With the proper sieve, the Villaware will NOT pass the seeds or skins out the side. These parts are considered the waste, and are pushed out the end of the machine. Yes, the machine can be placed on a platform or raised higher than the catch bowls. There is also the electric motor option for the Villaware crank model. Its a motor that was also designed to work with the pasta machines that roll out the dough. Mine has been working great. I place a big shallow (about 2-3 inches high) pan under the side discharge shute on the Villaware, and once its starting to get full, I pour the puree into a big pot to cook it down. Also, I cut the tomatoes in halves and scoop out some of the water and seeds. This helps to give me a thicker sauce to begin with. The electric model has a height of only about 5 inches from a table top. The crank model with the optional motor unit needs clamping.