The KitchenAid Pasta Roller & Cutter Set (KSMPRA) and its premium counterpart, the KPRA, turn your stand mixer into a pasta-making machine, but they differ significantly in construction and price. The standard KSMPRA model features cutters with durable plastic housings for a more budget-friendly price, while the KPRA model is constructed entirely of metal for superior durability and smoother long-term performance.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right pasta attachment set from KitchenAid for your culinary adventures.
KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set (KSMPRA)
The KSMPRA is the standard pasta attachment set from KitchenAid, designed to be an accessible entry point for home cooks. This three-piece set includes a pasta roller for creating sheets of dough, a spaghetti cutter, and a fettuccine cutter. It provides all the essential tools for making classic pasta shapes with consistent results, making it the most popular choice for those new to the craft.
- What it is: A three-piece attachment set including one pasta roller and two cutters (spaghetti and fettuccine).
- Key features: Stainless steel pasta roller and cutters, the cutters feature a durable plastic housing. The roller has 8 thickness settings to customize your pasta sheets.
- Price: Typically around $130 - $150.
- Style: Functional and straightforward, with a clean white and stainless steel look that matches the classic KitchenAid aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: The roller and blade mechanisms are stainless steel, while the housings for the two cutter attachments are made of sturdy plastic.
- Pros: More affordable price point. A great starter set for beginners. Provides excellent results for occasional home use. Includes the three most essential pasta-making tools.
- Cons: Plastic housings on the cutters may not be as durable as the all-metal version with very heavy use. The rolling mechanism may feel slightly less smooth than the premium model.
The KSMPRA set is ideal for casual home cooks or anyone curious about making fresh pasta without wanting to make a significant upfront investment.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/ksmpra/
KitchenAid 3-Piece Premium Pasta Roller & Cutter Set (KPRA)
The KPRA is KitchenAid’s premium pasta attachment set, engineered for pasta enthusiasts who demand greater durability and precision. Like the standard model, this set includes a pasta roller, a spaghetti cutter, and a fettuccine cutter. The defining difference is its all-metal construction, which provides a heavier, more substantial feel and is designed for frequent, long-term use.
- What it is: A premium three-piece attachment set with a pasta roller, spaghetti cutter, and fettuccine cutter, all made from chrome-plated steel.
- Key features: Heavy-duty, all-metal construction for the roller and both cutters. Precise roller adjustment with 8 thickness settings. Engineered for smoother, more stable operation.
- Price: Usually priced between $180 and $220.
- Style: Sleek and professional, with a polished, all-metal appearance that looks premium and feels substantial.
- Materials/Construction: The roller and both cutters are made entirely of durable, chrome-plated stainless steel, ensuring longevity and robust performance.
- Pros: Superior durability due to all-metal construction. Smoother and more precise operation. Built to last for frequent pasta makers. Looks and feels like a professional-grade tool.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. May be overkill for someone who only makes pasta a few times a year.
The KPRA set is built for the dedicated home chef who makes pasta regularly and values the longevity and smoother performance that comes with premium, all-metal tools.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/
KSMPRA vs. KPRA Comparison
Materials & Construction
The primary difference between these two sets lies in their construction. The KSMPRA features stainless steel rollers and blades, but the outer housings of the two cutter attachments are made of a durable plastic. This reduces manufacturing cost and weight, but may be a point of weakness over years of heavy use.
The KPRA boasts an all-metal build. Both the pasta roller and the two cutters are housed in chrome-plated steel, providing a noticeable increase in weight, stability, and durability. For anyone planning to make pasta on a weekly basis, the KPRA's robust metal build is designed to withstand that frequency without issue.
Performance & Precision
While both sets produce excellent pasta, users often report that the KPRA operates more smoothly. The heavier, all-metal construction leads to less vibration and a more fluid feeding motion as you roll and cut the dough. The internal gears and adjustment mechanisms often feel more refined and precise on the KPRA, allowing for confident, consistent results time after time.
The KSMPRA performs its job very well and is perfectly sufficient for most home needs. However, when compared side-by-side, the premium feel and smoother action of the KPRA model become apparent, especially for those who appreciate the feel of high-quality tools.
Price & Value
The KSMPRA offers incredible value. For a lower price, you get a complete system that turns your stand mixer into a fantastic pasta maker. It brings fresh homemade pasta within reach for a wider audience and is a solid, reliable choice for occasional use. Its value comes from its accessibility and competence.
The KPRA commands a higher price, but its value proposition is rooted in longevity and performance. If you are a serious pasta maker, the extra investment pays off over years of use. You're paying for a product that is less likely to wear out and will provide a more refined user experience from day one. Its value is in its "buy it once, buy it right" durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sets are excellent additions to a KitchenAid mixer, but they are built for different types of users.
Choose the KSMPRA if:
- You are new to making pasta and want an affordable way to start.
- You plan to make fresh pasta only occasionally, such as for special dinners or holidays.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want the best value for getting started.
- You want a reliable, easy-to-use tool that gets the job done without extra frills.
Choose the KPRA if:
- You are passionate about homemade pasta and plan to make it frequently.
- Long-term durability and robust construction are your top priorities.
- You appreciate the smoother, more premium feel of professional-grade tools.
- You view the higher cost as a worthwhile investment in a kitchen tool that will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the KitchenAid KSMPRA and KPRA?
The main difference is material. The KSMPRA cutter attachments have plastic housings, while the KPRA attachments are made entirely of metal. This makes the KPRA more durable and provides a smoother operation for heavy use.
Are both pasta sets compatible with all KitchenAid stand mixers?
Yes, both the KSMPRA and KPRA are designed to fit the power hub of all household KitchenAid Stand Mixers, no matter the model or age.
Is the KPRA worth the extra money?
For frequent pasta makers, yes. The all-metal construction ensures longevity and provides a more pleasant, professional-feeling user experience. For those who make pasta only a few times a year, the KSMPRA is more than adequate and offers better value.
What comes in the box for each set?
Both the KSMPRA and KPRA sets typically include three pieces: one pasta roller to make flat sheets, one fettuccine cutter attachment, and one spaghetti cutter attachment. A cleaning brush and instruction manual are also included.
How do I clean the KitchenAid pasta attachments?
Never submerge any of the attachments in water or put them in the dishwasher. After use, let any remaining dough dry on the attachments for an hour, then use the included cleaning brush (or a dry cloth/pastry brush) to remove the dried bits of dough and flour.
What thickness settings should I use on the pasta roller?
Always start on the widest setting (1) and pass your dough through two to three times, folding it each time. Gradually decrease the thickness setting, passing the dough through once on each level until you reach your desired thinness. For most fettuccine or spaghetti, a setting of 4 or 5 is common.
Can I make other types of pasta besides spaghetti and fettuccine?
Yes. The pasta roller attachment creates flat sheets of pasta, which you can then hand-cut for lasagna, tortellini, ravioli, or any other shape that starts with a flat sheet of dough. The cutters are specifically for spaghetti and fettuccine.
Does one model work better than the other?
In terms of final results, both will produce delicious pasta. The KPRA is often described as feeling smoother and more stable during operation due to its heavier, all-metal build, which many users find makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
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