Top-Rated Electric Pasta Maker For Making Whole Wheat Pasta: An Actionable Guide

Whole wheat pasta is a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, made from whole wheat flour that retains more nutrients, fiber, and minerals. It's an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet while still enjoying the delicious flavors and textures of homemade pasta. However, making whole wheat pasta from scratch can be challenging due to the denser texture and different consistency of whole wheat flour compared to regular flour. Electric pasta makers can make this task much easier, helping you create perfect whole wheat pasta effortlessly.

In this actionable guide, we will explore the best electric pasta makers for making whole wheat pasta, discuss key features to consider when choosing a machine, and provide tips for crafting perfect whole wheat pasta at home.

Why Choose an Electric Pasta Maker for Whole Wheat Pasta?

Making whole wheat pasta requires more effort than traditional pasta due to the rougher texture and higher fiber content of whole wheat flour. Kneading and rolling the dough by hand can be time-consuming and tiring. Electric pasta makers take the hassle out of the process by automating the kneading, rolling, and cutting stages, saving you time and effort while ensuring consistency.

Benefits of Using an Electric Pasta Maker for Whole Wheat Pasta

1. Effortless Dough Kneading : Whole wheat flour requires more kneading to ensure the dough is smooth and elastic. An electric pasta maker can handle this task much more efficiently than manual methods, ensuring that your dough is evenly mixed and kneaded without much effort.

2. Consistent Results : One of the main challenges of making whole wheat pasta is achieving consistent thickness across the dough. With an electric pasta maker, you can precisely control the thickness of the dough, ensuring even cooking and a professional-quality texture.

3. Time-Saving : Electric pasta makers can speed up the process significantly. Instead of spending hours kneading and rolling by hand, you can focus on other aspects of your meal while the machine does the hard work.

4. Customizable Settings : Many electric pasta makers offer customizable settings for thickness and texture, which is particularly important for whole wheat pasta. These settings allow you to adjust the dough to your liking, whether you prefer a thicker, heartier pasta or a lighter, more delicate texture.

Key Features to Look for in an Electric Pasta Maker for Whole Wheat Pasta

When selecting an electric pasta maker for making whole wheat pasta, there are several important features to consider. These features will ensure that the machine can handle the denser dough and deliver consistent, high-quality results.

1. Adjustable Dough Thickness Settings

Whole wheat pasta requires dough that is rolled to a specific thickness. An electric pasta maker with adjustable thickness settings allows you to control the dough's consistency, ensuring that you achieve the perfect texture. Whole wheat dough is often thicker and denser, so look for a machine with a wide range of thickness options to accommodate different preferences.

2. Powerful Motor

Making whole wheat pasta requires a more powerful motor than regular pasta, as whole wheat flour tends to be heavier and harder to knead. A motor with at least 150W to 200W of power will ensure that the pasta maker can handle the denser dough without stalling or slowing down. A strong motor will also make it easier to roll out the dough and cut it into the desired shape.

3. Pasta-Cutting Attachments

Many electric pasta makers come with various pasta-cutting attachments. For making whole wheat pasta, look for machines that include attachments for spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna. Some higher-end models may also come with specialized cutters for other pasta shapes. Be sure to choose a model that offers flexibility, allowing you to experiment with different types of pasta.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Whole wheat pasta dough can be sticky and harder to clean off the machine, so ease of cleaning is an essential factor when choosing an electric pasta maker. Look for models with removable parts and non-stick surfaces, as these make cleanup much easier. Some models are dishwasher-safe, which can be a real time-saver.

5. Durability and Build Quality

Since pasta-making is a repetitive process, it's important to choose an electric pasta maker that is built to last. Stainless steel construction or high-quality plastic pasta maker will ensure that your machine is durable enough to withstand frequent use. A sturdy, well-built pasta maker will provide reliable performance over time.

6. Compact Design

If you have limited counter space, consider a pasta maker with a compact design. While electric pasta makers tend to be larger than manual models, many brands offer more space-efficient options. A compact model will still provide the features you need while taking up less space in your kitchen.

Top-Rated Electric Pasta Makers for Making Whole Wheat Pasta

With these features in mind, here are some of the best electric pasta makers for making whole wheat pasta:

1. Marcato Atlas 150 Electric Pasta Maker

Key Features:

• Motor Power: 200W
• Attachments: Includes spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna rollers; additional attachments available for other shapes
• Adjustable Thickness: 9 settings
• Build Quality: Stainless steel construction

Why It's Great:

The Marcato Atlas 150 is a top-rated electric pasta maker with a 200W motor that can handle whole wheat dough with ease. The machine's stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the 9 adjustable thickness settings allow you to fine-tune the dough to your preferred texture. It also includes essential attachments like spaghetti and fettuccine rollers, and additional pasta cutters are available for extra versatility.

2. Philips Pasta Maker (HR2357/05)

Key Features:

• Motor Power: 200W
• Pasta Shapes: Includes spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, lasagna, and tagliatelle
• Automatic Dough Kneading: Yes
• Ease of Use: One-button operation

Why It's Great:

The Philips Pasta Maker is an excellent choice for making whole wheat pasta thanks to its 200W motor and automatic dough kneading function. This machine takes care of both the kneading and mixing of whole wheat flour, ensuring that your dough is perfectly prepared before rolling and cutting. With multiple pasta shape attachments and a one-button operation, it's a convenient and easy-to-use option for home cooks.

3. Imperia Electric Pasta Maker

Key Features:

• Motor Power: 100W
• Attachments: Includes fettuccine and spaghetti rollers; additional tagliatelle attachment sold separately
• Adjustable Thickness: 9 settings
• Build Quality: Chrome-plated steel

Why It's Great:

The Imperia Electric Pasta Maker offers excellent value for money. With a 100W motor , it can easily handle whole wheat dough and roll it into even sheets. The 9 adjustable thickness settings make it easy to customize your pasta, and the chrome-plated steel construction ensures durability. While the tagliatelle attachment is sold separately, this model offers great functionality at an affordable price.

4. KitchenAid Pasta Extruder Attachment

Key Features:

• Motor Power : Powered by KitchenAid stand mixer
• Attachments: Includes spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli, and tagliatelle extruders
• Durability: Metal construction
• Ease of Use: Works with KitchenAid mixers

Why It's Great:

If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, the Pasta Extruder Attachment is a fantastic addition for making whole wheat pasta. The metal construction ensures that the extruder will withstand the rigors of frequent use, and the tagliatelle extruder makes it easy to create long ribbons of whole wheat pasta. This attachment also allows you to switch between different shapes easily, adding versatility to your pasta-making setup.

Tips for Making Perfect Whole Wheat Pasta

• Hydrate the Dough: Whole wheat flour absorbs more water than regular flour, so you may need to increase the liquid content when making whole wheat pasta dough. Start with a basic ratio and adjust as needed.
• Rest the Dough: Allow your whole wheat dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the dough relax and improves the texture of your pasta.
• Use High-Quality Flour : For the best results, use whole wheat flour that's finely ground and labeled specifically for pasta making. This will help achieve the right texture and consistency.
• Don't Overcook: Whole wheat pasta tends to cook more quickly than regular pasta, so keep an eye on it while boiling. Typically, whole wheat pasta takes about 2-3 minutes to cook.

Conclusion

Making whole wheat pasta at home has never been easier with the help of an electric pasta maker. Look for models that offer adjustable dough thickness, a powerful motor, and easy-to-clean parts to ensure smooth and consistent results. With the right electric pasta maker, you can create delicious and nutritious whole wheat pasta that will elevate your home cooking to a professional level.