Making fresh pasta at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. The right pasta maker simplifies the process, turning what can be a labor-intensive task into a quick and enjoyable kitchen activity. Whether you prefer the hands-on control of a manual machine or the set-and-forget convenience of an electric model, there is a perfect tool for every home chef.
This roundup explores a variety of pasta makers, from attachments for your stand mixer to fully automatic machines and specialized accessories. We have compiled a list of ten excellent options to help you find the ideal appliance for creating spaghetti, fettuccine, and a host of other shapes for your next Italian-inspired feast.
Our Recommended Pasta Makers
- PASTADISC – Pasta Noodle Shape Disc Collections
- KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller & Cutter Set
- Imperia Pasta Maker Machine- 100% Made in Italy
- OXO Steel Spaghetti Server
- 3-in-1 Pasta Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer
- Marcato Motor
- Philips 7000 Series Pasta Maker
- Electric Pasta Maker Machine Noodle Maker
- Norpro 1049R Pasta Machine, Red
- VillaWare V2002 Pasta Maker Plus
PASTADISC – Pasta Noodle Shape Disc Collections
Expand the capabilities of your Philips Avance pasta maker with this versatile 4-in-1 disc set. This collection allows you to create a wider variety of fun and interesting pasta shapes, including Bucatini, Fusilli, Potato Gnocchi, and Radiator. It is an excellent way to add excitement to family meals and encourage everyone to try new dishes.
Constructed from commercial-grade, dishwasher-safe plastic, these attachments are built for convenience and durability. The specifically designed extrusion holes ensure a smooth and seamless output, giving you professional-looking results every time. This set is a simple and effective way to get more value from your existing machine.
KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller & Cutter Set
If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this official attachment set is a natural addition to your kitchen toolkit. It is designed, engineered, and tested by KitchenAid to ensure perfect compatibility and performance. The set includes a roller for creating dough sheets and separate cutters for both spaghetti and fettuccine.
By utilizing the power of your stand mixer, this attachment takes the physical effort out of pasta making. It easily attaches to the multipurpose power hub, allowing for hands-free operation. This is a fantastic solution for anyone who wants to make fresh pasta regularly with minimal manual labor.
Imperia Pasta Maker Machine
For purists who value tradition and craftsmanship, the Imperia pasta maker is made entirely in Italy with a heavy-duty steel construction. This manual machine is built to last and provides the hands-on control that many pasta enthusiasts prefer. It features an easy lock dial and a comfortable wood grip handle for stability during use.
This machine produces dough sheets up to 150mm wide and comes with two cutters for making tagliolini and fettuccine. The rollers are adjustable to six different thickness settings, from a very thin 0.5mm to 5mm. A notable feature is its compatibility with an optional electric motor, offering the flexibility to switch from manual to automatic operation.
OXO Steel Spaghetti Server
While not a pasta maker, this clever tool is an essential companion for serving your homemade creations. The OXO Steel Spaghetti Server is designed to stir, scoop, and serve pasta with ease. Its bowl-shaped head and smart prongs help you scoop up every last noodle from the pot.
A particularly useful feature is the drainage hole in the center, which also doubles as a measuring guide for a perfect single serving of dry spaghetti. This multifunctional utensil is a simple yet effective addition to any pasta lover’s kitchen drawer, making serving a cleaner and more efficient process.
3-in-1 Pasta Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixer
This all-in-one attachment combines a sheet roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter into a single, streamlined unit for your KitchenAid mixer. Crafted from commercial-grade stainless steel, it offers enhanced durability over plastic alternatives. The design allows for quick transitions between functions without needing to disassemble the attachment.
A key benefit is the smart splatter prevention feature, which uses precision-cut baffles to contain dough particles during operation. This keeps your kitchen cleaner and provides a safer cooking environment. This 3-in-1 solution saves significant time and effort, making it a highly efficient choice for frequent pasta makers.
Marcato Motor
Breathe new life into your manual Marcato Atlas or Ampia pasta machine with this dedicated electric motor. Made by the Marcato family in Italy, this motor attaches easily to your existing machine, converting it from a hand-crank model to a fully electric one. It is an economical way to upgrade your pasta-making setup without buying a completely new appliance.
The motor provides consistent, hands-free operation, allowing you to focus on guiding the dough. It is important to note that the machine and its parts should not be washed in a dishwasher. This motor is an ideal accessory for those who love their Marcato machine but want to reduce the physical effort involved.
Philips 7000 Series Pasta Maker
For the ultimate in convenience, the Philips 7000 Series is a fully automatic pasta maker that handles the entire process from mixing to extruding. It can produce fresh homemade pasta in under ten minutes with minimal effort. The machine features ProExtrude Technology and includes eight different discs for a variety of pasta shapes.
With a large capacity that can make up to eight portions at once, it is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Beyond pasta, its versatile mixing function can also be used for preparing dough for cookies, pizza, and bread. For tech-savvy cooks, it also offers connectivity with the HomeID app for guided recipes.
Electric Pasta Maker Machine Noodle Maker
This cordless, electric pasta maker offers great portability and versatility for the modern kitchen. It comes with various molds to create different noodle shapes and thicknesses, and even includes a sausage-making attachment for added functionality. Its simple operation involves just selecting a mold, adding dough, and pressing a button.
Featuring a Type-C charging port, it fully charges in four hours and can produce a remarkable number of noodles on a single charge. This makes it ideal for use anywhere in the kitchen or even for small gatherings. The combination of electric power and cordless design provides both convenience and flexibility.
Norpro 1049R Pasta Machine
The Norpro pasta machine is a reliable and affordable manual option for those new to homemade pasta. It is constructed with a chrome-plated steel body and nickel-plated steel rollers, ensuring sturdiness and smooth operation. The machine comes with a clamp for secure attachment to your countertop.
It is equipped to create dough sheets and cut both vermicelli and fettuccine. An included recipe and instruction booklet provides helpful guidance for beginners. This model represents a solid entry point into the world of pasta making without a significant investment.
VillaWare V2002 Pasta Maker Plus
The VillaWare Pasta Maker Plus is a manual machine designed for ease of use and consistent results. It allows you to roll dough to your desired thickness and then cut it into perfect strands of pasta. This type of machine gives you complete control over the texture and thickness of your final product.
Ideal for making spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna sheets, it is a versatile tool for any home kitchen. Manual machines like this one are often praised for their durability and the satisfying, hands-on experience they provide. It is a great way to learn the fundamentals of pasta making.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pasta Maker for Fresh Noodles
So, you want to make fresh pasta at home. I get it; there’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of noodles that you’ve rolled and cut yourself. But with so many options for pasta makers on the market, from classic hand-crank models to high-tech electric machines, choosing the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve been through this process, and I can help you figure out what to look for.
First, consider the type of machine. Manual, hand-crank pasta rollers are the classic choice. They are affordable, durable, and give you complete control over the thickness of your dough. They require some effort and a free hand to crank, but many cooks find the process part of the charm. On the other hand, if you plan to make large batches frequently or have limited hand strength, an electric pasta maker is a fantastic convenience. These machines mix, knead, and extrude the dough for you at the push of a button. They are typically more expensive and take up more counter space, but they save a lot of time and effort. There’s also a third category: stand mixer attachments. If you already own a compatible stand mixer, this can be a brilliant space-saving and powerful option.
Next, think about the materials and construction. You want a machine that feels solid and will last for years. Look for a frame made from cast aluminum or a similarly robust material. The rollers, which do the actual work of flattening the dough, should be made of high-quality, polished stainless steel. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes for easy cleaning. Plastic components are common, especially on budget models or electric machines, but check that they feel sturdy and not flimsy.
Finally, focus on the features that matter to you. Versatility is a big one. Many manual pasta makers come with a set of cutters for different pasta shapes like fettuccine and spaghetti. Some even offer attachments for making ravioli or other filled pastas. For electric machines, check what discs are included and what is available for separate purchase. Another key feature is the thickness settings. A wider range of settings gives you more control, allowing you to make everything from delicate angel hair pasta to thick lasagna sheets. The best pasta makers for fresh noodles will offer a clear, easy-to-adjust dial for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a manual and an electric pasta maker?
The core difference is the level of involvement. A manual pasta maker requires you to feed the dough through the rollers by turning a hand crank. This gives you a lot of hands-on control over the process. An electric pasta maker does the work for you; you typically just add your ingredients, and it mixes, kneads, and extrudes the shaped pasta. Electric models are better for large batches or for those who prefer a hands-off approach, while manual models are more affordable and offer a traditional pasta-making experience.
Is it difficult to make pasta dough from scratch?
Not at all! The most basic pasta dough requires just two ingredients: “00” flour or all-purpose flour and eggs. You mound the flour on a counter, make a well in the center, add the eggs, and gradually mix them together. It does require a bit of kneading to get the right smooth, elastic consistency, but it’s a very simple and rewarding process. Many electric machines will even do the kneading for you.
How do I clean and maintain my pasta maker?
Proper cleaning is essential for keeping your machine in good condition. For both manual and electric models, you should never immerse the main body or motor unit in water. After use, I let the dough dry on the rollers and then use a dry brush or a damp cloth to wipe away any residue. Some parts, like the cutting attachments on manual machines, might be dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Keeping your machine dry and stored in a clean place will prevent rust and ensure it works perfectly for years.
Can I make gluten-free pasta with a pasta maker?
Yes, you absolutely can. Gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate and crumbly than traditional wheat-based dough. For manual machines, you may need to roll the dough a little thicker and use plenty of rice flour or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Many electric extruding machines handle gluten-free flour blends quite well, as the extrusion process helps bind the dough. It might take a little experimentation with your favorite flour blend to get the consistency just right.
What should I look for when buying my first pasta maker?
If you’re just starting out, a reliable manual machine is a great choice. Look for one with a solid clamp to secure it to your counter, clearly marked thickness settings, and at least two cutters (usually for fettuccine and spaghetti). This allows you to learn the process without a large financial investment. As you explore the world of homemade noodles, you will learn what features are most important for your cooking style, helping you pick the best pasta makers for fresh noodles when you’re ready to upgrade.