Pasta Maker Accessories

Upgrade Your Homemade Pasta: The Best Pasta Maker Accessories for Every Kitchen

Why Pasta Maker Accessories Make All the Difference

If you love fresh pasta, then you already know there's a huge gap between "good" and "exceptional"—and accessories are the bridge. A well-chosen set of attachments turns a simple roller into a versatile pasta workstation that can crank out everything from paper-thin capellini to wide, rustic pappardelle. Think of accessories as the paintbrushes to your culinary canvas: the better they are, the cleaner your strokes and the nicer your final picture.

Understanding the Marcato Atlas 150 and Its Popular Rollers

The Marcato Atlas 150 is a legend in home pasta making. Lightweight, durable, and easy to clamp to your counter, it’s the kind of machine that invites experimentation. But the real fun begins once you start adding rollers and cutters designed for specific pasta shapes. The Atlas 150 accepts a range of attachments created to make authentic Italian shapes at home, and among these, Bigoli, Capellini, Spaghetti, and Pappardelle rollers are the most popular.

Marcato Bigoli Roller Attachment

If you’re after hearty, rustic noodles that hold onto thick sauces, the Bigoli attachment is your best friend. These noodles are thicker than spaghetti and great with meat sauces or rich ragù. The Bigoli roller produces irregular, rustic strands that capture sauce and seasoning like a tiny net—perfect for cold winter evenings or any time you want comfort food with character.

Marcato Capellini Roller Attachment

Capellini, often called angel hair, is the paper-thin, delicate strand that cooks in a flash. The Capellini roller on the Atlas 150 gives you super-fine noodles that pair beautifully with light olive oil dressings, seafood, or a simple lemon-butter sauce. Because the strands are so thin—think delicate threads rather than noodles—this attachment rewards careful handling and a gentle touch.

Marcato Spaghetti Roller Attachment

The classic spaghetti roller is the go-to for most families. It produces smooth, uniform strands that are versatile with nearly any sauce. From tomato-based marinara to creamy carbonara, the spaghetti attachment gives you that satisfying bite and even cooking. If you only buy one roller attachment, spaghetti is a safe, delicious bet.

Marcato Pappardelle Roller Attachment

Pappardelle are broad, ribbon-like noodles that are perfect for chunky sauces and braises. The pappardelle roller cuts wide, flat strips that feel substantial on the fork. Think slow-braised short rib or wild mushroom ragù—the wide surface area soaks up flavor and looks impressive on the plate, too.

Cutters, Wheels, and Specialty Tools

Beyond rollers, there’s a whole toolkit that makes pasta assembly faster and more creative. Cutters and wheels let you create uniform strips and decorative edges, while specialty tools like ravioli stamps or stamps with crimped edges turn dough into neat, filled parcels. Want lasagna sheets that fit your baking pan? There are cutters for that, too.

Handheld Pasta Wheels and Cutters

A fluted pastry wheel or straight-edge cutter is simple but transformative. Use a wheel to make rustic strips with decorative edges or a straight cutter to make clean lasagna sheets. These tools are inexpensive, dishwasher-safe models that reward your pasta experiments by making portions consistent and presentation neater.

Ravioli Stamps and Molds

Ravioli stamps and molds are the shortcut to perfect stuffed pasta. Load the tray, add a spoonful of filling, cover with another sheet of dough, and press. You’ll get dozens of evenly shaped ravioli in minutes—ideal when you want to batch-cook and freeze portions for busy nights ahead.

Drying, Storing, and Serving Accessories

Once you've rolled and cut your pasta, what next? Drying racks and storage solutions prevent sticking, preserve texture, and make life easier if you cook in batches. A good drying rack is like a clothesline for pasta—spread it out, let it breathe, and you avoid clumped strands and uneven cooking.

Pasta Drying Racks

Collapsible drying racks are space-friendly and often made of wood or plastic. They let wet noodles hang freely so air circulates on all sides. For long strands like pappardelle and spaghetti, a vertical or arched rack keeps things tidy and prevents squashing. If space is tight, a single, foldable rack that stows in a cabinet is a great compromise.

Storage Containers and Freezing Trays

If you make pasta in bulk, invest in shallow, airtight containers or freezer trays. Lightly dust noodles with flour before layering to prevent sticking, and freeze them in single portions. When ready to cook, drop them straight into boiling water—the cooking time will be short, just like fresh pasta.

Best Accessories for Stuffed Pasta Lovers

Are you obsessed with ricotta-and-spinach ravioli or tiny tortellini? There are accessories made just for you. From manual pasta presses that make filled shapes to silicone molds and small scoops for portion accuracy, you can make lovely stuffed pasta without spending hours pinching each piece.

Filling Scoops and Portioners

Small scoops or portioning spoons measure out consistent filling, so every ravioli cooks evenly. They’re inexpensive and save tons of time when you’re making dozens of pieces. Plus, consistent filling reduces the risk of overstuffed pockets that burst during cooking.

Sealers and Crimpers

Sealers help you press edges together and create airtight seals. Crimpers add decorative patterns while securing the dough. These are great when you want uniform-looking stuffed pasta for a dinner party or gifts.

Electric vs. Manual Machines: Which Accessories Work Best?

If you have an electric pasta maker, many manual attachments still fit, but check compatibility before buying. Electric machines often include their own cutters and rollers or have proprietary attachments tailored to the motor and design. Manual lovers appreciate the tactile control of a hand-cranked Atlas 150 and its broad ecosystem of accessories.

Compatibility and Adapters

Before adding attachments, verify whether your machine accepts universal fittings or requires brand-specific pieces. Some third-party adapters allow you to use hand-crank attachments on electric models, but the safest route is to match brands and model families to avoid damage and ensure smooth operation.

How to Choose Accessories Based on Your Cooking Style

Not every accessory is right for every cook. Ask yourself: Do I cook pasta weekly or once a month? Do I love filled pasta or prefer plain strands? Is counter space at a premium? Your habits should guide purchases. If you host often, a ravioli mold and extra rollers are worth it. If you’re a minimalist, a single multi-size cutter and a drying rack might be all you need.

Consider Shapes, Not Just Brands

Think about what you eat most. If you love light seafood sauces, tiny capellini will make you smile. If you crave comfort, pappardelle or bigoli will serve up the heft you want. Buying accessories based on shape rather than brand keeps your kitchen functional and clutter-free.

Budget and Space

Accessories come in a range of prices. Start with the essentials—one good roller attachment, a cutter, and a drying rack—then expand as you learn new recipes. If space is an issue, look for folding or stackable items that tuck away between uses.

Maintenance: Keep Your Attachments Working for Years

Longevity comes down to simple care. Keep metal parts dry to prevent rust, use a soft brush to remove flour and dough, and avoid soaking wooden components. Most metal attachments wipe clean with a dry cloth; if food gets stuck, use a small brush or toothpick. Store cutters and rollers in a dry drawer, and you’ll be rewarded with years of reliable performance.

Cleaning Tips for Different Materials

Stainless steel handles moisture well and usually wipes clean. Wooden pieces need to be dried immediately and occasionally oiled like a cutting board. Plastic parts are often dishwasher-safe—but check the manufacturer’s instructions to be safe. Treat your accessories well and they’ll return the favor with consistent, high-quality pasta.

Top Accessories You Should Consider Buying Next

Ready to build out your pasta toolkit? Here are practical, high-value items that elevate both convenience and quality: a quality bench scraper to divide dough, a flour shaker or sifter for even dusting, a collapsible drying rack for easy storage, a ravioli mold for perfect parcels, and extra cutters for different widths. These tools don’t just look nice; they speed up prep and improve presentation.

Bench Scraper and Dough Cutter

A bench scraper helps you portion dough, clean flour off your board, and transfer cut pasta without stretching it. It’s a small investment that pays huge dividends in speed and control.

Flour Shaker or Sifter

Evenly dusting flour is a small technique that prevents sticking and keeps your pasta texture consistent. A shaker or sifter distributes flour like a gentle snowfall—no clumps, no extra mess.

Recipes and Pairings: What Works With Each Attachment

Accessories influence the final dish. Use capellini with delicate seafood or light citrus sauces. Pair spaghetti with classic tomato or garlic-and-oil preparations. Serve pappardelle with slow-braised meats, and let bigoli tackle thick, robust ragùs. Your accessory choices will shape meals and help you build a repertoire of quick favorites and weekend showstoppers.

Conclusion

Pasta maker accessories turn the process of making fresh pasta into something joyful, efficient, and creative. From Marcato Atlas 150 rollers that produce everything from capellini to pappardelle, to drying racks and ravioli molds that speed up production, the right tools let you make restaurant-quality pasta at home. Start with a few essential pieces based on your favorite dishes, and expand as you discover new shapes and recipes. With a little practice and the proper accessories, you’ll transform simple dough into memorable meals that friends and family will talk about for weeks.