A Pasta Cooker is a professional kitchen appliance designed to boil pasta, noodles, dumplings, or vegetables efficiently and evenly. Unlike standard pots, it maintains a constant boiling temperature and includes built-in baskets, water inlets, and drainage systems for continuous cooking.

Whether you’re using a gas pasta cooker or an electric pasta cooker, understanding its setup, operation, and maintenance ensures perfect results and long equipment life. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use a pasta cooker step by step, along with professional safety and cleaning tips.

1. Understanding the Pasta Cooker

A commercial pasta cooker functions like an automated boiling station. It consists of:

This design allows chefs to cook large volumes of pasta quickly and consistently — perfect for restaurants, cafeterias, and catering operations.

2. Step-by-Step: How To Use a Pasta Cooker

Step 1: Fill the Tank with Water

• Open the water inlet valve and fill the cooking tank until it reaches the maximum water level mark.

• For manual-fill models, use clean tap water and pour until the heating elements or gas tubes are fully submerged.

Never start heating without water — it can damage the heating elements or gas burners.

Step 2: Turn On the Power or Gas

• For gas models, open the gas valve and ignite the burners according to your fryer’s ignition system.

• For electric models, switch on the main power and set the temperature using the control knob or digital thermostat.

• Allow the water to reach a rolling boil (100°C / 212°F) before adding pasta.

Step 3: Add Salt (Optional)

• Add about 10–15 grams of salt per liter of water if you prefer seasoning during cooking.

• Stir to dissolve.

Salt improves flavor and helps the pasta retain firmness.

Step 4: Load Pasta into Baskets

• Measure the desired amount of pasta and place it in the stainless-steel basket.

• Lower the basket gently into the boiling water.

• Use different baskets for different pasta types to prevent mixing.

Avoid overloading — pasta needs enough space to move freely for even cooking.

Step 5: Set the Cooking Time

Most pasta types have standard cooking times:

You can adjust based on pasta thickness and brand. Use a kitchen timer to maintain consistency across servings.

Step 6: Stir Occasionally

Use a long spoon to stir the pasta gently halfway through cooking.
This prevents clumping and ensures even texture.

Step 7: Lift and Drain

Once the pasta is cooked to your desired doneness:

• Lift the basket slowly and let excess water drain back into the tank.

• Shake lightly to remove remaining water.

• Transfer pasta directly into serving pans or sauce pots.

If you’re not serving immediately, rinse the pasta briefly in warm water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 8: Maintain Boiling Water

In commercial kitchens, pasta cookers are designed for continuous operation.
After removing one batch:

• Allow the water to return to a full boil.

• Add fresh water if needed (most units have an automatic refill system).

• Proceed with the next batch immediately.

3. Safety Precautions

Maintaining awareness during operation ensures safety in busy kitchens.

4. Cleaning the Pasta Cooker

Proper cleaning keeps your cooker efficient and hygienic.

Daily Cleaning:

1. Turn off gas or power and let the cooker cool slightly.

2. Open the drain valve and empty all water.

3. Rinse the tank with warm water to remove starch residue.

4. Use a soft brush or sponge — never metal scrapers.

5. Wipe dry and leave the lid open to air dry.

Weekly Cleaning:

• Remove baskets and soak them in hot, soapy water.

• Check drain valves and water inlets for blockages.

• Inspect gas tubes or heating elements for mineral buildup.

Regular maintenance prevents limescale and extends equipment lifespan.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

6. Why Choose MLP Kitchen Equipment Pasta Cookers

MLP Kitchen Equipment, based in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, designs and manufactures commercial gas and electric pasta cookers built for professional kitchens.

Key Features:

• High-efficiency gas burners for rapid boiling.

• Heavy-duty stainless-steel tank and baskets for durability.

• Automatic water filling and overflow system to remove starch.

• Precise thermostat control to maintain boiling temperature.

• Multiple basket configurations for high-volume operations.

• CE, UL, and UKCA certifications meeting international safety standards.

MLP pasta cookers are ideal for restaurants, canteens, and catering kitchens seeking reliable, fast, and consistent pasta production.

7. Maintenance Schedule

Following this routine keeps your cooker in excellent condition.

8. Conclusion

Using a pasta cooker is straightforward when you follow proper setup, temperature control, and cleaning steps.

1. Fill with water and heat to a boil.

2. Load pasta into baskets.

3. Cook for 8–12 minutes (depending on type).

4. Lift, drain, and serve.

For commercial kitchens that demand reliability, MLP Kitchen Equipment provides energy-efficient gas and electric pasta cookers designed for high performance, easy cleaning, and consistent quality — helping chefs prepare perfect pasta, batch after batch.