In this Philips Pasta Maker review you will learn how you can save money, eat healthier, and enjoy fresh homemade pasta quickly and easily. If you love pasta, the Philips pasta maker just might be the machine that deserves a place in your kitchen along with all its benefits.
What is in this Philips Pasta Maker Review
The purpose of this review is to help you understand the differences between the various Philips pasta maker models. This review will also provide helpful tips and insights that you may not get from the online e-commerce product descriptions.
In full transparency, I bought my own Philips pasta maker a number of years ago, and never regretted the purchase.
As an avid user, I’ve used this machine to create delicious homemade pasta in minutes. My Sicilian mother-in-law even states it tastes just like the homemade pasta she remembers from growing up in Italy.
The original version of this Philips pasta maker review was written in October 2017 and I have updated it in December 2022 to be as complete and up to date as possible. I want to provide as much information as I can for you. So I hope you find my personal and professional review informative and useful.
We’ll cover in this review:
- What’s included in the pasta machine
- How it works, the features
- Practical tips
- Understanding the various models
- Technical specifications
- And much more
What we won’t cover in this review:
- How to operate
- How to assemble
The “how to” topics are covered in my other article devoted strictly to explaining how to use the Philips pasta maker. Regardless of which model you have, the general premise is the same. I’ll provide reference links at the bottom of this review as well.
Let’s get started.
What is the Philips Pasta Maker?
Philips has a few different versions of their pasta makers, but all are fairly similar.
Their pasta machines or makers (same thing) is simply a countertop machine that extrudes pasta automatically. It is not a manual pasta maker with a crank. This is automatic and electric.
So, you simply add the ingredients to the top container and press a few buttons and the machine does the rest. Soon, the pasta is extruding through the plastic food grade die casts and you select the cut the pasta to the length you want as it comes out.
The pasta makers are made by Philips and manufactured in China. I can hear groans already.
But, like you I’d love to have this stamped with “Made in Italy”. However, in all fairness I am very impressed with the design and durability of the machine and cannot complain.
Is the Philips Pasta Maker the Same as the Philips Noodle Maker?
When you research the Philips pasta maker, you may be confused if you see it also called a noodle maker.
The Philips pasta maker makes more than just pasta, it makes noodles and pasta noodles. They are the same thing. It can make noodles for Italian pasta, or it can make noodles for other ethnic cuisines such as Korean or Chinese. Many people use this machine to make Pho.
Let’s Review the Different Models of the Philips Pasta Maker
Philips has multiple models of their pasta makers. But they all still make pasta and noodles. It’s important to understand the basic differences which we’ll explain below.
Philips Pasta and Noodle Maker – HR2357/05
This was first made available via Amazon in 2013, and is still available today. It is the model I have.
- Size: 11.8×8.5.13.5 inches
- Weight: 16.5 lbs.
- # of Die casts included: 4 (spaghetti, penne, fettuccini, lasagna)
- Power: 200W 120V 50hz
On Amazon you might see it called some other names based on who the seller is. However, you can tell by the model number: HR2357/05. You can also see that the knobs on the front are narrow and not round. I don’t know why they made this change to be round on the newer models. I really like the narrow knows ergonomically.
Names this model also goes by:
- Premium collection Pasta and noodle maker (on Philip’s Site)
- Pasta and Noodle Maker (on Amazon Site)
You can download a pdf copy of the HR2357-05 owners manual here from the Philips support site.
Philips Avance Collection or Philips Pasta and Noodle Maker Plus, Large – HR2357/06
This looks almost identical to the 05 version but has a few changes. It is also part of the Avance Collection Pasta Maker.
This version includes an auto weighing function which the /05 version did not. In addition, the knobs are round not narrow.
- Size is larger: 12 x 15.94 x 13.38
- Weight: 14.7 lbs
- # of Die casts included: 4 (spaghetti, penne, fettuccini, lasagna)
- Power: 150 W 120V 60hz
- Color: Silver and White
You cannot download a pdf copy of the HR2357-06 owners manual, but the operation is the same as the HR2357-05 which you can get here.
Avance HR 2383/16
We don’t have much to say about this model in this review because it is showing out of stock or not available at the time of this writing. The main differences we could find are that it is black, includes an integrated scale and 8 shaping disks. On the Philips site is showed a price of $299 (as of 12/15/22) which is pretty impressive.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it was not available on Amazon or through Philips, but you can request to be notified.
Viva Collection Pasta and Noodle Maker – HR2371/05 or HR2370/05
This collection is much smaller and compact. It is also the least expensive. It comes with fewer accessories such as only 3 dies. It is offered in black or white.
- Size: 13 x 5.8 11.9in (I think there is a typo on Amazon saying it is 15.5 wide, it isn’t, Philips documentation shows it is 5.8” wide).
- Weight: 10.36 lbs
- # of Dies: 3 – Spaghetti, penne, and fettucini
- Power: 150W 120V 60hz
Although it is cheaper, it still comes with the cleaning tool, measuring cup and recipe booklet. This pasta maker by Philips is great for anyone who is limited on space or only wants a smaller batch.
What’s Included in the Philips Pasta Maker?
It is standard that each package model will include:
- The recipe booklet
- Measuring cup
- Cleaning tools
- Die set
In addition, each model is also designed to have the internal storage compartment.
However, remember that if you buy additional dies they will not all fit in the drawer and you’ll need to store them somewhere else.
Philips Pasta Maker Tips
Here are some tips for the Philips pasta maker, regardless of which model you purchase.
Follow the Measurements from Philips
Stick to the measurements described in the book. Although it states you can experiment, the machine works best if you follow the recipes.
Wash Most Parts in the Dishwasher
It’s dishwasher safe, except for the motor obviously. The dishwasher does not clean out any dough in the die holes – you’ll need to clean these manually and then can run them through the dishwasher.
Soak the Die Casts in Warm Water to Clean
Cleaning the die casts can take some time. I found the best way to clean these is to let them sit in water and get very soft. Then use a cleaning tool to push any remaining dough through the holes.
Penne Die Cut
Penne is the most challenging. I attempted to make this only twice. It comes out very thick and doesn’t hold its shape. It sounds impressive, but the penne is not easy to work with.
Lasagna Die Cut
Lasagna die cut works very well. However, depending on how many layer and the size of the pan, you will need to process a few batches since a single batch only goes so far. It is worth the effort because the lasagna noodles are delicious.
Always Use a Scale for Measuring
Since flours have different densities, you can not go by volume, it must be by weight. Any type of digital scale will work. You can find a bunch on amazon for under $25.
Benefits of the Philips Pasta Maker
There are many benefits when using a pasta maker, I’ll explain what some of the benefits related to any of the Philips pasta makers.
Easy to Assemble and Disassemble
There are not many parts with this machine, making it easy to operate and clean.
The front of the machine comes off with two large ergonomically designed knobs. I say ergonomically designed because they allow a really good grip and for those that have weak hands or arthritis (I have it slightly) this is a wonderful benefit.
Full Control over the Quality of Ingredients
As with any kitchen appliance that helps with homemade cooking, you have the joy of knowing that you have full control over the quality of the ingredients in your food.
In our home, we use organic flour, organic eggs, and distilled water. This gives me peace knowing I’m avoiding any chemicals, additives, or preservatives that I don’t want to consume.
The Philips Pasta Maker is Lightweight and Easy to Carry
The Philips pasta maker is lightweight. We have the HR2357/05 which weighs 16 pounds. It is easy to lift up off a shelf and carry it to the counter. The newer HR2357/06 is 14.7 pounds.
I like how it is designed where I can easily place my hand under the extruder that makes it even easier. You can see that in my picture.
Variety of Die Casts Included with the Pasta Maker
The die casts are of a sturdy plastic and are easy to remove on and off. I have about 5 or 6 different ones, and when not using them, I keep them in a bowl next to the machine. I purchased additional dies at the time of purchase although I don’t use them all like I thought I would.
Shown in the image above are the standard 4 dies for the 2357 – spaghetti, penne, lasagna, and fettuccini.
Machine Doesn’t Bounce Around
This pasta machine is well balanced and although it’s easy to pick up and move around like I mentioned above, there are no issues of any bouncing, moving, whatever going on.
It’s sturdy.
Convenient Storage Drawer for the Pasta Die Casts
There is a convenient drawer that is in the front of the machine to help house the various dies, and that’s fine if you only have 3 or 4, but if you have more, they won’t all fit.
However, the drawer is a great place to keep the cleaner/cutter that is used to cut the pasta as it extrudes from the machine.
I really appreciate the thought that Philips put into when designing their pasta makers, and therefore why this particular feature is included in this review.
Homemade Pasta is Easier to Digest
Okay, so this isn’t a benefit of this particular pasta maker, but it is a benefit with homemade pasta. After eating a big bowl of store-bought pasta let’s face it – it lays heavy, and we feel bloated. With homemade pasta it just doesn’t have that same effect. In my book, that is a big plus.
The Philips Pasta Machine is Easy to Store
If there’s anything I can’t stand is a kitchen appliance that is hard to move due to it’s weight and size.
The Philips pasta machine is lightweight as I mentioned before but it is also easy to store given it’s size. Here’s an image of where I store it on our shelving rack.
The Philips Pasta Maker Recipe Book Provides More than Italian Pasta Recipes
Although I purchased my pasta maker specifically for making fettuccini and other Italian noodles, other cuisines also use this pasta maker.
Philips does a nice job of proving you with a variety of recipes and instructions for non-Italian noodles. A few examples of these are:
- Cold noodles with sesame dressing
- Soba salad with salmon and asparagus
- Miso ramen
- Beef udon
The recipe book also includes measurements to be used for different types of doughs such as:
- Wheat pasta
- Tomato pasta
- Soba
- Curried noodles
- And many more
The measurements in the recipe book should be followed. If you deviate too much the machine will not extrude properly. I’ve tried this personally and it was a disaster.
Philips provides these recipe measurements based on what the machine is capable of mixing and extruding. You must rely on the automatic functionality of the machine and can’t make adjustments halfway through – as you would a manual pasta maker.
Philips Pasta Maker Spare Parts
Any spare parts can be ordered through Philips directly or Amazon. I would advise comparing pricing from both places, in fact some dies can’t be ordered from them. At the time of this writing, the page where you can select your model and then the spare part is here.
The various spare parts you can replace are:
- Blending bar
- Various Dies
- Water cup
- Lasagna Shaping disc insert
- Blending housing cover lid
- Blending housing
- Flour cup
- Flat cleaning tool
More Philips Pasta Maker Reviews
Although this review is written from my experience over the years, there are plenty of other owners who have provided their experiences online as well. I’d recommend checking them out.
Final Conclusion about the Philips Pasta Maker
In summary, the Philips pasta maker allows you to have full control over the quality of your ingredients. It ensures you have fresh pasta available in minutes. It is easy to use, operate and clean. Plus, it is fun for families to use together, teaching kids the value of homemade food.
The pasta or noodles that are made by the pasta maker do not have the same texture of taste of store-bought pasta. This machine truly generates homemade pasta that no store-bought brand can ever come close to.
This is important to realize.
It isn’t the best pasta machine for specialty pastas such as tortellini, and even the penne die cast doesn’t get rave reviews. You need to stick within the parameters of this machine.
So if you want to make lots of custom shapes, sizes and widths, this isn’t the machine. For example, you cannot extrude sheets of lasagna and then stretch them out thinner for another purpose.
The dough is not pliable after extrusion.
However, if you’re looking for a machine that produces homemade pasta consistently and quickly, this is a good pasta maker to choose.
Where to Purchase
Most of the models can be purchased on Amazon. If you go to the Philips website, they specifically state that they can be purchased at Amazon or even Crate and Barrel.
Check out my other relevant articles you may enjoy:
How to Use the Philips Pasta Maker
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