How does a chitarra cut pasta?

A sheet of dough is laid over the wires and pressed through with a rolling pin. The wires slice it into long strands that fall through to the tray below.

Is a chitarra hard to clean?

Letting leftover dough dry and then brushing it off the wires usually works best. Soaking the wooden frame in water is generally not recommended.

This idea is part of our pasta makers guide, where you can compare every kind side by side.

Gift idea

Authentic spaghetti chitarra pasta maker

An excellent choice for the pasta connoisseur interested in making unique square-cut spaghetti or fettuccine with a distinctive texture.

A spaghetti chitarra pasta maker is a wooden frame strung with fine metal wires that cut rolled dough into square-edged noodles. It suits home cooks who like slow, hands-on projects and want to try a traditional method from the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Good for

Usually $50–$100Pasta makers

♡ Add to my wish list

Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing. · affiliate link

Why authentic spaghetti chitarra pasta maker make a good gift

The square-cut strands have a rough texture that helps sauce cling to every bite.
It needs no electricity or cranking, so it works on any counter or table.
The simple wooden frame looks good hanging in a kitchen when not in use.
It opens up a traditional regional technique that most home cooks have never tried.

What to look for

Check whether both sides have wires, since two spacings give thin and wide noodle options.
Look at how the wires are tensioned and whether they can be tightened over time.
Confirm the frame size fits the length of dough sheets the recipient usually rolls.
See whether a rolling pin or instructions come in the box with the frame.

Kinds worth searching

Each button opens a narrow Amazon search in your store. Compare a few listings before you choose.

Double-sided wire chitarra
Chitarra with rolling pin
Beechwood chitarra frame

Questions people ask

How does a chitarra cut pasta?: A sheet of dough is laid over the wires and pressed through with a rolling pin. The wires slice it into long strands that fall through to the tray below.
Is a chitarra hard to clean?: Letting leftover dough dry and then brushing it off the wires usually works best. Soaking the wooden frame in water is generally not recommended.

Keep browsing

More pasta makers

See all

Representative photo-style image of dedicated cavatelli maker machine — generated, not a specific product

Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

Authentic spaghetti chitarra pasta maker

Why authentic spaghetti chitarra pasta maker make a good gift

What to look for

Kinds worth searching

Questions people ask

More pasta makers

Dedicated cavatelli maker machine

Electric pasta maker machine

Specialty ravioli maker press kit

Stand mixer pasta roller and cutter set