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The Spruce Eats / Chloe Jeong
While part of the appeal of store-bought pasta is how quick and easy it is to prepare, homemade pasta is so much more delicious and not as complicated as it might seem. It also allows you to customize ingredients to your preferences and dietary requirements. You can enjoy the delicate texture and taste of fresh pasta whenever you’d like.
There are several different types of pasta makers, including traditional, hand-cranked models, stand mixer attachments, and even electronic options that weigh ingredients and mix dough for you. To help you figure out which is right for your kitchen, we tested some of the most popular models, cranking out all sorts of pasta shapes, to see which performed best.
Best Overall
Marcato Design Atlas 150 Pasta Machine
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Amazon
Sturdy construction
Cuts noodles cleanly
Versatile
Attractive
Easy to store
Pricier than similar hand-crank machines
Doesn't come with spaghetti attachment
Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping, Epicurious, and GearLab all picked the Marcato Design Atlas 150 Pasta Machine.
What do buyers say? 89% of 8,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This popular manual machine is from an Italian company that's been crafting them for generations. It’s made from sleek, chrome-plated steel, features a removable crank handle that makes storage easier, and is available in seven colors. Beyond its looks, it performs exceptionally well.
You can roll sheets of dough to 10 different thicknesses, and the included dual-sided attachment cleanly cuts either fettuccine or tagliolini. These rollers are designed to produce pasta with a rough surface, which holds sauce better than smooth-surfaced noodles. Besides the cutter that comes with the machine, there are 12 more blade options available for purchase if you want additional pasta shapes, including spaghetti and ravioli.
One drawback to this type of machine is that it can be a bit tricky to simultaneously turn the hand crank, feed dough into the machine, and catch and guide the pasta emerging from the other end. It’s made easier with two people, but if you prefer to keep your hands free for guiding the pasta, a drive motor accessory is also available as an add-on.
Overall, we gave this pasta machine high marks for the sharply defined noodles it turned out, compared with other similar hand-crank pasta makers we tested. Plus, we couldn’t believe how quick, fun, and easy it was to use. Tagliolini with a luxurious wild mushroom sauce earned rave reviews.
While this can't be washed with water by hand or in the dishwasher, Atlas recommends using a brush and a wooden stick, which we didn't have on hand, so we used a toothpick to remove the remaining bits of dough. Unlike other pasta makers we tested, the roller combs on this machine are removable, which really helps speed up the cleaning process.
Price at time of publish: $76
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 7 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 1 roller, 2 cutters | Thickness Settings: 10 | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Warranty: 10 years
"The fettuccine and tagliolini attachments consistently delivered cleanly cut noodles that rivaled those made with my other favorite pasta maker." — Tierney McAfee, Product Tester
Best Mixer Attachment
KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment Set
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Amazon
Solid, durable construction
Easy for one person to use
Stylish
Versatile
Easy to store
Can only be used with a KitchenAid stand mixer
Expensive
Not portable
If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment set is an easy answer for homemade pasta. Use the mixer to whip up the homemade pasta dough and then use the pasta attachments to roll the dough thin and cut it into noodles.
The set comes with a 6-inch roller that produces flat sheets of pasta that can be used to make lasagna, or you can cut or form the sheets into other shapes by hand. It also comes with two cutters for slicing the dough into strips of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cutters for other shapes, including a ravioli attachment, are available separately. Attaching the roller and cutters to the stand mixer is more difficult than using a traditional, hand-cranked pasta maker, but you'll gain the flexibility of having both hands free to feed and catch the pasta while the mixer's motor does all the cranking for you.
We were pleased with how quick and easy it was to use this pasta maker, especially compared with a hand-crank process. In fact, it was so fast that we had some trouble keeping up with the cutters as they churned out piles of noodles. (Placing a tray under the machine to catch the pasta helps with this.) After using a rack to dry the pasta for a few hours, we made fettuccine Alfredo, and it was absolutely delicious.
As with most pasta makers, this shouldn't be put in the dishwasher or washed with water by hand. KitchenAid recommends using a toothpick to remove any remaining bits of dough, but you ca also use a pastry brush or cleaning brush. After that, you can use a soft, dry cloth to polish the rollers and cutters.
Price at time of publish: $220
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 9.7 x 3.8 x 2.2 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 1 roller, 2 cutters | Thickness Settings: 8 | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
"Both cutters produced perfectly perforated, presentation-worthy noodles with almost no effort on my part." — Tierney McAfee, Product Tester
Best Electric
Philips Kitchen Appliances Pasta and Noodle Maker Plus
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Amazon
Easy to use
Mixes and kneads dough quickly
Can make tube-shaped and short pasta
Dishwasher-safe parts
Comes with recipe book
Bulky and heavy
Expensive
If you want homemade pasta with minimal effort, this electric model is the way to go. All you have to do is measure the flour and water for a single or double batch of pasta, throw the ingredients into the machine, and watch while it takes over. It automatically mixes and kneads the dough and extrudes it through one of the included dies to make your choice of spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, or tube-shaped penne.
We gave this pasta maker a glowing review for its simple and fast operation. The included plastic scraper makes cutting the pasta fun and easy as it comes out of the machine, and the whole process only takes about 10 to 15 minutes total. An LED display counts down the time, and the machine automatically shuts off after each batch of pasta. (It will also automatically shut off if it begins to overheat, and it won't operate if the lid isn't securely attached.) There's even a serving size button that allows you to choose between making a single and double batch, as well as a program button that signals the machine to mix, knead, and extrude dough or just extrude pre-made dough.
The machine comes with measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients, a recipe book, and cleaning tools. Even better, all of the accessories and detachable parts are dishwasher-safe, unlike manual steel machines. On the downside, the machine is bulky and heavy, but it features a built-in storage drawer for the dies and other accessories. You can purchase additional dies to make even more pasta shapes.
There are quite a few parts to clean after each use, including the mixing arm, the dough tub and lid, the cover, and the pasta dies. However, they’re all easy to wash by hand and are also listed as dishwasher-safe—not a luxury you get with most pasta makers.
Price at time of publish: $300
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The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Material: Alloy metal, plastic exterior | Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.6 x 15.2 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 4 extruders | Weight: 15.2 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
"Measuring the flour and liquid was fool-proof, thanks to the included measuring cups." — Sharon Lehman, Product Tester
Best Budget
OxGord Pasta Maker Machine
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Amazon
Durable stainless steel construction
Versatile
Unbeatable price
Dishwasher-safe blades
A little wobbly during use
Clamp doesn't fit over some countertop edges
Handle doesn’t lock into place
Cutters don’t fully perforate all noodles
If you aren't ready to invest in a pricey pasta maker, we recommend the budget-friendly OxGord pasta maker as it packs plenty of value; it's easy to use and a great entry point for homemade pasta. Made from durable stainless steel, this manual machine comes with three attachments that let you create flat sheets of pasta in nine different thicknesses, as well as fettuccine and spaghetti. You can use the flat pasta sheets to hand-cut your own lasagna, ravioli, or tortellini.
While the base features pre-drilled holes for clamping it to a work surface, the included clamp doesn’t fit around some countertops, and we found the machine a little wobbly during use, thought at such a low price, we didn't see this as a dealbreaker (having a second person to help you anchor the machine helps, too). The fettuccine and linguine cutters produced neatly cut strips, though some of the spaghetti strands stuck together. These noodles were used to make fettuccine Alfredo as well as white wine and garlic clam pasta, both of which proved to be major hits.
Like the other stainless steel pasta makers on this list, the machine and attachments aren’t dishwasher-safe, except for the blades. As for the rest of the machine, you’ll need to let any adhered dough dry out before brushing it away. The wooden handle can be removed for easier storage, too.
Price at time of publish: $30
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 6.4 x 8.2 x 8.4 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 1 roller, 3 cutters | Thickness Settings: 9 | Weight: 6 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
"Though the OxGord can be described as a no-frills machine, its simple stainless steel construction nevertheless makes it an attractive and minimalist piece." — Tierney McAfee, Product Tester
Best Value
CucinaPro Pasta Maker Deluxe Set
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Amazon
Durable stainless steel construction
Versatile
Affordable
Made in Italy
Handle doesn’t lock into place
Cutters don’t fully perforate all noodles
Clamp doesn't fit over some countertop edges
Not completely stable when in use
This pasta machine includes a wide variety of cutters at an affordable price, so it’s great for those who want to make many kinds of pasta right off the bat without having to order extra attachments. The included cutters make spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair, lasagnette (which is ribbon pasta, or slightly thinner lasagna), and ravioli that the maker fills and seals, though the shells are on the smaller side.
The design of this maker is user-friendly, and while the noodles didn't come out as precisely cut as other makers on this list (some required separation by hand), the end results were delicious. Another thing to note: This machine is not as sturdy as some of the others we tested; on smooth surfaces, it tended to slide during use, but it’s made in Italy from chrome-plated stainless steel, so it's best to have another person there to stabilize the base while you turn the handle. Nevertheless, it got the job done, so we didn't think this was a a dealbreaker.
As with most pasta machines, the cutters aren’t dishwasher-safe and should not be immersed in water, so you need to let any leftover bits of dough dry before brushing them away with a pastry brush or toothpick, turning the handle to work any bits of leftover dough through.
Price at time of publish: $50
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Material: Chrome steel | Dimensions: 8 x 7.75 x 6 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 1 roller, 3 cutters | Weight: 6 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
"The included ravioli maker is an impressive tool that fully assembles—aka, fills and seals—the pasta shells with a filling of your choice." - Tierney McAfee, Product Tester
Best for Vegetables
Oxo Good Grips Tabletop Spiralizer
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Amazon
Simple design
Extra-sturdy suction base
Easy and comfortable to use
Lidded box for safe blade storage
Pricier than similar models
Spiralizers are used to cut produce into long, pasta-like strands. They're a great gadget for anyone who is trying to eat more vegetables or can't eat regular pasta for dietary reasons. While soft produce like tomatoes can't be turned into pasta, there's plenty that can. Zucchini noodles, sometimes called zoodles, are probably the most popular veggie pasta, but you can also spiralize carrots, cucumbers, or even potatoes to make curly or shoestring-style french fries in mere seconds.
The Oxo tabletop spiralizer includes three cutting blades to create thin spaghetti, thicker fettuccine, and wide ribbon noodles. A storage case is included to safely stash the blades, and it attaches to the spiralizer to save space. A large suction cup on the bottom of the stabilizer grips countertops and provides extra support while turning the crank. We found the spiralizer sturdy and both easy to use and clean (all parts are dishwasher-safe, but the blade storage box should be washed by hand). There are cheaper spiralizers out there (including many handheld options,) but they often don't work nearly as well.
The three blades (spaghetti, fettuccini, and ribbon) performed well with softer veggies, such as cucumbers, and extra-firm produce, including potatoes. The manual crank and side handle fit comfortably in hand, and we never felt like we were having to use force to get tougher vegetables spiralized.
Price at time of publish: $48
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The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
Material: Plastic, stainless steel, nylon | Dimensions: 9.75 x 6.25 x 8.25 inches | Rollers/Cutters Included: 3 cutters | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Warranty: 2 years
"No matter what we spiralized, we found it didn’t take much effort to advance our food through the tool—everything glided smoothly." — Sharon Lehman, Product Tester
Best Manual Extruder
Consiglio’s Premium Pasta Extruder With Five Brass Dies
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Amazon
Can make five pasta shapes, including tubes
Dies are made of durable solid brass
Easy to use and clean
Small and lightweight
Pricey
This traditional, made-in-Italy manual pasta press clamps to the edge of a counter or tabletop. As you feed narrow rolls of pasta dough through the funnel-shaped hopper (made of anodized aluminum), you turn the long crank handle with the other hand and the pasta is pushed through one of the five included solid brass dies to form several different shapes. It can produce round or square spaghetti, twisted casarecce, or tube-shaped maccheroni and bucatini.
Although the press is not dishwasher-safe, it can be disassembled so that the parts, unlike stainless steel cutter attachments, can be washed by hand with dish soap and water. The press is smaller and lighter than most hand-crank machines, and the handle is detachable for easier storage. The dies are made of thick, solid brass, so they’re more durable than plastic or aluminum dies.
The main disadvantage of this option is that you are limited to the five types of pasta that you can make with the included dies—no additional attachments are currently available for it. Still, if the included types happen to be your favorites, the machine is a great option for making pasta at home and should last for quite a while.
Price at time of publish: $160
Material: Die-cast aluminum and brass | Dimensions: Not available | Rollers/Cutters Included: 5 brass die plates | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
If your ravioli falls apart in the pot while cooking, World Food Pasta Champion Suzanne Clark suggests using a deep skillet instead because it doesn't allow the ravioli to roll around and break apart. When using this method, add as much water as possible to the skillet and season it with salt. Bring the water to a rapid boil, reduce slightly to a gentle rolling boil, add your ravioli, and cook until the pasta is al dente. "Don’t be tempted to overcrowd the pan," she says. "Pasta needs lots of room and water to cook correctly."
The sleek Marcato Design Atlas 150 Pasta Machine is our top pick due to its durable construction, smooth operation, and—most important—precise and consistent results. The OxGord Pasta Maker Machine is our best budget pick because it's well-made, versatile, and easy to use.
How We Tested
Our editors sifted through the bestselling and top-rated pasta makers available, researching consumer reviews and available manufacturer information. They came up with a list of the top picks, which were sent to our home testers to put to the test in their own kitchens. The testers unboxed and set up each machine, then evaluated how easy each was to use after making their own dough to produce make various types of pasta, from penne and fettuccini to linguine and ravioli. Our testers then noted how well the pasta noodles came out and how clearly defined the shapes were. They also made observations regarding how easy it was to take the machines apart and clean them. Finally, our testers sent us their feedback, rating each pasta maker on their ease of use, design, size, performance, and overall value.
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
What to Look for in a Pasta Maker
Electric vs. Manual
Manual machines, operated by a hand crank, are less expensive than electric models and are ideal for thin sheets of dough or long, flat noodles. It’s a little awkward to feed the dough into the machine on one end, guide the pasta as it exits the other, and turn the hand crank at the same time, so it can be easier to operate a manual machine with two people. Some models, though, offer an optional motorized attachment that does the turning for you.
Electric pasta machines are easier to use than manual ones, but you have to work at the speed of the machine, cutting the pasta to length as it’s extruded. Some electric models even mix the dough for you, but they can be tricky to clean.
Material
Look for a sturdy machine made of stainless steel rather than plastic or aluminum. Weightier stainless steel will have greater stability and durability, and is also inert and won’t rust.
Dies or Cutters
Cutter attachments, used with manual, hand-crank machines and as stand-mixer add-ons, allow you to make thin sheets of pasta and cut them into long, flat strips like pappardelle or fettuccine. Die extruders let you also make round and tubular pasta, like spaghetti and rigatoni, as well as short, shaped pasta, like fusilli.
Availability of Extra Dies or Cutters
Pasta makers come with a variety of dies or cutters to get you started, but they may not include all of your favorite pasta shapes. Before you buy, check to see if there are additional dies or cutters that you can add to your collection in the future.
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The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman
FAQs
How do you clean a pasta maker?
This depends on the type of pasta maker, but manually operated, metal pasta makers should not be cleaned with water (to avoid rusting) and are not dishwasher-safe.
Wait about an hour after using your machine to allow any remaining bits of dough to dry, which will make them easier to remove. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe flour and dough from the outer parts of the machine, and a dry pastry brush, thin wooden dowel, bamboo skewer, or toothpick to remove any bits of dried dough from the crevices of the attachments.
To clean an electric pasta machine, you’ll need to disassemble the machine and wash each part separately; for those and other types of pasta makers, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should you lubricate your pasta maker?
Occasionally, metal pasta rollers or cutting attachments might start to squeak or not turn as smoothly as they once did, and lubricating them can help resolve these issues. Place a few drops of food-grade mineral oil at either end of the roller and give it a few turns to distribute the oil evenly. Don’t use vegetable oil to lubricate your machine, as it could grow sticky or rancid.
When creating fresh pasta dough, it's important to use the right type of flour. World Food Pasta Champion Suzanne Clark prefers Tipo "00" Extra Fine Flour; it's finely milled and yields an "exceptionally smooth and silky pasta," Clark says. "I find this is great to use when making ravioli or pastas that will be paired with a light and creamy butter sauce. When making a heartier sauce, such as a Bolognese, I lean towards using semolina flour. This type of flour is higher in gluten, tends to hold its shape, and has a heartier, rougher texture that helps sauces cling better to the noodles."
Can you make homemade pasta without a pasta maker?
People made pasta by hand for hundreds of years before machines were invented, and all you really need is a rolling pin (or even a wine bottle) to roll out your dough and a sharp knife to cut it. Pasta machines and attachments make the process much easier and faster and result in much more uniform pasta that cooks evenly. Pasta machines also make a wider variety of pasta shapes possible, as some are difficult to make by hand.
Are pasta makers worth it?
Fresh pasta is a completely different animal from the dried pasta you'll find at the store (yes, even the fancy kinds). Not only can you customize it with your favorite ingredients and shapes, but the flavor and texture of fresh pasta are unparalleled, and the process of making it is much less intimidating than it seems. Making pasta at home isn't typically any cheaper than buying it from the store, but the experience is absolutely worth it.
Can you make anything in a pasta maker besides pasta?
Believe it or not, many pasta makers can also make crackers, wonton wrappers, pastry dough (pie crusts, cinnamon roll dough, etc.), rolled-out cookies, and fondant. We won't pretend that these are the most versatile kitchen tools out there, but especially for those who love to bake, pasta makers can save a lot of time and effort in the rolling process.
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The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This roundup was written by Danette St. Onge, formerly the Italian Food Expert for The Spruce Eats and a features editor at Cook’s Illustrated magazine (part of America’s Test Kitchen). A cookbook author and kitchen appliance tester, she spends hours combing the internet, comparing options, reading reviews, and testing equipment to find the best tool for every job. She personally owns and uses the Marcato Design Atlas 150, our Best Overall pick.
Several of the pasta makers on this list were fully reviewed by our product testers: Sharon Lehman, RDN, a home cook who happens to be a registered dietitian nutritionist, and Tierney McAfee, a food writer who has tested numerous small appliances and kitchen gadgets for The Spruce Eats.
This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef.
Sources
Suzanne Clark is an artist, chef, and World Food Pasta Champion.