Inspired by reading and watching Jamie Oliver, I decided to investigate the best pasta making machines on the market, and was surprised by the variation in the reviews. So to save you the hours I spent browsing the web for opinions, here are the models which seem to have the best reviews and are readily available from a mainstream online source. Have fun!

Imperia Italian Pasta Italiana

Having seen some really bad reviews for certain brands of pasta machine, I was taken aback by the praise showered on this pasta maker set by users at Amazon UK. Excellent! And under fifty quid too. This has to be the machine of choice if you want a straightforward manual model. Click here for the product details page at Amazon UK, which can deliver immediately. This "gift set" is actually the hugely well-reviewed Imperia SP150, along with the various essential accessories you don't get if you buy the machine on its own.

Imperia Pasta Presto

If you want to go more upmarket with a more professional motorised system, it would appear that Imperia is the make of choice again. This model is around £250, although the company's restaurant-grade machines are nearer a thousand pounds. The Imperia Pasta Presto can also be ordered through Amazon UK, which sources from a third party.