Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of pasta – but many shy away from making their own due to the arduous
process of rolling and kneading the dough. When you’ve got your own pasta maker, however, everything becomes much easier and convenient.
While traditionalists will argue that pasta tastes best when made the old school way, pasta making machines and their technology have grown by leaps and bounds since the first model was invented in the early 18th century. Many accomplished chefs today use pasta makers in commercial kitchens.
However, pasta makers do not come cheap, and the more expensive units often run into the hundreds. To help you make an informed decision before investing in one, here are some points to consider.
There are generally two types of pasta makers: manual and automatic.
Manual
These are commonly found in smaller households and home kitchens. While designs vary, they usually work by
running dough through the rollers, flattening them out into long, thin sheets, then running the sheets through cutters, creating the desired shape. They are much cheaper than their automatic counterparts and are straightforward to operate with a crank. Because the build up is pretty basic, they are also easy to take apart and clean. However, manual pasta makers are more time consuming and labor intensive. You also need to have a flat surface to place it on, and enough space for the unit to work properly.
Automatic
Automatic pasta makers do the entire job of mixing, kneading and extruding for the user – all you have to do is load the ingredients into the machine. It will then push the dough through a die. The precision at which the machine produces pasta means that you get consistent shapes and thickness every time – but automatic pasta makers are expensive and rely on electricity to work. Some pasta makers have the option to attach an electric motor to turn your pasta maker from a manual into an auto unit.
Key Features To Look Out For
Ease of use
The purpose of a pasta maker is to help make your cooking process easier, so a good one should be easy to use, without the need for overly complicated instructions or too much effort.
Manual pasta makers still require some work on the part of the user, but are much more convenient than rolling by hand. When using a manual unit, the crank should fit snugly and be easy to turn, without the need to exert muscles. For those who want the ultimate convenience, automatic units are the way to go – especially models that are designed to knead and mix the dough for you.
Speed
No one wants to spend hours kneading and rolling dough – which is why automatic pasta makers are so pop
ular despite their hefty price tag. Some makers are so efficient, users can have a fresh batch of pasta within minutes. If you’re always making pasta at home for a large number of people, an automatic unit may be a better choice in the long run. However, if you only use the pasta maker occasionally for large parties, then opt for models that have slots to attach a motor that will turn it into an automatic roller.
Accessories
There are literally hundreds of accessories and attachments for pasta makers, which allow for endless customization. Most machines have blades that allow you to make the basic types of pasta, but if you know you’re going to be making a certain type often, make sure your pasta maker is capable of making it, or at least have the option to get an attachment. Automatic pasta makers usually offer more shapes than manual ones. Some sets even come with a pastry wheel for cutting dough into individual pieces of pasta, and help to create a distinctive look.
While automatic units can churn out pasta quickly, they are also notoriously difficult to clean, as there are many nooks and crannies that dough can get into. Sometimes, this deters people from buying an electric pasta maker, as the time saved from making the pasta is spent on cleaning the machine instead. Basic, manual units usually have lesser parts, are easier to take apart, and therefore easier to clean. Also, look out for pasta makers that have dishwasher-friendly components.
Durability
Pricey does not always mean long lasting. While automatic pasta makers are convenient, their electric motors tend to wear out faster. Traditional pasta makers do not have this problem, and as long as they are made from high quality materials and maintained well, they should stand the test of time.
When it comes to quality household appliances, the Philips brand needs no introduction. With the ability to mix,
knead and extrude in one go, their HR2357/05 electric pasta maker delivers powerful performance and helps you to shave on cooking time – perfect for busy households and for when you have a large party over. Thanks to advanced engineering and a solid build, the maker is capable of exerting 1,600 pounds of force on the dough during extrusion, which quickens the pasta making process.
The machine runs on 200 watts of power with a voltage between 200 to 240 volts, serving up a pound of fresh pasta and noodles within 15 minutes. Users can also opt to add in various ingredients, such as vegetables, eggs and herbs, to make your pasta more flavourful. It is also versatile enough to make different types of noodles, such as ramen.
Convenience
The Philips works with the simple touch of a button, with preset programmes timed at 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount. However, the actual mixing and kneading lasts only several minutes before the extrusion process begins, which might not be sufficient for some types of dough, depending on recipe. There is no knead only option for if you want to knead the dough longer – as such, flavours and texture will definitely not live up to handmade pasta. It does, however, serves the purpose of delivering good, fresh pasta within a short amount of time.
Accessories
The Philips comes with four shaping discs for spaghetti, fettucini, penne and lasagne, as well as a flat scraping and cleaning tool, a flour cup and a water cup. The specially designed cleaning tools match the shape of the discs, making cleaning a breeze. There is also a smart storage drawer at the bottom of the machine where you can store all the tools. Unfortunately, there is no option to adjust the thickness of the pasta. Also included is a free recipe book with over 20 different pasta dish ideas. The set comes with a one year warranty.
Pros
Easy operation
Fast pasta making process
Versatile
Different shapes
Easy to clean
Cons
Expensive
No thickness settings
Limited control options for kneading time affects taste and texture
Made and engineered in Italy – the birthplace of pasta – the Marcato Atlas 150 has many features that one would
expect from a quality pasta maker. Boasting a body made of chrome plated steel, the rollers and cutters are made of anodized aluminium, ensuring your unit lasts for a long time, even with regular use. Use the hand crank for better control, or turn it into an automatic unit with the 110v electric motor attachment that comes in two motor speeds. The regular rotation of the engine creates a uniform thickness to the dough – an essential factor to good pasta.
Convenience
The Marcato Atlas primarily functions as a roller and cutter, so users will still have to knead the dough manually. Nine different thickness settings allow you to make pasta as thin and light as you like, with the dial starting from 0 (rollers wide apart). With the right dough recipe, the rollers are easy to clean without having to take them apart – simply brush them off, or remove stuck dough by hand. Alternatively, if the dough is too wet, let dry and pass a small amount of dough through to pick up dried dough. Washing the machine is not recommended as the aluminium parts will rust.
Accessories
The Marcato 150 comes equipped with a dual sided cutter attachment to create beautiful strands of fettuccine or spaghetti, but there are also attachments available for linguini, angel hair and vermicelli. You can also use the rollers for different types of pasta, such as lasagna or ravioli. Secure the pasta maker to a flat surface, table or counter by sliding the vice clamp into the base of the unit and around the edge of your workspace – preferably a straight-edged table as a round one does not clamp as well.
While the quality of the components and accessories are good, the same can’t be said of the motor, with some users claiming that it does hold up well in the long run. The pasta maker can still be used as a manual unit via the hand crank if the motor breaks down, but given its expensive price tag, one would expect the components to last much longer.
Recipes are included in the instruction book, and there is a three year warranty for manufacturing defects.
The KSMPRA is not a pasta maker per se, but a three-piece attachment set that works exclusively with the brand’s
KitchenAid Stand Mixer. In the set is a pasta roller for rolling and making flat sheets for pasta such as lasagna or ravioli, as well as a dedicated fettuccine cutter and a spaghetti cutter.
Operation is straightforward – simply attach the stainless steel rollers and cutters to the stand mixer. The smooth, clean process is mess-free, and creates beautiful sheets and strands of pasta that are ready to be cooked.
The benefit of getting the KitchenAid is that the mixer can be used for mixing the dough, although kneading will still need to be done manually. The dough can then be rolled and cut with the attachments, using the same machine.
Convenience
The roller is capable of making six inch sheets of pasta, with eight different thickness settings to choose from. These are adjusted via a dial, which spaces the rollers closer or further apart accordingly. If your dough is dry, the included brush should be sufficient for cleaning, but users should note that it creates a mess if you mistakenly put a batch of sticky dough through, as there is no way to disassemble the attachments. They should not be washed in the dishwasher as it will cause the components to rust and break down.
Other downsides to the KSMPRA is its expensive price, and the fact that it does not work with all models of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Before purchasing, we recommend checking your unit’s compatibility.
Pros
Eight different thickness settings
Create spaghetti and fettuccine
Simple to use
Brush for cleaning
Cons
Only works with KitchenAid Stand Mixer, and certain models from this series
Expensive
Difficult to clean if there is sticky dough as it cannot be taken apart
Automatic pasta makers are not necessarily better. While some are made from high quality materials and do last
long, the motor usually gives up the ghost way before the components have broken down – leaving you with an expensive but unusable machine.
Imperia goes old school with a hand crank model that holds up to the rigors of everyday pasta making for a long time. While dough still needs to be kneaded, the Imperia’s rolling and cutting function means that you shave a lot of time off the cooking process, and will be able to dish out a pasta meal made from scratch within 30 minutes. The results also taste much better than boxed pasta.
Convenience
Made in Italy and boasting a sturdy construction of 18/10 chrome-plated stainless steel, the Imperia is easy and straightforward to use. It comes with a crimped roller and kneading roller, adjustable to six different thicknesses via a simple dial. The roll width is 5.9 inches, so you will have plenty of room to work with your pasta sheets. If you have an old Imperia pasta machine, the attachments should fit this current model as well, giving you more value for money.
Accessories
The Imperia allows users to make fresh spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettuccine and lasagnette, as it is equipped with two duplex cutter attachments. As with most pasta machines, the Imperia works best on a flat surface, and there is a secure clamp to hold it in place to a tabletop or kitchen counter. Also included is a wooden rolling pin, for flattening out the dough before you run it through the roller. For those who want to make ravioli, the set includes a star-shaped ravioli tray which has deep pockets for a good amount of filling. A handy instruction booklet includes various recipes.
Pasta makers are more prized for their functionality than their looks, but many users will agree that Cestari Kitchen’s
Ultimate Pasta Machine covers both. Solidly built and durable, the machine is a professional grade hand crank pasta maker with an elegant look – boasting a body of mirror polished chrome plated steel, as well as rollers and cutters made of anodized aluminium. The latter material is better at grabbing dough, ensuring clean cuts and preventing dough from sticking. Meanwhile, the gears are made of case-hardened tempered steel for smooth, uninterrupted turning.
The machine’s most unique feature is its patented suction base, which is the only one of its kind on the market. While most pasta makers come with clamps to secure the unit to a table, the Cestari Kitchen has a heavy-duty suction base. It works best on flat, clean and hard surfaces, such as Formica, Corian and sealed stone. The suction base is particularly useful for users who do not have a large enough overhang on their countertops or tables to fit a clamp. Also, you will not have to worry about wobbling, shaking or having to stop and tighten the clamp while rolling out the dough. Once it sticks, the Cestari stays firmly in place – giving you smooth, even results.
Convenience
The Cestari Kitchen is a 150mm unit, which means that it rolls out pasta sheets that are 150mm in width, or just under two inches. Easily adjust the thickness you like with a nine-position dial that regulates the rough roller, from as thin as 0.7mm up to 3.5 mm. The machine’s material wipes clean easily. The best way to clean it is to allow pieces to dry and wipe down with a microfiber cloth, before running a damp cloth to clear away residue and dry with another microfiber cloth. It should not be placed in a dishwasher or washed in any way to prevent rusting.
Accessories
The Cestari Kitchen’s dual cutter attachments allow users to make fettuccine and tagliolini. You can also make other pasta shapes from the flat dough sheets, such as cannelloni, lasagne, ravioli, tortellini and more.
While the suction base works fine for its intended use on hard, smooth surfaces, it does not work well with rough wood tables – so the set includes an enclosed clamp. The machine is covered by a lifetime warranty that covers the pasta maker, as well as the pasta roller and cutter. Also enclosed is a noodle maker instruction manual with pasta recipes.
Pros
Tough, durable build
Unique suction base feature
Easy, smooth operation
Six thickness adjustments
Make various pasta shapes
Clamp attachment for if suction base does not work
Cons
Suction base does not work well with rough wood tables
The Philips HR2371/05 pasta maker from their Viva Collection is ideal for small to medium-sized families. It also
works well for people living in city apartments with space constraints, as the sleek and compact design does not take up much real estate on the counter and can be easily stored in a cabinet when not in use.
Space saving aside, the Viva is a fully automatic unit that provides an all-in-one solution to fast, homemade pasta made from scratch. All the user has to do is add ingredients, press the button and it is ready to go. Running on 150 watts of power and a voltage of 120V, the maker automatically kneads and extrudes two to three servings of fresh pasta in under 18 minutes.
The uniquely designed stirring bar features angled multi-pins, which ensures flour and liquids are mixed evenly and thoroughly in the mixing chamber. Meanwhile, a long kneading tube emulates manual kneading motions, so you get perfect, bouncy dough with a good consistency. Mix different ingredients such as egg, herbs, spinach or carrot juice to create your favourite flavoured pasta. The pasta maker comes in three colours, namely red, black and white, which goes well with modern kitchen decor.
Convenience
The Viva features a seamless, compact design, measuring just 13 x 5 x 10 inches. The absence of a hand crank or protruding parts means that it can be easily stored on the countertop or a cabinet without occupying a lot of space. There is also smart built-in storage for the shaping discs.
Operation is extremely easy, as to start the process, simply turn the dial on the top of the machine to auto, and press the start/stop button. Compared to manual pasta makers that only require brushing off, automatic models are more difficult to clean. Although the Viva’s components can be dismantled for easy cleaning, reassembling them each time can be a hassle. All accessories and detachable parts are dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to wash the parts by hand quickly to ensure they last longer.
Accessories
Equipped with three default classic shaping discs, the Viva allows users to make delicious penne, spaghetti and fettuccine pasta. Aside from creating the desired shape, the discs also enable a double extrusion process, ensuring you get smooth pasta consistently. Also included in the set is a bristle brush for cleaning and measuring cups. Because of the automatic extrusion process, the Viva is not able to make flat pasta sheets, unlike hand cranked units.
Pros
Fully automatic process
Even mixing and kneading
Consistent results
Easy to use
Compact design
Dedicated storage for shaping discs
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Cannot make pasta sheets for ravioli, lasagne, etc.
Say goodbye to store-bought pasta and hello to delicious, homemade meals with Imperia’s CucinaPro 150, a mid-
ranged pasta maker that offers plenty of bang for your buck.Made in Italy, it has a simple yet practical construction that features an easy lock dial and wood grip handle, for a smooth and effortless preparation process. The CucinaPro comes in two variants – the 190, which is an ‘all in one’ purpose built pasta maker that already has the cutting tools installed, and the 150, which offers better versatility, as it allows users to add attachments, in addition to rolling out pasta into sheets. The sheets produced are 150mm wide, or just under six inches.
Convenience
The CucinaPro 150 is made from solid chrome plated steel, with a sturdy wooden handle that is easy to turn. However, the parts are not dishwasher friendly and should only be cleaned with a brush or cloth after the dough has dried. While not all users experience this, some have reported that the parts rust over time. There are six different thickness settings to choose from.
Accessories
The CucinaPro comes with double cutter attachments for spaghetti and fettuccine, with options for additional shapes such as farfalle or conchiglie that needs to be purchased separately. The sheets can be made into ravioli or lasagne, so it is plenty versatile. The clamp that is included with the set helps to secure the unit onto a flat surface as you work, but does not seem very well suited to the task, as some users have reported the machine moving and having to constantly adjust it. Also included is a pasta recipe book, so you can amaze guests with your culinary prowess.
Made in Italy and with over 80 years of experience in the manufacturing of pasta machines, Marcato’s Atlas 180
series is a reliable pasta maker that comes with the convenience of an electric motor – allowing you almost effortless preparation. The motor is an 110 volt, 60 Hertz and 100 Watt unit designed for household use and is energy saving. It is protected by plastic housing. The machine can still run on a manual hand crank should the motor break down, which is likely sooner than the machine itself. It rolls out wide sheets measuring 180 mm – ideal for ravioli, pierogi, lasagne and more. The cutters and rollers are made from aluminium and not stainless steel, but are relatively sturdy.
Convenience
At 5.8 x 7 x 4.5 inches, the Atlas 180 does not take up much space in the kitchen, making it ideal for smaller households. The motor attaches easily within seconds, thanks to a bayonet-style fitting, and there is an option to choose from either a continuous pulse or a customised pace to roll or cut the dough. The only thing users will have to do is run it through the machine – providing the ultimate convenience. The secret to tasty pasta lies in the roller’s rough surface, which creates a porous texture on the pasta that easily absorbs sauce for maximum flavour. The maker has 10 different thickness settings, easily adjustable via a dial knob on the side of the machine. The motor can be wiped clean with a dry cloth or brush. Water should be avoided to prevent rusting.
Accessories
The Atlas is probably one of the most versatile units in the series. The motor attachment not only works for the Atlas 180, but various other models such as the Atlas 150 8320 and 8334, as well as the Marga Grain Mill 8346. Choose to make a variety of pasta by adding on different attachments, from the basic spaghetti and fettuccine, to capellini, linguine, vermicilli and lasagnette. Do note, however, that the quality of the components varies, with some hits and misses with performance in the long run. There is a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for defects.
Pros
Auto or manual option
Easy to use
Different thickness settings
Able to make various types of pasta
Creates porous texture for better flavour and sauce absorption
For a basic yet functional pasta maker that will not burn a hole in your pocket, the Ovente is a decent choice. The
Ovente is an ‘old school’ pasta maker, with a traditional hand crank that makes it much easier to roll out dough. The body is constructed from sturdy food grade carbon and high grade 304 stainless steel, designed to churn out pound after pound of pasta effortlessly. In fact, the unit is so versatile it can even be used to make ramen noodles and to flatten out polymer clay and fondant for cakes. The modern look goes well with most kitchens, and it’s small and compact size does not take up too much space. The maker is available in three colours, namely metallic red, matte black and polished chrome.
Convenience
The Ovente is very straightforward and easy to use. Simply pass the dough through the rollers and turn the crank to flatten it out, then run it through the cutter attachments to get the desired shape. The Ovente creates 180mm wide sheets of pasta – ideal for making ravioli or lasagne. Choose from seven different thickness settings, ranging from as thin as 0.5 mm to 3mm, via a seven-position dial. To clean the machine, wipe it down with a dry cloth, or use a brush or wooden rod. Although parts are washable, it is not recommended for them to have contact with water in any way, as it will cause rusting. For sticky dough, try using oil to get the stubborn bits out when cleaning.
Accessories
The Ovente comes with a double cutter attachment for spaghetti and fettuccine. Also included is an adjustable clamp, which can be affixed to a table to prevent the machine from moving about. Other additional accessories that can be purchased separately to work with the pasta maker include a pasta drying rack and a BPA-free three-wheel bike manual pasta cutter.
The biggest downside to the Ovente is the occasional presence of metal and plastic fillings coming loose from the machine.
Pros
Versatile
Different thickness settings
Easy to use
Clamp to secure machine
Cons
Quality control issues , metal and plastic fillings may come loose
The VonShef 3-in-1 is an affordable manual-type pasta machine that will help you shave minutes off the tedious
process of cutting and rolling dough. Equipped with a hand crank, the machine boasts a stainless steel build that is solid and sturdy, while its stylish finish makes a welcome addition to any kitchen. The rollers allow users to create delicious sheets of pasta for classic lasagne or homemade ravioli, while the cutters are designed for spaghetti and fettuccine. It is also versatile enough for other purposes, such as rolling sugar fondant for cake decorations.
Convenience
Whether you like your pasta with a bit more bite, or thin and airy, the VonShef is fully adjustable to different thicknesses of pasta, with one blade forming pasta measuring between 2 to 6.6mm, and the other making 1 to 1.5mm pasta. Adjustment is done via a simple dial with nine different thickness settings. Like most traditional pasta makers, it is recommended to clean with a dry cloth or brush. Contact with water should be avoided to prevent rusting.
Accessories
The VonShef comes with four pasta cutting rollers that are able to make fresh fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti and tagliatelle. These are made with a metal cutting blade, but there are issues with sharpness, as the pasta strands tend to clump together and are not cut thoroughly. Meanwhile, the roller attachment allows users to make lasagne and ravioli. The ravioli press is made from sturdy plastic. The set comes with a table clamp to secure the machine in place – but the design can do with some improvement, as it is difficult to use if you have less than a two-inch wide overhang on your countertop. Also included is a pasta measuring tool.
Pros
Versatile, able to make different types of pasta
Different thickness settings
Affordable
Cons
Clamp is poorly designed
Pasta not cut thoroughly, strands tend to clump together
Take your pasta making to the next level with the Nuvantee Pasta Maker, a traditional hand-crank unit that helps
you create gourmet pasta meals in the comforts of your own home. The unit is affordable and surprises with its performance and sturdiness, with a body made from chrome plated steel and nickel-plated rollers. The 150mm roller is able to roll out pasta sheets just under 6 inches – perfect for raviolis, lasagne and pierogi. In fact, it is versatile enough for other purposes, such as rolling out fondant for cakes and pastries, as well as polymer clay for arts and crafts. Meanwhile the heat treated gears ensure the Nuvantee stands the test of time, even with regular use.
Convenience
With seven different pasta thickness levels adjustable via a dial on the side, users can make their pasta as thin or as thick as they like. The rollers start from as thin as 2mm to as thick as 6mm, and operates smoothly via the hand crank. Components are easy to take apart for cleaning. It is recommended to do so with a pastry brush and avoid contact with water to prevent rusting. To assemble, simply slide the pasta cutter on and off the top of the rollers.
The only downside to the Nuvantee are the instructions, which can be confusing, as they specify to set the roller thickness to the first position to start rolling the dough. However, this is the thinnest setting, and a more appropriate method would be to start on the thickest position (seven) before working your way down from there.
Accessories
The Nuvantee comes with two attachments for spaghetti and fettuccine. However, the quality of the cutter’s blades is inconsistent, with some units not sharp enough to cut through the pasta thoroughly. As a result, some pasta strands are still connected and need to be peeled apart. Also included in the set is a C-clamp for securing the pasta maker to the edge of a table or counter top. However, the mouth is quite narrow, so if you have a thick countertop, it will not be wide enough to clamp down onto the surface. The Nuvantee comes with a recipe book for delicious pasta recipes.
Pros
Affordable
Sturdy, solid build
Quality materials
Versatile, can be used for pasta, fondant and even polymer clay
Easy to assemble and clean
Different thickness settings
Heat treated gears for long lasting durability
Cons
Small C-clamp, might be too narrow for thick countertops
The OxGord is one of the cheaper pasta makers on the market, but that does not mean it is low on value. A basic
hand-crank unit, it is a good choice for beginners who are just starting out on making pasta, but don’t want to spend too much on an expensive machine. Despite its small and compact size, the OxGord delivers big on performance and is versatile enough to create a variety of different pastas. The cutter attachments allow you to make homemade linguine, fettuccine and angel hair, while the rollers create large pasta sheets for making tortellini, lasagne, ravioli and more. Made from solid stainless steel, this is a unit that is built to last for years to come.
Convenience
Whether you prefer delicate, light and airy pastas or noodles with a bit of bite, the OxGord is capable of making both, thanks to nine different thickness settings that can be adjusted via an easy click dial on the side of the machine. At 6.4 x 8.2 x 8.4 inches, the machine is compact enough for use in smaller kitchens, and easy to store. The easy to use crank handle can also be removed for storage.
The parts are made from stainless steel, and components are dishwasher safe, but as with most pasta makers, washing in water is not recommended to prevent rusting and ensure long lasting use. Clean with a brush by dusting off dry dough, and for leftovers stuck in the machine, simply run through with the next batch of dough and discard.
The OxGord suffers a common issue that afflicts most cheaper past makers, in that the blades are sometimes not sharp enough to cut through the dough completely, leaving strands clumped together.
Accessories
Make various styles of noodles with the OxGord’s included attachments. The single blade attachment comes with two different cutters for linguine, fettuccine or angel hair, while the roller makes wide, flat pasta for everything from lasagne to ravioli. The blades are also detachable for easy cleaning and maintenance. The machine features pre-drilled holes for easy clamping, and the screw-type clamp easily anchors the machine to flat surfaces, keeping it securely in place while you roll out your pastas.
Automatic pasta machines with complicated buttons and lots of different settings can be intimidating when you’re
attempting to make homemade pasta for the first time. Enter HomeStart’s HST5018, a basic and easy to use traditional hand crank manual pasta maker.
Despite being launched years ago, the model remains popular on the market – a testament to its quality and performance. It is also affordable enough for those who want it easy on the pocket, or people who make pasta infrequently but would like the convenience of not having to manually roll out dough.
The maker features a heavy-duty, chrome-plated steel body, while the rollers and cutters are made from anodized aluminium, which is better at grabbing dough. The absence of heavy metals such as chromium and nickel means that you don’t have to worry about your health when making the pastas. Meanwhile, the gears are enclosed in case-hardened tempered steel to protect them from the elements and ensure the machine runs flawlessly. The overall design is clean and minimalist; a welcome addition to any modern kitchen.
Convenience
Customise pasta to your preferred thickness with a user-friendly adjustment knob that has nine different settings – from as thin as 0.3mm, up to 2.5 mm. The easy pull handle is made from ABS plastic and disassembles quickly for storage, However, care should be taken not to crank the handle too fast or forcefully, to prevent it from falling out. At 7.85 x 8.25 x 6.15 inches, the machine is compact and lightweight at just 6.30lbs, making it convenient for storage but wide enough for making large pasta sheets.
Using the unit is a breeze and does not require much instruction- simply prepare the dough and run it through the rollers to flatten them out, fold and repeat at a tighter setting until you get the preferred thickness. Then, run it through the blade attachments to achieve the desired individual noodle shapes. The blades are not always sharp enough to cut through the dough, which means clumped strands that need to be pulled apart.
Accessories
The HomeStart has limited options when it comes to the type of pasta that it can cut, namely just spaghetti and fettuccine – although you are free to use the roller option to create sheets for lasagne, pierogi, ravioli and more. While it free stands on the counter, an included clamp helps to secure the unit while you work. The unit comes with instructions and recipe booklet. For its comparatively low price, the HomeStart is a value for money buy that is both durable and user-friendly.
Pros
Basic and easy to use
Stainless steel and anodised aluminium construction, no heavy metals
Compact for easy storage
Adjustable thickness
Cons
Clumping, blades might not cut through pasta dough completely
Fresh pasta is just a roll away with the Chefly’s pasta maker – a handy all-in-one-unit guaranteed to impress guests,
friends and family alike. A manual unit that operates by hand crank, it simplifies the preparation process and saves time as compared to rolling out and cutting dough by hand. The relatively inexpensive price makes it a good entry-level choice for amateur cooks and beginners who do not have much experience with making pasta at home. One of the Chefly’s most attractive features is the ravioli attachment, as not many pasta makers in this price range offer anything beyond the basic spaghetti and fettuccine shapes.
Convenience
The Chefly offers nine different thickness settings which are marked clearly on an adjustable side knob. Create thin, delicate pastas or thicker ones up to 2.5mm. Users can also choose their pasta width from 2mm to 7mm. For the square-shaped ravioli with wavy edges, the width is 3cm, allowing you to place a generous amount of filling within. Meanwhile, the pasta sheets produced measure roughly 145mm, or just under six inches.
Operating the Chefly is a breeze. The crank arm slips into a dedicated socket on the side for turning, while the parts are detachable and dishwasher friendly. All materials are FDA-cleared for food safety and easy to clean with a dry cloth or brush.
Accessories
The Chefly comes with several attachments, namely the cutter for fettuccine and linguine, adjustable to different thicknesses to create vermicelli, angel hair and tagliatelle. The rolled out sheets can be used for lasagne and other creative shapes. It also comes with a dedicated ravioli attachment and dough cutter. Secure the machine via a clamp onto your table or countertop. The maker comes with a one year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Pasta making can be a fun and enjoyable experience for home cooks and their families as they bond over the cooking
and preparation process. The Weston makes it easy to roll out fresh, homemade pastas – minus the expensive price tag. The basic unit runs on a hand crank, but there is also an option to add a motorised attachment – so all you have to do is run the dough through the maker. The body of the Weston is made from stainless steel and seems sturdy, but the components need better quality control, with some users reporting the gears breaking down within a few uses. Departing from the usual silver and chrome colour scheme, the Weston’s bright red hue adds a cheerful pop of colour to brighten up any kitchen.
Convenience
Easily adjust the rollers to multiple settings via a dial on the side to get your pasta to the preferred thickness. There are seven settings in total, while the width is 150mm. Parts are easy to disassemble and can be cleaned with a dry cloth or brush, but should not be washed with water to prevent rusting. The blades do not perform consistently, with some instances where it does not cut clean through the dough so individual pasta strands have to be separated by hand. The handle also has a tendency to fall out easily while turning.
Accessories
One of the Weston’s plus points is the wide variety of attachments available. The basic unit comes with a double cutter attachment for making spaghetti and fettuccine, but there are also dedicated options for angel hair, ravioli, linguini and half moon ravioli. The roller can be used for sheet-type pastas that can be shaped into lasagne or tortellini. The Weston comes with a C-style clamp to secure the machine to countertops or flat surfaces, as well as an instruction and recipe booklet.
Pros
Versatile, wide variety of attachment shapes available
