Nothing beats the taste of fresh pasta that was made right at your kitchen. Pasta makers are very convenient for pasta lovers and those who love to keep their hands going in the kitchen. Well, thanks to technological advances nowadays, people can make fresh and healthy pasta easily and conveniently. With the best pasta maker, you’re assured that the entire hard and manual dough situation is taken care of.
Your search for the best pasta maker ends here. In this article we’ll help you with your problem about the sticky dough, cut precision, and other difficulties that comes with making pasta. Featured in this article are the best choices of products with the quality and affordability that you’re looking for. You’ll find pasta makers with impressing quality that doesn’t necessarily strain your budget.
After going through a lot of research and product assessment, we were able to find the best pasta makers in the market that would probably match with the specifications that you are looking for: the KPRA-Kitchenaid Pasta Roller and Cutter Set. According to experts, quality is the first factor that buyers should always consider and this is one we think that customers would agree with. After going through lots of research, the Kitchenaid KPRA gained the highest score when it comes to quality and efficiency compared to what others has to offer. With this product, you are assured that all of the hard processes of manually making a pasta noodle are taken care of.
The KPRA-Kitchenaid Pasta Roller and Cutter Set helps save time in making pasta because it’s automated, plus it rolls and cuts the pasta at the same time. Place all the ingredients in there and the pasta maker does it all for you. In addition, it also offers variability when it comes to rolling. You can adjust the setting to come up with a pasta thickness that you want.
What’s more exciting with this Italian manufactured pasta maker is that you can now make delicious homemade spaghetti, fettuccini, and lasagna noodles conveniently. It has a sturdy metal finish with three piece set for pasta rolling and cutting. It’s easy to operate and clean, it provides variability, and the design is incredible.
For those who are looking for a more versatile pasta maker that can do a wide variety of pasta, you could consider our step up pick which is the Philips HR2357/05 Pasta Maker . It comes with four shaping discs that give pasta making into a different level. Based on tests done on this pasta maker, is that it is electrical operated which works on a 1600 pound extrusion force. With this kind of production, it allows the user to make one pound of pasta in as fast as fifteen minutes.
We all have our different levels of pasta-making needs but this is probably most recommended to those who have their mini restaurants or for those who would love to explore more of the pasta making industry. In our efficiency and product features tests, this Philips pasta maker has passed almost all of the necessary features for modern pasta making. It defined revolutionary pasta making by being able to produce tasty, quality, and precision pasta texture in just a matter of 10 to 15 minutes. It certainly has modern features and specifications that other pasta makers can’t offer. In comparison to other pasta makers in the market it is 50% better when it comes to quality and efficiency and around 60% better in terms of variability. Further, it is manufactured with an Eco passport design passed by Philips. According to our research, the Philips HR2357/05 does have a lot of amazing function settings but all of those, of course, come at a higher cost.
For those with a tight budget, but don’t want to compromise value, the Marcato 8320 Pasta Maker by Atlas is another runner-up when it comes to quality and performance. Although it is not it is not automated, it is still a good product that’s affordable with the basic features that you are probably looking for. Well for long term keeping considerations, the Marcato 150 Atlas has a by far lower maintenance cost since it is not electric operated.
What you need to know about pasta makers
There is a big difference of making your own pasta versus buying that ready-made pasta in grocery stores. This one, you just have to see for yourself. Pasta making had a long history of its own but everything boils down to being able to make your own delicious and tasty pasta dishes. The thought of making your own pasta at home with fresh ingredients from your own recipe gives a different kind of excitement. Pasta makers are relatively easy to use and maintain.
Before pasta makers could only produce a single type of noodle or shape. Thankfully with the advances of technology today, it also affected pasta makers in a whole different way. Today, there are lots of pasta makers that could really help reduce time and effort since all you have to do is place all the ingredients and let the machine do the work. Through the years pasta makers evolved that they also offer variability in shape and sizes. This adds more excitement for those who loves to cook pasta dishes.
What to look for when buying pasta makers
There are lots of pasta and Italian dishes that you can certainly do with a pasta maker. If you want to explore more of the pasta world and to experiment with pasta dishes, then we do recommend you to buy a pasta maker. Investing for your own pasta maker could get intimidating especially if you’re new at purchasing a pasta maker. After realizing the benefits of having a pasta maker, the next problem focuses on how to choose one and what are the things you need to know. So you can come up with a decision and buy a pasta maker that’s perfect for you.
Pasta makers can actually do a lot; they are used to knead the pasta dough as well as to shape it. For the manual pasta makers, make sure to buy those that are made out of stainless steel. One that is sturdy and easy to clean. It is also for your advantage when you choose a pasta maker that can provide at least five different pasta thickness. That offers variability that comes in handy at times.
Next is to assess the quality of the pasta maker that you’re eyeing for. As we all know, pasta is famously associated with Italian delicacies. There are lots of pasta makers in the market, but we do recommend that you also look at the manufacturer. We do recommend pasta makers that are manufactured from Italy. Also, make sure that it is easy to operate. For manual pasta makers, the arm should be easy to turn with just the right amount of resistance to avoid having problems in the future. Overall, those are the things you need to consider when purchasing a pasta maker.
How We Picked
Aside from the basic features that most people look for in a pasta maker, here are other features or specifications that people want:
Thickness setting: Look for a pasta maker where you can control the thickness and length. At least five thickness variability setting would help a lot in making noodles, spaghetti, and lasagna. Having different thickness setting allows you to be versatile in your kitchen and style of cooking.
Extra attachments: While the usual pasta makers can just make regular noodles and lasagna, it would also help if the pasta maker has attachments that could also make ravioli and other types of pasta.
Dual functionality: If the machine can roll the dough and cut the pasta at the same time, then it adds extra edge and efficiency.
Ease of operation: It is very important that the arm of a manual pasta maker is easy to turn with just the right amount of resistance. Ease of operation would also include how easy would it be to clean. The dough should easily come off when you wash the machine.
Time efficiency: Time and effort are both important aspects of pasta making. We do consider how much time and effort are saved depending on what kind of pasta maker is being used.
Electric operation: One that could do most of the job would definitely be better. A pasta maker that eliminates the need to manually knead and roll the pasta would help a lot.
Credibility: It is also important to consider certifications from trusted safety organizations like those seen in NSF Certifications
Our pick for the best pasta maker: Kitchenaid KPRA
Best for producing different kinds and thickness of pasta than others is the KPRA-Kitchenaid Pasta Roller and Cutter Set.
The Kitchenaid KPRA is an electrical pasta maker which makes it one of the top in the market. Having your own electric pasta maker helps produce pasta in just a few minutes. Even those who are not really good at making pasta will surely love this product by Kitchenaid. It is an attachment that measures approximately 10 x 7 x 4 inches. This pasta maker works perfectly when attached to any Kitchenaid stand mixer, although it could also be attached to a multipurpose power hub. Based on our test, it is relatively easy to install and operate.
What’s the good thing about an attachment is that, the user would have fewer problems with the motor speed or noise. You can freely set it up with a mixer with a powerful motor to fix the problem. The KPRA certainly did pass our tests when it comes to quality, design, and efficiency making it the best pasta maker. It has proved to withstand over time and was able to bring great quality. Since it had passed most of our tests, the price is actually worth the value. Customers are assured they will get a machine that could produce lots of pasta through time and not a faulty one.
It is manufactured from Italy, so the quality of this product is of worth mentioning. Kitchenaid KPRA pasta maker is built with stainless steel for durability and quality. The housing is also designed with metal for longevity. When you purchase this pasta maker it already includes a set of three– pasta roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter. Previous customers who have the Kitchenaid KPRA also uses this product to form lasagna pasta. So counting it overall, with this attachment, you could already make four different pasta- take note that not all pasta makers offer this kind of variability.
In addition, the Kitchenaid KPRA pasta maker offers 8 different roller settings to match the variable needs of the customers. The widest setting on the roller works to knead or roll the dough until it is pliable enough to continue. Customers would be amazed on how such flaky dough can become evenly mixed even with minimal effort. Although it is not mentioned in the product description, some customers say that with just a few more settings, you can already have angel hair thin dough.
The set comes with a cleaning brush and a one year warranty. Customers are assured with the quality and efficiency of the Kitchenaid pasta maker. This is because most of the customers attest to it as a heavy duty operating machine. Even if you have dry pasta recipe or one without eggs, the pasta from the KPRA would still come out perfectly. It works perfectly on any pasta recipe. What’s more to love about this product is that it is very easy to clean. You just allow it to air dry for hour then use the cleaning brush to dust off any dough that is left. There is no need for washing this machine.
Based on further research the KPRA does not have any certifications. Although, it only serves as an attachment and not all attachments undergo these kinds of quality assurance and certifications. Nevertheless, many people still love the Kitchenaid KPRA.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Just as mentioned in the product description, it could only make three to four types of pasta. However, if you look at the product manual, the instructions show how to operate the different roller setting in order to make more than four types of pasta. It may take a lot more of practice to get the Kitchenaid KPRA make more than four types of pasta.
In general it only makes flat types of pasta. Although that doesn’t really make the product any less because have four types different types of pasta in only one attachment is already big enough. In addition, it really wouldn’t matter because it provides the product that it was made for. You could always purchase another attachment that could make the specific pasta that you want.
The Kitchenaid KPRA has no certifications but then again it’s okay because not all attachments undergo certain kinds of quality assurance and certifications. It is to be used or attached to a standard Kitchenaid mixer. However, this could be easily fixed since it could also work when attached to a multipurpose power hub. These flaws mentioned are of minor considerations and could be easily solved or fixed.
Step Up Pick: Philips HR2357/05 Pasta Maker
Philips HR2357/05 Pasta Maker
More versatile yet more expensive than our main pick is the Philips HR2357/05 Pasta Maker which is our step up pick.
We have considered this machine as our step up pick because of its design– the Philips HR2357/05 won the Best Design Award 2015 in pasta makers and has also passed the Eco Product Passport. This is worth mentioning, since not all electric pasta makers have certifications and awards. This also adds to the reason why Philips HR2357/05 was chosen as our step up pick.
Amazingly, the Philips HR2357/05 can perform more functions than Kitchenaid KPRA or any other pasta makers in the market. It is a full electric operated pasta maker wherein you just place the ingredients in the disk and wait for your pasta to be made. Built with an outstanding 1600 pound extrusion force, it allows the user to produce perfectly textured pasta in just 10 to 15 minutes. Yes, that truly is amazing how it could save so much time and cause less pasta making mess.
Another benefit of the Philips HR2357/05 is that you can make more pasta shapes and sizes because it comes with four default shaping discs. Since it is fully electronic, there are also additional features such as the preset cooking function, automatic shut-off and detachable shaft. This pasta maker does everything from automated mixing, kneading, and even until extruding the desired pasta.
After noting the advantages, the Philips HR2357/05 also has disadvantages of its own. It’s operation would also add to your electric bill. In addition, it is made out of plastic and is manufactured from China. Although it is easy to operate, cleaning the machine is a downfall since everything that was used goes to the dishwasher. Because of these disadvantages and it’s extremely expensive price, the Philips HR2357/05 only falls as a runner-up. Our main pic works efficiently as this one and is certainly worth the price.
Budget Pick: Marcato 150 Atlas Pasta Maker
While automated pasta makers scored most in our tests, we also researched on more affordable units than won’t sacrifice value. We are now left with the best in the budget friendly section which is the Marcato 8320 Pasta Maker, our budget pick.
It also passed most of our tests and a lot of customers also loved the Marcato Atlas. We have first considered the quality of the machine and it is noteworthy that it is manufactured from Italy. The body is built from steel and the rollers and cutters are designed from aluminum. It is manually operated but still it can provide different pasta thickness with its nine roller setting.
Marcato Atlas is very easy to use and is relatively easy to store with its 8 x 8 x 7 inches dimensions. Just like the Kitchenaid KPRA, it can also make basic pasta just like lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccini, and lasagna. If you would want to experiment more and make more types of pasta, you could always buy extra attachments in the future. With the right recipe and pasta texture, it also comes easy to clean with brushing. However, the package does not come with a cleaning brush. You will have to provide for yourself.
Since it is made from steel and aluminum, we can say that the Marcato Atlas can withstand years of pasta making. Although it is manually operated, it also gives the users to use their own pasta recipe and mix their own dough for varied preference. On further research, the Marcato Atlas has no certifications passed yet it is still one of the bestselling pasta makers because of its affordability. With that being said, it offers quality and all the basic features for an affordable price. However, do take note again that it is manually operated and in our tests it is important that you are comfortable with turning the arm and with operating the whole machine. This is the part where customers would usually have a problem with– the operation and manually rolling the dough. With a manual pasta maker, you will have to exert more effort and comes disadvantageous when you are preparing for a larger group.
Best Pasta Maker for Round Pasta: Kitchenaid KPEXTA
Kitchenaid KPEXTA
Regular pasta is those with the flat shaped dough that makes spaghetti, lasagna, and fettuccine. Now, if you’re looking for a pasta maker that can make round pasta with holes through, you can try our specialized pick pasta maker for round pasta, which is the Kitchenaid KPEXTA. Just like the Kitchenaid KPRA, it also works as an attachment to standard mixers.
KPEXTA is specially designed to produce pasta like macaroni, rigatoni, bucatini, and fusilli. With the right setting, it could still make good spaghetti. It is also automated, making it easy to operate. It is built with a sturdy plastic housing and is manufactured from Italy. This attachment comes in handy with dimensions of approximately 5 x 5 x 8 inches. This specialized pasta maker is currently sold at the market. With this, it already comes with a plastic housing, cleaning brush, six interchangeable pasta plates, and a one year warranty.
Even though this pasta maker attachment is manufactured from Italy, it is important to note that it is built with a plastic design and not steel. We do prefer and recommend steel or aluminum for durability and quality. So that it can handle years of pasta making. With our research, this attachment also does not have any certifications. In our tests, the ring of the KPEXTA needs more improvement because it has tendency to easily break. Again that’s the disadvantage of having plastic parts. Yet, if you’re really excited to make rounded pasta, the Kitchenaid KPEXTA is the best we can recommend.
Best Pasta Maker for Wheat and Gluten Free Pasta: Gourmia GPM500
Gourmia GPM500
Pasta making also has limitations for people with diet restrictions like those who needed to stay in a whole wheat diet or a gluten free diet. People with metabolic conditions could certainly find it hard to look for a restaurant that offers their certain diet restriction needs. With that said, it is best for them to make their pasta at home. The Gourmia GPM500 would certainly help you with your specific diet restriction. It is an electric pasta maker that is designed to make whole wheat pasta and gluten free pasta.
This also comes beneficial to those who are keeping watch of their health and would like to try whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat including pasta is a good source of fiber and nutrients according to several studies including the 2009 WGC Research Summary It also comes with 7 different pasta discs so the user can make various types of pasta. However, it could only make about 5 ounces of pasta at one time. According to our tests, the machine is suited for pasta making for one person only. In addition, the machine also needs 20 minutes rest before you can make another batch of pasta. With those factors in mind, yes it is great for pasta making only for special circumstances.
Best Pasta Maker for Beginners
Atlas 80155 Electric Pasta Machine
Lots of pasta makers had been manufactured and the debate goes on what’s the best pasta maker amongst them. One good competitor for the automated pasta makers would be the Atlas 80155 Electric Pasta Machine. We did consider this as a great competitor, because it is automated, manufactured with stainless steel and is made from Italy. However, there were a lot of drawbacks with this one. We have run the tests to see the quality of the motor and it seems that it needs more improvement. There are customers that say that the motor speed is slow and that it also breaks after a few months. One user gave a review last November 2015 and said that the motor was too noisy. Considering the gaps in the quality, The Atlas 80155 Electric Pasta Machine is sold at a much more expensive price. You can compare it to our best pasta maker the Kitchenaid KPRA which has far better quality and efficiency when it comes to pasta making.
Best Pasta Maker for Home Use
CucinaPro Imperia 190 Pasta Maker
The CucinaPro Imperia 190 Pasta Maker is another competitor for best pasta maker. It is a manual machine, built with stainless steel and is manufactured in Italy. It is a contender since it can make regular pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, and ravioli. It really is tempting to look at this machine. However, upon further testing and quality assessment, this pasta maker failed to meet standards. Although it is a manual machine, it does not match with the quality of our budget pick, much more so with our best pasta maker which is the Kitchenaid KPRA. Still lots of customers are disappointed with this machine as of 2016 and most reviews would say that it is not recommended for heavy duty pasta making. Particularly one said in April 2016, that it’s a good compromise for light and occasional use only.
Best Pasta Maker for Fondant
CucinaPro 178 Deluxe Set
Another competitor for the best pasta maker is the CucinaPro 178 Deluxe Set. It is a tempting machine especially for starters. Although it is a manual pasta maker, it allows the user to explore the world of pasta making by offering a complete set of attachments. It is sold at an affordable price and lots of customers seemingly had a positive experience with the CucinaPro Deluxe set. However, on further testing, there are quality issues with the attachments and the overall unit. Again it may seem tempting because of its price and attachment but it cannot win over our best pick when it comes to quality, efficiency, and ease of use.
Best Pasta Maker for Gluten Free Pasta
While some would compare it with the Kitchenaid KPRA, on further inspection, there needs to be improvement on the quality of the two previously mentioned– or maybe the price compensates for the quality itself. Based on our tests, the Ovente PA515S failed to meet our safety and quality standards. This is because there are metal pieces and shavings that goes into the pasta. Around 33% of the reviews were not satisfied with the quality and 13% would not recommend the product.
Best Pasta Maker for Ramen
OxGord KAPM01 Pasta Maker
There are still customers who would like to try OxGord KAPM01 because their new at pasta making. But then again, it might be deceiving but it is not our best pasta maker. As an update, six (6) customers shared their negative experience with the product last March 2016 and three (3) customers gave this product a low rating last April 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Up to how many thickness setting does the KPRA have?: While most ask about the thickness setting of the Kitchenaid KPRA, it does have eight different thickness and roller setting that could match your needs.
* The basic set, what can it actually do?: KPRA actually stands for Kitchenaid Pasta Roller and Cutter Set. It is actually a set of three accessories: pasta roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter.
* How to clean the KPRA?: The Kitchenaid KPRA comes with a cleaning brush. It is easily cleaned with the brush and it doesn’t need washing.
Wrapping It Up
Cooking and making pasta should come easy especially when you have your own pasta maker. The KPRA-Kitchenaid Pasta Roller and Cutter Set is the best pasta maker that we can recommend. It does even rolling of the dough and cuts perfectly. If you want to experiment more on pasta shapes and sizes, you might want to consider Philips HR2357/05 that’s fully electrical and comes with four different attachments. Marcato 150 Atlas is a runner-up for those with a tight budget.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.