark. This initial payout can be more than worth it if you’re likely to be making pasta regularly in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta machines can be tricky to clean, but they must be cleaned properly after every use to ensure that the appliance continues to run as it should.
After you’ve used the machine, make sure you remove any pasta dough that remains on the rollers before cleaning it thoroughly with hot soapy water and a clean cloth. Electric pasta makers can be more complicated to clean. Make sure you refer to the manual of your model for exact instructions.
A pasta maker is a relatively simple machine to use. Once you’ve made your pasta dough, flatten it slightly, and position it in between the two rollers.
If you have an electric machine, the pasta maker will take over for you and roll the dough to your desired thickness. If you’re using a manual pasta roller, you’ll need to adjust the gap between the rollers, before manually turning the handle to pull it through.
Continue to do this while reducing the thickness each time.
Our Verdict
Whether you choose to go for a traditional pasta machine or a convenient electric gadget, it’s really all down to personal preference in the kitchen.
While a manual roller may give you an added sense of satisfaction to your cooking, and leave you a few more pounds in your pocket, an electric roller is great for anyone pressed on time who loves the taste of a fresh bowl of pasta.
Whichever you choose as a new addition to your kitchen, you can rest assured that the pasta machines on this list are guaranteed to give you great results.
