If you love fresh pasta and own a KitchenAid stand mixer, you might want to consider getting the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set. This set includes three attachments that let you make sheets of pasta dough, spaghetti, and fettuccine with ease. In this review, I will share my experience with using this set, as well as some of its pros and cons.

How to use the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set

The KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set is compatible with any KitchenAid stand mixer model. You just need to attach the desired accessory to the power hub of the mixer and lock it in place. Then, you can use the mixer's speed control to adjust the speed of the roller or cutter.

To make pasta, you need to prepare a dough with flour, eggs, water, and salt. You can follow the recipe book that comes with the set, or use your own favorite recipe. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not too sticky. You can knead it by hand or use the mixer's dough hook.

Once the dough is ready, you need to divide it into small pieces and flatten them slightly. Then, you can feed them through the pasta roller to make thin sheets of pasta. You can adjust the thickness of the sheets by changing the settings on the roller. There are eight settings, from 1 (thickest) to 8 (thinnest).

After you have rolled out the sheets, you can either cut them by hand into the shape and size you want, or use the pasta cutter attachments to make spaghetti or fettuccine. The cutters are very easy to use, you just need to feed the sheets through them and catch the noodles as they come out. You can dust the noodles with some flour to prevent them from sticking together.

The fresh pasta can be cooked right away in boiling water, or dried for later use. You can also freeze the pasta for up to three months. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and shape of the pasta, but it is usually much shorter than dried pasta. You can check the doneness by tasting a piece of pasta. It should be al dente, meaning firm but not hard.

Pros and Cons of the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set

The KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set has many advantages, such as:

- It is made of durable stainless steel that can last for years.

- It is easy to attach and detach from the mixer, and does not require any additional power source.

- It is versatile and can make different types of pasta, such as lasagna, ravioli, spaghetti, fettuccine, and more.

- It is fast and efficient, and can make large batches of pasta in a short time.

- It is fun and satisfying to make your own pasta from scratch, and you can customize it with different flours, ingredients, and flavors.

However, there are also some drawbacks, such as:

- It is expensive, and might not be worth it if you do not make pasta often.

- It is specialized, and might not be useful for other purposes.

- It requires some practice and patience to get the hang of it, and to achieve the desired thickness and consistency of the pasta.

- It is time-consuming, and might not be convenient for busy or lazy days.

- It is hard to clean, and requires a special cleaning brush to remove the bits of dough from the roller and cutter.

My verdict on the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set

Overall, I think the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set is a great investment for pasta lovers who own a KitchenAid stand mixer. It is a high-quality and easy-to-use accessory that can make homemade pasta a breeze. It is also a fun and creative way to enjoy pasta with your family and friends.

However, if you do not make pasta often, or if you prefer a simpler and cheaper way to make pasta, you might want to look for other options. There are many manual pasta machines and tools that can do the job just as well, or even better. You can also buy fresh or dried pasta from the store, and save yourself some time and hassle.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you decide to get the KitchenAid KPRA Pasta Roller and Cutter Set, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy pasta making!