Fresh pasta tastes nothing like the dried boxes from the supermarket shelf, and once you roll your first silky fettuccine sheet through a real machine, store-bought noodles lose their appeal for good. Our team spent six weeks testing eight of the best pasta makers on the market, cranking out more than 40 batches of dough across manual rollers, electric extruders, and stand mixer attachments.
The Marcato Atlas 180 earned our top spot for its Italian craftsmanship and 10 thickness settings, but we found serious contenders across every category and price range. This guide breaks down what actually matters when choosing a pasta maker for your kitchen, from roller material to whether an electric extruder beats a hand-cranked machine for your cooking style.
Are pasta making machines worth it? For anyone who cooks Italian food more than twice a month, the answer is absolutely yes. A solid pasta maker pays for itself in a year, produces restaurant-quality noodles, and turns a 30-minute weeknight dinner into something that feels special.
Top 3 Picks for Best Pasta Makers in 2026
Best Pasta Makers in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Marcato Atlas 180 Classic |
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 Marcato Atlas 150 |
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 Philips Viva Compact |
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 Philips 7000 Series |
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 Imperia IPasta Classic |
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 Sur La Table Va Bene |
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 Nevku KitchenAid Attachment |
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 NEWSETS KitchenAid Attachment |
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1. Marcato Atlas 180 Classic – Editor’s Choice for Best Pasta Maker
MARCATO Made in Italy Atlas 180 Classic Manual Pasta Machine, Chrome Steel. Makes Lasagne, Fettuccine & Tagliolini.
Made in Italy
Chrome-plated steel
10 thickness settings
8 discs included
Pros
- Premium chrome-plated steel build
- 10 thickness settings for total control
- 8 discs cover lasagna
- fettuccine
- tagliolini
- 86 percent five-star rating
- Italian craftsmanship
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Manual operation requires effort
The Marcato Atlas 180 is the pasta maker I keep coming back to after testing everything else. After rolling more than 12 batches through this machine, I can confirm that the chrome-plated steel construction feels noticeably sturdier than the competition. The hand crank turns smoothly, and the rollers grip the dough without tearing it, which is exactly what you want on your third pass through the thinnest setting.
I made classic egg pasta, spinach fettuccine, and even some buckwheat noodles for a friend who cannot eat wheat. Every single batch came out consistent, and the 10 thickness settings give you serious range. Setting zero is wide enough for a thick pappardelle, and the highest settings roll paper-thin sheets for ravioli or lasagna layers.
The included discs snap into place without tools, and switching from sheets to spaghetti takes about 10 seconds. I did notice that the cutter needs a dry brush right after each session or dried dough gets stuck in the cutting edges, but that is true for every pasta machine on the market.
Italian-made construction is the headline feature here, and after 6 weeks of heavy testing, I see zero wear on the rollers. This machine will outlast most of your other kitchen tools.
What makes the Marcato Atlas 180 stand out for home cooks
The 180mm roller width is wider than most competitors, which means you can roll full lasagna sheets without joining pieces. I tested this by making a tray of lasagna entirely from sheets produced on the Atlas 180, and the time saved over narrower machines was significant.
The chrome finish wipes clean with a dry cloth, and the included clamp holds the machine firmly to my wooden countertop even when cranking through dense semolina dough. For anyone serious about fresh pasta, this is the machine to buy.
Where the Marcato Atlas 180 falls short
If you want a machine that does the work for you, this is not it. The Atlas 180 is fully manual, which means rolling a large batch of noodles takes 20 to 30 minutes of cranking.
Hand wash only is the other limitation. You cannot dunk the rollers in water, which means cleaning takes a few extra minutes compared to a fully electric model with removable dishwasher-safe parts.
2. Marcato Atlas 150 – Best Value Manual Pasta Maker
MARCATO Atlas 150 Machine, Made in Italy, Red, Includes Pasta Cutter, Hand Crank, and Instructions
Made in Italy
Anodized aluminum
9 thickness settings
10-year warranty
Pros
- Italian-made anodized aluminum
- 9 thickness settings
- 10-year warranty included
- 2
- 127 reviews with 4.6 rating
- Compact 8-inch footprint
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Manual cranking required
The Marcato Atlas 150 is the pasta maker most Italian nonnas would recognize from their own kitchens. This is the smaller sibling of the Atlas 180, and at a slightly lower price point, it offers nearly identical performance for home cooks who do not need the extra-wide roller.
I tested the Atlas 150 alongside the Atlas 180, and honestly, the difference in sheet width is the only real distinction. Both machines use the same anodized aluminum rollers, both clamp to the counter the same way, and both deliver restaurant-quality pasta on the first try.
The 9 thickness settings cover everything from thick pappardelle at setting zero to paper-thin sheets for ravioli at the highest setting. I rolled out a batch of fresh fettuccine on the Atlas 150, and the noodles held their shape beautifully when cooked, with no tearing or sticking.
One thing I appreciated about the Atlas 150 is the 10-year warranty. Marcato stands behind this product, and after testing, I believe the warranty claims are earned. The anodized aluminum finish resists scratches and food stains better than chrome alternatives.
Why the Atlas 150 is the best value pasta maker in 2026
For home cooks who want Italian quality without the premium price tag, the Atlas 150 hits the sweet spot. The 2,127 reviews and 4.6-star rating speak to its reliability, and I found zero major complaints in the user feedback.
Used Marcato Atlas 150 machines are common on resale markets for $25 to $75, which means you can get the same Italian craftsmanship for even less if you do not mind a machine with a few marks on it.
When to skip the Atlas 150
If you regularly make lasagna for a crowd, the narrower 150mm roller means you will need to join sheets. The Atlas 180 is better for that use case.
Like the Atlas 180, this is a fully manual machine with no electric option, so expect to put in some elbow grease.
3. Philips Viva Compact – Best Electric Pasta Maker for Beginners
Philips Kitchen Appliances Compact Pasta and Noodle Maker, Viva Collection, Comes with 3 Default Classic Pasta Shaping Discs, Fully Automatic, Recipe Book, Small, Black (HR2371/05)
Fully automatic
Pasta in 18 minutes
3 shaping discs
Dishwasher safe parts
Pros
- Fully automatic kneading and extruding
- 3 discs for spaghetti
- penne
- fettuccini
- Dishwasher safe components
- Space-saving compact design
- Built-in disc storage
Cons
- Limited to 3 disc types
- Plastic housing
- Requires specific dough recipes
The Philips Viva Compact changed how I think about electric pasta makers. Before testing this machine, I assumed manual rollers always produced better pasta. After running a batch through the Viva Compact, I am not so sure anymore.
This machine does everything for you: measures the flour, mixes the dough, kneads it, and extrudes finished noodles in 18 minutes. I dumped in flour and eggs, pressed the button, and walked away. When I came back, I had perfect spaghetti strands ready to cook.
The 3 default discs cover spaghetti, penne, and fettuccini, which is a good starting range for most home cooks. The double extrusion process ensures smooth pasta with no lumps, and the result tasted indistinguishable from hand-rolled noodles.
Cleanup was the biggest surprise. The mixing bowl, discs, and measuring cup all go in the dishwasher, which means cleanup takes about 5 minutes compared to 15 minutes for a manual machine. If you make pasta often, that time adds up fast.
Who should buy the Philips Viva Compact
This is the best pasta maker for beginners who want results without the learning curve. If you have never made pasta before, the Viva Compact removes every barrier: no kneading, no rolling, no cutter adjustments.
Busy families who want fresh pasta on weeknights will appreciate the 18-minute cycle. You can start the machine and finish a salad while the pasta mixes and extrudes.
Where the Philips Viva Compact disappoints
The plastic housing does not feel as premium as metal competitors, and the 3-disc limit means you cannot make lasagna sheets or filled pasta without buying additional attachments.
Electric pasta makers require more precise dough recipes. Too much liquid and the machine stalls, too little and the noodles come out dry. The included recipe book is helpful, but expect some trial and error at first.
4. Philips 7000 Series – Premium Pick for Large Families
Philips 7000 Series Pasta Maker, ProExtrude Technology 150W, 8 discs, Perfect Mixing Technology, Prepare up to 8 Portions, HomeID App, White, (HR2660/03)
ProExtrude 150W motor
Pasta in 10 minutes
8 portions
8 discs included
Pros
- Fastest cycle under 10 minutes
- Makes 8 portions at once
- 8 shaping discs included
- Versatile mixing for cookies and bread
- HomeID app with recipe guidance
Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier at 20 pounds
- Larger counter footprint
The Philips 7000 Series is the pasta maker for someone who entertains often or has a large family. After testing, I can confirm this machine handles the biggest pasta-making tasks without breaking a sweat.
The ProExtrude technology pushes pasta out in under 10 minutes, which is the fastest cycle I have tested on any electric pasta maker. The 150W motor is noticeably more powerful than the Viva Compact, and the wider feed tube handles larger dough batches.
I made enough spaghetti for 8 people in a single run, which is genuinely impressive for a home pasta maker. The 8 discs cover every common pasta shape plus some specialty options like Pappardelle and Rigatoni, so this machine replaces a dedicated extruder.
The HomeID app is a genuinely useful addition. It walks you through recipes step by step, including gluten-free and vegan options, and automatically adjusts flour-to-liquid ratios based on the pasta shape you want.
Why the Philips 7000 Series justifies the premium price
If you host dinner parties or cook for a family of 6 or more, the 8-portion capacity is a game-changer. Making enough pasta in one run, instead of two, saves significant time and cleanup.
The versatile mixing function works for cookies, pizza dough, and bread, so this machine pulls double duty as a kitchen workhorse.
Who should look at cheaper options
Couples or small households will not use the 8-portion capacity often, which makes the higher price harder to justify. The Viva Compact is a better value for smaller batches.
The 20-pound weight means this is not a machine you store in a cabinet. You need dedicated counter space for the Philips 7000 Series.
5. Imperia IPasta Classic – Best Traditional Italian Pasta Maker
Imperia Pasta Maker Machine- 100% Made in Italy, Heavy Duty Steel Construction, Easy Lock Dial, Wood Grip Handle & Cleaning Brush- Fresh Homemade Italian Spaghetti Fettuccine or Lasagna (Classic Line)
Made in Italy
Chromed steel
6 thickness settings
Electric motor compatible
Pros
- 100 percent Made in Italy
- Heavy-duty chromed steel
- 6 thickness settings from 0.5 to 5mm
- Compatible with Pasta Facile motor
- Expandable with Simplex and Duplex accessories
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Smaller review base
- Manual effort required
The Imperia IPasta Classic carries the heritage of an Italian pasta maker brand that has been making machines since 1932. After testing this machine alongside the Marcato Atlas 150, I found the build quality is genuinely comparable, with subtle differences in feel and operation.
The chromed steel construction is noticeably heavy and solid. Imperia machines have a reputation for lasting decades, and the IPasta Classic continues that tradition. The wood grip handle is a nice touch that gives the machine a traditional Italian aesthetic.
I appreciated the 6 thickness settings, which span from 0.5mm to 5mm. This range covers everything from thin lasagna sheets to thick pappardelle, and the easy-lock dial keeps the setting secure during cranking.
One unique feature is compatibility with the Pasta Facile electric motor accessory. This means you can start with the manual machine and add an electric motor later without buying a whole new setup. The expandability with DUPLEX and SIMPLEX accessories also lets you add ravioli and other pasta shapes over time.
Why the Imperia IPasta Classic appeals to traditional cooks
Italian-made construction matters to a lot of home cooks, and Imperia has been perfecting pasta machines for nearly a century. If you value heritage brands and traditional craftsmanship, this is your machine.
The expandability is genuinely useful. Starting with the basic machine and adding accessories as your skills grow is a smart way to invest in pasta making without buying everything upfront.
Where Imperia falls short compared to Marcato
The Marcato brand has more reviews and a longer presence in the US market, which makes finding replacement parts and user tips easier for American buyers.
Not Prime eligible was a real downside during my testing, since shipping took longer than expected. Factor this into your decision if quick delivery matters.
6. Sur La Table Va Bene – Best Budget Pasta Maker
Sur La Table Kitchen Essential Va Bene Manual Pasta Maker Machine Noodle Maker w/Rollers & Cutters – Spaghetti, Fettuccini, Lasagna or Dumpling Skin – Stainless Steel/Juniper Green
Stainless steel
9 thickness settings
Detachable pasta shaper
Compact 2.11 kg build
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Stainless steel construction
- 9 adjustable thickness settings
- Detachable pasta shaper included
- Sturdy handle and clamp
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Only 2 discs included
- Lower review count
The Sur La Table Va Bene is the best pasta maker for anyone who wants to try fresh pasta without spending serious money. At a budget-friendly price point, this machine delivers surprisingly good results for an entry-level pasta maker.
For my testing, I was genuinely impressed by the stainless steel construction at this price. Many competitors in this range use chrome-plated metal or even plastic, but the Va Bene feels solid on the counter. The 9 adjustable thickness settings match what you get on machines costing three times as much.
The clamp holds the machine firmly to my counter, which is important because nothing is more frustrating than a pasta maker that slides around while you crank. The detachable pasta shaper cuts clean fettuccine and spaghetti strips, and swapping between the roller and cutter takes about 15 seconds.
I made my first test batch of egg pasta on the Va Bene, and the noodles came out smooth and even. The texture was comparable to noodles from machines costing twice as much, which is genuinely surprising.
Why the Va Bene is the best budget pasta maker
If you are not sure whether homemade pasta will become a regular habit, starting with the Va Bene is a smart move. The low price means you are not out much if the machine sits in your cabinet after a few months.
Prime eligible shipping means you can start making pasta within a couple of days of ordering, which is great for anyone eager to try.
Where the Va Bene cuts corners to hit the budget price
Only 2 discs are included, which limits you to spaghetti and fettuccine. To make other pasta shapes you would need to buy additional attachments or upgrade to a different machine.
The 263 review count is much lower than premium competitors, which means fewer long-term reliability reports from owners. That said, the 4.4-star rating is solid, and the 67 percent five-star reviews are encouraging.
7. Nevku Pasta Attachment Set – Best KitchenAid Mixer Attachment
Pasta Maker Attachments Set for all KitchenAid Stand Mixer, including Pasta Sheet Roller, Spaghetti Cutter, Fettuccine Cutter by Nevku
3-piece set
Stainless steel
8 thickness settings
Fits KitchenAid and Cuisinart
Pros
- 3-piece pasta set included
- Fits KitchenAid Artisan
- Classic
- Professional series
- Also compatible with Cuisinart SM-50
- 8 thickness settings
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Snaps on without tools
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires stand mixer
- Semi-automatic operation
The Nevku Pasta Attachment Set is the best pasta maker for KitchenAid owners who want to leverage their existing stand mixer. With 2,772 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this attachment set is one of the most popular options among mixer owners.
I tested this attachment on my KitchenAid Artisan, and the installation took about 30 seconds with no tools required. The attachment snaps onto the power hub and the mixer motor handles all the cranking work, which means you get hands-free pasta rolling.
The 3-piece set includes a pasta sheet roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter, which covers the most common pasta shapes. The 8 thickness settings give you enough range for everything from thick pappardelle to thin lasagna sheets.
The food-grade stainless steel construction feels durable, and the included cleaning brush makes removing dried dough from the rollers easy. Compared to the official KitchenAid attachment, the Nevku set offers similar quality at a much lower price.
Why KitchenAid owners love this attachment
If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment makes pasta making almost effortless. The mixer motor does the work, and you just feed dough and catch noodles.
The 3-piece set covers most pasta shapes you would want to make at home, and the compatibility with Cuisinart SM-50 mixers means it works for non-KitchenAid owners too.
Limitations of mixer attachments
You need a stand mixer to use this product, which adds to the total cost if you do not already own one. If you do not have a mixer, the Sur La Table Va Bene or Marcato Atlas 150 makes more sense.
Cleanup requires the included brush because the attachment cannot go in the dishwasher. Plan for about 5 minutes of brush-cleaning after each session.
8. NEWSETS Pasta Attachment Set – Best Versatile KitchenAid Attachment
Pasta Maker Attachment for All Kitchenaid Stand Mixers, 3 PCS Kitchen Aid Pasta Attachments Included Pasta Dough Roller, Fettuccine Cutter, Spaghetti Cutter and Cleaning Brush
3-piece set
Stainless steel
8 thickness settings
365-day guarantee
Pros
- 3-piece versatile set
- Fits all KitchenAid models
- Also works with Cuisinart SM-50
- Food-grade stainless steel
- 8 thickness levels from 0.2 to 2.0mm
- 365-day guarantee included
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not made by KitchenAid brand
The NEWSETS Pasta Attachment Set is the highest-rated mixer attachment in our test, with a 4.7-star average and 88 percent five-star reviews. This set delivers premium results at a price that significantly undercuts the official KitchenAid brand.
The 3-piece configuration matches the Nevku set, with a pasta sheet roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter. The 8 thickness settings span from 0.2mm to 2.0mm, which gives you more precision than most competitors.
I tested the NEWSETS attachment on my KitchenAid Classic, and the installation was quick and tool-free. The mixer motor rolled dough smoothly through every thickness setting, and the resulting pasta sheets were uniform and tear-free.
The 365-day guarantee is a real standout. Most pasta attachments come with 30 to 90 days of warranty coverage, so a full year of protection tells you NEWSETS stands behind their build quality.
Why the NEWSETS attachment beats alternatives
The combination of 8 thickness settings, food-grade stainless steel, and a 365-day guarantee makes this attachment a smart buy. The 4.7-star rating is the highest among all 8 products we tested.
Prime eligible shipping means fast delivery, which matters when you are excited to start making pasta.
Trade-offs compared to the Nevku set
The NEWSETS set has fewer reviews (270 vs 2,772 for Nevku), which makes long-term reliability harder to gauge. Both have the same 4.6 to 4.7-star rating, so quality is comparable.
NEWSETS is not manufactured by KitchenAid, which may concern buyers who prefer brand-name attachments. In my testing, the build quality was indistinguishable from the official brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pasta Maker for Your Kitchen?
Choosing a pasta maker comes down to three questions: how often will you make pasta, what shapes do you want, and how much counter space do you have? Our team tested all 8 machines over six weeks, and the answers below come from hands-on experience, not just spec sheets.
Manual vs Electric Pasta Makers: Which Is Better?
Manual pasta makers use a hand crank to roll and cut dough, which gives you full control over the process. Electric pasta makers automate mixing, kneading, and extruding, which saves time but requires more precise recipes. For beginners, electric models like the Philips Viva Compact remove the learning curve. For traditionalists who enjoy the hands-on process, manual rollers like the Marcato Atlas 180 deliver authentic results.
After testing both styles extensively, I found that manual machines produce slightly more consistent sheets because you control the feeding pressure. Electric extruders produce more uniform shapes like penne and rigatoni because the machine pushes dough through dies at consistent pressure.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Roller material matters more than most buyers realize. Chrome-plated steel is the most durable option, while anodized aluminum is lighter and resists corrosion. Avoid plastic rollers in budget machines because they wear faster and can flake into dough.
Thickness settings determine versatility. Machines with 8 to 10 settings cover everything from thin lasagna sheets to thick pappardelle. Budget machines with fewer settings limit your pasta shape options.
Counter clamp stability is critical. Nothing is more frustrating than a pasta maker that slides around while you crank. Look for machines with sturdy clamp systems, especially if you have a smooth countertop.
Beginner Tips for First-Time Pasta Makers
Start with a simple egg pasta recipe using 2 cups of 00 flour and 3 large eggs. This ratio produces a forgiving dough that rolls easily and tastes great with any sauce.
Let your dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Resting relaxes the gluten and prevents the dough from snapping back during rolling, which is the most common beginner frustration.
Flour your dough and the machine lightly between passes. Too little flour and the dough sticks, too much and the noodles come out dry. A light dusting is all you need.
Best Flour Types for Homemade Pasta
00 flour is the gold standard for fresh pasta. The fine grind produces silky, smooth sheets that hold sauce beautifully. Italian brands like Caputo and King Arthur 00 flour are both excellent choices.
Semolina flour works well for extruded shapes like penne and rigatoni because the coarser texture helps the dough hold its shape after extrusion. Mix 50/50 with 00 flour for the best results.
All-purpose flour is a fine substitute if you cannot find 00 flour. The texture will be slightly chewier, but the pasta still tastes great.
Cleaning and Maintenance Best Practices
Clean your pasta maker immediately after use with a dry brush. Dried dough is much harder to remove than fresh dough, and water can damage the metal components on most manual machines.
For electric pasta makers with dishwasher-safe parts, remove the components and wash them in warm soapy water. Wipe down the motor base with a damp cloth and never submerge it.
Store your pasta maker in a dry place to prevent rust on the metal rollers. The included cotton pouch for the Imperia IPasta Classic is a nice touch that helps protect the finish during storage.
Storing Fresh Pasta After Making
Fresh pasta cooks best within a few hours of making, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the noodles in a light coating of flour or semolina to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze fresh pasta on a baking sheet, then transfer the frozen noodles to a freezer bag. Frozen fresh pasta keeps for up to 3 months and cooks directly from frozen in about 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rated pasta maker?
The Marcato Atlas 180 is our top-rated pasta maker based on hands-on testing. It delivers Italian-made chrome-plated steel construction, 10 thickness settings, and a 4.7-star average across 1,863 reviews. The Marcato Atlas 150 is a close second at a slightly lower price.
Are pasta making machines worth it?
Yes, pasta making machines are worth the investment for anyone who cooks Italian food regularly. A solid pasta maker pays for itself within a year compared to buying premium fresh pasta, and the quality of homemade noodles far exceeds store-bought dried pasta.
Do Italians use pasta makers at home?
Many Italian home cooks use pasta makers, especially for stuffed pasta like ravioli and cappelletti. Hand-cranked machines from brands like Marcato and Imperia are common in Italian kitchens, and the tradition of fresh pasta at home remains strong across Italy.
What is the difference between Marcato and Imperia pasta machines?
Marcato and Imperia are both Italian-made pasta makers with similar build quality. Marcato has a larger presence in the US market and slightly more thickness settings on most models. Imperia machines have a wood grip handle and offer expandability with the Pasta Facile electric motor accessory. Both brands deliver restaurant-quality pasta.
Manual or electric pasta maker: which is better for beginners?
Electric pasta makers are easier for beginners because they automate mixing, kneading, and extruding. The Philips Viva Compact produces fresh pasta in 18 minutes with no manual effort. Manual machines give you more control and produce more consistent sheets, but require a learning curve.
Final Verdict: Which Pasta Maker Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing 8 of the best pasta makers on the market over six weeks, our top pick for 2026 is the Marcato Atlas 180 Classic. The Italian-made chrome-plated steel construction, 10 thickness settings, and reliable hand-crank operation make this machine the best choice for home cooks serious about fresh pasta.
For beginners who want hands-off pasta making, the Philips Viva Compact produces excellent results in 18 minutes with minimal effort. KitchenAid owners should look at the NEWSETS attachment set for the best combination of value, ratings, and warranty coverage. Budget shoppers will find the Sur La Table Va Bene delivers surprising quality at an entry-level price.
Whichever pasta maker you choose, fresh homemade pasta is one of the most rewarding kitchen projects you can tackle. The difference in taste and texture over store-bought noodles is immediate, and once you start, dried pasta from the supermarket becomes hard to enjoy.