Pasta Makers

Best Pasta Makers in the UK: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Machine

Why a Pasta Maker Will Change Your Home Cooking

If you love pasta, nothing transforms a midweek meal into something special like rolling your own fresh pasta. A pasta maker turns flour, egg, and a little elbow grease into silky sheets, ribbon noodles, or toothed ravioli with far better texture and flavor than dried supermarket pasta. Think of it as a small appliance that unlocks creativity — you control thickness, ingredients, and shapes. Whether you crave silky tagliatelle or rustic pappardelle, a good machine makes the process faster and less fiddly than doing everything by hand. Plus, homemade pasta is a great conversation starter when friends drop by.

Where to Buy Pasta Makers in the UK

Shopping for a pasta maker in the UK is easy thanks to several specialist and general retailers. You’ll find both manual and electric machines stocked by trusted stores that cater to cooks of every level. Below are stores mentioned in the data and a few extra UK retailers that consistently offer good selections, warranties, and customer reviews worth checking before you buy.

Nordic Nest

Nordic Nest offers Scandinavian-style kitchenware and often stocks high-quality pasta makers like Marcato models and stainless steel options. Their range tends to focus on design-conscious products that look at home on a modern kitchen counter. If aesthetics matter to you alongside functionality, Nordic Nest is a smart first stop.

John Lewis

John Lewis is a long-established UK department store known for reliable customer service and a broad selection of kitchen appliances. They carry manual machines such as the famed Marcato Atlas range and often have demo videos, making them ideal for shoppers who want a mix of quality and reassurance.

Lakeland

Lakeland specializes in kitchen gadgets and has a strong reputation for practical tools. They typically stock entry-level to mid-range pasta machines and accessories like cutters, drying racks, and storage solutions. Lakeland also lists handy recipes and tips, which is great if you’re new to homemade pasta.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK offers the widest selection and fast shipping options, with everything from budget manual machines to high-end electric pasta makers. Customer reviews on Amazon are invaluable for spotting real-world performance issues and longevity. Keep an eye on seller ratings and warranty terms when buying from third-party sellers.

Argos

Argos is useful if you want a quick in-store collection or convenient delivery. Their range covers affordable manual options and compact electric devices ideal for small kitchens. Argos is often the go-to for practical shoppers looking for straightforward machines without a designer price tag.

Robert Dyas

Robert Dyas carries a selection of essential kitchen appliances and solid manual pasta rollers. They’re a good local option outside major cities and frequently run promotions that make upgrading to a better model realistic for budget-conscious cooks.

Selfridges & Other Department Stores

For premium machines and luxury brands, consider department stores like Selfridges or specialty cookware shops. These outlets sometimes carry exclusive colors, designer collaborations, and higher-end accessories that can make your kitchen feel very boutique.

Popular Models Worth Considering

Certain machines have earned a loyal following for good reason. If you’re researching models, three names come up repeatedly: the Marcato Atlas series, the Marcato Ampia, and specialist stainless steel models like those from Nordwik. Below are brief snapshots of why these deserve attention.

Marcato Atlas 150

The Marcato Atlas 150 is an icon in the pasta world and beloved for its simplicity and durability. It rolls sheets roughly 6 inches wide — wide enough for most home uses — and includes adjustable thickness settings to go from a thick lasagne sheet to a fine pasta. It’s usually made from chrome-plated steel with a classic hand-crank design, which keeps it accessible to beginners and pros alike.

Marcato Atlas 180

If you need wider sheets, the Atlas 180 offers about a 7-inch roller width, making it great for larger portions or broader pasta types. It shares the same solid build as the 150 but gives you more flexibility when making bigger lasagne sheets or multiple strips side by side. It’s slightly bulkier, so factor in some storage space.

Marcato Ampia 150 Classic

The Marcato Ampia 150 blends the classic Atlas performance with an updated body and sometimes features easier clamp systems and smoother rollers. It’s a great choice if you want the Atlas quality but prefer small modern tweaks that improve handling and cleaning.

Marcato MultiPast Gift Set (7 Pieces)

If you’re buying a gift or want everything in one box, the Marcato MultiPast 7-piece set bundles rollers, cutters, and small accessories. It’s handy for someone who wants to experiment with different shapes straight away. Sets like this typically include a variety of attachments for ribbon, spaghetti, and lasagne.

Nordwik Stainless Steel Pasta Machine

For a sleeker, modern look, stainless steel machines such as the Nordwik models can be very appealing. They’re often robust and easier to sanitize visually, which helps if you’re making pasta frequently. Stainless steel finishes also suit a minimalist kitchen aesthetic.

Manual vs Electric Pasta Makers: Which Is Right for You?

Manual machines require a hand crank and a bit of arm work, while electric models automate the rolling and cutting. Manual machines are quieter, cheaper, and often easier to maintain — they also give you tactile control over dough. Electric machines are great for making large batches quickly and for anyone who prefers convenience over the hands-on experience. Consider how often you’ll use the machine, how much counter space you have, and whether you like the process as much as the result.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a pasta maker, think beyond shiny finishes. Practical features determine whether that machine becomes your kitchen favorite or slips to the back of a cupboard. Here are the most important features to weigh when comparing models and stores.

Roller Width and Thickness Settings

Roller width determines how wide a pasta sheet you can make — typically around 6 inches for everyday models and up to 7 inches for larger ones. Look for machines that offer multiple thickness settings so you can make everything from thick pappardelle to ultra-thin lasagne. Thickness control is crucial because it directly affects cooking time and final texture.

Attachments and Cutters

Many machines come with attachments for fettuccine, spaghetti, and sometimes ravioli or tagliolini. If you love shape variety, choose a kit or a model that accepts multiple cutters. Check compatibility — some brands offer extra accessories you can buy later, giving your machine a longer life and more versatility.

Build, Materials & Weight

Chromed steel and stainless steel are common and both are durable. Lightweight plastic parts are fine for budget machines but watch for long-term wear. Heavier units tend to be more stable while rolling dough, but ensure you can lift and store the machine comfortably — think in terms of manageable pounds rather than an industrial weight.

Ease of Cleaning and Storage

Unlike electrical appliances, most manual pasta makers are not fully submersible — never wash the rollers under running water in many cases. Choose a machine where crumbs and flour brush out easily, and check whether parts disassemble without tools. Also consider the footprint: a slim 6-inch roller body will tuck away easier than a bulkier 7-inch model.

Price and Long-Term Value

Prices vary from budget manual units to high-end electric machines. A mid-range manual machine from a reputable brand often gives the best balance of cost and durability. Remember that accessories and replacement parts can add to lifetime value, so consider the ecosystem around the machine when you shop.

How to Use a Manual Pasta Maker: A Simple Step-by-Step

Getting started with a manual machine is straightforward. With a bit of practice you’ll be rolling like a pro. Here’s a simple, friendly walkthrough to make fresh pasta at home without stress.

1. Make the Dough

Begin with a basic dough: about 2 cups of flour to 3 large eggs makes a good starting batch that yields enough for two to three people. Mix until smooth, knead briefly until elastic, and rest the dough for about 20 minutes wrapped in a cloth or plastic. Resting lets moisture distribute and makes rolling much easier.

2. Flatten and Feed Through Rollers

Divide the dough into smaller pieces and flatten slightly with a rolling pin so it fits through the widest roller. Set the machine to the thickest setting and feed the dough through a few times, folding it and running again until it’s smooth. Then gradually reduce thickness settings until you reach your desired sheet thickness — usually a few passes are enough.

3. Cut and Dry

Attach the cutter you want and feed the sheet through to produce ribbons. For shapes like ravioli, use a mold or hand-fill sheets and seal. Lay pasta on a floured surface, a drying rack, or a clean tea towel; dry for a short time before cooking. Fresh pasta cooks fast — often under 3 minutes for thin types, a little longer for thicker ribbons.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Machine Working for Years

Treat your pasta maker gently and it will repay you with many fresh meals. Keep the rollers dry, brush out flour bits after each use, and never submerge the machine unless the manufacturer explicitly says you can. Periodically wipe with a dry cloth and occasionally re-tighten screws if the body feels loose. Store the machine in a dry spot, preferably wrapped in a kitchen cloth to keep dust away.

Creative Pasta Recipes and Uses

Once you’ve got the machine, experiments are half the fun. Try spinach or beet pasta by adding pureed vegetables to the dough for color and subtle flavor, or make whole egg yolk ribbons for a richer taste. Fillings like ricotta and spinach or slow-cooked beef make wonderful ravioli. Think beyond dinner — homemade pasta can be a canvas for seasonal sauces, light broths, or chilled pasta salads in warm weather.

Budgeting and Value: Picking the Best Option for Your Needs

If you only make pasta occasionally, a well-reviewed manual model in the lower mid-price range will probably do the trick. For regular cooks who entertain or have a large household, stepping up to a wider or electric model can save time and effort in the long run. Watch for bundles that include extra cutters and accessories to get more value for your money, and read reviews from UK buyers about longevity and real-life performance.

Conclusion

Choosing a pasta maker is about balancing hands-on pleasure with practical needs. Whether you pick a classic Marcato Atlas from a reputable retailer like Nordic Nest, opt for a broader model for family-sized lasagna, or start with a compact budget machine, the joy of fresh pasta is always worth the investment. Think about how often you’ll use it, how much storage space you have, and which shapes you love most. With a little practice and the right machine, you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality pasta at home in no time.