This was such a fantastic Christmas treat!! I finally found the right water to flour ratio and all the different pasta shapes are so fun to make. Fresh pasta has a texture that is just so much better than the dry packaged stuff this is a game changer!

We received the pasta press attachment set as a gift from my mother. It makes it *so easy* to make fresh extruded pasta in your own kitchen. The only thing to know is that the fresh pasta recipe that comes in the little booklet is no good—it's too sticky and falls apart. I found a different recipe online that works like a charm. We have put together meals like pasta alla vodka totally from scratch within 30ish minutes with this attachment. It's a little bit of a hassle to clean, but no big deal. Pasta lovers, get yourself one of these!

(Rewarded Review) Kitchenaid Pasta Press KSMPEXTA

I have wanted this attachment for such a long time, I was beyond excited when I finally received it in the mail. The recipe was easy, the attachment was very easy to figure out, and the whole process was fun and exciting. It does make very tasty pasta. I will continue to use this over and over again. My only complaint so far is trying to clean the dough out of those pasta discs. Those little wholes are not easy to clean out. Even with that problem, I still love this attachment and would buy it any day. Highly recommended for the pasta loving families like mine!

(Rewarded Review) Touch and Go

This is my one KitchenAid item that I'm not so sure about. I have tried to use this a few times, and really have not been very successful. Theses failures could definitely be all of my fault, as the pasta dough recipe could be off...alas I have had problem with this jamming and even overheating my mixer (I almost had a meltdown myself). Its been hard for me to find the right consistency to get the dough to come out like it's supposed to. Also, it's fairly labor intensive to clean, I have to soak the part in soapy water to get the dough out of the presses (which can't be good for the parts). All in all, when it worked it was great but I'm slightly afraid to use it because of the overheating. I will definitely try it again, if I can find a better dough recipe.

Fresh Pasta is a treat!

The Gourmet Pasta Press Is a perfect Kitchen Aid tool to make fresh pasta. It's as easy as 1-2-3. The dough (which was too dry and crumbly per recipe instructions, so we slowly added small amounts of water until the dough resembled play dough consistency) is made in the bowl of your Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook and the Pasta Press is attached to the mixer to process the dough into the pasta form of your choice. Our initial batch of Rigatoni was perfect and tasty! This machine is not fast, but it gets the job done very well. The built in pasta cutter is perfect for cutting pasta in your desired length. We placed plastic trays lined with wax paper on the counter directly under the pasta press, so when we cut the pasta it landed on the tray. We had employed ... MoreThe Gourmet Pasta Press Is a perfect Kitchen Aid tool to make fresh pasta. It's as easy as 1-2-3. The dough (which was too dry and crumbly per recipe instructions, so we slowly added small amounts of water until the dough resembled play dough consistency) is made in the bowl of your Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook and the Pasta Press is attached to the mixer to process the dough into the pasta form of your choice. Our initial batch of Rigatoni was perfect and tasty! This machine is not fast, but it gets the job done very well. The built in pasta cutter is perfect for cutting pasta in your desired length. We placed plastic trays lined with wax paper on the counter directly under the pasta press, so when we cut the pasta it landed on the tray. We had employed three inter-changeable trays, so we could separate the pasta in single layers for cooking later or drying and storing. First clean-up was a challenge, as there are press pieces that can be wash and some press pieces should not be washed. We figured that out with a learning curve of hands on maintenance. Next time will be better. The Pasta press was well worth the investment. We hope to have fun making pasta as a family project and enjoy all those Italian meals together.source kitchenaid.com

I'm in love!

My first attempt at making spaghetti left much to be desired. The dough did indeed need to be very dry. Many of the strands broke apart when I placed them on a floured tray. It ended up tasting ok but I knew I could do better. There are so many dough recipes out there. Some say don't add eggs, salt, oil, water...others say do. I read about a pasta flour (00 semolina) and found it at an Italian grocery. It's imported from Italy. I found a recipe from Mario Batali and adapted it a little. I made rigatoni last night and it couldn't have come out more perfect! The dough was easy to handle and came through the press flawlessly. The pasta was smooth and rich. This is the recipe I used: 2 c 00 semolina flour 2 c all purpose flour 3 eggs 1/2 c warm water I used the ... MoreMy first attempt at making spaghetti left much to be desired. The dough did indeed need to be very dry. Many of the strands broke apart when I placed them on a floured tray. It ended up tasting ok but I knew I could do better. There are so many dough recipes out there. Some say don't add eggs, salt, oil, water...others say do. I read about a pasta flour (00 semolina) and found it at an Italian grocery. It's imported from Italy. I found a recipe from Mario Batali and adapted it a little. I made rigatoni last night and it couldn't have come out more perfect! The dough was easy to handle and came through the press flawlessly. The pasta was smooth and rich. This is the recipe I used: 2 c 00 semolina flour 2 c all purpose flour 3 eggs 1/2 c warm water I used the Kitchenaid flat beater to mix all the ingredients at speed 2 for 30 seconds and then used the dough hook at speed 2 to knead the dough for 2 minutes. I then hand kneaded the dough for about a minute, formed it into a ball, and wrapped it tightly in plastic wrap. I let it rest for almost an hour. This step is very important. Once the dough was ready, I placed the rigatoni disc on the press and started feeding walnut sized balls into the press and set to 6. Within 10 seconds, the noodles started coming out. Never had to use the combo tool to push it through and the wire cutter worked perfectly. If you fill the auger with dough balls, it probably will clog. I never added more than 2 at a time. The entire pasta making from start to finish (not counting the resting time) took less than an hour. I love this press and have a feeling I'll be using it AT LEAST once a week. There is nothing better than fresh pasta!source kitchenaid.com

Much improved from previous design

I really like the new design. With the integrated slicer and the downward angle, I didn't have an issue with pasta sticking together like in the old design. The only issue I had was I didn't get the pasta plate seated properly and so it didn't extrude as well as it should. Now that I know the issue and what to look for, I don't expect this to be an issue next time. A more positive tab for plate seating would be handy...maybe not as much as was on the old plates that married to the grinder, but certainly something that shows you're engaged before you screw on the bezel. I would like to see more plates for purchase (fettuccine, lasagna, and linguine...the first two were available in the old design) but I am pleased with what is available when you get this and look ... MoreI really like the new design. With the integrated slicer and the downward angle, I didn't have an issue with pasta sticking together like in the old design. The only issue I had was I didn't get the pasta plate seated properly and so it didn't extrude as well as it should. Now that I know the issue and what to look for, I don't expect this to be an issue next time. A more positive tab for plate seating would be handy...maybe not as much as was on the old plates that married to the grinder, but certainly something that shows you're engaged before you screw on the bezel. I would like to see more plates for purchase (fettuccine, lasagna, and linguine...the first two were available in the old design) but I am pleased with what is available when you get this and look forward to trying other styles.source kitchenaid.com

No issues for me. Love it

Ive had mine for a week now. I know from making different kinds of noodles over the years that the dough makes all the difference. The reason I started making my own is because I missed the flavors I remember from when I was a kid. What I have found is any dough made from all purpose flour doesn't have as much flavor as I would like. But I do like the textures of it. That being said, wet dough will go through the dies easily, but not hold shape, dry is the opposite. Twisting of fusilli seems to be more a matter of having let the dough rest, not over-working it, the right balance of wet and dry, and the right mixer speed. It takes practice and patience. I love my pasta maker attachments....but it does take a while to get it right and the dough makes all the ... MoreIve had mine for a week now. I know from making different kinds of noodles over the years that the dough makes all the difference. The reason I started making my own is because I missed the flavors I remember from when I was a kid. What I have found is any dough made from all purpose flour doesn't have as much flavor as I would like. But I do like the textures of it. That being said, wet dough will go through the dies easily, but not hold shape, dry is the opposite. Twisting of fusilli seems to be more a matter of having let the dough rest, not over-working it, the right balance of wet and dry, and the right mixer speed. It takes practice and patience. I love my pasta maker attachments....but it does take a while to get it right and the dough makes all the difference. bad d

Perfecto!

First a disclaimer: I have a Lello automatic pasta maker/extruder which, since purchasing this attachment, is now up for sale on a local site. That being said, the reason I purchased the Lello almost 4 years ago is because I owned a Viking stand mixer. While the Viking was a very good mixer, it didn't have many attachments available. Last year my Viking bit the dust, When I found out what it would cost to repair it I decided that I would put that money towards the purchase of a KitchenAid Artisan. While the Lello pasta machine produces a good pasta product, it is a pain in the neck to deal with. From the mixing to the kneading to the extruding takes between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. And that's if the machine cooperates. If it doesn't, I found myself having to stop the ... MoreFirst a disclaimer: I have a Lello automatic pasta maker/extruder which, since purchasing this attachment, is now up for sale on a local site. That being said, the reason I purchased the Lello almost 4 years ago is because I owned a Viking stand mixer. While the Viking was a very good mixer, it didn't have many attachments available. Last year my Viking bit the dust, When I found out what it would cost to repair it I decided that I would put that money towards the purchase of a KitchenAid Artisan. While the Lello pasta machine produces a good pasta product, it is a pain in the neck to deal with. From the mixing to the kneading to the extruding takes between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. And that's if the machine cooperates. If it doesn't, I found myself having to stop the machine numerous times to coax the dough that either wasn't mixed or had gotten stuck. That added considerable time to the process. I don't want to spend all afternoon making 2 pounds of pasta. So here I am with my new Artisan stand mixer and I am in love. The dilemma...I already own a pasta maker so how do I justify purchasing the Pasta Press attachment? And then Bed, Bath and Beyond comes out with a percentage off on Kitchen Aid promotion. Plus I have an additional 20% off coupon. So I pulled the trigger and ordered it. I figured worse comes to worse if it doesn't do a (much) better job than the Lello, I'd return it. I am thrilled! The fact that it's made in Italy is a big plus.This attachment works extremely well, as long as you take your time and use the right mixture of flour and water (no eggs). I have a semolina/flour and water recipe that I've used and it works perfectly. I make the dough in my old, trusty (made in France!) Kitchen Aid food processor, let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes and proceed. This pasta maker is easy to use with good, consistent results. I can make a pound of pasta in less than an hour, from start to finish (making dough to resting to extruding). Perfecto!source kitchenaid.com

Surprisingly excellent results. Not nearly as dense as anticipated

I was a bit apprehensive concerning the texture an extruded pasta would have compared to rolled and cut noodles. I love the light tenderness of rolled noodles and was worried this extruder would make dense/heavy pasta. The ability to make bucatini is what helped me make the decision to purchase this My apprehension was misplaced. This makes wonderful pasta. Yes, it is denser than rolled noodles, but it's not too bad... AND there is no other way to produce hollow noodles like bucatini, macaroni, or rigatoni. Put simply, very happy with this item! Nothing will replace rolling solid noodle in my mind, but this unit has its place in my kitchen toolbox. Suggestions: Make your dough on the drier side as it is easier to run through the extruder. If you dough is too ... MoreI was a bit apprehensive concerning the texture an extruded pasta would have compared to rolled and cut noodles. I love the light tenderness of rolled noodles and was worried this extruder would make dense/heavy pasta. The ability to make bucatini is what helped me make the decision to purchase this My apprehension was misplaced. This makes wonderful pasta. Yes, it is denser than rolled noodles, but it's not too bad... AND there is no other way to produce hollow noodles like bucatini, macaroni, or rigatoni. Put simply, very happy with this item! Nothing will replace rolling solid noodle in my mind, but this unit has its place in my kitchen toolbox. Suggestions: Make your dough on the drier side as it is easier to run through the extruder. If you dough is too soft/damp, you can sprinkle the less-than-spectacular results with flour and put it all back into the hopper and reform. Catch the formed noodles in a tray/sheet with raised edges which has been sprinkled with flour to prevent sticking. Also, drier dough will not stick as much as wetter dough.