Best Pasta Maker in 2026

Marcato vs Imperia vs KitchenAid

These are the three serious home-pasta options in the US:

• Marcato Atlas 150 — The premium standard. Italian-made, 100-year-old company, replacement parts available. Buy this if you'll make pasta regularly.
• Imperia — Italian-made budget alternative. 90% of Marcato quality at 70% of price.
• KitchenAid Attachment — Convenience play. No hand-cranking, but requires a KitchenAid mixer ($300+).

For 90% of US home cooks: Marcato Atlas 150. It's the right balance of quality, price, and lifespan.

Is Fresh Pasta Worth It?

Fresh pasta is genuinely different from dry pasta — softer texture, eggier flavor, dramatically faster cook time (2-4 minutes vs 8-12). It's particularly good for:

• Filled pasta (ravioli, tortellini) — hard to make without fresh dough
• Tagliatelle, fettuccine — fresh is the traditional approach
• Lasagna sheets — fresh layers melt better

It's not necessary for everyday eating. Premium dried pasta (De Cecco, Rummo) is excellent and doesn't require hand-rolling.

If you're undecided, start with dried pasta and the buying guides. Get a pasta maker if you find yourself wanting to make ravioli or specific fresh pasta dishes.

Read Next

• Best Italian Pasta Brands
• Italian Pantry Essentials
• Italian Pasta Shape Guide

All Picks

1. #1

   Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine (Italy)

   Pros

   • Italian-made; the global home pasta-maker standard
   • Hand-crank, 10-position thickness adjustment
   • Lasts decades; replacement parts available

   Cons

   • Hand-crank — takes practice
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2. #2

   KitchenAid Pasta Roller Attachment Set

   Pros

   • Powered by KitchenAid stand mixer (no cranking)
   • 3-piece set: roller + fettuccine + spaghetti cutters
   • Easier on the wrist for long pasta sessions

   Cons

   • Requires KitchenAid stand mixer ($300+)
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3. #3

   Imperia Italian Pasta Maker (Chrome-Plated)

   Pros

   • Italian-made alternative to Marcato
   • Slightly cheaper than Atlas 150
   • Same hand-crank operation

   Cons

   • Marcato is slightly higher-quality
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4. #4

   Pasta Drying Rack (Collapsible)

   Pros

   • Dries fresh-cut pasta evenly
   • Folds flat for storage
   • Hardwood construction

   Cons

   • Single-purpose tool
   View on Amazon