Marcato and Imperia are the two Italian names most often mentioned when people shop for a hand-crank pasta machine. Both roll dough into thin sheets and cut noodles, and both have a long track record. The differences are in the details: the number of thickness settings, the build, the range of add-ons, and how the machine feels to use. This guide compares them in plain terms, so you can decide which suits the way you cook.
A note on this comparison: I have not run side-by-side tests, and specifications change between models and years. Treat the figures below as a starting point and confirm the current details on the makers’ own pages, Marcato and Imperia, before you buy.
At a glance
| Feature | Marcato Atlas 150 | Imperia hand-crank machine |
| Thickness settings | 10 (the maker quotes roughly 0.6 to 4.8 mm) | Fewer, commonly described as around 6; check the model |
| Rollers | Anodised aluminium | Chrome-plated steel |
| Attachments | Wide range of cutters and add-ons available | Standard cutters; a smaller range of extras |
| Motor option | Yes (Marcato PastaDrive) | Yes (Imperia motor) |
| Finish | Chrome and several colours | Mainly chrome |
| Feel | Lighter and smooth to turn | Commonly described as heavier and more solid |
Confirm warranty terms, weight and exact settings with the seller. They differ by region and model.
Marcato Atlas 150
The Atlas 150 is a popular first machine. Its strengths are the fine control of ten thickness settings and the range of attachments. If you may later want to add a ravioli cutter, a spaghetti cutter or a motor, the Marcato system is built to grow. Because the rollers are anodised aluminium, there is no plating to chip. We cover the settings and care in more detail in our Marcato Atlas 150 guide.
Imperia
Imperia has been making machines in Turin for a long time, and its design has changed little over the years. Owners often value the sturdy feel and the simple, no-fuss mechanism. It has fewer thickness settings, which is enough for most noodles, though it gives less fine control for very thin sheets.
Where the differences matter
Thickness control
If you plan to make filled pasta such as ravioli, you will want thin, even sheets, and extra settings help you get there gradually without tearing the dough. For basic noodles, fewer settings are fine.
Stability
Both machines clamp to a counter edge. A heavier machine tends to wobble less when you push stiff dough through the widest gap. Check that the clamp fits your counter thickness.
Add-ons
Think about what you would like to make in a year, not just this week. Cutters for different noodle widths and shapes are worth thinking about, and so is a motor if you make large batches. Attachments are usually not interchangeable between brands, so choose accessories made for your model.
Cleaning
Never wash either machine with water. Let leftover dough dry, then brush it out with a dry brush or a wooden skewer, and wipe the outside with a dry cloth. Do not oil it.
Price and warranty
Prices and warranties vary by country, retailer and model. Compare the current offers, and check what the warranty actually covers.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Marcato if you want finer thickness control, a wide choice of attachments, or a coloured finish, especially for filled pasta.
- Choose Imperia if you prefer a heavier, traditional machine and mostly make ordinary noodles.
- Either works if you only make fresh pasta occasionally. Whichever you pick, good dough matters more than the brand. See our pasta flour guide.
Common questions
Do these work with gluten-free dough?
They can, if the dough is well hydrated and not sticky, but gluten-free dough tears more easily. Roll it thicker and handle it gently.
Is a motor worth it?
Not for most people. It frees both hands for guiding the sheet, which is useful for long sessions.
Which is easier for beginners?
Both are straightforward. The extra settings on the Marcato make stepping down the thickness slightly more gradual.
Are attachments interchangeable?
No. Buy attachments designed for your specific model.
What else do I need?
Our guide to essential homemade pasta tools lists the rest of the kit, and our ravioli tools guide covers shaping filled pasta.
A tip for either machine
Dust the dough lightly with fine semolina before feeding it through the rollers. It stops the dough sticking and keeps the sheets smooth.
Syed Yasar Arafat is the founder of PastaLoverz.com and a food research enthusiast with a focused interest in pasta varieties, traditional Italian cuisine, and balanced eating. Through PastaLoverz.com, he publishes well-researched articles that explain pasta types, cooking methods, and nutritional considerations in clear, practical terms to help readers make informed food choices.