CucinaPro 177 Pasta Fresh Pasta Machine
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Our Price: $29.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $26.69 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of CucinaPro 177 Pasta Fresh Pasta Machine
Customer Review: imperia makes it easier than i thought...
Summary: 5 Stars
Because I thought this would be incredibly difficult. In fact, it is not, if you heed the advice other reviewers have given: when you fasten the machine, put it on a wet kitchen towel (or even paper towel, as the instructions suggest); lightly (lightly!) flour the rollers, especially those of the attachments.I am less pleased with the instructions (and mine were only in English, and not very extensive), especially the basic instructions on how to work the dough. Perhaps that is why some users had initial difficulties; the dough must rest after the first kneading, and dry before being put through the cutting attachment. I would suggest spending a little cash on a good book (such as Julia Della Croce's "Pasta," available on Amazon.com).
Oh, I think this machine is lovely--heavy (as machines should be), foolproof, shiny. Minor criticism, though: I don't understand the little tray my machine came with (the instructions don't tell you how to use it). I managed to hook it in, but its use is limited; as other reviewers suggested, making pasta works best with an assistant: the sheets get pretty long on the thinnest setting.
Sure, it makes a mess (but not too bad); sure, it takes some time (but who cares, if there's nothing on TV). But after using it only once, I'm hooked--the 'fresh' pasta I buy at the supermarket is nothing compared to what I can crank out with the Imperia (what a wonderfully silly name--as if you could rule the world with this machine), impressing my girlfriend as well as her friends.
Customer Review: clarifying all the negative comments.
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, let's get one thing out of the way, making pasta from scratch is NOT difficult, but you do NEED to understand how pasta machine and dough work. These ppl complaining and posting negative comments are like ppl who whine about how difficult and incredibly dangerous it is to operate a table saw.
First off, you NEVER clean your pasta machine. Unsanitary? it's not, dough dries off and fall out. This is simply how all pasta is made. Dough got stuck? having a hard time? you used TOO much water. Now, please, if you used too much water on ur dough, it's not the machine's fault, it's yours. you dont add any water when you make the dough, you dip ur fingers in water, and only need just enough to hold the dough together! Pasta dough guys!! not pizza dough!!
2nd, it's not difficult to use, these reviewers are just too lazy to learn how to use it. I mean, does everyone know how to drive innately? of course not! we all have to learn how to drive, and we all manage. How can you expect to magically know how to make pasta by buying a machine?? please!! practice!
And last... please follow my advice on water, dont add it to dough, dip your fingers in it! 4 oz of all purpose flour + 4 oz of semolina flour + 1 egg. that's it. work it into a dough, and dip ur finger in water a couple times. it will feel dry, and the first few passes through the machine will crumble. it's OK! fold it up and run in through a few more times and you'll get beautiful pasta dough!
Customer Review: Nice and easy
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a bit hesitant on this purchase, but I'm so glad that I made it. I use the "00" pasta flour, although I've tried cutting it with 1/2 regular white flour. Nothing wrong with that at all, and I could tell no difference, but I still like to use the "00".
I always use 2 cups of flour, 2 eggs, and add warm water to adjust (usually 1/3 cup). The funny thing is that I had a great dough the first time I tried, and using this method has always worked for me (I was nervous after hearing horror stories).
One batch of the above dough creates 4 sheets of long flat pasta sheets for me. I let these dry out slightly, then run them through the cutters. I didn't have a drying rack at first, so I just let the cut shapes dry on a floured cutting board. The rack is much easier though!. I've made raviolis twice. Not with an attachment, but with a separate piece where the sheets are laid across the "mold" and cut off with a rolling pin.
No problems at all with cleaning (pastry brush only) or with chrome flaking off. The clamp isn't as wide as it could be, but fits on my kitchen table, and the hand crank likes to weasle it's way out of it's holder. Personally, any machine roller seems a waste, unless you have arthritis problems or the like. The effort required isn't that much at all.
There is time involved than breaking out a package of dryed pasta, but from what I've found, it's well worth it. The machine cleans up easily, it's the flour on the counter that makes the most mess.
Customer Review: Simple and easy clean
Summary: 5 Stars
It was with hesitation that I purchased this product after reading reviews of difficulty in handling the machine and cleaning. However I did go ahead with my purchase because my family (and I) enjoy homemade pasta. Setting aside a Saturday afternoon to focus on mastering the maker, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use. I followed the directions, making sure that the pasta was floured before going through the rollers and that the sheets were dried properly and floured before going through the cutters. After I finished making the pasta, cleanup involved brushing the excess flour from the machine with a soft bristle brush. My pasta making background is with an electric pastamaker. The gears burned out after one year and that is why I purchased a mechanical maker, at a lower price I might add. The Imperia is easier to use, takes very little time to make the pasta, and is much easier to clean. I also like the way the dough is conditioned, through the use of rollers, before it is formed into pasta. I think this makes a better pasta. Also, the mechanical unit does not use electricity and is quieter to operate. After using an electric and a mechanical unit, I'm not sure why electric ones are sold.
If you're thinking about buying a pastamaker, and you must be if you're reading this review, the Imperia is a good place to start.
Customer Review: Imperia (by Atlas) a Super Pasta Machine
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned an Imperia machine for years, but it was manufactured by Atlas, not Villaware. However, both machines are made in Italy, and probably the same or similar.
My machine is wonderful! Very sturdy and rolls noodles perfectly, including using the thinest noodle attachment available! My 87 year old Grandmother, whom has always made her pasta at home by hand and has used a meriad of machines at church for bake sales, said this is the best machine she has ever used. She is famuous in our part of the country for her homemade butterballs and noodles, which she has been making for the church since she was a ripe 20 year old, so, yes, I think her vote does count! You cannot fool an old German woman, muchless an old German cook :)
I would recommend this machine to anyone wanting a fine pasta maker. With anything new, you usually need a couple of practice runs, and anyone that is a common/serious cook knows that. It is not difficult to use, you just have to get your 'own' method down. If you are a novice cook, there is no room to complain if you are still experimenting with the 'pasta recipe' part of noodle making w/ a machine, or likewise. Ask questions, there are cooks all over the internet willing to help, including myself.
Happy Cooking Noodleheads ~ kookinjunkie@cableone.net