Pasta machines

[cookbookie]

I am thinking about purchasing a pasta machine. I can't decide if I should buy a free standing one or the attacment for my KitchenAid mixer. Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions on which would do the best job. motor/ no motor?? I love fresh pasta and thought this would give me a better product than I can buy locally.

[Katie E]

We have an Atlas manual pasta machine and really like it. Have had it for years. It makes great pasta. I investigated getting one to fit my KitchenAid mixer because I'm having a little difficulty (arthritis in my cranking hand) turning the crank. However, it would be quite expensive considering all the different cutters I already have and would have to replace them all with KitchenAid ones. Instead, it will be way less expensive to purchase a motor to retrofit my Atlas, which is what I'm going to do.

[Essiebunny]

If you're just getting started making pasta, I would invest in the KA pasta roller and cutters. They work like a charm with little effort. The ravioli maker is a great attachment, as well, when you get some practice rolling out the sheets of pasta.
I use mine at least once a week for a recipe.

[Jeekinz]

I had the same debate when I was shopping. I decided on a manual pasta machine to eliminate the noise and hassle of setting up the KA mixer. Super easy to operate, and you really get a feel of the pasta working it.

[LadyCook61]

I have and old Ronco Pasta Machine.

[Dave Hutchins]

Unless you have a great deal of change in your pocket I would get a Atlas machine some where around 30-35$$$ KA is over $100.00 you choice. I like my hand cranked real well

[cookbookie]

Thank you all for the input. I hate making decisions!!!! life would be so much easier for me if there was only one choice for everything!

[suziquzie]

I've heard that the pasta mach attachment for the KA causes alot of mixer problems....
that's why I haven't got one yet.... still looking on the manual kind. Don't get much time to make pasta these days.

[Jeekinz]

Suzi, it's so easy. 3/4 cup AP flour, 1 egg, salt and a drizzle evoo. Combine in a bowl, once incorporated wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The hardest part is getting out the ingredients. Nothing beats fresh homemade pasta.

[suziquzie]

Yeah but I have "helpers" and they drive me nuts.
I can see the flour and eggs flying already.......