296894 Sun Apr 25 02:26:11 -0700 2004 6 41 Cookware 0 1636832 Can anyone rec. a good pasta machine? What should I look for? How much? Sun Apr 25 02:26:11 -0700 2004 0 Ann 1 1636833 Simplicity. Avoid motorized/electric machines. Hand-crank all the way... manual is the way to go in my opinion. A good manual pasta machine will have some way of securing to table or countertop (usually a clamp) and shuold also just be sturdily constructed enough to be steady/stable during cranking. It should offer the possibility of multiple cutting attachments to handle different pasta shapes (though you can often get by without this, e.g. by rolling out a sheet of pasta dough to the right thickness and then, say, cutting fettucini strips out with a sharp kitchen knife... but the right cutting/extruding tools make it much more uniform and much faster.) Good manual pasta machines are widely available in the $30-40 price range; I wouldn't pay more than fifty bucks for one without a very good reason. Amazon.com has a decent selection in their kitchenware department; the Villaware "Imperia" machine seems well-designed and also seems to fit most of the criteria I outlined above. (I bought my no-frills pasta machine, which may well be as old or older than I am, for a few bucks at a yard sale, and am not even sure of the manufacturer. Hopefully other 'hounds can recommend a maker.) If you decide to buy from Amazon, please use the link below so that Chowhound makes a little money off the sale. - er Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/chowhoundcom Sun Apr 25 07:23:02 -0700 2004 1636832 0 enrevanche 1 1636838 I've had my Atlas for 10 years and it works like a charm. Checking w/Sur la Table, you can get the starter set for $49.95...includes machine and 2 cutters (spaghettie and fettucine). I see a cheaper version at Target, but it's not clear whether or not it clamps. I think the key thing is that it clamps to the counter....you really need that once you turn down to the thinnest settings! Link: http://surlatable.com/common/products/product_details.cfm?PRRFNBR=4027 Sun Apr 25 11:13:40 -0700 2004 1636832 0 Science Chick 2 1636872 I love, love, love my Atlas. I've had it for 20 years! Not a single problem. Of course, it only cost $15 dollars back then. Sun Apr 25 22:59:11 -0700 2004 1636838 0 bryan 1 1636851 As I understand it, Atlas and Imperia are virtually the same machine and can use each other's blades. I have a hand-crank Atlas for which I subsequently bought a motor. I LOVE the motor, because I then have the use of both hands in guiding the pasta through the rollers. When the pasta is rolled thin, it really helps to be able to use both hands. Sun Apr 25 16:46:42 -0700 2004 1636832 0 Jeremy Newel 1 1636887 I've had an Atlas for 10 years and love it. A few years ago I purchased the "ravioli" attachment and have never been able to figure out how to use it correctly as it came with no directions or instructions of any kind. Can anyone help???? Mon Apr 26 08:37:16 -0700 2004 1636832 0 Nancy 2 2302609 Nancy, Probably old news by now, but check out Fantes.com. They have product-specific instructions for Atlas/Imperia accessories, even recipes to try. The one thing you'll want to have handy is a small pastry cutting wheel. It's much quicker to cut them apart than to try and separate them by hand. Cheers. Sat Feb 17 11:52:58 -0800 2007 1636887 75326 Josquin