Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I ran one ball of dough through the machine and I was done. No metal shavings, no grease, no discolored parts. I have only had my machine for 5 years now. Many of the reviews citing problems with this device are older than that, so perhaps the manufacturer listened to the complaints of those who purchased their machines longer ago and who had problems. A success story for quality control and buyer feedback??
A couple of tips. I thought that a low speed setting for the mixer would be most appropriate. Bad idea. I find that the best speed settings for the roller and slicing attachments are 3 or 4. If you go slower, you get a less regular texture. Too much quicker and the dough tears.
Not documented in the booklet that comes with the device is that you can widen the rollers a bit extra if you go clockwise a bit past 1. This is where I start my rolling. I usually put the ball of dough through this setting 2-3 times, folding it in half before each re-roll.
I then narrow the rollers 2 notches for each subsequent rolling until the desired thickness is achieved. I use the following settings for different types of pasta:
Ravioli - 4
Linguini - 6
Fetuccini - 5
'Broken Noodles' - 5
You can go thinner for things like angel hair pasta, but I usually prefer heartier pastas which Tuscan-inspired sauces.
Take note - if you are making pasta for a group larger than 3-4, or are otherwise not planning on taking it directly from the roller to boiling water, you will need a good pasta rack/dryer unless you have acres of counter space. If you attempt to accumulate your pasta in a 'pile' before cooking, you get a big blob of pasta-ish dough and you will need to completely re-roll it. Laying the pasta in a flat, single layer, is an option but I do not have that much counter space. I therefore use a pasta dryer to hang the pasta for a few minutes to a couple of hours until I am ready to boil it.
Updated June 3, 2009 - We have been using this now for just shy of 5 years and it still works very well. The device has been easy to maintain, there has been no build up of gunk even though you cannot wash it in soap and water, and the rollers are still spinning evenly despite semi-regular use.
Updated June 2010 - Still going strong!
Click Here to see more reviews about: KitchenAid KPRA Stand Mixer Attachment, Pasta Roller
A great accessory for your KitchenAid stand mixer. This set features a roller to knead and roll your pasta, a fettuccine cutter, and a spaghetti cutter. Each is easy to install and easy to remove for cleaning with the including cleaning brush. Fits all KitchenAid stand mixers, not shown.Model KPRA.
Click here for more information about KitchenAid KPRA Stand Mixer Attachment, Pasta Roller
