Pasta machines are handy tools that can save your hands and arms from kneading dough with the added benefit of being able to shape the pasta dough into many varieties. With the right pasta machines education and training, you can be cranking out some fresh pasta dough for your patrons in no time.

There are typically two types of pasta making machines: electric pasta machines and manual pasta machines. A manual pasta machine uses a hand crank to knead and shape dough. An electric pasta machine, or an automatic pasta machine, uses the pasta machine motor to eliminate hand cranking and to create the pasta. To make sure your end pasta product is tasty and worthy of your client-base, make sure you are skilled and knowledgeable in the workings of your professional pasta machines in the following ways:

1. Learn how to use your professional pasta machine the correct way.

2. Read up on proper maintenance to keep your professional pasta makers operating smoothly.

3. Obtain assistance from a skilled trainer or class for your commercial pasta machines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use online resources for information on pasta making machines

With automatic pasta machines being more commonplace in restaurants, speciality kitchen stores and even in kitchens, the wealth of free information available on the Internet has also grown. If your budget is tight and your time to learn is also tighter, locate some free online instructions.

I recommend: Read the information detailing how to prepare a machine for use, how to prepare the pasta dough mixture and the correct way to prepare pasta in a pasta machine at Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop. The folks at ifood.tv provide a comprehensive video on how to make the dough and feed it through the machine.

Learn proper maintenance for professional pasta makers

While learning how to operate your professional pasta makers is important, keeping them clean and well maintained is just as important, if not more. Keeping the machines oiled and free from old pasta dough is crucial to their performance. Having a pasta maker that is dirty or out of shape can affect how much pasta you can produce and also the taste and texture.

I recommend: Take the time to learn how to clean and lubricate your professional pasta makers by viewing the information provided by Polyform Products. They provide detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures. You can also check out the cleaning instructions provided by Desiree's Desired Creations.

Get professional assistance for your commercial pasta makers

If the online help isn't making the cut or you need to educate a large group of people at one time, hiring a professional could be the best way for you to get your pasta machines education and training. Classes can range from structured to informal, so pick the best fit for the people who will be attending.

I recommend: The service and technical team at Phase II Pasta Machines offer demonstrations of their equipment at their showroom, but you can also call them to schedule an appointment for customized help. Sign up for a classroom based pasta making class that uses pasta machines, like the one offered at The Professional Culinary Institute.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you are comfortable with your commercial pasta makers before you add fresh pasta to your store shelves or menu. Keeping your quality high will help your reputation stay just as high.

If you’re in the food service industry, then you may need to invest in a pasta making machine. Commercial pasta makers can provide delicious homemade pasta for your restaurant or catering clients.

You’ll have plenty of variety when it comes to selecting your commercial pasta machines. You can find models that can create rolled pasta or combination pasta machines that can make ravioli, gnocchi, tortellini, lasagna and more.

1. Look at the features of industrial pasta machines for sale. You’ll want to check the number and size of the cutters included on the manual or electric pasta machine. Check production numbers as well to see how much pasta can get produced per hour by the commercial pasta making machine.

2. Locate suppliers of professional pasta makers. Many suppliers of commercial pasta machines will have different buying options, including used and refurbished models, as well as lease agreements.

3. Buy any accessories you want for your commercial pasta making machine. At the very least, you’ll want to buy molds to use to create different types of pasta, like ravioli and tortellini.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate pasta makers for sale

Before you purchase pasta machines, set a budget and determine your production needs. Once you have these numbers in your head, you can find industrial pasta machines for sale from online vendors.

I recommend: On the A-Best Fixture Co. website, you can find numerous commercial pasta makers for sale. You can find a compact manual pasta machine for smaller scale operations as well as larger industrial pasta machines for larger scale production. Also, find a variety of pasta making machines for sale on the Parsi Macchine S.R.L. website.

Purchase used or refurbished professional pasta machines

Many used and refurbished commercial pasta makers have the same high quality as a new model. Companies will inspect all parts and make any repairs to make sure the model works perfectly. As long as you find good warranty protection, you should have no problem relying on used pasta makers for your business.

I recommend: From the PastaBiz Pasta Machine Makers, you can find a selection of used pasta machines available. Use the available output numbers and dimensions listed to determine the model to select. Look through the catalog from the Frain Group to find even more used professional pasta machines.

Lease pasta machines

If you're just starting out, you could find that buying a commercial pasta making machine will increase your overhead. Instead, you may want to lease your pasta machines from a food equipment supplier.

I recommend: Mr. Cappuccino, a food service equipment provider, has a lease program available on their commercial pasta makers for interest parties. Contact Victoria L’Originale about leasing one of their pasta machines for your small business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to check the width of each sheet produced by professional pasta machines you're interested in buying. The measurement can help you determine how much pasta you can cut from each sheet.

Pasta machines pricing and costs vary tremendously depending on whether you are buying a manual pasta machine for home use or need a commercial pasta-making machine. Professional pasta makers need heavy-duty, industrial pasta machines, and restaurants can also use a durable commercial pasta-making machine.

Whether you are selecting an electric pasta machine for your home kitchen or need commercial pasta machines for your business, follow these important steps.

1. Decide whether you prefer an automatic pasta machine or a manual pasta machine.

2. Read reviews to be sure the pasta machine motor is durable and reliable.

3. Check different sources to find pasta makers for sale to get the best price.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out the pasta-making machines available for home use

Home pasta machines pricing and costs can vary considerably. If you want a hand-cranked machine for your counter top, you can pick one up inexpensively at most large retail stores that sell housewares. An electric pasta machine is a bit more expensive, but can make pasta making quicker and easier.

I recommend: Manually operated pasta machines range from about $20 to more than $1000, depending on the model. A-Best Fixture offers pasta machines from about $40 to $250. CHEFS has electric pasta machines available in the $200 range.

Choose commercial pasta makers for restaurant or frequent use

Restaurant pasta machines need to stand up to daily use, so choose a model that has a good rating. Every pasta machine has different features, so be sure you get the one that will do the job. Italian restaurants whose menus feature many pastas should consider buying enough machines to make the amount of pasta they need. Home cooks may also select a commercial pasta maker for its durability and versatility.

I recommend: The Cozy Pineapple sells commercial machines that run from $300-3000. The Wasserstrom Company has a range of pasta machines that cost between $200-1700.

Look for the best buy in professional pasta machines

If you are in the pasta-making business, search for industrial pasta machines for sale at a good price. These machines can be quite expensive, but they are a necessary investment. Be sure the machine you choose has the features you need to produce the pasta shapes you need.

I recommend: Be prepared to spend up to $10,000 or more for an industrial floor model. Phase II Pasta Machines and ITALTECH both sell industrial pasta machines in this range. If the costs are prohibitive, ITALTECH offers used models, which can lower the price considerably. More complicated extruder machines with added features can cost in excess of $65,000. Mr Cappuccino sells these, along with less expensive models; they also offer leasing options.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you buy an industrial or commercial pasta-making machine, don't just look at the price. Check to be sure parts and service are readily available if the machine should break. Your business can't afford to be without its pasta-making machine for any length of time.
• •  Along with your industrial pasta machine, look into purchasing a pasta cooker. Cookers are pricey, but will help you serve your customers perfectly prepared pasta.

If you are a restaurant owner or work in an area of the food service industry, you have probably thought of investing in a pasta machine to provide your customers with some homemade ravioli, fettucini or other pasta varieties. Before you buy a pasta machine, you should familiarize yourself with the pasta vocabulary so you can understand some of the features.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pasta drying rack

When making fresh pasta with a pasta machine, you are going to need a pasta drying rack for your long pasta, such as spaghetti or fettucini. A pasta drying rack is typically made of wood or stainless steel and features arms used to hang the pasta.

I recommend: To see a picture of a wooden pasta drying rack and to read more details, visit RecipeTips.com.

Pasta measure

A pasta measure is a tool used to determine measurements of fresh, uncooked pasta. The pasta measure has labeled holes that you slip the pasta through to determine serving size.

I recommend: Target has an example of a plastic pasta measure.

Pasta al ceppo

Pasta al ceppo is one of the more popular pasta types to make with a pasta machine. The name is used to describe any tube shaped pasta.

I recommend: See examples of pasta al ceppo at The Cook's Thesaurus.

Electric pasta machine

An electric pasta machine does almost of all of the pasta making work for you. This type of machine only needs you to put the ingredients in a hopper and turn it on. The machine makes the dough and feeds the dough through the machine automatically.

I recommend: Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop shows how an electric pasta machine operates.

Manual pasta machine

A manual pasta machine is a type of pasta machine that requires you to not only make the pasta dough by hand, but also crank the machine by hand to form the pasta.

I recommend: wiseGEEK provides an in-depth article on manual pasta machines.

Al dente

Cooking your pasta al dente is popular among pasta eaters. Pasta that is al dente is cooked until still firm.

I recommend: At Chef Mom, you can find out more on the term al dente.