Cooking pasta can be a tedious task – constantly stirring and monitoring the pot to ensure your pasta turns out just right. Using a pasta cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to “set it and forget it” while you tend to other kitchen tasks. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which pasta maker is right for you and when is the best time to buy one? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Buy a Pasta Cooker?

Pasta cookers take the guesswork out of cooking pasta. Here are some of the key benefits:

Precise Cooking

A pasta maker allows you to cook pasta perfectly al dente every time. The automated process ensures even cooking without over or undercooking the pasta.

Hands-Free Convenience

Once you add the pasta and water, you can step away while the appliance cooks the pasta. This frees you up to prepare other parts of the meal.

Easy Clean Up

Quality pasta cookers have nonstick cooking chambers that make clean up a breeze. No more dealing with a sticky starchy mess after draining the pasta.

Space Saving Design

Pasta makers have a compact footprint, easily fitting on countertops without taking up much room. This makes them ideal for small kitchens.

Versatile Function

Many pasta cookers can also be used to cook rice, vegetables, eggs, and more, maximizing their functionality.

Key Considerations When Buying a Pasta Maker

Keep the following factors in mind when evaluating pasta cookers:

Type of Pasta Cooker

There are three main types of pasta makers:

Electric pasta pots: These contain heating elements within the pot itself to boil water and cook the pasta. They offer hands-free, automated cooking but are often bulkier.

Stovetop pasta pots: Designed to sit on a stovetop burner, these are heated by an external heat source instead of internal heating elements. This makes them more compact but less automated.

Microwave pasta cookers: As their name implies, these use the microwave to cook pasta. While convenient, results can be inconsistent in microwaves.

Consider your cooking needs, kitchen setup, and personal preferences when deciding between types. Electric and stovetop pasta pots tend to have the most consistent results.

Capacity

What volume of pasta do you typically cook? Is it just for yourself or a family? Pasta cooker capacities range from 2 to 12 cups of dry pasta. Make sure to get one that aligns with the serving size you need. Too small and you’ll have to cook multiple batches. Too big is inefficient.

Power and Wattage

For electric pasta cookers, pay attention to their power rating. Models with higher wattages around 1500W heat water faster. Lower wattage models may have slower boiling times but are generally more affordable. There is often a trade-off between price and high heating power.

Settings and Programs

Many pasta makers have preset cooking functions for different types of pasta. Opt for one with settings for the pasta shapes (spaghetti, penne, shells, etc.) you enjoy most. This removes the guesswork of getting cooking times right.

Budget

Pasta cookers vary widely in price from $20 to $200+. Consider how frequently you plan to use the appliance and how much convenience is worth paying for. Infrequent users can opt for more basic models while frequent pasta cookers justify pricier options.

Special Features

Higher end pasta makers boast extra functionality like delayed start timers, keep warm settings, removable inserts, and dual compartments for cooking pasta and sauce simultaneously. Decide which bonus features matter most for your needs and budget.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

As with any appliance purchase, consider the brand reputation and actual customer reviews. Reliable brands that specialize in pasta makers include Philips, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Ninja, and others.

When to Buy a Pasta Cooker?

Timing your pasta cooker purchase right can help you score the best deals. Here is a month-by-month guide to the best times of year to buy a pasta maker:

January

Retailers hold massive New Years sales in January to attract customers after the holidays. You can find pasta cooker discounts up to 50% off or more during this month.

February

Prices remain low in February as retailers continue clearing out older inventory from the previous year. Expect to save at least 25% on pasta appliances.

March & April

As spring approaches, many households gear up for entertainment season. Retailers reduce prices to entice customers with pasta makers for their dinner parties and family gatherings.

May

May is an odd month for pasta cooker deals. With summer approaching, prices tend to creep back up to MSRP. You may find modest deals around Mother’s Day.

June

June kicks off wedding and graduation season, along with Father’s Day sales later in the month. Retailers use pasta makers as popular gift ideas with discounts ranging from 20 to 30% off.

July

Like May, July sees fewer impressive deals as retailers gear up for back to school sales. You may encounter some pasta cooker deals around Independence Day.

August

Back to school sales take center stage in August. Kitchen appliances like pasta makers go on backburner without many major discounts this month.

September

As parents outfit college dorm rooms, pasta cookers emerge as hot sellers for convenient dorm cooking. Discounts return to 20 to 25% off or more making this a strategic time to buy.

October

Halloween doesn’t impact pasta cooker prices much. However, retailers ramp up promotions in October to drive early holiday shopping. Expect up to 30% off or more.

November

November has the Black Friday and Cyber Monday mega-shopping days where prices on pasta appliances drop dramatically. Look for 50% off deals and doorbuster promotions. This is the best month for deals.

December

The holiday shopping season continues through December. While discounts won’t be as steep as Black Friday, you can still expect to save 35% or more on pasta cookers.

Tips for Scoring the Best Pasta Maker Deals

Follow these strategic tips to get the lowest price on a pasta cooker:

• Sign up for retailer newsletters – Subscribers often get early access to promotions before the general public.
• Use price tracking tools – Site and apps like CamelCamelCamel tell you price history and drops.
• Check lesser known retailers – Stores like Overstock, Jet, and Rakuten may have better deals.
• Use coupons and cashback – RetailMeNot, Rakuten, and others offer ways to save.
• Buy discounted gift cards – Save up to 20% at Raise or CardCash then use towards a pasta maker purchase.
• Avoid impulse buying – Set deal alerts and wait for major sales like Black Friday.
• Buy open box deals – Lightly used and returned models get huge discounts.
• Price match guarantees – Take advantage of retailer price matching where available.

Top Pasta Cookers to Buy

Ready to find the perfect pasta maker? Here are the latest and highest rated options across different styles and price points:

Best Electric Pasta Pot

Philips Pasta and Noodle Maker

• Large 12 cup capacity
• Automated programs for perfect pasta
• Quick 30 minute cook time
• Dishwasher safe parts
• Typically $200+, look for 40% off deals

Best Stovetop Model

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Stovetop Pasta Maker

• Classic stainless steel design
• Steam strainer insert included
• Stay cool handles for safe handling
• 8 cup capacity; good for families
• Often $80+, wait for 30%+ discounts

Best Compact Pasta Maker

Hamilton Beach Electric Pasta Cooker

• Small countertop footprint
• BPA-free plastic cooking pot
• Convenient 4 cup capacity for singles/couples
• Budget friendly around $40 regular price

Best Multi-Cooker for Pasta

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer

• Pressure cooker makes fast perfect pasta
• Additional modes like air fry, slow cook, yogurt, etc.
• High-end model but deals around 30% off are common

Best Microwave Pasta Cooker

Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker

• Specially designed for microwave use
• Built-in strainer for easy draining
• BPA-free materials
• Affordable under $20 regular price

Frequently Asked Questions

Still deciding if and when to take the plunge on a pasta maker? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Is a pasta cooker worth buying?

For pasta lovers who cook it frequently, a pasta maker is absolutely worth the investment. It saves time and effort while turning out perfect pasta every time. Occasional pasta eaters can stick to boiling it the traditional way.

When do pasta cookers go on sale?

The best deals on pasta makers happen in January, February, late summer into fall, and the peak holiday shopping season around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Mark your calendars for these strategic times to buy.

What’s the difference between a pasta pot and a rice cooker?

Rice cookers use faster pressurized cooking to prepare rice, which pasta pots don’t utilize. Most pasta cookers don’t make rice. But many rice cookers have pasta cooking functionality. Choose based on your most frequently cooked food.

How long do pasta cookers last?

With proper maintenance like descaling and avoiding overfills, pasta makers can last over 5 years even with regular use. Higher end models may even exceed 10 years.

What’s the easiest pasta maker to clean?

Electric and stovetop pasta pots with removable nonstick inserts clean the easiest. The nonstick surface prevents pasta from sticking while the removable design allows you to quickly wash the inserts.

Can you use pasta makers for other foods?

Many pasta cookers can also prepare foods like oatmeal, polenta, chili, soup, steamed vegetables, and more. Models with multiple functions offer the most versatility. Check product details for all the compatible cooking options.

Conclusion

From stovetop to electric models, pasta cookers make serving up perfect pasta simple and mess-free. Keep this guide handy when evaluating your options and deciding when to purchase. Finding the right pasta maker can take the hassle out of weeknight dinners and elevate your next dinner party. Here’s to perfectly al dente pasta for minimal effort all year round!