Shaping pasta dough by hand is a skill that takes years to master. For home cooks looking to create beautiful, uniform dumplings, ravioli, and other stuffed pasta with ease and consistency, a dedicated pasta mold is an invaluable kitchen tool. These gadgets take the guesswork out of portioning and sealing, turning a potentially messy process into a simple, even enjoyable, family activity.
From single-serving empanada presses to large trays that produce dozens of pelmeni at once, there is a mold for every need and cuisine. This roundup explores a variety of tools designed to help you craft professional-looking pasta shapes, whether you are a beginner making your first batch or an experienced cook looking to improve your efficiency. The right tool can make all the difference in your homemade pasta results.
Our Top Picks for Pasta Molds
- Dumpling Press Molds Set and Cutter
- Russian Ravioli Maker Dumplings Mold
- PAMISO Large Empanada Maker
- Norpro Ravioli Maker With Press
- Plating Forms Stainless Steel Ring Mold Set
- XINBADA Pastry Cutter Double Wheel
- Norpro 3 Piece Ravioli Maker and Press Set
- Pasta Making Tool Set of 11
- KitchenAid Pasta Roller and Cutter Attachments
Dumpling Press Molds Set and Cutter
This comprehensive set is perfect for anyone who enjoys making a variety of stuffed foods. It includes multiple press molds in different diameters, a filling spoon, and dough cutters, providing everything needed to create uniform dumplings, empanadas, and ravioli. The food-grade 304 stainless steel construction ensures durability and easy cleaning.
Even beginners can achieve professional-looking, wavy-edged results with minimal effort. The set is designed to make the process fast and simple, which is ideal for preparing large batches or for a fun cooking activity with family. Its versatility extends to many cuisines, allowing you to make everything from pierogi to samosas with consistent results.
Russian Ravioli Maker Dumplings Mold
For those who need to produce large quantities of small, uniform dumplings, this Russian pelmeni mold is an excellent choice. The aluminum tray allows you to make 37 dumplings simultaneously, significantly speeding up your cooking preparation. Its durable construction is built to last for years of regular use.
The design includes convenient legs that keep the mold stable on your countertop and make it easy to lift the finished dumplings. Each cavity is precisely sized to create consistent pelmeni, a type of Russian meat dumpling. This tool is a fantastic solution for family meals or for making and freezing dumplings in bulk.
PAMISO Large Empanada Maker
If you prefer larger, handheld pies, this empanada press is built for the task. It creates a substantial 5.5-inch long pie, perfect for a satisfying meal. Crafted from 18/8 stainless steel, it is both durable and resistant to rust, ensuring it remains a kitchen staple.
The press is straightforward to use: simply place a dough round on the press, add your filling, and close the handle to seal the edges perfectly. Its versatility extends beyond empanadas to pasties, turnovers, and large dumplings. The simple design is also dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
Norpro Ravioli Maker With Press
This classic ravioli maker is a simple and effective tool for creating twelve ravioli at once. The tray features a grid design that guides you in placing your filling, and the included plastic press both cuts the dough and crimps the edges for a secure seal. No pasta machine is required, as you can roll the dough with a standard rolling pin.
It is an ideal tool for those new to making stuffed pasta, as it demystifies the process of portioning and sealing. Each ravioli square measures a consistent 1.5 inches, resulting in a professional-looking finished product. This gadget helps ensure that your fillings stay inside during cooking.
Plating Forms Stainless Steel Ring Mold Set
While not a traditional pasta shaper, this set of stainless steel ring molds is incredibly useful for creating perfectly shaped pasta sheets for lasagna or cannelloni. The rings provide a clean, professional guide for cutting uniform pasta layers that fit your baking dish perfectly.
The set includes four rings in two different sizes, offering flexibility for various dishes. The high-quality stainless steel is easy to clean and will not rust. These molds are a versatile addition to any kitchen, useful for both pasta shaping and other culinary tasks like forming rice cakes or tartlets.
XINBADA Pastry Cutter Double Wheel
This double-wheel cutter is designed for precision and ease when cutting pasta dough. The wooden handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip, allowing for controlled cutting of strips for fettuccine or tagliatelle. It can also be used to create fluted edges for ravioli or to cut pastry dough.
The stainless steel wheels are sharp and durable, ensuring clean cuts through your dough without tearing. This tool gives you the flexibility to cut your pasta to any width you prefer, moving beyond the limitations of pre-formed molds. It is a simple yet professional-grade tool for finishing your handmade pasta.
Norpro 3 Piece Ravioli Maker and Press Set
This three-piece set includes a ravioli tray, a plastic press, and a rolling pin, providing a complete system for making ravioli at home. The set is designed for efficiency, allowing you to roll, fill, and cut your ravioli with just a few tools. It is an excellent choice for those who want a dedicated kit without a large investment.
Like the other Norpro model, it makes twelve ravioli at a time, each measuring 1.5 inches. The included recipes can help inspire your filling choices. This all-in-one set is particularly useful for cooks who do not have a pasta roller and prefer to use a traditional rolling pin.
Pasta Making Tool Set of 11
For the enthusiast who wants maximum creativity, this 11-piece set offers a wide array of options. It includes six different ravioli stamp cutters in shapes like heart, star, and round, a cutter wheel, a gnocchi board, and rolling pins. This collection allows you to shape and cut pasta in numerous ways.
The tools are made from strong wood and premium alloy, ensuring they are comfortable to hold and built to last. With this set, you can make everything from shaped ravioli to ridged gnocchi and flat pasta sheets. It is a comprehensive kit that turns your kitchen into a full pasta workshop.
KitchenAid Pasta Roller and Cutter Attachments
For owners of a KitchenAid stand mixer, this set of attachments provides a motorized solution for rolling and cutting pasta dough. It includes a roller for sheeting dough and two cutters for creating fettuccine and linguine. This system takes the physical effort out of pasta making, allowing for perfectly thin and even sheets every time.
The attachments are made from durable stainless steel and are designed to clamp securely onto the mixer. While they do not form stuffed pasta, they are essential for creating the foundational sheets used for ravioli, lasagna, and other flat pasta. This is a professional-grade option for serious home cooks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pasta Molds for Shaping Dough
I’ve spent a lot of time shaping dough, and finding the right tool makes all the difference. The world of pasta molds can be a bit overwhelming, so I want to break down what I look for when I’m choosing one. It’s not just about the shape; it’s about how the tool feels in your hand and works with your dough.
First, consider the material. This is probably the most important decision. I prefer bronze molds for extruded pasta. Bronze is a softer metal than Teflon, so it creates a slightly rougher surface on the pasta. That texture is a good thing! It helps sauce cling to every noodle. For stamped shapes like garganelli or cavatelli, I look for sturdy food-grade plastic or wood. These materials are durable and won’t react with the dough. I avoid anything flimsy that might snap under pressure.
Next, think about the type of mold and the pasta you want to make. There are a few main categories. Extruder molds are for shapes like fusilli or rigatoni; you force the dough through a die to create the form. Stamped rollers, like a garganelli board or a cavatelli maker, use a rolling or pressing motion. Then there are hand-shaped tools, like a chitarra for cutting perfect spaghetti or a comb for shaping radiatori. I always ask myself what shapes I make most often. If I’m just starting, a versatile cavatelli maker is a great first step.
Ease of use and cleaning is a big deal for me. A beautiful, intricate mold is useless if it’s a nightmare to clean. I look for molds that can be disassembled easily. Extruder dies should pop out for a thorough scrub. Wooden tools need to be hand-washed and dried immediately to prevent warping or cracking. I always check if a mold is dishwasher safe, though I find hand washing is often gentler and preserves the tool’s life.
Finally, don’t forget about ergonomics and durability. If you’re making pasta for a family, you’ll be using the mold for a while. A comfortable handle on a stamp or a stable base for a roller is crucial. I hold the tool in the store if I can, or read reviews to see if others found it comfortable for extended use. A well-made pasta mold is an investment. I look for solid construction, tight seams, and a reputation for lasting years. It’s better to buy one excellent, versatile mold than several cheap ones that will break. By focusing on material, pasta type, cleanability, and comfort, you can find the perfect pasta molds for shaping dough for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a bronze and a Teflon pasta extruder die?
The main difference is all about texture. Bronze dies are traditionally used because they are slightly porous and rough. As the pasta dough is forced through, this texture creates a rougher surface on the finished noodle. This rough surface is ideal for grabbing and holding onto sauces. Teflon dies are much smoother and create a slicker, shinier pasta. They are often easier to clean, but the pasta can be more slippery. For the best sauce adhesion, I personally prefer bronze.
Can I use regular semolina dough with all types of pasta molds?
Most of the time, yes, but some molds work better with specific dough consistencies. A standard semolina and water dough is perfect for extruder molds and stamped rollers. However, if you’re using a mold for filled pasta or a very intricate shape, you might need a softer dough made with eggs (“pasta all’uovo”). This dough is more pliable and less likely to tear. I always recommend doing a small test batch to see how your dough behaves with a new mold before committing to a big batch.
How do I clean and maintain my wooden pasta molds?
Wooden molds, like garganelli boards, require a little extra care. You should never, ever put them in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp and crack the wood. Instead, I wipe mine down with a damp cloth immediately after use to remove any dough. If it needs a deeper clean, I use a mild soap and water, scrub quickly, and rinse immediately. Then, I dry it thoroughly with a towel and let it air dry completely before storing it. Occasionally, you can treat it with a food-grade mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out.
My extruded pasta is not holding its shape. What am I doing wrong?
This is a common frustration. Usually, it comes down to one of two issues: dough hydration or speed. If your dough is too wet, it will slump and lose its shape as it exits the mold. Try adding a bit more semolina flour to stiffen it up. Conversely, if you are forcing the dough through the extruder too quickly, it can’t form properly. Slow and steady pressure is key. The dough needs time to take shape inside the die before being pushed out.
Are expensive pasta molds really worth the investment?
From my experience, yes, but with a caveat. A high-quality mold made from durable materials like solid bronze or hardened food-grade plastic will last a lifetime. It will produce consistent results and is less likely to break during use. A cheap, poorly made mold can be frustrating, produce misshapen pasta, and may need to be replaced quickly. You don’t need to buy the most expensive one right away, but investing in a well-reviewed, solidly built tool from a reputable brand is a good idea if you plan on making pasta regularly. Finding the right pasta molds for shaping dough is a game-changer for homemade pasta.
What is a good first pasta mold for a beginner?
If you’re just starting, I’d suggest a cavatelli maker or a garganelli board. These tools are relatively simple to use, don’t require a large, expensive machine, and teach you the fundamentals of hand-shaping. A cavatelli maker is essentially a small, hand-cranked press that forms the dough into classic shell shapes. A garganelli board uses a small rod to roll squares of dough over a textured surface. Both are affordable, fun to use, and produce impressive results without a steep learning curve.