Pasta machine recommendations?
 

I just threw my Atlas pasta roller out the window, after years of suffering with broken clamps and a roller handle that wouldn't stay in the slot for more than 3 turns.

I'm in the market for a replacement, but don't want to go down the same wrong path. Amazon reviews for all the machines mention the same problems with the clamps and handles across a wide variety of priced machines.

I just want a simple hand-operated machine where the clamps work and the handle doesn't fall out!!

Recommendations?

I think most of the home ones suffer the same problems. I don't have it, but I have been told by people who do the Williams Sonoma one is much less hassle than most of them. I have a cheap no name one and know it won't last long and I'm thinking about the Sonoma one.

Of course, if you have $700 to spend, there are some hand operated commercial ones that you won't have any troubles with at all. I keep hoping one of the used restaurant equipment stores will have it some day for a reasonable price. :D

I just keep using the same type... found an Italian one on craigslist last year for $20. Add the metro north ticket to get to the upper west side, it cost me $48, and it's the best one of this type I have ever owned.

Just solidly built, the clamps stay put it, as does the handle.

OTOH, i have one here in Utah that I bought at bed bath and beyond that SUCKS. it's chinese-made, falls apart, and I'm prettys sure that it's 50% plastic.

I guess what I'm saying is, quality matters, even in the simple table-top roller models.

if you have a Kitchenaid mixer (what? you don't? what kind of cook are you????? ;)) you can buy pasta attachments that work quite well. The nice thing with these is that you'll now have two free hands to feed/collect the sheets and pasta, making for a much neater process.

I DO have a Kitchenaid, and even have the past extruded attachement, but for reasons I can't fully explain rolled pasta just seems like it needs to be done by hand.

Not to mention that the Kitchenaid Roller is $99 all by itself - no cutter. Of course, you can buy a set for almost $200, but then you need to roll the pasta first then TAKE OFF that attachement to put on the cutter?? I don't think so.

I can't help with brands because I'm on the other side of the pond and I don't know what you can get over there.

My recommendation would naturally be a heavy metal machine with a solid clamp, but moreover, one that has an automated roller. Some machines have an automated attachment that you clip into where the crank handle goes. That keeps the rollers rolling at a decent speed and allows you two hands to deal with the pasta.

That usually isn't enough in any event.

Dealing with kids and making pasta; two events where an extra pair of hands would be so very helpful!