CucinaPro Deluxe Countertop Pasta Maker

Is there anything more satisfying than tucking into a big bowl of pasta after a long, hard day? The al dente noodles, the cheesy topping, the flavorful sauces . . . we could go on. And when you’ve made the pasta yourself with an electric pasta maker, there is an added element of satisfaction.

One of the best things about making your own pasta is being able to experiment in the kitchen. You can create intriguing flavors using ingredients like spinach or tomatoes in the pasta dough. You can take it up a notch by adding in spices to the pasta dough or creating new and fun shapes.

Fresh pasta usually cooks much faster than dry pasta from a box. If you’ve made some pasta on the weekend and stored it in the fridge, you can have a homemade meal in no time after work. Fresh pasta also absorbs sauces better than dry pasta, so you get a mouthful of flavor in every bite.

There are two main types of pasta makers: manual and electric. A manual pasta maker, as the name suggests, requires you to roll the pasta through the machine by turning a handle manually. Once the dough is rolled, you can cut it into shapes using a sharp knife. It requires a bit of muscle and time and is perfect for long pasta shapes such as fettuccini and spaghetti.

On the other hand, an electric pasta maker is faster and easier to use. With this kind of appliance, you make the dough and feed it into the machine – and it does the rest. One of the biggest benefits of an electric pasta maker is that it can make a wide variety of pasta shapes. In addition to long pasta shapes, you can also get short ones such as macaroni or ziti. Keep in mind that manual pasta makers are on the lower end of the price spectrum, while electric pasta makers are on the higher end.

Before you invest in an electric pasta maker, there are a few features to look for, says culinary expert Julie Chernoff.

“High-quality materials — stainless-steel parts, metal gears (rather than plastic) — are a must for durability,” she says. “Ease of cleaning is also essential. Are the parts dishwasher safe?”

You’ll also want to look at whether the speed and thickness settings are adjustable and whether the paste maker has a safety cover, Chernoff says. Also consider how easy the machine will be to set up in your kitchen, as well as how much noise it makes when in use.

Also consider exactly which types of pasta you plan to make.

“There are two types of pasta makers: extruders (for pasta shapes, such as macaroni, penne, fusilli, etc.) and rollers (for lasagna sheets, spaghetti, linguini, etc.). Some electric pasta makers do both,” Chernoff advises.

• One of the most important elements to consider when looking for an electric pasta maker is how easy it is to use. If your appliance is complicated, it’s unlikely you’ll be excited to make your own pasta. However, if it’s simple to use, you will be more inclined to try out new pasta recipes. Consider whether you want the machine to mix the pasta dough for you or if you want to do that step by hand. Many pasta makers can be attached to standard mixers so you can use your appliance to mix the dough and then use the pasta roller and cutter to get the shape you want.
• If you’re a true pasta fan, you know the shape of the pasta is critically important. It affects both the texture and taste of the dish. Some pasta shapes are better for meaty and hearty sauces, while others work better with more delicate ones. Be sure to check which kind of shapes your electric pasta maker can create. Some models roll out traditional lasagna, fettuccine, ravioli and angel hair, so they are perfect for those who like long pasta or the popular casserole dish. The Marcato Design Atlas 150 Italian Pasta Maker can create beautiful and uniform strands of spaghetti and fettuccini, in addition to lasagna. Other models, on the other hand, are designed to make tagliatelle and fettuccine.
• One of the main reasons home cooks choose to get an electric pasta maker, as opposed to a manual one, is because they want to save time. Manual pasta makers require more time to roll out the dough, whereas the electric-powered ones can do the task much quicker, in addition to slicing out the individual noodles. Be sure to check the time-saving claims to ensure you’re getting a pasta maker that will give you back some hours in your day. For example, some pasta machines have two speed settings to significantly cut your prep time.
• Pasta makers have several nooks and crannies where dough and flour can hide, so cleaning them is no easy task. Plus, if you don’t get them perfectly clean after use, you could risk bacteria growth in your machine. When searching for an electric pasta maker, be sure to find one that is easy to take apart and clean. If some parts can go in the dishwasher, that’s a huge bonus that saves you time and headache. There are models that can be easily wiped clean with a cloth. Other models come with a cleaning brush to help you remove any leftover dough or flour from inside the machine.