Are All Rolling Pins Created Equal?

By Susan Hamilton

So, you have gone to the grocery store, and purchased the finest ingredients for a delicious pie. Now what?

Finding recipes is easy, creating a kitchen to support your new "pastry habit" is different. Let's go over some of the essentials to making a picture perfect pie or pastry right in your kitchen. We are going to reasonable about the tools and keep it simple, starting with the rolling pin.

Rolling pins:
It seems uncomplicated, right? But, there are actually a couple of different styles out there, some that may fit your own personal cooking style a little better.

There are two basic types of rolling pins; the traditional rolling pin with handles and the rolling rod. The rolling rod does not have handles and you use your palms to roll it forward over the dough.

Personally, I prefer the rolling rod. It is less clunky and you can really create really even dough. I find the process goes a little faster because you have more control with the rod. A similar style would be the French rolling rod, which has tapered ends. This rod is perfect for really thin crusts. The smaller, tapered ends allow dough to be shaped into circles by just putting some pressure on one end while rolling in a circle.

The traditional type of rolling pin requires less effort to flatten dough, as the handles create an easier roll. There is less pressure on the hands and many now have handles that are stationary for easy gliding. Also, it is easier to find great varieties. They now come in stainless steel, silicone, wood, glass and marble.
The varieties:

Once you decide which type you would prefer, you now consider what material would best suit your cooking style.

The traditionalists prefer a wooden rolling pin. These are typically 10 or 12 inches long and made of maple. If you are considering buying yours online, note the length. Longer the rolling pins are more heavy and difficult to maneuver. They also tend to loosen over time, meaning the handles become wobbly and steering these rolling pin becomes a challenge.

Glass and marble are perfect for the pie making enthusiast. These work well in instances where it is necessary to keep the dough cold. These types will not apply friction or heat to dough straight from the refrigerator.

One great benefit of a plastic rolling pin is that many now come with handles that sit high on the roller, meaning that your hands and knuckles clear your work area. This will keep you and your kitchen mess free.

Now, you have a some options when staring at ten different varieties of rolling pins. Knowing what makes you comfortable in the kitchen will help in choosing the right supplies.

Finding great kitchen supplies is easy, but finding the perfect kitchen supplies for you is not. Let Pie-Supply.com guide you in creating the perfect pie!