A pasta machine is a device consisting of two rollers and a mechanism to rotate them. It is used to make pasta by progressively thinning pasta dough and shaping it into various types of pasta. It allows people to make pasta in their own homes and experience a fresher result. It can also be used with polymer clay to condition, blend colors, add texture, and provide a uniform thickness.

Pasta machines are available in both electric and manual models. Manual hand crank pasta machines are often much cheaper and allow the cook to feel the pasta-making process. The electric models allow for faster production.

Material is important when choosing a pasta machine. Some of the cheaper models are made of Chrome Plating chrome plated steel while the higher-end models are made of polished stainless steel. The stainless steel is easier to clean and won’t rust, providing a longer machine life.

Other convenient features are available depending on the model. Some have a countertop clamp feature to give the machine stability. Pasta machines may come with an assortment of attachments and cutters to provide a variety of options when making pasta.

1. Make a pasta dough recipe and mix until it starts to stick together.
2. Flatten it, fold it into thirds and feed it into the pasta machine on the thickest setting. At first the dough may fall apart a bit, but keep folding into thirds and feeding it though several times until it has a uniform smooth texture and elasticity.
3. Lower to a thinner setting and without folding into thirds feed the dough through twice. Repeat this last step lowering the setting after you roll out twice.
4. Once you reach the thinnest setting, let the pasta sheet air dry for a few minutes and then choose the cutting attachment and cut the pasta sheet to the desired size.
5. Allow the cut pasta to dry on a towel or on a rack if you want to store it, or cook quickly in salted boiling water for one to three minutes, or as long as the recipe suggests, and serve immediately.