Last Updated: March 1, 2022
Rolling pins have been used for centuries to create beautiful, perfectly thin crepes and pie crusts. Nowadays, rolling pins can be made in wide variety of materials. The materials used to make them are not only wood, but also stainless steel and plastic. It is a must for every family to have one.
Whether you or your youngster is rolling the dough, it becomes as easy as cake to prepare a delicious meal in no time. It is the most apt utensil used for rolling cinnamon rolls, buns, cookies and other varieties of pastry. A rolling pin consists of a long handle with a tapered bottom end and cylindrical top surface. Today’s modern cooking pin is the ideal household gadget to handle all kinds of jobs in the kitchen.
Rolling pin can be replaced by hand but that will take so much effort. It’s just not possible. You’ve likely wondered, “What is the best rolling pin out there?” To answer this question, you’ll need to consider your needs.
The truth is, rolling pins aren’t all the same — there are plenty of options available these days with endlessly customizing features. When picking out a rolling pin, where do you start? Which ones come with cool features? And how do you pick the right rolling pin for you?
Rolling pin are kitchen utensils used all over the world to roll out and shape dough. First mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, they appeared in Europe in the 16th century as a tool for bakers to roll out dough and create an even thickness. Without a doubt, it is one of the most commonly used tools when working with pastry and dough, as well as virtually any mixture that lends itself to rolling.
Although they are now made of plastic, wood, metal and ceramic, it is sometimes difficult to manage them and roll out something edible. That’s why companies that make rolling pins have paid attention to ergonomics, making products with rotating handles. This makes it easier for you to roll flat crusts or cookies without waste.
A rolling pin is also called a pin by which it can be easily confused with the rolling machine, which is often confused with it, but they have a completely different purpose and functionality. Have you ever wondered what rolling pin is best for your dough? What about pizza, pies, cookies and shortcrusts?
Is it really appropriate to give money for increased functionality and how modern materials are better than wood? Let’s open all the secrets and tell you what is better and let us tell you about the innovations that have appeared on the world market. When choosing a rolling pin, the task is not trivial and it’s important to know what to look for.
It’s very important to know even before making shopping, which options are at your disposal, what kind of rolling pins are available on the market today. Only a careful choice will give you excellent quality and functionality of the rolling pin for a long time.
In modern kitchens, rolling pins have evolved to become more than just a way of flattening sticky dough. They’re also becoming a very fashionable utensil to add into the decor of the kitchen.
Choosing a Kitchen Rolling Pin by Material
Dough is the most essential ingredient for making beautiful pastries. No matter what type of rolling pin you choose, it’s important to use the right one for the job. Choosing the right one will minimize the work and stress of rolling out your dough, and you will get a result that is more likely to leave you smiling. Rolling pin convenience has increased a lot in recent years.
There are several factors to take into account when selecting the best kitchen rolling pin. Such factors as the material from which the rolling pin is made, its size (should it be used with a large or small kitchen knife), the way it is likely to handle raw dough, the shape of the food surface upon which it is to be used and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Traditional Wood and its Weaknesses
When the first rolling pins were made, they were used for simple agricultural tasks. People began to experiment with stamping patterns onto these materials so they could create more sophisticated items.
As more materials became available for crafting, the demand for rolling pins increased and new mills were invented to make them quickly and efficiently. Rolling pins have been used for thousands of years. Their purpose is simple.
There have been many different types of rolling pins over the years. Some were smooth while others had protruding pins. The first rolling pins were made of stone, clay, and wood. They have changed very little over time. In ancient Egypt, the Egyptians made their rolling pins out of wood with no form to them at all.
Today, there are a number of new types of rolling pins available. Wooden rolling pin is still the most popular type. They are attractive because of their affordable price, durability, and weight. Therefore, it is unlikely that you would go wrong if you choose them for your kitchen.
For many years already people have used them to prepare dough for pirozhki , pies, and other dishes. Currently they are produced in a variety of designs, from the traditional square shape to elegant modern forms. Wooden rolling pins are good for use on dough that will need heavy pressure to apply.
Wooden rolling pins are not heavy, but rather lightweight. In addition, they are not very long (45 to 60 cm long). A wooden rolling pin is easier and less strenuous to handle than a large one, that is why it is convenient for both adults and children. If the handle is ergonomically shaped, then the work at home becomes more comfortable.
The disadvantage of small wooden rolling pins is that they become slippery when rolling dough for sweet cakes or pizza dough. In addition, the surface of small rolling pins may begin to bend after some time if they are not properly stored.
Wood is a very capricious material :
- The surface of the product even on a well polished rolling pin is sticky, especially when working with soft and delicate dough. It is required all the time to add flour or underlay film.
- Wood products are afraid of moisture, making them difficult to clean as well as disinfect. Drying them to dry is imperative.
- Over the years, scratches, irregularities and chips form on the surface of the wood. Micro-organisms and fungus develop in the resulting cavities. In addition, thin chips can injure your palms or get stuck in the dough layer.
Wooden kitchen rolling pin – today it is easy to find them in any online store, and how to choose a good one. When choosing such an item made of wood, consider choosing it from hardwood products such as linden, oak or beech. However, there is not a definite variety of wood that should be preferred to others.
It is believed that hardwoods and dense woods are preferable, but such a classification does not fit all the products. The important thing is they are made from natural materials that are eco-friendly.
These products ensure the high quality and durability that wooden kitchen utensils should have. Such products are not inferior-strength and their process is unique. The appropriate cooking surface is smooth and has a diameter of 25-30 cm.
In the inexpensive segment, choosing bamboo. Bamboo’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it easy to clean, fun to use and durable. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that reaches maturity quickly, so it’s grown in a 4-year cycle. It is known for its fast growth rate and durability, which makes this material significantly less expensive than hardwoods.
Bamboo rolling pins are used in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam for cooking. The popularity of these pans has made its way to western countries like the US and Australia because of their cheap prices.
Practical and Versatile Silicone
Have you heard of silicone rolling pin? If not, get familiar with the product. It’s making waves in the kitchenware world as an alternative to aluminum and wood rolling pins. For many of us bakers, nothing can replace the feel and texture of a classic wood rolling pin. However, we bet you’ll be surprised to discover that silicone rolling pins have a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
These modern silicone rolling pins are replacing the old wooden ones. They are really proving in their performance and durability. Although they are made from a strong material, they are light in weight, so it is easy to hold, move around and hold it with one hand while you move your other hand on top of it while rolling.
Silicone is a great way to keep your dough rolling smooth. It allows you to roll out dough at even less than one-tenth the pressure it would take using an ordinary fat or wooden rolling pin. No matter how soft the dough is, it will never stick to silicone. With silicone’s anti-stick property you also don’t have to use as much flour which can affect some baked goods’ consistency.
Due to its ergonomic design, a silicone rolling pin allows you to easily and accurately roll out pastry crusts, cookie dough or other food items. Silicone rolling pins are available in different sizes, shapes and weights. Because of the difference in weight they can be used for various purposes. There are weighted combination models, which have a metal cylinder inside.
Silicone rolling pin is made from soft material and it will never create any dents on your dough. This is a simple tool that every baking enthusiast should have. Whether you’re a professional baker or a passionate cook, this rolling pin will help you to create evenly-shaped pastries, delicate cookies and other culinary masterpieces.
Purpose of Metal Models
Metal rolling pins are what professionals prefer to use for baking items. However, if you are an amateur baker, you should also use metal rolling pin because it is the best choice. Metal rolling pins are highly flexible and can be utilized to bake any item whether it is cookies or cakes.
The metal rolling pins were made of cast iron at first, but over time became more diverse in style and shape. It’s not easy to find a metal rolling pin for sale, as most stores only carry wooden and marble rolling pins. At first glance, it is easy to be confused by this. On closer inspection, though, there are a few items that you need to consider before purchasing a steel rolling pin.
Metal rolling pins are not only decorative kitchen tools but are also perfect for the hard task of making flatbread. Metal is a better material to use than wood or plastic because it does not absorb moisture which helps avoid cracking the dough.
Stainless steel is a durable, inert material with which you can roll out literally anything: greasy, hot, sour, sticky. No risk of chipping or burrs. It truly is the perfect addition to any kitchen. There’s no chance of absorbing flavors or odors, so the only thing you’ll taste is your finished dish.
But that doesn’t even begin to tell the story of stainless steel rolling pins. No wooden handles to crack or loose. No need to keep your rolling pin in a special place where it will be safe from hungry kids and pets. Stainless steel is easy to clean and smooth edges will never splinter or dull your dough.
Aluminum is not as commonly used as other materials in the manufacture of rolling pin, but by good surface treatment after processing, aluminum rolling pins have a beautiful appearance and can be resistant to corrosion. Aluminum has good heat conductivity (it heats up quickly and evenly), does not react with acids (which is very important when making pastries) and does not rust (unlike copper).
A rolling pin is a kitchen utensil used to roll out, or flatten dough. In addition, they can also be used to crush nuts, spices and seeds by rolling over them with the pin. It can also be used for squashing bread rolls with the flat side of the pin.
On the plus side, the rolling pin can be heated or cooled in the freezer if needed for certain baking recipes. Following use, the metal rolling pin is quite easy to clean. It can be cleaned with hot water and detergent by hand or placed in the dishwasher. With normal use, any metal (stainless steel or aluminum) rolling pin will last for years.
Metal kitchen rolling pins are built to last. They are also designed to hold up under heavy use, which is why you will see these kinds of pins in professional kitchens. If you’re accustomed to using plastic or wooden cooking utensils, metal kitchen utensils may seem uncomfortable.
They are heavier to use, but they’re also much heavier than wooden pin counterparts when it comes to functionality. It takes practice to get used to them, but when you do, the job gets done faster and more smoothly.
Metal rolling pins have been around for a very long time, but they have changed a bit over the years. In fact, there are actually two types of metal rolling pins today. The first is a solid rolling pin made from one piece of steel, and the second is a combination model that has a steel working part and wood or silicone handles.
If you are uncomfortable working with metal, you can either buy rolling pins with handles already attached (wooden, silicone, steel) or choose a model where you can connect handles according to your own taste and needs. The first option is a simpler decision to make, but the choice of choosing handles according to your own preferences makes it more interesting.
Ceramics and Glass - For Special Occasions
Ceramic and glass rolling pans are one of those things that many people, especially those who love to cook, can appreciate. They come in all kinds of designs. Masters take different designs and apply them to the rolling pin. Each pattern is burned into the rolling pin as it is created, making your choice as unique as the patterns on it.
Glass is very durable and has a long lifespan. The fact that it doesn’t retain odors makes it an ideal choice if you’re making different kinds of baked goods and don’t want them to smell each other, and nothing sticks to its surface, making it easy to clean.
There are a wide range of ceramic and glass rolling pins on the market today, but not all of them produce equally great results. The glass rolling pins are used commonly in the kitchen to roll out dough. With a little bit of effort, you can get a thin and a thicker layer with one rolling pin.
You will find that it is amazing how easy it can be. If you have a habit of dropping kitchen instruments, we would not advise you to buy a rolling pin made of glass. A rolling pin, as it is intended to roll out a small piece of dough on a surface, can be made from materials that are transparent or opaque. The problem with using glass as a material is that it is fragile. Glass is incredibly useful.
It’s hard, non-porous, cleans nicely, and weighs less than ceramic or metal rolling pins. But this brittle form of glass requires care the slightest bump can send shards flying. This will cause the rolling pin to shatter if dropped on hard surfaces like tile or concrete.
Glass rolling pins have been around for a while now, and they’ve been gaining popularity as a beautiful, easy to clean and a gentle alternative to a regular wooden rolling pin. Most of the glass rolling pins are made of hand blown glass, but there are some other brands that make them with borosilicate glasses to help avoid cracks and chips.
If you like to bake (and not only) and you create a lot of variety, it can be worth getting a glass rolling pin. That is especially important if you like to work with different flours and grains every time, or if you often make short dough pastries or fresh pasta.
Features of Natural Stone Rolling Pins
The assumption that the most expensive rolling pins are made of natural stone is not new (and it’s true). Quarried in 1874, this raw material is formed over hundreds of millions of years. There are three types – marble, travertine and limestone. The choice depends on the buyer’s preferences.
The main difference between stone and plastic or metal rolling pins lies in the density, in its hardness and in the ability to distribute thermal energy evenly in the item being rolled out. If you are in the mood to buy an amazing rolling pin and in the same time give your kitchen a special touch, then we offer you some word of advice: do it!
Stone accessories have long been used in the kitchen. They are hard, durable and easy to clean. And most importantly, natural stone does not retain odors or flavors after cooking. As a consequence of all these characteristics they are ideal for rolling out dough. Their weight provides necessary pressure on the dough with minimal effort.
A great marble rolling pin is the addition to your kitchen that will help you create delicious pies, cakes and biscuits. The unique properties of this material facilitate work with the dough, which results in the perfect desserts. Many professionals agree that baking can not be done without a marble rolling pin. This is understandable because the weight of this rolling pin helps to form an even layer of dough, which contributes to uniform baking.
Marble material also does not absorb any fat or aroma from the dough, which is especially important for an individual who has food allergies or intolerances. Such are often baked goods involving nuts or eggs, dairy products and other allergens. Finally, using a marble rolling pin can reduce excessive dryness and shrinking on some types of doughs.
It is especially important not to place a marble rolling pin in a refrigerator or freezer. The sudden change in temperature can cause fractures and cracks. If you need to put a marble rolling pin into the refrigerator, wrap it with a cloth and do not allow extreme temperature changes.
Marble rolling pins have another advantage if they are heated in advance. Before you begin to roll out the dough, gently warm the marble rolling pin in your hands for a few minutes. It will become stronger, firmer and will cope with any dough without cracking or breaking it. Note that heating the rolling pin makes it easier to use but does not guarantee a smooth surface on the dough.
You can collect beautiful marble “things” for decoration or sort out cooking equipment. If you are dreaming about the second variant, pay attention to the principle of safe use of marble products. This principle is simple: no marble should fall. Because of its heaviness, marble appliances should be stored carefully.
It’s not only a risk of the product itself cracking and splitting if it drops; the marble rolling pin has a high chance of damaging not only itself but also kitchen utensils and tables. Always choose models with stands in a set: such a set will make an attractive decoration in the kitchen.
Is It Worth Buying a Rolling Pin Made of Plastic
Some people love the traditional look of wooden rolling pins while others prefer to use a plastic rolling pin. The plastic rolling pin is a kitchen utensil that is made from a special kind of food-safe plastic, also known as polycarbonate. Polycarbonate plastic is strong and durable, not afraid of high temperatures and detergents. Today there are rolling pins made from several kinds of plastic, ABS plastic, polycarbonate and nylon.
These days plastic with the addition of new technologies is becoming more and more beautiful. It is worth noting its strength, durability, resistance to harmful chemicals and heightened temperature resistance. When we talk about plastic material, we should mention there is a wide range and variations of their features and functions and the way they look like (colors).
It’s not always easy to roll out small portions of dough. The surface of the usual rolling pin is very uneven, which means that you have to constantly adjust its position. Such a manipulations make it hard to roll out even, thin circles. Yes, the plastic rolling pin performs well when it comes to rolling out your favorite dough. Therefore, you can easily use it in your kitchen without any problems.
Besides the fact that the product has a beautiful design, it is also characterized by several advantages. The most important of which is the non-stick property of the surface. In this regard, it’s simple to roll out pie dough or pastry because your dough does not stick to the tool. The first step is to make sure the product is food grade and this can often be your biggest challenge.
If you want to make sure you choose a good plastic rolling pin, the easiest way to do it is to buy one from a reputable manufacturer and familiarize yourself with its work. The solution is simple: there should be contact information on the manufacturers website, as well as information about the material composition.
New kitchenware could be a real investment because kitchen, if it goes well with the overall kitchen look. It is also important to remember that plastic appliances should not be left near sources of heat, such as near a stove or oven. You can also give your plastic roller an occasional washing in the dishwasher, if the manufacturer approves.
When you’re shopping for a plastic rolling pin, take a look at the way in which it is constructed and ensure that it is made from only one piece. The ideal rolling pin will be light and easy to handle.
Handles - An Important Moment
It’s pretty hard to imagine the kitchen without a rolling pin. Mainly, it is used for delicate dough flattening. It can be used for variety of dough consistencies. The dough here is not the only thing that can be rolled with this member of the equipment family. Of course, most people are interested in different kinds of dough rolling pins.
Among the most difficult tasks was to choose the right kind of dough rolling pin, with or without handles? Various types of grips allow you to hold the roller correctly and accurately control the process.
Pros and Cons of Having Handles
When you shop for a rolling pin, the material that the handles are made of will definitely play a huge part in your purchase decision. If you’re just starting to be familiarized with rolling pins and the different kinds and sizes available, this may be confusing and overwhelming. The main objective when shopping for a rolling pin should be functionality and not appearance.
The handles may be made of wood, metal, rubber or plastic. When shopping for a rolling pin, paying attention to the handles can save you time, energy and discomfort. The handles are what hold the rolling pin in place while you roll out your dough.
The handles on your rolling pin are more than just something you hold onto to roll out the dough. The handles on the rolling pins were designed to keep your hands clean and dry, which is especially important when working with cold dough. If you work with refrigerated dough, the cold temperatures will cause condensation to form on your hands if they are wet or had just come into contact with warm material.
These damp hands will stick to the cold dough, which will ruin it. The handles on the rolling pin prevent this from happening since they are far enough away not to be touched by wet hands. This is also true for room temperature dough, which does not have any condensation issues.
Handles for rolling pins are plastic or metal tubes used to shape dough. They come in two variants: one piece with the rest of the body, and folding. The latter is placed on the rolling pin with sleeves, so it can be put on and removed easily.
Handles are often protected with special plastic covers, to prevent you from getting burned. Handles for rolling pins, come in a range of sizes from small to very large. The handles should attach firmly to the rolling pin to provide strength and prevent them from twisting or falling off when in use.
There is another type of rolling pin, called the French rolling pin. It is similar to the regular one, but has no handles. French rolling pins are thinner than regular ones; they taper at both ends to form the classic baton shape.
This wooden french pastry pin is a must for making professional-looking French pastries. The wood handle keeps your hands cool while making delicate pastries. This type of rolling pin tends to be more expensive than other kinds.
Rolling Pin with Rotating Handles
A novelty in recent years is the rotating rolling pin, which consists of two parts: a rod with handles and a body. It is mounted in such a way that the two parts can be rotated relative to each other, resulting in easier use. This works because it can roll out dough faster and easier by using less hands. The advantage of the handle is that you will not get tired from repeated use.
Rollers with rotating handles are often combined, combining plastic with wood, silicone with metal in various ways. It is convenient if the handles do not slip, but at the same time are easy to clean from the inevitable dirt. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Metal is durable, but not so convenient for holding, they are not so pleasant to the touch.
Plastic is quite light and soft. Rolling pins can be combined in a variety of ways. For example, rolling pins with handles made from silicone and metal belong to one of the most popular combinations among chefs and lovers of cooking. With the wide range of rolling pins that manufacturers offer, it is not simply a matter of choosing the most beautiful one. It is important to choose the one that will serve you best.
Diameter and Length Depending on Destination
When preparing the dough, the choice of rolling pins becomes especially important. The variety of products can be very different – from ordinary, simple rods to more advanced products that allow you to roll out the dough directly on the baking tray without forming blanks.
When it comes to rolling pin, there are two different types of sizes available on the market – long and short. Rolling out dough is a primary skill for an ambitious baker, and the rolling pin is the easiest device to do it.
For a novice, a long rolling pin may not be a good choice, because a large amount of muscular exertion is required to turn the pin. Shorter models are usually hard and quite heavy, which works great to prevent “rolling” when using this device.
Depending on the size and the thickness of the pin, it may be used both for small and large items. Thus, if your goal is to prepare pies and cakes with a thin layer of dough, it makes sense to purchase a long and thin model. However, if you plan to work with larger pieces of pastry, you will need a short rolling pin with a thick width.
Rolling pins come in different shapes and sizes. The most common types of rolling pins are cylindrical, with handles on both sides, and french-style which is similar to the beech handle wooden rolling pins except that they also have a flat side. Some rollers are marked with rulers to help achieve accurate dimensions while rolling.
Marking is useful when you need to fit into the dimensions of a baking tray or to prepare several identical pizzas. Markings rollers allow you to see how much dough remains and to calculate the amount of filling needed to prepare.
What is a long rolling pin? It is a large, solid, straight rolling pin with a long handle, which allows you to roll out dough without constantly lifting it from the work surface. When extending the handle as far as possible, the tip of the rolling pin reaches as far from your body as from your face.
This helps you to hold it horizontally, allowing the body weight to apply pressure on the dough. The friction between the ukluk and the dough causes resistance. This requires a little more force for fast beating, which is desirable when rolling out a pakhwaja or batter for large pies. Traditional Armenian pita breads (lachakaburi, saujin and other types) are incredibly thin and floppy.
Rolling out the dough is a long and tedious process which takes few hours or more for a large batch of dough. Thin rolling pins (ukluvs) allow you to roll out the dough much faster and with much less effort.
Adjustable Dough Thickness
When you’re a beginning baker, judging the thickness of rolled dough can be difficult, especially by eye. After rolling out a pie or pastry, if it’s much too thin or much too thick it will affect the final product. This frustrates beginning bakers and creates a disadvantage for those who don’t have a well-trained eye. The adjustable rolling pin has been invented to solve this problem.
These models have special adjustment rings that limit the lowering as soon as the height is reached. This allows for a more accurate rolling, and with no guess work involved. The rolling pin has been a household essential for hundreds of years. One can cook a meal without it but having a good rolling pin is a must have. The thickness setting on rubber rollers makes homemade cookie dough even but completely flat.
The rolling pin, released in 1837, was never meant to flatten the pastry out any thinner than three millimeters thick. Adjustable thickness rolling pins are one of the most useful kitchen gadgets that can be bought to improve baking results. It’s recommended for people who suffer from visual impairment, poor motor skills or are just learning how to cook.
When You Need a Textured Surface
If you’ve ever rolled cookie dough in a plain old, rectangular rolling pin and imagined what it would look like with a pattern or lettering on the surface, your dreams have come true! The Cookie Dough Nesting Roller is an ingenious tool for anyone who loves to craft with sugar cookie dough. It’s shaped like a nest and has openings for three different sized pins.
Simply press your rolling pin into ball of dough and add your own designs or letters into the dough. The pattern can be as simple as 1 or two squiggly lines or as complex as your imagination will allow! It’s an easy way to create beautiful cookies and other foods. This unique kitchen tool has been in existence for quite some time.
Yet, it never seems to go out of style. Following the traditional baking tool, there are also fancy variations you can choose from today. There are silicone ones, wood rolling pins with designs painted on its surface, and even branded wooden disks. To achieve a flawless result, you must first roll out the dough to the specified thickness. Achieve maximum uniformity and smoothness.
Only after that, use a rolling pin to decorate the pastry with a beautiful textured pattern. But only once to avoid distorting the pattern. The choice of textures, thanks to the competition, is enormous. You can buy a patterned rolling pin for cookies with a fine print, for gingerbread with pronounced patterns, for pies with an original ornament. With such a helper it is easy to get a beautiful baking, spending a minimum of time and effort.
A beautiful rolling pin can inspire your creativity that will inevitably affect the quality of your doughs. A baker should always have that kind of a friend – a good rolling pin – standing next to a mixer, a set of bowls and other equipment, helping to create a variety of delicious cakes, pies and cookies.
With such a creative rolling pin, you can not only roll out the cookies, but also mastic and other shaped masses.
If you are looking for the best rolling pin available then surely you will come across many claims of being the best. However, when selecting the right rolling pin it is not necessary to check every brand and product out there. Using a certified rolling pin will ensure that you are getting a product that is made with quality in mind.
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