Pasta machines are important tools in any professional kitchen. A pasta machine or pasta maker is used to roll pasta dough into very thin sheets, which are then cut into the desired style and size. Pasta is a staple dish all over the world, and being able to make it fresh in your kitchen is something that will keep guests coming back to your restaurant or home.

 Not all pasta machines are the same, however, and you should be aware of the different types, features, and distinctions when choosing the one that’s best for you. First, consider whether you need a manual or electric pasta machine.

Manual vs. Electric Pasta Machines

For centuries pasta was made by hand, and while traditions often endure in the culinary world, the arrival of the pasta machine made preparing this favorite meal much faster and less labor-intensive.

The manual pasta maker is the simpler of the two machines, and more likely to be found in a home kitchen. The chef runs the dough through the device by turning a crank on the side. The dough slides through the rollers and emerges at the desired thickness, which can be adjusted on the machine with a knob. Next, the sheets are run through a cutter to separate them into individual strands. The pasta machine makes it easy to create uniform sheets of pasta dough and noodles of various thicknesses, so you can create anything from angel hair to spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccine, and more.

An electric pasta maker performs the same basic tasks, but the machine does most of the work for you. Electric pasta makers generally fall into two categories: rollers and extruders. The electric roller automatically rolls the dough into the desired thickness, leaving you to cut the sheets into the intended length as they are processed. With an extruder, the pasta ingredients are loaded into the machine, which then combines them and pushes the dough through a die to create the pieces of pasta. There is a large selection of dies you can use to make different varieties of pasta.

The electric machine certainly streamlines the pasta making process. It also removes much of the guesswork and potential for human error, so the chef can rest assured that every batch of pasta will be uniform in length, thickness, and consistency. Of course, electric pasta makers tend to be more expensive than manual ones. While it’s a more than worthwhile investment for a professional kitchen, a manual machine will likely be sufficient for a home chef unless their family and friends are particularly avid pasta eaters.

How to Use a Pasta Machine

Since the process of using a manual pasta maker is a bit more involved on the part of the chef, here’s a basic step-by-step guide so you can gain a better understanding and appreciation for how the machine works. We always recommend referring to the instructions and guidelines that came with your own pasta maker for the best performance and results.

1. Make a batch of dough immediately before using the pasta machine for maximum freshness. Divide the dough into approximately handful-sized pieces and work with one piece at a time.
2. Flatten the piece of dough into a rectangle about as wide as the pasta machine’s opening. Be careful not to flatten the dough too much.
3. Dust your dough with flour to make it less sticky and easier to handle. The dough should be dusted each time through the machine.
4. Securely attach your pasta machine to a flat surface. Make sure you have enough room to turn the crank comfortably.
5. Set the machine to the desired setting. Setting #1 is typically the widest.
6. Slowly feed the piece of dough through the roller while turning the crank. Crank at an even pace to ensure the dough is spread evenly.
7. Don’t allow the dough to fall directly onto the table after coming out the other side of the machine, as this will cause it to lose its shape. If possible, it would be helpful to have someone available to assist you with this.
8. Fold the sheet of dough into thirds to make a smaller rectangle. Lightly flour the dough again and continue to run it through the machine about five more times, making sure to fold it into thirds and dust it with flour each time.
9. As you roll the dough through the machine, you can make the sheet thinner by adjusting the setting.
10. Place the desired pasta making attachment to the machine. There are various attachments you can use to create different types of pasta.
11. Feed the dough through the machine with the attachment, making sure to catch the finished pasta as it emerges from the opposite end.
12. Repeat the above steps for the other pieces of dough you prepared at the beginning, or until you make the desired amount of pasta.

Pasta machines are easy to use and, most importantly, fun! You can use them to create all your favorite types of pasta, including spaghetti, angel hair, lasagna, fusilli, cavatappi, penne, farfalle, orzo, and much more. You can even make pastas like ravioli and tortellini by placing the filling between two sheets of dough and cutting them into pieces.

We offer a great selection of professional-quality manual and electric pasta machines at JB Prince. They’re available from many of the industry’s best brands, such as Imperia, Arcobaleno, Monferrina, La Gondola, and Fantes. Find the one that’s right for you and start making magic (and fresh pasta) in your kitchen.