4 common mistakes when using a pasta machine (and how to avoid them)

Have your tastebuds also become entranced by the utter deliciousness of fresh-made pasta? Kneading, rolling, and cutting: making home-made pasta is not only about flavor, but is a true ritual that brings the family together, fostering a moment of sharing and genuine connection. 

Whether you're a total novice or an experienced enthusiast striving for ever more perfect results, mastering the art of using your pasta machine truly makes all the difference. 

To help you out, we've gathered a list of the 4 most common mistakes people make when using a pasta machine, along with tips on how to avoid them so you can create smooth, uniform sheets, ready to be transformed into fettuccine, tagliolini, lasagna, ravioli, and other succulent traditional Italian dishes!

Pasta machines: the most common mistakes

Using a pasta machine to make homemade pasta may seem simple, but even a small mistake can jeopardize the final result. Never fear! Just follow our tips to create a perfect sheet of pasta that's just like Grandma's!

1) Common mistakes when using a pasta machine: not letting the dough rest

Frequently, spurred by curiosity or simply in a rush to see the results of our work as soon as possible, we use the pasta machine immediately after kneading the dough.

This is a mistake that can seriously undermine all your hard work: freshly kneaded dough is still too elastic and difficult to roll out, and is likely to tear or not stretch properly.

The solution is to wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten network structure to form properly and will make the dough more workable.

2) Not flouring the sheet of pasta enough

Sometimes, between one step and another, we forget to adequately dust our sheet of pasta with flour. Without enough flour, we run the risk of having the pasta stick to the rollers or curl up on itself.

To avoid this, we recommend lightly dusting the dough with flour before each pass through the machine, preferably using a fine flour (such as 00 flour). Don't overdo it, or the dough may become too dry.

3) Feeding excessive quantities of dough through the machine

Another common mistake is to feed all the dough through the machine all at once, without dividing it first. This results in the dough becoming very difficult to control and work with, requiring a significant increase in physical effort.

We recommend that you divide the dough into several portions and work one piece at a time, keeping the others covered with a cloth to prevent them from drying out.

4) Not cleaning the machine properly after use

Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining optimal performance and preserving the longevity of your pasta machine. Residual flour or dough can form a crust and interfere with the machine's inner mechanisms.

Here are some tips for properly cleaning your pasta machine:

• Gently disassemble any removable parts
• To remove flour and residue from removable parts without causing scratches, use a soft bristle brush. If necessary, wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
• Remove any flour or pasta residue from the machine's surfaces using a soft cloth (preferably microfiber) that's been lightly moistened with water. Use circular motions to clean, paying particular attention to areas with stains or pasta residue. 
• Avoid using harsh detergents and chemicals such as bleach or other ammonia-based products. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent.
• After cleaning, thoroughly dry the machine's body and all components using a dry cloth or a sheet of paper towel.
• Reassemble and store the machine away from dust.
• To keep your machine running smoothly and extend its lifespan, it's a good idea to lubricate its moving parts with a food-grade oil on a regular basis.

For comprehensive details, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the instruction manual for your specific model. And remember: properly cleaning the machine after each use can truly make a difference in the final result of your homemade pasta! 

Learn the art of homemade pasta with Healthy Italia!

Do you want to learn how to make authentic homemade pasta? Check out the list of upcoming cooking classes! Cristina and her team are eager to share all their secrets for making homemade pasta with you!