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Pasta maker Finder: Take the effort out of DIY pasta making

We’ll help you compare key product specs to choose the best pasta maker for your needs.

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Best Pasta Makers

Best Rated Pasta Makers Brand: Baccarat

If you're looking to make your own ravioli, look no further than Baccarat. Crowned the best pasta maker brand, Baccarat had the highest overall rating and top scores for ease-of-use and variety.

Key facts about pasta makers

  • A pasta maker makes eating high-quality pasta even easier.
  • The most important factors to consider when choosing a pasta maker are whether you want a manual or an automatic model, and what types of pasta you'll be able to make.
  • Prices range from less than $50 for entry-level manual machines up to $300-$500 for high-end automatic pasta makers.

What's in this guide?

  1. What should I know about pasta makers?
  2. What types are available?
  3. How to compare pasta makers
  4. 3 things to consider
  5. Best rated pasta maker brand award breakdown

What should I know about pasta makers?

If you want to create restaurant-quality pasta at home, a pasta maker makes the job easier. Ask any homemade pasta aficionado and they'll tell you that store-bought products simply can't compete with the taste of your very own pasta recipe, while there's undoubtedly something satisfying about cooking from scratch.

Pasta makers are designed to take some of the hard work out of the pasta-making process. They make it quicker and easier to roll your dough to the perfect thickness. You can then use your flattened dough in a lasagne, shape it into ravioli, or use the pasta maker's attachment to cut it into a wide range of noodle varieties and rounded pastas.

And because the machine takes the guesswork out of it, you'll end up with identical individual pieces to ensure consistent cooking.

What types are available?

You have two options to choose from when shopping for a pasta maker:

  • Manual pasta makers. These traditional models are what most of us picture when we think of a pasta maker. They feature a crank which you turn to feed the dough through the machine's rollers and are great for making lasagne and long pasta noodles. They're generally reliable and easy to use, plus they're more affordable than electric pasta makers. However, you'll have to do more work with a manual pasta maker than if you have an automatic machine.
  • Automatic pasta makers. As the name suggests, automatic pasta makers come with an electric motor, removing the need for you to turn the crank by hand. There are also high-end models available that can take care of mixing and kneading the dough for you, making the cooking process even simpler. However, electric pasta makers are more expensive than manual models and will also take up more space in your kitchen. And because they're more complicated than manual machines, there's more that can potentially go wrong.

How to compare pasta makers

You'll need to shop around and compare a range of options before deciding on the best pasta maker for you. Here are the key factors you'll need to consider before you buy.

Attachments and accessories

One of your key considerations will be determining what types of pasta you can make with a particular machine. Check the specs sheet to find out what's included as standard – are there any other accessories sold separately that can help you expand your pasta-making repertoire?

Favourites like spaghetti and fettuccine are standard inclusions, while some models can also help you make penne, tagliolini, linguine, ravioli and more.

Ease of use

Read the product description and check customer reviews to find out how easy the pasta maker will be to use straight out of the box. If it's a manual machine, how can you secure it to the benchtop? Is the machine sturdy and secure when being used? Are any controls, buttons and knobs easy to reach and understand?

It's also worth noting that some manual models can be difficult to operate on your own, which obviously won't be convenient for many home cooks.

Ease of cleaning

Research what you'll need to do to clean the pasta maker after use. Some models offer dishwasher-safe parts that help make them easier to clean. Manual models commonly come with special cleaning brushes, while it's also a good idea to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to keep your machine clean and hygienic.

Thickness settings

Check how many different thicknesses the pasta maker can roll your dough to – some models offer 10 or more settings. Check the size of those thickness levels in millimetres to make sure they're suitable for the types of pasta you plan to make.

Price

As you'd expect, manual models are cheaper than automatic options, with many hand-operated pasta makers sold in the $50-$250 range (but sometimes with higher RRPs). If you opt for an automatic model, you can generally expect to pay somewhere between $250 and $500.

Size

Next, think about the dimensions of a pasta maker and where it will be stored. Will you have enough space on your benchtop or in your kitchen cupboards when the machine is not in use?

Warranty

Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty that comes with a pasta maker and what it covers.

Appearance

If your pasta maker will be sitting on your benchtop, you may want to look for a model that will match your other kitchen appliances and decor.

3 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider before you buy a pasta maker:

  1. Is it a must-have? Making your own pasta takes time, while you'll also have the added hassle of keeping your pasta maker clean. You'll need to ask yourself whether the extra effort required is worth it when it's easy and affordable to buy cheap pasta from your local supermarket. You may decide you're better off saving money and space in your kitchen.
  2. Could you use your stand mixer instead? Some stand mixers feature an attachment for rolling and cutting pasta. This means you can still produce the pasta you want at home, while at the same time taking advantage of the many benefits a mixer offers. Check out our kitchen mixer buying guide for more information.
  3. Can't decide between manual and automatic? If you think you want a manual machine but you're tempted by the convenience of an automatic model, some manufacturers offer manual pasta makers that allow you to add a motor (sold separately) at a later date. That way you've got the freedom to switch to electric assistance in the future if that better suits your cooking needs.

If you've decided that a pasta maker is a must-have appliance for your kitchen, here's where you can buy pasta makers online.

Best rated pasta maker brand award breakdown

Total Score Value for Money Overall rating Cleaning & maintenance Ease of use Variety
Philips 8 4.4 4.34 4.2 4.34 4.32
Baccarat 8 4.2 4.42 4.24 4.36 4.36
Other 7.87 4.2 4.2 4.4 4.2 4.2
Kenwood 7.79 4.26 4.24 4.1 4.04 4.22
Avanti 7.66 4.25 4.05 4.16 4.27 4.25
Hurom 7.55 4.14 4.19 4.24 4.1 3.9
Davis & Waddell 7.51 4.09 4.03 3.91 4.19 4.31
Marcato 7.45 4 4.16 3.94 4.03 4.03
Masterpro 7.16 4.14 3.89 4.09 3.69 4
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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