How do I make homemade pasta dough with a manual machine?

If you're using a manual machine, you'll be making pasta the old-fashioned way: by hand! It's not hard to learn how to use a pasta maker . You can use your favorite pasta dough recipe , but instead of mixing it up by hand and flattening it with a rolling pin, you could also use a good mixer that'll save your arms the shoulder workout. Let the dough rest for at least three hours, and then cut it into four portions, according to Fazio. Set the machine to the thickest setting and run each portion through, decreasing the thickness setting each time. Run through approximately five times for each portion.

How long should I cook homemade pasta?

"Homemade pasta cooks so much faster than dried pasta, due to the water content," says Chef Andy Clark of Gravitas in Washington, D.C. "With dried pasta, you have time to drop the pasta in the water and make the sauce, but fresh pasta cooks so quickly, the sauce needs to be almost finished." It depends on the pasta shape, but flat noodles could cook in about a minute, while stuffed pastas may take a few minutes. "Long pasta should be checked after a minute, and you'd want a little less than al dente because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce," adds Clark. " Stuffed pasta should be tender on the edges where the pasta is sealed."

Can you freeze homemade pasta?

According to our experts, absolutely. In fact, it might even be encouraged. "Freezing your pasta extends the shelf life of the pasta, and gives you quick and easy access to it," says Little. It'll maintain its quality for about two months in the freezer.

How much should I spend on a pasta maker?

This question goes hand in hand with what you intend to make using your pasta maker and how often you'll use it. The cost of pasta makers can vary considerably between manual and automatic models. Most manual pasta makers range from $15 to $75, whereas more expensive electric models can cost upwards of $300. If your goal is to make smaller batches of just a few types of pasta or you don't have the space for a larger electric model, we recommend a more basic manual option with a smaller footprint. If, however, you want to experiment with different shapes and types of pasta or spiralized vegetables using various attachments, cutters, or dies, we recommend springing for an electric model with more versatility.

How do you clean a pasta maker?

To clean a manually operated, metal pasta maker, you should not use any water, as this could cause the machine to rust. Wait about an hour after using your machine to allow any remaining bits of dough to dry, then use a dry cloth to wipe flour and dough from the outer parts of the machine. Use a dry pastry brush or thin wooden dowel to remove any bits of dried dough from the rollers or attachments. To clean an electric pasta machine, you’ll need to disassemble the machine and wash each part separately; for those and other types of pasta makers, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What is the best flour to make pasta?

There is no one type of flour that’s perfect for every type of pasta. Different shapes and types of dough have different needs, so no flour is one size fits all. “There are so many different styles of pasta, and each calls for specific raw materials and equipment to produce,” says Chris Wright, co-owner of The Pasta Lab . “For example, extruded shapes (rigatoni, fusilli, bucatini, etc.) are best made with semolina or its relatives. Semolina is made from durum wheat, which has a hard, glass-like structure that ultimately translates to ideal cooking & eating qualities when dried. Egg dough for tagliatelle or stuffed pasta is best made with finely milled and sifted wheat flour with medium gluten strength.” Egg dough is usually used to make long shapes, like the kind rolled out from tabletop or attachment rollers, and can be made with all-purpose flour. Italian-style 00 flour will lend a softer texture. As Wright mentions, some extruded shapes are best made with semolina flour, though some extruders can also produce pasta from egg dough as well. Semolina is also great for hand-formed shapes that don’t use pasta makers at all. If you’re new to the world of homemade pasta , pick up a bag of 00 and a bag of semolina. Even if you only make egg dough, semolina is perfect for dusting.

The 4 Best Pasta Makers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Three different pasta makers displayed on wood countertop against blue tile background — Photo:
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Making boxed pasta at home is simple enough, but let's be honest: It just doesn't compare to restaurant-quality fresh pasta. For quality pasta at home, nothing compares to using a good pasta maker. There's something incredibly special about making your pasta dough, and with the right ingredients, your homemade pasta will taste so much better than anything you'd get out of a box.

However, after you've created the dough, the next big step comes in: Finding the right pasta maker to turn all your hard-earned effort into a delicious meal with pasta you'll want to recreate over and over. And with so many options, it can be hard to figure out the best pasta maker for you.

What's the difference between manual and electric pasta makers?

Manual models come in the form of a traditional hand-crank model or as an attachment to a stand mixer. They require more effort from the user as you have to mix and flatten the dough yourself. Electric models normally mix and cut the dough for you. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your preference.

"These days, you get both manual and automatic [electric] machines, and they also are at different price points and make different types of pasta, based on the attachments," says Chef Beau Fazio of Heirloom Restaurant in Delaware. They're also made from various materials, so you should be sure to pick the type of pasta maker that works best with your skill level.

To help find the best pasta maker for you, we considered all the above factors, spoke to a team of pasta industry experts, and tested over 20 top pasta makers to help determine which options will make cooking and serving your own pasta at home a breeze. Read on for the best pasta makers available now.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine at Amazon ($72)

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Best Overall, Runner Up:

Imperia Pasta Machine at Williams-Sonoma ($150)

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Best Stand Mixer Attachment:

KitchenAid Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment Set at Amazon ($209)

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Best Extruder:

Philips Viva Collection Pasta and Noodle Maker at Amazon ($150)

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Best Overall:

Sänger Wooden Pasta Dryer at Amazon ($25)

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Best Value:

CucinaPro Pasta Drying Rack at Amazon ($23)

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Best Splurge:

Eppicotispai Beechwood Stackable Food Dryer (4 Tier) at Amazon ($88)

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Best Overall

Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine

PHOTO:

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

$72 At Amazon $120 At Crate & Barrel

Pros

We loved how sturdy and easy to use this model was; it exceeded our expectations.

Cons

We were slightly disappointed at the lack of efficacy of the spaghetti attachment.

Created by an Italian company that has made pasta makers for generations, the Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine is a reliable, affordable, manual option for people who want a durable machine that will last. The Marcato can roll sheets of dough to 10 different thicknesses using an easy-to-adjust manual knob so that you can make thicker or thinner noodles, depending on your preference. It consists of four parts to assemble, but once you've done that, you only need to insert the dough into the blades and crank the handle for easy pasta.

Thanks to the dual-sided attachments, this machine can make spaghetti, linguine, lasagna, or fettuccine. If you want to experiment with new pasta shapes, you can buy other attachments separately.

This pasta maker wowed us while testing, where one tester declared that it rivals their grandmother's hand-me-down pasta maker that they use regularly. We loved its sturdy clamp and its lightweight but solid design for easy rolling; even a true beginner could use this machine easily. During the rolling, this machine performed exceptionally well; there was no jamming, pulling, or fraying. However, when using the cutters to produce spaghetti and fettuccine, we noted that both types had to be hand-separated after cutting. The spaghetti, in particular, was difficult and caused some noodles to squish. We still think this machine is a solid investment and will achieve authentic, quality pasta.

Type: Tabletop, manual | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 7 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Pasta Types: Spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagne

The Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine performed exceptionally well rolling out thin sheets of dough, and it has 10 adjustable thickness settings.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
The cutters on this machine cut spaghetti and fettuccine easily during our tests.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This pasta maker has dual-sided attachments that can make spaghetti, linguine, lasagna, or fettuccine.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
We made our own egg dough for our pasta maker tests, and this machine handled it well without jamming.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
The Marcato Atlas 150 pasta maker produces authentic and quality homemade pasta.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This machine has an easy-to-adjust manual knob that allows you to customize the pasta's thickness.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
We found that this pasta machine's knob adjusted easily when we wanted to make thinner or thicker noodles.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
We love that this pasta maker has a sturdy clamp and a lightweight solid design.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Best Overall, Runner Up

Imperia Pasta Machine

PHOTO:

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

$150 At Williams-Sonoma $80 At Walmart

Pros

This machine is made of durable materials with quality construction and is user-friendly.

Cons

We wish the handle of this machine locked in more reliably.

This Italian-made pasta maker comes with two pasta rollers: one for lasagna sheets and the other for spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. The wooden handle, in particular, is its biggest draw, as it makes the whole cranking process much easier on the hands, and the nickel-plated steel rollers are durable yet lightweight. It even has a tray to rest all the pasta once it's been cut — a rare feature in pasta makers. The machine clamps to your countertop so it doesn't move during use, making it ideal for slippery kitchen surfaces. Additional attachments are also available if you want to make other types of pasta.

During testing, we noted multiple times how durable and well-constructed this machine is. The machine's body is made from nearly eight pounds of stainless steel, so it’s built to last and is expertly designed for ease of use. We felt the gears and rollers were of good quality, and the dough was easy to move through the rollers and cutters without any sticking or jamming.

The thoughtful construction makes this machine perfect for beginners, though seasoned pasta makers will also appreciate the fabrication quality and ease of use. Our only complaint was the lack of a locking crank in the handle.

Type: Tabletop, manual | Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.2 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Stainless steel, wood | Pasta Types: Spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagne

The Imperia Pasta Machine has a wooden handle, which we found makes the cranking process much easier on your hands.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This pasta machine's rollers and cutters moved the dough through easily without any sticking or jamming.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This Imperia pasta maker is constructed from durable stainless steel and is expertly designed for ease of use.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
The pasta machine's attachments are well-made and easy to switch out.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Similar to several models we tested, this pasta maker has a knob that can be adjusted for different levels of thickness.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Best Stand Mixer Attachment

KitchenAid Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment Set

A person feeds pasta dough through the KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Maker Attachment Set (KSMPRA)

PHOTO:

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

$209 At Amazon $150 At Target $150 At Williams-Sonoma

Pros

This attachment is well-constructed and durable, producing well-rolled pasta sheets and precisely cut pasta shapes.

Cons

None! This attachment scored high marks in all our metrics; this is only unsuitable if you don’t own a KitchenAid.

For beginners in the pasta-making space who own a Kitchenaid mixer, this 3-Piece Pasta Roller and Cutter Set is the perfect addition. Use the mixer to create the homemade pasta dough, and then clip in the pasta attachment to roll the dough thin and cut it into noodles. This set is made of stainless steel, making it undeniably durable, and comes with a pasta roller, a fettuccine cutter, and a spaghetti cutter. It will spit out 6-inch sheets of pasta in eight different thicknesses.

You need to attach the roller and cutters to the stand mixer (which might be a bit cumbersome), but you'll gain the flexibility of having both hands free to feed and catch the pasta while the mixer's motor does all the cranking and cutting in the interim. Cutters for other shapes, including a ravioli attachment, are available separately. However, such convenience does come at a price, and if you don't already have a Kitchenaid mixer, you'll need to be prepared to invest.

While testing, we loved how easy it was to move the dough through the rollers — we didn’t encounter any ripping, tearing, or fraying, and the dial was easy to read. This ease of use and high functionality extended to the cutters as well. In both the spaghetti and fettuccine tests, we felt the cutters performed consistently, and each cut distinct strands of pasta. In fact, it was one of the only cutters that completely cut through the spaghetti.

Chris Wright, co-owner of The Pasta Lab, a small-batch pasta producer in Philadelphia, PA, also recommends this KitchenAid model for its versatility. “Not only can the dough be prepared in the bowl of the mixer, but a pasta filling can as well,” he says. “Whipped ricotta, blanched, pressed, chopped greens, and salty aged cheese would make a classic ravioli filling and would come together in no time with the help of the KitchenAid.”

Type: Attachment | Dimensions: 9.7 x 3.8 x 2.2 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Pasta Types: Spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagne

The KitchenAid Pasta Roller and Cutter Attachment Set has an adjustable dial that is easy to read and use, with a total of eight thickness settings.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This pasta set comes with three attachments, including a roller, a spaghetti cutter, and a fettuccine cutter.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Best Extruder

Philips Viva Collection Pasta and Noodle Maker

The Philips Viva Collection Compact Pasta and Noodle Maker (HR2370/05) on a kitchen counter

PHOTO:

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

$150 At Amazon $150 At Williams-Sonoma $149 At Sur La Table

Pros

This extruder is super easy to use and produces high-quality, uniform pasta.

Cons

We didn’t like the lack of durability of the plastic pieces.

If manual pasta makers seem like a bit too much work, an electric pasta maker might make more sense in your kitchen. This compact pasta maker from Phillips delivers a fully automatic experience so you can quickly make fresh pasta in under 20 minutes. Inside the machine are angled multi-pins with a stirring bar that ensures the flour and liquid are mixed evenly and thoroughly inside the mixing chamber. Outside the machine is a long kneading tube where the pasta extrudes from. The pasta maker comes with three interchangeable shapes, and if you’re limited on counter space, its small footprint is extra convenient.

During testing, we found this machine to be quite user-friendly. After you get to the point of putting the liquid in, the machine is very much hands-off. We also liked how straightforward the buttons are, as well as the “extra extrude” button, which clears the dough chamber at the end to make cleanup a breeze. During extruding, we noted that the pasta was not stuck together, eliminating the need to separate the stands by hand, and stayed separate during cutting. The one thing we didn’t like about this machine was its plastic construction. Many of the parts, especially the dies, felt flimsy.

Type: Extruder, electric | Dimensions: 13 x 15.5 x 11.9 inches | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic | Pasta Types: Spaghetti, penne, fettuccine

The Philips Viva Collection Pasta and Noodle Maker has three interchangeable attachments to make various shapes of pasta.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This electric pasta maker has a user-friendly design that is simple to use.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
This Philips electric pasta machine uses multi-pins with a stirring bar to mix the flour and liquid into dough.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
During our tests, this pasta maker easily pushed the dough through the different-shaped attachments.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
The pasta maker's parts and attachments are constructed out of plastic, and we found them to be easy to clean.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Our Favorite Pasta Makers

The MARCATO Atlas 150 Pasta Machine is a tabletop manual machine that snagged our top spot because it’s an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike and produces some of the smoothest rolling. The Imperia Pasta Maker Machine was our runner-up, and we loved it because it felt durable and was super easy to use. If you have a stand mixer at home, we can't recommend the KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller and Cutter Set enough.

Our Pasta Maker Tests

In order to find the best pasta makers, we tested 21 models side by side, ranging from manual tabletop makers, KitchenAid attachments, and extruders. We spent a total of 24 hours testing, performing four separate tests on each pasta maker. We made spaghetti, fettuccine or linguine, and penne or rigatoni when applicable, using a basic, four-ingredient egg-based pasta dough recipe. Our fourth test included cooking the pasta.

For our manual and electric pasta makers, following the manufacturer's instructions, we rolled out pasta sheets using egg dough. Then, we used the included cutting attachments to cut spaghetti and fettuccine. We observed the pasta maker’s performance with both a thinly rolled and thicker dough. For the extruders, we used the machines to mix the dough and followed the manufacturer's instructions to extrude the various shapes. With this test, we looked at how well the pasta maker was able to mix and knead the dough.

Once all the pasta was made, we moved on to the cooking phase, where we boiled the pasta in salted water for three minutes. This was followed by a taste test, where we paid particular attention to the doneness and texture of the cooked fresh pasta.

After testing, we gave feedback on design, ease of use, performance, cleaning, and overall value. These scores and feedback were used to choose our favorite models for each type of pasta maker.

Factors to Consider

Electric vs. Manual

Manual machines are more traditional and less expensive but require more work. The first (and most important) factor to consider is whether you want a manual or automatic machine. Manual machines are operated by a hand crank and are best for thin sheets of dough or long, flat noodles. Although they might last longer than automatic machines (just because there's less upkeep involved, according to Chef Bobby Little of the Brooklyn bistro Leroy's), they can be hard to use when cooking alone. You have to feed the dough into the machine on one end, guide the pasta as it exits the other, and turn the hand crank at the same time, so it can be easier to operate a manual machine with two people. Some models, though, offer an optional motorized attachment that does the turning for you.
Electric pasta machines are easier to use but harder to clean and offer more shape versatility. With an electric machine, you have to work at the speed of the machine, cutting the pasta to length to keep up. Even though some electric models mix the dough for you, they are much harder to clean. There's also a lot more upkeep involved and more room for error in the case of sticky dough. In addition, they're better for larger batches of pasta or larger households. Extruders squish the dough through a die to make shapes. This allows the machine to make shapes like penne or rigatoni that aren’t possible with a sheeter-style pasta maker. Extruders can still make spaghetti by pushing the dough through a very small die, but they can’t make sheets of lasagne or stuffed pasta.

Manual Model Type

Tabletop makes great work of even, flat sheets. Beyond manual versus electric, there are a few different types of manual models to choose from. Tabletop pasta makers are best for egg pasta and to roll out long, thin sheets. These can be cut into shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine, left large to make lasagna, or used to make stuffed pasta like ravioli.
An attachment is beginner-friendly but requires a stand mixer. Attachments generally perform the same tasks as a tabletop machine but require a stand mixer to hook into. Attachment-style pasta makers are only a good choice if you already have a stand mixer like a KitchenAid — they can’t be used without one. An attachment is a great investment piggybacking off a stand mixer because it uses the powerful motor from the mixer to streamline the rolling process, eliminating the elbow grease traditionally needed to roll out pasta.

Versatility

Your machine type will also depend on the types of pasta you want to make. Most manual pasta makers will come with standard blades that cut popular types of pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, and sheeted pasta. However, some will also include or offer additional attachments for more specialized pasta types, such as rigatoni or penne. Depending on the different types of pasta you want to make, you'll want to buy a machine that either comes with these various attachments or offers ways for you to buy them easily. And then you'll likely want a pasta drying rack for your fresh pasta once it's made.

Materials

The material you choose will largely depend on your budget and use. You can get pasta machines in stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, or aluminum. Weightier stainless steel will have greater stability and durability and is also inert and won't rust. However, it's not dishwasher-safe like aluminum or chrome-plated steel. Aluminum also tends to be the cheapest and most lightweight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade pasta dough with a manual machine?

If you're using a manual machine, you'll be making pasta the old-fashioned way: by hand! It's not hard to learn how to use a pasta maker. You can use your favorite pasta dough recipe, but instead of mixing it up by hand and flattening it with a rolling pin, you could also use a good mixer that'll save your arms the shoulder workout. Let the dough rest for at least three hours, and then cut it into four portions, according to Fazio. Set the machine to the thickest setting and run each portion through, decreasing the thickness setting each time. Run through approximately five times for each portion.
How long should I cook homemade pasta?

"Homemade pasta cooks so much faster than dried pasta, due to the water content," says Chef Andy Clark of Gravitas in Washington, D.C. "With dried pasta, you have time to drop the pasta in the water and make the sauce, but fresh pasta cooks so quickly, the sauce needs to be almost finished." It depends on the pasta shape, but flat noodles could cook in about a minute, while stuffed pastas may take a few minutes.

"Long pasta should be checked after a minute, and you'd want a little less than al dente because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce," adds Clark. "Stuffed pasta should be tender on the edges where the pasta is sealed."
Can you freeze homemade pasta?

According to our experts, absolutely. In fact, it might even be encouraged. "Freezing your pasta extends the shelf life of the pasta, and gives you quick and easy access to it," says Little. It'll maintain its quality for about two months in the freezer.
How much should I spend on a pasta maker?

This question goes hand in hand with what you intend to make using your pasta maker and how often you'll use it. The cost of pasta makers can vary considerably between manual and automatic models. Most manual pasta makers range from $15 to $75, whereas more expensive electric models can cost upwards of $300.

If your goal is to make smaller batches of just a few types of pasta or you don't have the space for a larger electric model, we recommend a more basic manual option with a smaller footprint. If, however, you want to experiment with different shapes and types of pasta or spiralized vegetables using various attachments, cutters, or dies, we recommend springing for an electric model with more versatility.
How do you clean a pasta maker?

To clean a manually operated, metal pasta maker, you should not use any water, as this could cause the machine to rust. Wait about an hour after using your machine to allow any remaining bits of dough to dry, then use a dry cloth to wipe flour and dough from the outer parts of the machine. Use a dry pastry brush or thin wooden dowel to remove any bits of dried dough from the rollers or attachments.

To clean an electric pasta machine, you’ll need to disassemble the machine and wash each part separately; for those and other types of pasta makers, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the best flour to make pasta?

There is no one type of flour that’s perfect for every type of pasta. Different shapes and types of dough have different needs, so no flour is one size fits all. “There are so many different styles of pasta, and each calls for specific raw materials and equipment to produce,” says Chris Wright, co-owner of The Pasta Lab. “For example, extruded shapes (rigatoni, fusilli, bucatini, etc.) are best made with semolina or its relatives. Semolina is made from durum wheat, which has a hard, glass-like structure that ultimately translates to ideal cooking & eating qualities when dried. Egg dough for tagliatelle or stuffed pasta is best made with finely milled and sifted wheat flour with medium gluten strength.”

Egg dough is usually used to make long shapes, like the kind rolled out from tabletop or attachment rollers, and can be made with all-purpose flour. Italian-style 00 flour will lend a softer texture. As Wright mentions, some extruded shapes are best made with semolina flour, though some extruders can also produce pasta from egg dough as well. Semolina is also great for hand-formed shapes that don’t use pasta makers at all. If you’re new to the world of homemade pasta, pick up a bag of 00 and a bag of semolina. Even if you only make egg dough, semolina is perfect for dusting.

Other Pasta Makers We Tested

Strong Contenders

CucinaPro 5-Piece Pasta Maker Deluxe Set ($50 at Amazon)
We were disappointed with the performance of the cutters and rollers on this model.

Cuisinart 5-Piece Pasta Maker (CTG-00-PM) ($76 at Amazon)
During testing, the handle on the crank kept coming out, which was frustrating.

Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine with Motor ($350 at Amazon)
We experienced some clogging and jamming during testing, which prevented this model from making the cut.

Antree Pasta Maker Attachment 3 in 1 Set for KitchenAid Stand Mixers ($80 at Amazon)
We had one instance of light jamming during testing, and we found it difficult to clean.

GVODE 3-Piece Pasta Attachment Set for KitchenAid Stand Mixer ($110 at Amazon)
This set included many different pieces that needed to be switched out multiple times during use, which was cumbersome and prevented this machine from making the list.

Starfrit Electric Pasta and Noodle Maker (Amazon)
We didn’t like how cheap the construction felt on this one. This, combined with its heavy weight, made it feel easy to drop and damage.

Emeril Lagasse Pasta & Beyond Automatic Pasta and Noodle Maker ($145 at Amazon)
While comprehensive, this model was not particularly user-friendly and required us to study the manual before diving in.

What Didn’t Make The List

The eight other pasta makers we tested didn’t quite measure up for several reasons. We encountered multiple issues with clogging, jamming, and thickness in our tabletop models. Regarding attachment rollers, only one wasn’t worthy of our recommendations, and that came down to the cutter attachment, which just couldn’t measure up to the others in the same category. Finally, some of the extruders we tested were less than satisfactory when it came to cutting and shaping the dough.

The Best Pasta Drying Racks

Best Overall

Sänger Wooden Pasta Dryer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$25 At Amazon

This was our favorite pasta drying rack. It's affordable, sturdy, and has long arms that leave room for ample air circulation. It also stands at 20 inches tall, so long shapes won't droop on your counter.

Best Value

CucinaPro Pasta Drying Rack

PHOTO:

Amazon

$23 At Amazon $27 At Walmart View On Cucinapro.com

The CucinaPro is a great value and compact pick. Instead of a spindle model like our best overall pick, this well-designed rack is a stand supporting 12 closely arranged removable horizontal rods that nest in the curve of the rack. You have to be careful when using it, but we like it enough for the price.

Best Splurge

Eppicotispai Beechwood Stackable Food Dryer (4 Tier)

PHOTO:

Amazon

$88 At Amazon $88 At Walmart

This well-made, horizontal, stacked drying rack can dry both long and short pasta types. The design is flexible, allowing you to use just one tier or more. It's great for frying in bulk, and its design allows you to dry more than just pasta, like mushrooms and fruit, spices and herbs, or even vegetables.

Our Expertise

Nikhita Mahtani is an experienced food writer with a decade of experience in the journalism industry. For this piece, she interviewed chefs Beau Fazio, Andy Clark, and Bobby Little to find out what the pros look for in a pasta maker. She then used their insights and her own expertise and market research to curate this list.
Nick DeSimone, an Italian-American food writer and restaurant cook with nearly a decade of professional cooking experience, also contributed to this piece. Much of their time has been spent working at Italian restaurants and making fresh pasta every day.
We also spoke with a few professionals. The first was Chef Andy Clark of Gravitas in Washington, D.C. The second was Chris Wright, the co-owner of The Pasta Lab in Philadelphia, PA. Wright and his staff produce small-batch artisan pasta on professional-grade pasta machines, often using their own freshly milled flour. Wright is an authority in pasta making and has years of experience working on nearly every type of pasta machine on the market. The products on this list were tested by our Food & Wine product testers — a team of dedicated culinarians committed to thoroughly assessing each piece of equipment.

Originally written by

Nikhita Mahtani