Pasta machine

[Barmaid]

I'm getting so peed off with the same old "fresh" pasta in the shops, I've decided to make my own. Think I need a pasta machine though because I'll get sick to death of rolling it out. Can anyone recommend one or are they all much of a muchness? Anything in particular I should look out for?

[treetops1]

I got one from argos, used it once. Thought I can`t be chewed with that and gave it away.

[Cowtipper]

I have a five dollar one I bought at the grocery store on clearance. Its just a cheap thing but it works ok. I had to clean the metal shavings out of it when I got it. Most the time I just roll it out unless I have a ton of it to do.

[Barmaid]

Yes - it is a possibility that that's what will happen to it. But thought i would give it a go. Apart from anything else, I want to make the pasta starter from Masterchef last night!!!

[gingejbee]

Even the Italians don't make their own fresh pasta unless it's a VERY special occasion - they use shop-bought like the rest of us!

[jomifl]

You have to roll out the pasta to get it thin enough to get it into the machine. You can cut it into strips with a knife quicker than the machine can. Save money and storage space and try it by hand first, you might find it therapeutic.

[venator]

To answer the question, pasta machines are much of a muchness, don't pay a fortune in posh kitchen shops! Make sure you get the add on cutter rollers for tagliatelle and linguine. There are rollers that make round spaghetti, but It's not good.

Dried pasta is better for some recipes. Fresh is great for Ravioli and lasagne.

Enjoy!

[scotman]

as well as all the roller and cutter stuff you need to pay attention to how securely it clamps to the work surface. Some have very inadequate clamp and move around as you turn the handle.