Who doesn’t enjoy pasta?
If you’re used to store-bought pasta, you might be ready to take things to the next level of deliciousness by making your own fresh pasta right at home. Making homemade pasta by hand can be a bit tedious, though. Lucky for us, you don’t have to do it the old fashioned way.
The best pasta makers can help you make fresh pasta quickly and easily. But before you hand over your money for a shiny new machine, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best pasta maker machine for your “dough” (pun intended).
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Types of Pasta Makers
There are two main types of machines: manual and automatic. Manual pasta machines definitely make the pasta-making process easier, but they still require some work.
Manual noodle machines have a pasta roller and a manual handle that you crank to make the best pasta. They’re perfect for making long noodles like spaghetti and fetuccine. Manual machines are more affordable than automatic machines and can last for a long time.
Automatic pasta makers do most of the work for you. They are more expensive than manual pasta machines, but they are faster and easier to use. They also allow you to make more pasta styles, including round pasta like macaroni and ziti.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PASTA MAKER?
As you consider the best choice, there are some factors to keep in mind.
YOUR PASTA HABITS
Do you anticipate using the machine once or twice per month? Or do you make homemade pasta several times per week? If you’re an occasional pasta maker, a manual machine can easily meet your needs.
If fresh pasta is an essential part of your diet, you may want to go for an automatic machine so you can make pasta more easily. Manual machines can also work well for making large batches of pasta; it just takes a bit longer. The hands-on experience of using a manual machine is appealing as well.
COST
Pasta machines can vary widely in price. Manual machines start as low as $15, and automatic machines start at around $75. As with most purchases, the brand is a big influence on the price. Higher quality brands may be more expensive, but they also tend to last longer.
The price of pasta machines is also influenced by the number of different pastas you can make, how easy it is to use, and how easy (or hard) it is to clean.
SIZE
If you’re short on space, you want to look for a machine with a smaller profile. Larger machines can make larger sheets of pasta, though, so it’s a balancing act. Most automatic machines are roughly the size of a coffee maker. Manual machines vary, and you can find machines that are 18 inches wide or more.
PASTA TYPES
If there’s a specific type of pasta you particularly enjoy, then you should look for a machine that can easily make that type of pasta shapes. For specialty pastas like ravioli, you may need to purchase an attachment in addition to the pasta machine. Automatic pasta machines often have a wider range of pasta options, but the attachments available for manual machines can make them flexible as well.
CLEANING
Pasta machines can be a challenge to clean. The pasta dough can work its way deep into the crevices of the machine. If you can easily take apart the machine, that can make it much easier to clean. Even better if you can throw parts into the dishwasher, which is a more common feature with automatic machines.
SPEED
If you’re not the most patient person, you may want to consider speed as you shop for pasta makers. Manual pasta machines tend to be a bit slower, while automatic machines, with their electronic components are faster. The speed of automatic machines vary, so check reviews if this feature is a priority for you.
Many manual pasta machines also have an option for buying a motor, which can give you the best of both worlds when it comes to making pasta.
EASE OF USE
Any pasta machine is going to improve your pasta making experience. The best electric pasta maker models will do more of the work for you, including mixing and kneading the pasta dough. Manual machines press out the pasta for you as you turn the crank, and they should be easy to adjust for different pasta thicknesses. They should include a vice to keep it secured to your table or kitchen counter. The handle should be relatively easy to turn.
If you go with a manual machine, you can use a food processor or stand mixer to make the dough to make the process easier.
DURABILITY
Manual machines are more durable than automatic machines. They don’t have electric components that will wear out. Manual machines can have an extremely long life if they are properly cleaned and maintained. For the longest life when it comes to manual machines, look for models with all-metal and stainless-steel parts. Many brands also offer a warranty, which is an important factor to keep in mind while you shop for the best pasta machine makers.
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