Unless you have an electric pasta machine, making homemade pasta can be a lot of work, even though eating it is a delight. An electric pasta machine simplifies the entire process from mixing the dough to rolling or forming to drying the finished pasta. These handy machines can be a bit pricey, so you should compare features and quality carefully before you buy.
Look for a Heavy Duty, Durable Pasta Machine
If you've made pasta by hand and used a hand crank before, you know that pasta dough can be very difficult to mix, roll and press. You need to choose a pasta maker that is durable enough to process the pasta you wish to make. If the pasta maker seems flimsy, you want to pass, especially if you plan on making large quantities of pasta at one time. Take into consideration how much pasta you usually like to make at a time and decide if the machine is strong enough to handle the load.
Is it Easy to Clean?
Check to make sure the attachments and parts come apart easily and are simple to put back together after cleaning. Is it easy to separate all the parts from the motor for simple cleaning? How much of the machine can you take apart to put into the dishwasher? How much will you have to wash by hand? Is the machine designed so that you can get into the cracks and crevices to clean every area well?
Do You Need a Drying Rack?
You may already have a drying rack if you've been making your own pasta for a while, but if you don't have one, you should look for a machine that comes complete with a drying rack. Make sure the rack is adequate for the amount of pasta you plan on making at one time.
Pasta Maker Attachments
Does the machine have all the attachments you will need to make the kinds of pasta you desire? Look for a pasta maker that comes with various cutting blades and cutting attachments, as well as forms through which you can extrude different shapes of pasta. Most electric pasta makers should come with attachments that will allow you to form fettuccini, spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, and tortellini noodles of varying widths and sizes. If the model you are considering does not provide all of these options, ask if supplemental attachments are available.
How Stable is the Machine?
Because making pasta is such a vigorous activity, you'll want to buy a machine that has clamps-like a vice-that will secure the machine to the counter while you are working. Do not scrimp and buy a machine that does not attach to the table or counter; the hassle of working with an unstable machine is not worth the savings. Also, make sure the machine has a practical handle that is easy to grip.
Two Speeds or One Speed?
If you plan on making a variety of types of pasta, you'll want a machine with two speeds. One speed will be best for rolling out pasta, while the other speed will be better suited for cutting and pressing particular shapes of pasta.
Can You Adjust the Rollers?
Cheap pasta machines don't allow you to adjust the rollers, meaning you'll be stuck with rolling pasta the same thickness every time. You want to get a machine that allows you to roll pasta out in many different thicknesses; the best machines offer up to 10 thickness levels. Check the roller adjustments to make sure they are easy to manipulate and control.
Is the Mixing Bowl Adequate?
Again, how much pasta you will want to make at a time is the deciding factor here. If you want to make large batches of pasta, you need to choose a machine with a large mixing bowl and sturdy beaters. Grab a hold of the mixer and give it a tug to see if it feels sturdy enough.
Does it Come with a Hand Crank?
Some electric pasta makers come with a hand crank as an accessory. This comes in handy if you love that hands-on feel, or if you're making thin or delicate pasta.
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