Decision: What types of pasta machines are there and which is the right one for you?

There are four main types of pasta machines:

• Manual roller pasta machine with hand crank
• Automatic roll pasta machine
• Pasta machine
• Professional pasta machine for commercial use

The manual and the automatic roll-pasta machine work with the help of a roller that rolls out the pasta dough to a uniform surface. The pasta machine and the commercial machines, on the other hand, function in a similar way to a meat grinder – they press the pasta dough into the right shape using attachments.

Each of the pasta machines has its individual advantages and disadvantages. Depending on how often and in what quantities and variations you want to make pasta with your pasta machine, another type will be ideal for you.

The machines differ mainly in how they are used and how much they automatically do for you. Below we will introduce the different models of pasta machines and discuss their advantages and disadvantages to make your decision easier.

How does a manual roll pasta machine work and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

The manual pasta machine is characterized by its easy handling. Both operation and cleaning are the easiest here. In addition, the manual pasta machine gives you the opportunity to make your pasta just as thick and in the shape you want it to be.

The finished kneaded pasta dough is pressed through a roller in this pasta machine and thus gets a uniform thickness. The roller is driven by a hand crank . When the ideal thickness is reached, you can use various attachments to press different pasta out of the machine.

Making large quantities of pasta with a manual pasta machine can be both time consuming and labor intensive. While semi or fully automatic machines roll or even knead the dough, this model requires the hand crank to be operated all the time.

However, if you do not want to make your own pasta so often and in smaller quantities, the manual pasta machine is definitely suitable for you. It is inexpensive and uncomplicated and simple, both during operation and during cleaning .

Most manual pasta machines allow you to make lasagna sheets, spaghetti, fettucine, tagliatelle, and ravioli. Depending on the model, however, there are different attachments, some of which you can also buy extra according to your taste.

How is pasta made with an automatic roll pasta machine and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of production?

The automatic pasta machine works in principle just like the manual version with a roller that presses the dough into the correct shape. In this case, the roller is operated by a small motor, which can save you a lot of time and effort, especially with larger amounts of dough.

Since it is somewhat more expensive than the manual version, the automatic pasta machine is particularly recommended if you want to make fresh pasta more frequently and in larger quantities.

Except for mixing and kneading the pasta dough, this pasta machine hardly costs you any effort . The dough is automatically brought into the correct shape, but this gives you less control over the thickness of the pasta.

If you want to have the pasta a little different, most automatic pasta makers have the option of switching off the motor and using a crank instead. As far as the variations of pasta are concerned, there is no difference between manual and automatic pasta machines with rollers.

There are different attachments for both and most automatic pasta machines can also produce at least lasagna sheets, spaghetti, fettucine, tagliatelle and ravioli.

How is pasta made in a pasta machine and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of pasta machine?

A pasta machine is especially recommended if you want to produce more unusual pasta in large quantities. This completely automatic pasta machine works much like a meat grinder – it presses the pasta dough into the correct pasta shape using attachments.

A big advantage of most pasta machines is that the dough is kneaded by the machine. So all you have to do is add the ingredients and you will automatically get fresh pasta. There are also models with a built-in drying fan so that you can dry the noodles and make them durable.

The pasta machine is very easy to use, but cleaning is somewhat more complex. The machine must be disassembled into several parts, which you then have to clean individually. Cleaning can take more of your time than making the pasta itself.

Depending on the attachment, you can use the pasta maker to make almost any type of pasta – except for lasagna sheets and other larger pasta. However, you also have the option of using the machine only to knead the dough – then you can roll it out manually and cut flat pasta from it!

Using the meat grinder method, this pasta maker also produces round pasta such as penne or macaroni, which you can hardly make manually.

How does a professional commercial pasta machine work and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Professional pasta machines are mainly used commercially in pizzerias and bakeries. You can process between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of dough at one time into different pasta variants. All you have to do here is fill the ingredients into the machine.

The professional pasta machine also works with the meat grinder principle, whereby the pasta dough is pressed into the correct pasta shape by attachments. It is essentially a larger version of the pasta machine.

With a net weight of at least 15 kilograms and the large dough container, the professional pasta machines are designed for commercial kitchens.

They are therefore hardly suitable for private use. The price of the professional fully automatic machine is definitely in the three-digit range, which also speaks for commercial use.

Similar to the other pasta machines, there are pasta shaping disks as accessories for the commercial variant, which serve as attachments to produce different pasta. Whether Fussilli, Pappardelle, Bucatini or Tagliolini – there is the right accessory for every imaginable pasta .

Purchase criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate pasta machines

Since pasta machines sometimes work in very different ways, you should carefully consider which device is right for you before buying. Depending on how often, with how much effort and how much pasta you want to make at home, you will make a different choice.

We want to give you guidance with the following criteria:

• How it works / types of pasta
• Height Weight
• Workload
• Production quantity
• cleaning
• Extensibility
• Manual or electric
• Material / design

In the following paragraphs you will find more detailed information on the individual purchase criteria, which can make your decision for the right pasta machine easier.

How it works / types of pasta

There are basically two different ways that pasta machines can work. Roll-pasta machines roll the dough thin enough and then press it into the desired pasta shape using attachments.

Fully automatic pasta machines, on the other hand, do not require rolling – they press the pasta dough directly into the pasta after the ingredients have been mixed.

Which of these methods is right for you depends primarily on which pasta you would like to make. Roll pasta machines can normally produce ribbon pasta, spaghetti and lasagna. There are also attachments for different variations of tagliolini and fettuccine.

A roll pasta machine basically makes your job easier, which you would otherwise do with a rolling pin. Depending on the model, operated by a hand crank or a motor, the dough is repeatedly pressed through a roller until it has reached the desired thickness.

Pasta machines can often not produce wide pasta, but round pasta that is hollow on the inside. This works by automatically pressing the dough through an attachment and cutting it every few centimeters. So if you prefer to make macaroni or penne, the pasta maker is the right choice for you.

Height Weight

Since you are interested in pasta machines, you will probably find some other devices in your kitchen cupboards. Fortunately, many pasta makers don’t take up as much space as you might fear.

Roll pasta machines are usually around 20 x 15 cm wide and 20 cm high. Depending on the material, they usually weigh between two and five kilograms. At around 20 x 30 x 30 cm, fully automatic pasta machines are a bit larger. Their weight varies greatly, from one to seven kilograms.

Most of the roller pasta machines have an attractive design. So if you have no more space in the closet, it is best to find a nice “prominent” place for your pasta maker in the kitchen.

Workload

You have the greatest amount of work with hand-operated roller-pasta machines. Pasta production is a little easier with the electric roller pasta machine. With the fully automatic pasta machine, you have – as the name suggests – hardly any work.

Before you can start using the rolled pasta machine, you must first  mix and knead the dough . In the manual version you have to turn the dough with the hand crank through the roller.

The electric pasta machine does the cranking for you, but you still have to put the pasta at the beginning of the roller.

The fully automatic pasta, on the other hand, does everything for you , there are even models that can clean themselves. Here you just fill in the ingredients for your dough and then automatically get your finished pasta.

If the decision is difficult for you, the best thing to do is ask yourself a question: Do you enjoy standing in the kitchen and doing something yourself or is it really just about the delicious home-made pasta?

Production quantity

Depending on how often and how much pasta you want to make, a different pasta machine is recommended. Basically: if you often want to make pasta, no matter whether a lot or a little, a pasta machine is recommended; if you want to make a lot of pasta at once, but not often, a roll pasta machine is sufficient.

The fully automatic pasta machine is recommended for frequent use, precisely because it is so easy to use. You fill in the ingredients and get your fresh pasta.

It doesn’t make much difference here how much pasta you want to make – whether just one serving for you or a little more in stock.

Since you have to make the dough manually on the roller-pasta machine, it makes sense to knead larger amounts of dough and press it through the roller.

This is a lot of time for you, regardless of whether you make a small or large amount of pasta. We therefore recommend the roll pasta machines for larger quantities, but not for frequent use.

Cleaning

Fortunately, cleaning roller pasta machines is very straightforward. All you need is a cloth or a household roll. It takes a little longer to clean the pasta machine, but you save time when making pasta.

With the roller pasta machine, it is advisable to wait a few hours after use. Then you only have to wipe the dried dough and flour residues off the rollers with a cloth. However, you should not use water and detergent, as this could cause the pasta machine to rust.

Pasta machines must be broken down into several small parts, which you can then clean individually. Sometimes you can even put these parts in the dishwasher, but in any case you can clean them with water, since they are usually made of plastic. By the way, there are also pasta machines that can even clean themselves.

Extensibility

Basically, each pasta machine can make at least three different types of pasta. For most models, you can buy additional attachments according to your own preferences.

Roll pasta machines primarily produce a thin sheet of dough with the desired thickness. When the correct thickness is reached, an accessory is screwed on, which cuts the dough into the desired shape.

Most models offer basic accessories for lasagna sheets, spaghetti and ribbon pasta. However, there are attachments for all pasta that can be made from a large dough plate.

Even with pasta machines, the dough is pressed through various attachments. The fully automatic pasta machine is particularly suitable for round pasta, here you can also buy many additional attachments.

The best thing to do before buying is to inform yourself not only about what the pasta machine with its basic equipment can do, but also take a look at the expansion options.

Manual or electric

While fully automatic pasta machines only work with electricity, there are two variants of rolled pasta machines. They can be operated either by a motor or by a hand crank.

For frequent use in large quantities, it can be convenient if your pasta machine runs automatically. This saves you time and energy . However, it is hardly worth buying an electrical machine if you only use it every few months.

The advantage of manual machines is the lower weight and the lower price. If you are not sure how often you actually want to use your pasta maker, you can stick to the manual version at the beginning.

Many hand-operated pasta machines can be retrofitted with a motor . The best thing to do before buying is to make sure that you can get an engine if necessary.

Material / design

Roll pasta machines are usually made of metal. As far as design is concerned, they have their own charm, reminiscent of the atmosphere of an old Italian pizzeria. Pasta machines are usually made of plastic and fit particularly well in modern kitchens.

Although most of the rolled pasta machines are very similar in their traditional design, you will notice significant differences in price. This is mainly due to the material.

There are variants made of stainless steel, chrome steel and aluminum . The steel models are usually more robust, so perfect for you if you want to use your pasta machine a lot. A cheaper aluminum pasta machine is usually sufficient for rare use.

By the way, most roller pasta machines have a metallic look . But they are also available in a matt design in various colors, from dark green and blue to pink.

Pasta machines are usually more modern devices made of plastic. With round shapes and mostly light, soft colors, they fit perfectly in light-filled  modern kitchens .

Facts worth knowing about pasta machines

How long does homemade pasta last?

Homemade pasta naturally tastes fresh best, and there is also the possibility of making it in advance or maybe even giving it away.

As long as they are well chilled, fresh pasta can be kept for three to four days without any problems. During this time, you can also freeze them to use them up in the next few weeks. For longer storage or as a gift, it is recommended to dry the pasta.

Depending on whether the dough contains eggs or not, the shelf life can change slightly. Because of the risk of salmonella, egg-containing pasta should be consumed or dried as quickly as possible.

For a longer shelf life, storage in the dark is also  helpful and avoiding too much salt for the dough, since salt attracts water and therefore mold. 

How do I dry fresh pasta?

Fully automatic pasta machines often have a built-in drying fan. But even without an integrated dryer, pasta can be easily dried, making it durable for up to a year. There are essentially three methods for this: in the air, in the oven or in a dehydrator.

Medium air drying takes about one to three days for the pasta to dry completely. Small pasta like penne can be spread out on a kitchen towel.

For elongated pasta, hanging storage is recommended. You can hang the pasta on a wooden pasta dryer or simply hang it on the clothes horse.

The drying time is halved in the oven or dehydrator. Since the noodles should be dried evenly, you should not use more than 40 degrees of heat. Although this method is faster, it is only recommended for smaller quantities of pasta.

Can I make fondant with a pasta machine?

Yes, with hand-operated and automatic pasta machines that work with a roller, even fondant for cakes can be produced. The sugar mass is simply pressed through the roller several times instead of the pasta dough.

With pasta machines, you can also give the fondant a pattern. To do this, you can simply run a lace ribbon through the pasta machine together with the fondant. The tip is imprinted on the fondant and there is a very special cake ornament.