Imperia pasta machine

I have used an electric pasta maker for 20 years and just recently changed to "hand made". This hand cranked machine is essential to create the elasticity needed to make great pasta. Bottom line: the pasta is fantastic!

However, it would not be very difficult to improve on this 80+ year old design. The handle pops out repeatedly and the clamp that holds it to the counter top could be made much easier to use. Anyone with arthritis would find the small knob hard to tighten adequately. I use a piece of steel to tighten it enought to keep it from moving.

Why didn't I buy this sooner??? I did a ton of research before purchasing the Imperia Pasta Machine. I decided on this particular machine because of the large number of positive reviews on this site and others as well as an in-person testing of products at Crate & Barrel and Williams-Sonoma. I have now been using it several times a week for a few months.

This machine is very well built and sturdy. I think that you could run over it with a dump truck and it wouldn't get a scratch on it. It is pretty heavy once the fettuccine attachment is on there, so make sure that it is clamped down tight. You will need a pretty significant lip on your counter for the clamp to fit properly (I'd say about at least 1.5-2 inches). I do not believe that this machine will work properly without the clamp (it will slide all over the place), so take this into consideration. I also believe that there is a Good Eats episode where Alton Brown screws or clamps his pasta roller onto an ironing board, so it is possible to use another surface. :)

The simple formula in the manual is quite tasty. Like other reviews have said, it cannot be sticky or the stickiness will transfer to the machine. It should be dry enough to look like it's wrong (which is very hard if you are a bread baker!). For the first run-through, the 1 lb of dough was more than enough to get rid of all of the grease/metal/residue. Just make sure that you roll the dough totally across all of the surfaces because I found the majority of the grease to be on the sides.

The dough rolls smoothly through each setting. One thing that I wish I could change would be the dial. I find it fairly tricky to do with one hand and I usually end up draping the dough over my arm while I use two hands to change the dial settings. It's not that big of a deal and I just make sure to wash my arm before starting. I have not made any other types of pasta dough other than egg, so I cannot comment on how sticky the dough would be with the addition of spinach or tomatoes.

All in all, this a fantastic product that was built to last. Just remember to tighten the clamp... more than once I didn't screw it tight enough and the machine nearly fell off of the counter while I was turning the crank on the tougher low number settings. Be careful... rolling that darn dough is quite addicting!

Had my doubts of this Imperia pasta machine, although truly believe that some other vendors of these machines are screwing fellow Amazon buyers,meaning selling confusion as well as the item, possibly some selling only have of a solution to others.
Pleased very much with quality of Imperia pasta machine, and more satisfied with prompt delivery of product.
I suggest vendor list any other accessories for this brandname line so confidence stays with customer.But,heed advice and ensure price remains fair and others shall follow.

I learned to make pasta in Italy using the Imperia. It's a great machine and extremely easy to use. My first two efforts at home turned out perfectly. Just be sure to have your dough the right consistency. I use about 1 1/4c unbleached flour, 2 eggs and a pinch of salt. I live in an extremely dry climate so if yours is more humid you may need to add more flour. Highly recommend the Imperia.

i just got my imperia pasta maker today and had my dough ready when the ups man brought it to my door i was so excited to try it! it didn't let me down!! i have made pasta by hand in the past so it was like coming out of the middle ages, it was quick, easy and had no problem handling my 1/2 wheat noodle dough. my boys got in the action and by the time we came up for air we had over 6 batches of fettucine made! great great little machine.