Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Netstar on April 15, 2012, 05:24:47 am

Title: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Netstar on April 15, 2012, 05:24:47 am
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good pasta machine (ie. the machine that rolls out and cuts the pasta dough after its made in the thermomix)?  There are so many out there (with a wide price range!) and I'm not sure whether a cheaper one will do the trick or whether it's worth spending a few extra $$ on a good one.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Aussie Brenda on April 15, 2012, 05:47:35 am
Hi Netstar, I have a Arcosteel Pasta machine which when I bought it was $50 many years ago the same setup as the cheap $20 of today, it does a good job, but then I haven't tried any others.  I think it will depend of how much pasta you are going to make, an electric one would be great if you are going to do a lot, maybe Uni (Fundi) will have a recommendation when she comes on.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on April 15, 2012, 06:41:25 am
i will try and find the thread that talks about pasta machines. 


found it http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=7482.75
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: mcmich on April 20, 2012, 10:25:23 am
Which pasta machine do you have Uni?
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Halex on April 20, 2012, 10:34:18 am
I am very happy with mine. Bought about 5-7 years ago.

Lifetime guarantee, Baccarat Accessories  extra wide pasta maker.

I cant remeber what it cost.

H :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Netstar on April 21, 2012, 10:02:23 am
Thanks for the recommendations (and also for posting up that link Fundj).  I will go and have a look at those now.  Can't wait to start making my own pasta!
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: the_vermins on April 22, 2012, 12:44:37 pm
I believe atlas machines are top of the wazza.
I personally have a bacarrat model that's 10 yrs old now. :)
I have used the atlas ones too and I have to admit, they are just that bit 'smoother' to use than mine.
Not sure it's worth the price difference though.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on April 27, 2012, 04:13:54 pm
How about cleaning - is it hard to clean these machines? Also, do you need a lot of bench space when making pasta as my bench space is at a premium in my little kitchen.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on April 28, 2012, 12:01:36 am
Tasty I believe you don't wash the pasta maker, just brush it clean with a pastry brush or a new paint brush.  Mine says on the box not to wash it. I guess you would never get it dry if you washed any part.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Wonder on April 28, 2012, 01:10:35 am
We have the pasta attachments that connect to the kitchenaid, it does a fantastic job, quick and easy and we just wipe it with the brush - no washing involved.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on April 28, 2012, 02:15:14 am
How about cleaning - is it hard to clean these machines? Also, do you need a lot of bench space when making pasta as my bench space is at a premium in my little kitchen.

to roll out the pasta you do not need a lot of space its the dry or waiting to be cooked that u need the space

i place clean tea towel over a cloth drying rack thingy ma jiggy  ;D

and absolutely no water. i have a new paint brush to clean the machine
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: obbie on April 28, 2012, 02:21:43 am
Looks good Uni
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on April 28, 2012, 02:39:56 am
Good idea with the tea towel over the clothes airer. All these tips will be handy when I get around to trying the pasta roller. :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on April 28, 2012, 03:17:26 am
I have an Atlas machine I have had for years. Never washed it. Easy to use. I hang my long pasta over a plastic broom handle hung between two chair backs  outside . I actually prefer to use the thing outside as I make a mess and can just hose the outside table.


Gert
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: obbie on April 28, 2012, 07:13:24 am
Gert, thats so true, I just hose off the decks when the kids make mess, no worries.

I wish i could hose out the house.

Robyn ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on April 28, 2012, 07:40:36 am
I have often thought  about hosing out the house. I did have to do that once after my bar fell down and crashed with about 30 bottles of booze on it plus about 20 glasses. I had to shovel the glass into a bin then hose the whole mess into an area where I could sweep it out the door and shovel some more. The house smelled like a brewery.

The blend of colours  from all the liquors  was like a kaleidoscope. The ceiling was a sight to behold. I still see a spot of Parfait Amour I missed.

Gert
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on April 28, 2012, 08:10:18 am
OMG Gert  :o, what a mess that would of been. Wish I could hose out my house sometimes  :D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on April 28, 2012, 08:14:09 am
OMG Gert  :o, what a mess that would of been. Wish I could hose out my house sometimes  :D

Wouldn't it be neat to design such a house?

Gert
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on April 28, 2012, 08:15:19 am
Might have to keep the power points up high  :o
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 18, 2012, 08:39:57 am
Hubby just informed me that one of his colleagues is actually going to give us a pasta machine for free!! He has only used it once - gotta be happy about that!!
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on May 18, 2012, 08:53:46 am
what a bargain  ;D u will need to invtie him over 4 a plate of pasta
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: JulieO on May 19, 2012, 06:08:57 am
I use my KA with attachments to make my pasta, here are some of the photos of some I've made from a while ago with my old camera (the photos aren't as clear).  

Absolutely love making pasta and whatever you choose I'm sure you'll enjoy the process too.  :D

ravioli
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/ragdoll128/misc/IMG_4345.jpg)

macaroni and spaghetti
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/ragdoll128/misc/IMG_4103.jpg)

spirals
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/ragdoll128/misc/IMG_4060.jpg)

more ravioli using the KA attachment
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii26/ragdoll128/misc/IMG_4356.jpg)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on May 19, 2012, 06:13:31 am
Hubby just informed me that one of his colleagues is actually going to give us a pasta machine for free!! He has only used it once - gotta be happy about that!!

Good price!

Gert
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: mcmich on May 19, 2012, 07:23:56 am
Julie that is very professional looking pasta.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Cornish Cream on May 19, 2012, 08:04:40 am
Julie that is very professional looking pasta.
I second that ;D just perfect :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: judydawn on May 19, 2012, 08:06:39 am
Professional quality for sure - your family are really spoilt Julie.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: JulieO on May 19, 2012, 08:14:51 am
Thank you  :D  I think by now you understand that I love cooking!  ;D  Nothing is too much trouble even though these days there is only the 2 of us.  I now have the time to play around with no interruptions.  There's got to be an upside of our kids leaving home hey?  ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on May 19, 2012, 08:48:52 am
Wow Julie that pasta looks wonderful. How cool is that. I'm guessing you would never have to buy pasta anymore. :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: desi on May 19, 2012, 09:01:53 am
Hi Julie
I agree with the other ladies your pasta looks professional. Do you use a Kitchenaid attachment? I bought the ravioli attachment for my Marcato Atlas pasta machine and I find it difficult to use. Could you please let me know what you use to make the ravioli. thanks :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: JulieO on May 19, 2012, 09:58:54 am
Dede, I still buy the dry stuff from time to time for convenience.  :)

Desi, yes I make the dough in the KA and use the attachments to roll and cut the dough.  I also have the pasta press attachment for making the shape type pasta and the ravioli attachment (the square ravioli in the photos).

You have to have patience with the ravioli one because if you put too much filling in the hopper you will have problems of it squishing out.  It’s just practice like anything else and not giving up until you are successful.

The round ravioli was made by rolling pasta sheets in the KA then using a mould to shape them like this one:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41mMXsVdpsL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: mcmich on May 19, 2012, 10:28:32 am
Very impressive - you must be really into your pasta.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on May 19, 2012, 10:30:40 am
I was just looking at those molds on eBay. Look nice and easy to use ;)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: desi on May 19, 2012, 02:15:08 pm
Thanks Julie.

Dede I bought this type of mould (Julie's picture) for making ravioli  after making a mess with Atlas attachment and  I find it very good.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 19, 2012, 02:22:11 pm
Wow - impressive looking pasta JulieO and so many different varieties!! Maybe you should start pasta making classes . . . and plating up classes . . . and food photography classes or generally cooking classes. I think there are enough forum memebers that would love to attend!! ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: JulieO on May 19, 2012, 10:43:28 pm
 :D Tasty, I'd die of stage fright!  ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 21, 2012, 04:42:32 am
I'm so excited - not long did we get a free pasta machine....but it's an atlas marcato (they're supposed to be really good aren't they??)!!

Only problem is no manual.....can anyone tell me where I could get one? do they have a free online one or something??
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: dede on May 21, 2012, 04:49:38 am
Tasty I found this page that might help.

http://www.fantes.com/marcato.html (http://www.fantes.com/marcato.html)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on May 21, 2012, 04:49:50 am
see if this helps http://www.ehow.com/how_7370332_marcato-pasta-machine-150-instructions.html

there is plent on youtube  ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on May 21, 2012, 04:59:04 am
There are endless demos on you tube.  I have the atlas and love it lucky you.
Gert



Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 21, 2012, 01:44:58 pm
Well it's finally home and according to the box this set can make lasagne, tortelloni, fettucine, spaghetti, capellini and ravioloni.

I didn't realise how heavy it is.

Thanks for the links. Have checked them out and hoping it's what I need. Will play around a little and give it a go later in the week as at the moment, can't really tell what's what.

Looking forward to trying fresh pasta and see how different it really is.

Does anyone have a recipe for pasta that doesn't use eggs?
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: gertbysea on May 21, 2012, 01:54:24 pm
You wanna make pasta without eggs? I guess it's possible but have never done it but my DIL has .

I would say just semolina, flour and water. It will be sticky  so you will need to keep flouring as you go.

Making pasta iis all about the feel so you don't really need a recipe but I am sure someone has one.

It will definitely be better than bought.

Good luck

Gert

Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 21, 2012, 02:15:53 pm
I will be making egg pasta but there will be quite a few times I will need to make it without so I need a recipe for that too.

As for making it....I definitely need a recipe first then can try and work things out from there. I'm a recipe follower.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on May 21, 2012, 08:03:56 pm
hope this helps tasty

EGG LESS PASTA

200grams of flour
110 grams of water
Pinch of slat
1tbl of olive oil
Knead 1 min
Scarp down the side
Knead 2 min


Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: adeleheaton on May 22, 2012, 01:07:04 am
.@(
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: obbie on May 22, 2012, 01:44:20 am
Uni to the rescue again...


Hello Adeleheaton,  why not pop over to introduce yourself and say Hi.

Robyn :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 29, 2012, 03:12:02 pm
Uni - with the eggless pasta. After you make it, what else is involved? Do I have to dry it and for how long?

I'm planning to make it this Friday and want to be prepared.
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: Tasty on May 31, 2012, 03:54:18 am
anyone else?
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on May 31, 2012, 03:58:10 am
sorry tasty , i find if you let it dry out to long it will crack, not sure why that happens best to make and cook asap, no longer than a hour
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: LizzieM on June 13, 2012, 06:00:25 am
Am thinking of buying a pasta machine so just read both threads of your advice. I must thank you all for your thoughts, but I'm now tired at the thought of making pasta! :P Maybe I'll look again tomorrow. I do have an Arcosteel on hold at Target for $36 but thought it might be false economy buying it. The Marcato sounds much better! Or perhaps I'll take a leaf out of fundj's book & buy wonton wrappers for ravioli...and just get fresh pasta from the freezer of the IGA! ;D The idea of making it appeals though.
Anyway..as I said, I find this forum invaluable! Thanks!
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 06:10:50 am
lizzie give it a go  ;D
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: CraftyMum on June 13, 2012, 10:05:46 am
Aldi (in Brisbane) have pasta makers on sale today for a week. Electric ones are $99 and winding ones are $19. We started odd with having to wind it but found I needed an extra arm so went for the electric one - its great! Does lasagna, spaghetti and fettucine. The packet stuff just doesn't have the same taste as the real stuff - the effort is well worth it :)
Title: Re: Pasta machine recommendations??
Post by: fundj&e on June 13, 2012, 10:07:23 am
thats a good price for the  winding one  ;D