How to use Imperia pasta machine rollers comes down to three steps: clamp the roller to a table edge, open the rollers to their widest gap, and pass the dough through, folding and thinning it until the sheet is smooth. The steps below follow the manual for the Titania hand-crank roller, which lists a gap range of 0.2 to 2.2 mm.
Imperia’s official site does not list a product called the “Imperia pasta machine.” It lists Linea lines such as Titania, Classica, Gourmet and Restaurant, plus the iPasta, and each model has its own manual. This guide uses the Titania manual as its worked example, so match the instructions to the model number on your machine before you follow them.
Find the Right Imperia Manual for Your Model
Imperia publishes its manuals by model number, and its user’s guide page lists seven PDFs. The Titania manual is listed there for models 2190, 2675 and 2695. A machine whose number is not on that list needs its own manual, even if it looks similar.
Before you follow any setting, compare the model number on your machine or its packaging with that list. That is the quickest way to confirm which instructions apply, and it saves you from applying Titania figures to a different roller.
The operating section of the Titania manual is short and uses numbered illustrations. Read the safety section first, then the operating steps, and keep the manual near the machine for the first few uses, since the numbered pictures make the clamp and knob positions easier to follow.
How to Use Imperia Pasta Machine: Setting Up the Roller
Setup is the first part of learning how to use Imperia pasta machine rollers, and it happens before any dough goes in. The Titania is held to the table with a clamp, so the roller stays still while you turn the crank. The manual says to place the roller near the edge of a worktop that is stable enough to take its weight.
The official Imperia Titania manual gives this setup sequence:
- Place the roller near the edge of a stable worktop.
- Insert the clamp into the slot on the side of the roller, then turn its screw until the roller is firmly locked to the work surface.
- While pressing the lever, turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to open the rollers to their maximum gap. The manual lists that maximum as 2.2 mm.
- Insert the crank into the slot on the machine body. The roller is now ready for the first pass.
The manual also says to clean the rollers before the first use. Once the roller is fixed to a suitable surface, pass a small piece of dough through the smooth rollers and the cutting rollers to lift any dust. Throw that piece of dough away afterwards. If you want a dough to practice with, our fresh pasta dough recipe gives a full method.
Rolling and Thinning Pasta Dough
Rolling is a repeated pass-and-fold process, and it is the step where most people learn how to use Imperia pasta machine dough sheets well. The Titania makes a smooth sheet up to 140 mm wide across six thickness settings. The manual recommends dusting both sides of the sheet with flour every time it passes through the rollers.
Follow this sequence for an even sheet:
- Place a piece of dough on the rollers at the widest gap and turn the crank clockwise. The rollers will draw the dough through.
- Fold the sheet in two and pass it through again. Repeat until the sheet is homogeneous.
- To thin the sheet, turn the knob clockwise. Each step brings the rollers closer together.
- Pass the sheet through each new setting, dusting both sides with flour each time, until it reaches the thickness you want.
The dough itself matters as much as the roller. The Titania manual’s base recipe uses about 350 g of 00 flour and 2 large whole eggs for roughly 500 g of pasta, and it names these as the only two ingredients. Knead it on a lightly floured surface, add a little warm water if the dough is too dry or crumbly, then cover it while it rests so it does not dry out.
Thickness Settings on the Titania Roller
Use this table to plan your passes. The values come from the manual’s technical details.
| Specification | Imperia Titania (manual) |
|---|---|
| Roller gap range (maximum opening) | 0.2 to 2.2 mm |
| Thickness knob positions | 6 |
| Maximum sheet width | 140 mm |
| Dimensions | 130 x 180 x 205 mm |
| Net weight | 2.9 kg |
These figures are the outer limits of the machine. How many passes you need depends on your dough and flour, so use the knob’s six positions as a guide and check the sheet by eye and by touch.
What to Make with the Sheets and Colored Dough
The finished sheet is the base for many shapes. The Titania manual lists lasagna, cannelloni, fresh filled pasta and farmhouse shapes as typical uses. Roll the sheet thinner for filled pasta such as homemade ravioli, and keep it a little thicker for lasagna. Keep the sheet covered between steps so it does not dry out before you fill or cut it.
The manual also gives two colored dough recipes. For green pasta, boil spinach, squeeze it dry and mash it to a puree, using 250 g of spinach for 500 g of flour. For red pasta, simmer tomato passata with salt and pepper and add one spoonful per 100 g of flour. Some coloring ingredients add moisture, so the manual warns that you may need to add more flour.
Cutting Pasta on the Imperia Roller
The Titania cuts through a separate socket, not the rolling one. To cut, remove the crank from the body of the machine and insert it in the cutting slot. Lay one end of the finished sheet on the cutting rollers and turn the crank clockwise.
The manual lists two built-in cut widths: tagliatelle pasta at 2 mm and fettuccine pasta at 6.5 mm. Two accessories extend the range. The Simplex spaghetti cutter makes round strands of 2 mm diameter, and the Simplex reginette accessory makes 12 mm ribbons. Check that an accessory is listed for your model before you buy it.
Dust cut strands with flour or semolina so they do not stick together while you work through the rest of the dough.
Cleaning and Safety Rules
Imperia says cleaning is the only routine maintenance the roller needs. Brush the rollers and cutters dry with a soft brush or a dry cloth, and never use sharp objects on leftover dough. Our broader guide on how to clean a pasta machine covers the general routine.
- Never put any part in the dishwasher, and never wash it with jets of water or detergent.
- Never remove dough residue with a sharp object.
- Make sure every component is completely dry before you put the roller away.
- Do not motorize the roller. The Titania manual says the mechanics are designed for the Imperia motor and that any other type of motorization is improper and dangerous.
Keep the machine out of reach of children, and keep the manual with it so you can check the steps whenever you need to. The Titania manual says these machines are not toys and must be kept under control while in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a product called the Imperia pasta machine?
Not on the official Imperia site. The brand sells Linea lines and the iPasta, and each has its own manual by model number. The Titania is the model this guide uses as its verified example.
Can I add a motor to my Imperia roller?
Only the Imperia motor kit. The PastaFacile manual describes it as suitable for Imperia and Titania manual machines. The Titania manual says any other type of motorization is improper and dangerous.
Can I put the roller in the dishwasher?
No. The Titania manual says never to wash any part of the machine or its accessories in a dishwasher or with water jets or detergent. Brush the parts dry instead.
How thin can I roll dough on the Titania?
The manual lists a roller gap range of 0.2 to 2.2 mm, set with a six-position knob. Work down one step at a time, dusting the sheet with flour at each pass.
How wide a sheet can the Titania make?
The manual gives a maximum sheet width of 140 mm, so a wider sheet, such as one for a full lasagna tray, has to be made in narrower pieces. The manual does not describe how to join them. Before each session, clean the machine with a dry cloth or soft brush, as the manual instructs.
Before you start, confirm the model number on your machine against the manual list. Matching the model is the first step in how to use Imperia pasta machine rollers correctly. Once it matches, the setup, rolling and cleaning steps above apply, and you can work through the settings with confidence.