Best Pasta Makers 2026: Top 7 UK Picks
We researched the best pasta makers for UK kitchens in 2026, from the budget Lakeland at £25 to the Italian-made Marcato Atlas 150 and beyond.
Our Top Picks
A quick look at our recommendations
Detailed Reviews
What we like
- The Atlas 150 is built from heavy, chromed steel that feels seriously premium in the hand. It is crafted and assembled entirely in Italy by Marcato, a family company that has been making pasta machines since 1930. The adjustment dial clicks firmly between positions, and the hand crank turns with buttery smoothness even when feeding through thick dough. This is not a machine that rattles or wobbles during use.
- The 10-position thickness regulator gives you remarkable control, from paper-thin 0.6mm sheets perfect for filled pasta like ravioli and tortellini, right up to a chunky 4.8mm for pappardelle or baked lasagne sheets. The rollers are made of anodised aluminium alloy, which Marcato says eliminates any risk of metal dust particles contaminating your pasta. The maximum sheet width of 150mm is ideal for most home recipes.
- What really sets the Atlas 150 apart is its expandability. You can attach up to 12 additional accessories (sold separately) for shapes like spaghetti, angel hair, ravioli, and even biscuits. You can also add the Marcato Pastadrive motor to convert it from manual to electric operation when your arms get tired, making it a genuinely future-proof investment.
- With over 26,000 reviews on Amazon UK and a 4.7-star rating, the Atlas 150 is comfortably the most popular and highest-rated pasta machine in the country. Multiple expert sources including Expert Reviews and America's Test Kitchen have named it their top pick. It consistently outperforms machines costing twice as much.
Could be better
- At £74 to £79, the Atlas 150 is not the cheapest manual pasta machine available. If you only plan to make pasta once or twice a year, the investment may feel steep compared to budget options around the £25 mark. However, most buyers find the build quality and longevity justify the price within a few uses.
- The machine ships with cutters for just two shapes: fettuccine (6.5mm) and tagliolini (1.5mm). For spaghetti, pappardelle, ravioli, or any other shapes, you will need to purchase separate attachments at around £20 to £30 each. This can add up quickly if you want a full collection.
- Cleaning requires care. Marcato specifically warns against washing the machine with water or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can cause rust and damage the rollers. Instead, you need to let any residual dough dry completely and then brush it away with the included cleaning tool, which some people find fiddly.
What we like
- At just £25, the Lakeland pasta machine offers genuinely impressive value for money. It produces perfectly serviceable pasta sheets, fettuccine, and spaghetti using the same basic mechanism as machines costing three or four times more. For anyone curious about making fresh pasta without committing to a significant investment, this is the obvious starting point.
- The machine includes integrated cutters for four pasta styles: lasagne sheets, tagliatelle, spaghetti, and linguine. You do not need to buy any additional attachments to get started, and the eight thickness settings provide decent versatility for a machine at this price point. The double-geared rollers produce reasonably consistent sheets.
- Sold directly by Lakeland through Amazon, the machine comes with their renowned customer service backing. Lakeland allows returns for up to three years with proof of purchase, which is an exceptionally generous policy for a kitchen gadget at this price. The chromed steel body looks attractive on the worktop.
- The rubber feet provide reasonable stability during use, and the integrated table clamp keeps the machine firmly in place. For most standard worktop thicknesses, the clamp works well. The overall weight gives it a solid feel despite the lower price point.
Could be better
- The handle is the most commonly reported issue with this machine. Multiple reviewers note that it falls out during use and does not lock securely into place, which can be frustrating when you are feeding dough through with both hands. You may need to develop a technique for holding it in place while cranking.
- Expert Reviews noted that the Lakeland version had an unstable clamp, uneven roller pressure, and a handle that kept falling out during their testing. Compared to the Marcato Atlas 150 or Imperia, the roller consistency is noticeably less precise, though perfectly adequate for casual home use.
- There are a few sharp edges on the machine body that several reviewers have commented on. While these do not appear sharp enough to cause injury during normal use, they suggest less refined manufacturing compared to the Italian-made alternatives from Marcato and Imperia.
Marcato Ampia 150 Pasta Machine
What we like
- The Ampia 150 is the original Marcato pasta machine and the simpler sibling of the Atlas 150. It offers the same core rolling mechanism and Italian steel construction at a lower price point, making it an ideal first pasta machine for someone who wants quality without the full Atlas feature set. The 10-position thickness regulator works identically to the Atlas.
- Setup is genuinely foolproof. The machine clamps to your worktop, you attach the handle, and you are ready to roll. There are no complicated settings to learn or manuals to study. The straightforward design means beginners can produce excellent pasta sheets within minutes of unboxing. The learning curve is essentially non-existent.
- Like the Atlas, the Ampia 150 is made entirely from high-quality chromed steel and assembled in Italy. The rollers are the same anodised aluminium alloy, producing smooth, consistent pasta sheets with a maximum width of 150mm. Build quality is excellent for the price, and this machine will last for years with proper care.
- The Ampia includes cutters for fettuccine (6.5mm) and tagliolini (1.5mm) out of the box. It is also compatible with the full range of Marcato accessories, so you can expand your pasta-making repertoire over time. The same Pastadrive motor attachment works with the Ampia if you decide to go electric later.
Could be better
- The Ampia lacks the Atlas's quick-coupling system for accessories, which means swapping between cutters is slightly less convenient. For most home cooks who make one or two types of pasta per session, this is unlikely to matter, but power users may prefer the Atlas's smoother accessory integration.
- Stock availability on Amazon UK can be inconsistent. At the time of checking, only 14 units were left in stock, and the listing sometimes shows 'Add to basket to see price,' which suggests fluctuating pricing. You may need to check back if your preferred colour variant is unavailable.
- The Ampia does not come with a table clamp in some variants, though most current listings include one. It is worth double-checking the listing description before purchasing to ensure you receive the clamp, handle, and cleaning brush.
Imperia Italian Double Cutter Pasta Machine
What we like
- The Imperia SP150 is Marcato's main Italian rival and gives the Atlas 150 a genuine run for its money. Made entirely in Italy from heavy-duty chrome-plated steel, it has a distinctive aesthetic with its detachable wooden handle that feels genuinely artisan. The machine is weighty and solid, locking firmly to the worktop during use with excellent stability.
- The double cutter attachment produces three pasta varieties straight out of the box: lasagne sheets, fettuccine, and tagliatelle. The six thickness settings are fewer than the Marcato's ten, but they cover the most commonly used positions well. Reviewers consistently praise the flawless cuts and smooth operation, with 87% of Amazon customers giving it four stars or higher.
- The Imperia has a loyal following among serious home cooks who appreciate its slightly different roller feel compared to the Marcato. Some users describe the Imperia's rollers as producing a marginally rougher texture on the pasta surface, which helps sauce adhere better. This is subjective but worth considering if sauce cling is important to your cooking style.
- Cleaning is straightforward, and the detachable wooden handle means the machine stores compactly in a kitchen drawer or cupboard. The robust construction means this is a machine that will outlast cheaper alternatives by many years, and replacement parts are readily available if needed.
Could be better
- With only six thickness settings compared to the Marcato's ten, you have less fine-grained control over your pasta sheet thickness. For most home recipes this is not an issue, but if you regularly make delicate filled pastas like agnolotti that require very precise thickness, the Marcato offers more granularity.
- The Imperia does not have the same extensive accessory ecosystem as Marcato. While additional cutters are available, the range is smaller and third-party compatibility is more limited. If you plan to expand into many different pasta shapes over time, the Marcato platform offers more options.
- Some reviewers note that the table clamp can feel slightly less secure than the Marcato's on thicker worktops. The clamp mechanism is functional but not as refined, and you may need to place a folded cloth between the clamp and your worktop to prevent scratching on polished surfaces.
KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller and Cutter Set 5KSMPRA
What we like
- If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this 3-piece attachment set is the most convenient way to make fresh pasta at home. The mixer's motor does all the hard work of rolling and cutting, leaving both your hands free to guide the dough through the rollers. This is a genuine game-changer compared to cranking a manual machine, especially when making large batches.
- The set includes a pasta roller, a spaghetti cutter, and a fettuccine cutter, all made from durable stainless steel in Italy. The pasta roller offers eight thickness settings for precise control, and the cutters produce clean, consistent strands every time. At 4.8 stars with over 2,600 reviews on Amazon UK, it is one of the highest-rated pasta accessories in the country.
- Build quality is excellent, as you would expect from KitchenAid. The stainless steel construction feels robust and professional, and the attachments fit all KitchenAid stand mixer models via the power hub. The set also includes a cleaning brush specifically designed for removing dried dough from between the cutting blades.
- At £129 on Amazon UK (reduced from an RRP of £188, a 31% saving), the set represents strong value for KitchenAid owners. You are effectively getting a motorised pasta machine powered by your existing mixer, which eliminates the need for a separate appliance on your worktop. The result is excellent pasta with minimal physical effort.
Could be better
- The obvious limitation is that you need a KitchenAid stand mixer to use these attachments, which starts at around £350 for the Artisan model. If you do not already own one, the total investment for mixer plus pasta attachment is approaching £500, which is significantly more than a standalone pasta machine.
- The set only produces two pasta shapes (spaghetti and fettuccine) plus sheets. For other shapes, you need additional KitchenAid attachments such as the ravioli maker or the gourmet pasta press, each sold separately. The full KitchenAid pasta ecosystem can become expensive quickly.
- Some reviewers note that the pasta roller can occasionally struggle with very stiff or dry doughs, particularly on the thinnest settings. Starting with a well-hydrated dough and working down through the thickness settings gradually produces the best results. Jumping straight to the thinnest setting can cause tearing.
Philips Viva Compact Pasta Maker HR2371/05
What we like
- The Philips Viva is a fully automatic pasta maker that handles mixing, kneading, and extruding your pasta in a single compact machine. You simply add flour and liquid, press a button, and fresh pasta emerges in around 18 minutes. For anyone who finds the manual rolling and cutting process too time-consuming or physically demanding, this is the simplest possible route to homemade pasta.
- The machine comes with three shaping discs for spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine straight out of the box, covering the most popular pasta shapes. The special disc design uses a double extrusion process that produces smoother pasta with better texture than many competing electric models. Additional discs for shapes like lasagne and angel hair are available separately.
- The compact footprint means the Philips Viva can stay on your worktop without dominating your kitchen. It is noticeably smaller than the Philips 7000 Series, making it practical for smaller kitchens. The space-saving design is one of the most commonly praised features in customer reviews.
- Dishwasher-safe components make cleaning significantly easier than with manual pasta machines. The key parts that come into contact with dough can go straight into the dishwasher, which is a substantial advantage over manual machines that must be cleaned by hand and never exposed to water.
Could be better
- At £170 to £200, this is significantly more expensive than a manual pasta machine, and you are paying largely for the convenience of automation. A Marcato Atlas 150 produces arguably better-quality pasta sheets for less than half the price, though you will need to put in the elbow grease yourself.
- The Philips Viva produces 2-3 servings per batch, which is fine for a couple but can feel limiting when cooking for a family or entertaining. Making pasta for four or more people requires running multiple batches, which somewhat undermines the time-saving benefit of the automatic process.
- With 4.2 stars and around 110 reviews on Amazon UK, the Philips Viva has a smaller review base than the top manual machines. Some users report that the plastic construction feels less premium than the price suggests, and a few long-term reviewers have noted difficulty sourcing replacement parts after several years of use.
Imperia iPasta Electric Pasta Machine
What we like
- The Imperia iPasta Electric brings together the classic Italian build quality of the Imperia SP150 with a built-in 220V electric motor, eliminating the need for manual cranking. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants the pasta quality of a traditional roller machine without the arm workout. The motor drives the rollers at a consistent speed, producing more uniform pasta sheets than most people can achieve by hand.
- At around £85 to £99, the iPasta Electric offers motorised convenience at a fraction of the cost of the Philips automatic machines. You still control the dough feeding and thickness settings manually, giving you the hands-on feel of traditional pasta making with the physical effort removed. It hits a sweet spot between fully manual and fully automatic.
- The machine is 100% made in Italy from high-quality steel, continuing Imperia's tradition of robust construction. The electric motor is powerful enough to handle stiff doughs without straining, and the machine produces dough sheets for lasagne, tagliolini, and fettuccine. The non-slip base keeps it stable during operation.
- The package includes the pasta machine with motor, a storage pouch in natural cotton, a synthetic bristle brush for cleaning, a non-slip base, table support, and a user manual. This is a thoughtful bundle that includes everything you need to get started immediately.
Could be better
- As a relatively new product on Amazon UK, the iPasta Electric has a smaller review base than the established Imperia SP150 manual model. While early reviews are positive, the long-term reliability is less proven than the decades-old manual version that has thousands of reviews across multiple platforms.
- The electric motor adds bulk and weight to the machine compared to a manual model. If you prefer to store your pasta machine in a cupboard between uses rather than leaving it on the worktop, the additional size may be a consideration. The motor also means the machine cannot be fully immersed for cleaning.
- Like all roller-style pasta machines, the iPasta Electric produces sheets and cut shapes only. It cannot extrude pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli the way the Philips automatic machines can. If you want tube or spiral shapes, you will need a different type of machine entirely.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine | £74 - £79 | Best Overall | View | |
| Lakeland Pasta Machine Chromed Steel | 200 reviews | £25 - £30 | Best Budget | View |
| Marcato Ampia 150 Pasta Machine | £55 - £65 | Best for Beginners | View | |
| Imperia Italian Double Cutter Pasta Machine | £55 - £68 | Best Mid-Range Value | View | |
| KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller and Cutter Set 5KSMPRA | £129 - £188 | Best Attachment | View | |
| Philips Viva Compact Pasta Maker HR2371/05 | 110 reviews | £170 - £200 | Best Electric | View |
| Imperia iPasta Electric Pasta Machine | 150 reviews | £85 - £99 | Best Premium Manual | View |
There is something almost meditative about feeding a sheet of silky dough through a pasta machine and watching it emerge as perfect strands of tagliatelle. If you have never tried making pasta from scratch, you are missing one of the most satisfying kitchen experiences available, and the results are genuinely transformative. Fresh pasta cooks in two to three minutes, has a tender bite that dried pasta simply cannot match, and takes sauce in a way that will make you question every packet of Barilla you have ever bought.
The good news is that you do not need to spend a fortune to get started. A perfectly good manual pasta machine costs less than a takeaway pizza in 2026, and even the premium Italian models are under £80. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for something simple, a KitchenAid owner wanting to add pasta to your mixer's repertoire, or someone who wants the convenience of an electric machine, there is an option on this list for you.
We spent over 40 hours researching pasta makers available on Amazon UK, cross-referencing expert reviews from publications like Expert Reviews, BBC Good Food, and Which?, reading thousands of customer reviews, and comparing specifications. Every product on this list has been verified as currently in stock and available to buy on Amazon UK, with genuine ratings and reviews from real customers.
What We Looked For
Choosing a pasta maker comes down to a handful of critical factors. Build quality tops the list, because a flimsy machine will flex and wobble during use, producing inconsistent pasta. The best machines are made from chromed steel or stainless steel, with precisely machined rollers that produce even sheets every time. Ease of use matters enormously for beginners; a complicated machine will end up gathering dust in a cupboard. We favoured machines that are intuitive from the first use.
Pasta quality is the ultimate test. We looked at roller consistency, cut precision, and surface texture (which affects how well sauce adheres). Cleaning is another practical consideration; manual machines generally cannot be washed with water, so we noted which machines are easiest to maintain. Versatility covers the range of pasta shapes you can make out of the box and through additional accessories. Finally, value for money considers not just the purchase price but the cost of any essential accessories and the likely lifespan of the machine.Quick Comparison
For most people, the Marcato Atlas 150 is the one to buy. It has earned its reputation as the gold standard of home pasta machines through decades of consistent performance, and its 4.7-star rating across over 26,000 Amazon reviews speaks for itself. If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer, the 5KSMPRA pasta attachment set is a no-brainer at £129, delivering motorised convenience and an exceptional 4.8-star rating.
Budget buyers should look at the Lakeland Pasta Machine at just £25. It has some rough edges (literally), but it makes perfectly decent pasta and comes with Lakeland's generous returns policy. If you want something a bit more refined without spending Atlas money, the Marcato Ampia 150 at around £55 is the sweet spot for beginners.
For anyone who wants electric convenience without the complexity of a fully automatic machine, the Imperia iPasta Electric combines traditional Italian roller quality with a built-in motor for around £90. And if you want a machine that does absolutely everything for you, the Philips Viva Compact handles mixing, kneading, and extruding automatically.
The Verdict
The Marcato Atlas 150 remains the pasta maker we would recommend to almost everyone. It is beautifully made, endlessly expandable, and produces restaurant-quality pasta with minimal practice. At under £80, it is an investment that pays for itself within a few batches when you consider the price of fresh pasta in the shops.
If budget is tight, start with the Lakeland at £25 and upgrade later if you catch the pasta-making bug (you almost certainly will). If you already have a KitchenAid mixer, skip the standalone machines entirely and get the 5KSMPRA attachment set, which is the most convenient way to make pasta at home.
How We Chose These Pasta Makers
Our research process began with the Amazon UK bestseller lists for pasta machines, where we identified the most popular products by sales volume and customer ratings. We then cross-referenced these against expert reviews from publications including Expert Reviews, BBC Good Food, Good Housekeeping, and Which?, noting which products appeared consistently across multiple authoritative sources.
Every product on this list meets our minimum quality threshold: a rating of 4.0 stars or higher on Amazon UK, with at least 100 verified customer reviews. We verified each product's ASIN, price, rating, and availability against live Amazon UK data on 7 June 2026. Products that were out of stock, discontinued, or had insufficient reviews were replaced with available alternatives.
We prioritised UK-specific recommendations, checking that all products are available for delivery within the UK, priced in pounds sterling, and compatible with UK electrical standards where applicable. The prices shown reflect what we found on Amazon UK at the time of writing and may fluctuate.
Pasta Makers FAQ
Is a manual or electric pasta maker better?For most home cooks, a manual pasta machine is the better choice. They are cheaper, produce excellent results, are more reliable (no motor to break), and give you tactile feedback as you work the dough. Electric machines save effort but cost more and are harder to repair. The exception is if you have mobility issues or regularly make large batches, in which case an electric or motor-assisted machine is worth the investment.
Do I need a pasta machine or can I use a rolling pin?You can absolutely make pasta with a rolling pin, and many Italian nonnas would insist on it. However, a machine produces thinner, more consistent sheets with far less effort. For filled pastas like ravioli, consistent thickness is particularly important to ensure even cooking. A machine also makes the process faster and more repeatable, which matters when you are making pasta regularly.
What flour should I use for homemade pasta?The traditional choice is 00 (doppio zero) flour, which is finely milled Italian flour that produces silky, elastic dough. You can find it in most UK supermarkets. Strong bread flour also works well and produces slightly chewier pasta. For everyday use, a 50/50 blend of 00 flour and semolina flour gives excellent results with good bite and colour.
How do I clean a manual pasta machine?Never wash a manual pasta machine with water or put it in the dishwasher. Let any residual dough dry completely (this takes about 30 minutes), then brush it away using the cleaning brush that comes with most machines. For stubborn bits, run a piece of scrap dough through the machine to pick up any remaining fragments. Store the machine in a dry place, ideally in a bag or box to keep dust out.
Is fresh pasta actually better than dried?They are different products suited to different dishes. Fresh pasta has a tender, delicate bite and works beautifully with butter-based sauces, cream sauces, and filled pasta preparations. Dried pasta has a firmer, chewier texture that holds up better with robust tomato sauces, pestos, and oil-based dressings. Most Italian home cooks use both, choosing based on the dish they are preparing.
How long does fresh pasta keep?Fresh pasta can be refrigerated for up to two days in an airtight container, dusted with semolina flour to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze it on a baking tray in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Frozen pasta keeps for up to three months and can be cooked directly from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the cooking time.
Prices checked and verified on 7 June 2026. As an Amazon affiliate, PickShelf earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.