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Are you looking to begin baking and need a rolling pin? Or maybe you're an experienced baker that wants to try something new? There are many different styles and materials of rolling pins out there that all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Whether you want a traditional American-style rolling pin, a wooden French-style pin, or something made from steel or marble, we have options for you!
We chose the French Rolling Pin by Ebuns as our favorite as it is versatile, easy to clean, and easy to store. We've put together a buying guide to help you make your decision (reviewed by an experienced chef!) and have a 10 best list of options for you to look through.
Danilo is an Italian chef who has grown up cooking traditional dishes under his nonna and mamma's tutelage. He has also worked in Italian restaurants in various countries such as Australia and Japan. The skills he has acquired in a home and professional kitchen have enabled him to preserve and expound on Italian cuisine while dabbling in recipes from other cultures.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Not sure what rolling pin is best for you? Keep these four points in mind to help you choose a product that'll be a welcome addition to your kitchen!
There are three main styles of rolling pins used at home - French, American, and hybrid - and the type can influence the cooking process a lot. Here are some pros and cons of each type.
Since there are no handles, it can be a little trickier to use and you shouldn't expect to roll perfectly even dough on your first attempt. However, there are no moving pieces, so these are extremely durable and give you great control over the rolling pressure. You can feel the uneven spots in the dough as you work and adjust as you go.
French pins are also typically lighter, so some people find them less tiring to use. You get an even roll with less effort compared to the American style. They're especially good for rolling pastry dough.
I personally prefer the French rolling pin because it allows you to get up close and personal with your ingredients. The hands, after all, are crucial to being a chef. And even though you can make pizza dough, knead pastry dough or roll out pasta dough with a spare wine bottle, the French rolling pin does it better.
Plus, this simple tool is very versatile. You can crush herbs, nuts, pound on some meat, or turn stale bread into breadcrumbs. To avoid cross-contamination, you can keep the ingredients in a bag or cling-wrap your pin before getting that arm workout.
The straight edge and handles make these a little less versatile than the French style. They are usually heavier too, which can be beneficial if you’re tackling a tough dough. However, you often have to press harder to get your dough to roll evenly.
If the rolling mechanism is made of weaker materials, it may break after continued use. They may need a little maintenance if the roller starts to crack or begins to feel too dry. They can also be a little more difficult to clean as well. You don’t want to rust any metal pieces inside the rolling pin or damage the handles!
Hybrid styles, sometimes called “shaker” rolling pins, offer a rolling pin with handles but no moving pieces. These are a good compromise for those who want the benefits of the French style but prefer the feel of handles.
Rolling pins come in a variety of materials that offer different benefits, such as easy cleaning or lasting durability.
While wood itself is durable, it can be tricky to keep clean and free of nicks. Plus, you may have to maintain it with wood oil to prevent cracking. They're suitable for use with all styles of dough, however, making them versatile and explaining their popularity!
The heavy weight of marble rolling pins makes them perfect for thick or tough dough that needs to be treated with a heavier hand. They're not as suitable with thinner and more pliant dough, however. Dough can also cling to marble easily, so make sure you have a lot of flour on hand.
If you're into baking, I highly recommend going for a marble rolling pin due to its heat and cold temperature retention. As you may know, baking is a science - unlike cooking, where chefs estimate almost everything. If the recipe calls for semi-chilled butter, then anything other than that will affect your butter-sensitive recipes like puff pastries negatively.
You can pop your rolling pin into the fridge, thus giving you more time to manipulate your dough before reaching critical temperatures. I have also found that marble, with its sleek surface, rejects dough better than wood; therefore, you don't need to coat it with too much flour to prevent sticking.
However, finding a one-piece design made of marble can be tricky as they often feature wooden handles. The heavier weight adds to the learning curve of efficiently and evenly flattening dough.
Metal rolling pins are usually made of stainless steel, making them easy to clean and less likely to stick to dough. They’re also incredibly durable! Just like marble rolling pins, you can chill metal pins in the fridge to help keep your dough cool.
Steel rolling pins are generally well-balanced so they can roll pastry smoothly. However, they can be slightly uncomfortable to use since they are cold and hard to the touch.
Plastic rolling pins also offer easy cleaning, and some of them have an anti-stick coating that keeps dough from clinging to the pin. Some old-fashioned plastic rolling pins are hollow inside and gain their weight from being filled with water. You should also be aware that plastic rolling pins can crack.
Look for heavy-duty plastics like silicone that will last. Silicone is naturally non-stick, so you don't need to worry about your dough sticking. Plastic and silicone pins don't stay cool as effectively as steel grilling pins, but they can be very comfortable to grip.
Silicone is truly a revolutionary material that has transformed the kitchen in terms of convenience. It is the material to choose if you're looking for a non-stick option for your baking needs. Even sticky and wet dough will find it hard to grab onto a silicone rolling pin. Furthermore, the material is virtually indestructible and can be used at high contrasting temperatures.
You also don't have to worry about clean-up because you can pop the silicone portion into the dishwasher. One thing to note is that the handles are often still made with wood, which needs extra care in terms of cleaning and handling.
There are other more unusual materials like glass or porcelain, but they aren’t as tried-and-true as the options above. These styles are considered antique and aren't typically produced by modern companies.
Vintage rolling pins can be found online, but these can be prone to breaking or chipping. These unusual rolling pins may be better suited as kitchen decor!
I mentioned earlier that we used to rely on empty wine bottles as makeshift rolling pins. Well, they do work! If you don't have a rolling pin at the ready and you must prepare your recipe, anything long, round with a smooth surface will do.
You can use a drinking glass with a straight design, an insulated water bottle, a soda can, even a tortilla press if you have that at home. Just clean the materials before rolling them over your dough, and you can still achieve the same result. It might take some getting used to, but they do work when you're in a pinch.
Extra-long rolling pins are useful for serious bakers who need to roll out large sheets of dough, but they aren’t likely to be used often by occasional bakers. If you do choose a longer pin, be sure the material used is strong enough to prevent any bowing or warping. Smaller roller pins are best for small batches of dough or naturally small morsels like dumplings.
Diameter can also determine comfort and control; thinner diameters of about an inch can help you get close enough to control your dough, but since they'll generally be lighter, you may have to use more arm strength to flatten the dough. Larger diameters of several inches, though, can take care of thick doughs and can require less elbow grease.
Modern rolling pins can have unique features that add a little creativity or extra usefulness to this common tool. Some can come with things like recipe eBooks and more, but we'll just focus on two main ones.
You can find any design under the sun, from delicate lace patterns to pop culture characters. These are often made of laser-etched wood, so the designs come out nice and crisp! If you want to add an elegant or quirky design to your cookies, these are great for that finishing touch.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ebuns French Rolling Pin|Wood Rolling Pin | $14.99 Low Mid | Best Classic French Rolling Pin for All Baking Needs | ||
2 | Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings|Multicolor, 20085 | $19.95 Mid | Best Easy-to-Use Rolling Pin for Batch Baking | ||
3 | J.K. Adams Maple Wood Medium Gourmet Rolling Pin | $25.36 High Mid | Best Reliable American Rolling Pin | ||
4 | Norpro Stainless Steel Rolling Pin | $29.98 High Mid | Best Stainless Steel Pin for Tougher Dough | ||
5 | Chefmade Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Handles and Cradle | $38.99 High | Best Rolling Pin to Display on Your Counter | ||
6 | Ultra Cuisine Measurements | $14.98 Low Mid | Best for Tossing in the Dishwasher | ||
7 | Prokitchen | $21.59 Mid | Best Non-Stick Rolling Pin for Cookies and Fondant | ||
8 | Totally Bamboo Large | $17.99 Low Mid | Best Option for the Eco-Conscious | ||
9 | Chefast Non-Stick Rolling Pin and Pastry Mat Set | $15.97 Low Mid | Best for Baking With Kids | ||
10 | DiamondWoodcomua Set of 2 | $34.99 High Mid | Best for Creating Decorative Cookies |
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Looking for a simple option that's not too heavy and doesn't have any moving pieces? This elegant rubberwood rolling pin is lightweight and long enough to tackle any baking project with ease. It's handmade and waxed to keep the barrel smooth. Plus, its medium size makes it easy to maneuver.
There are few reports of rough, splinted wood, so some users had to oil and finish the pin themselves. However, most love how it handles anything from cookie dough to pie crusts, and when they're finished baking it's short enough to store in a drawer.
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This adjustable rolling pin allows you to change the thickness of your dough by screwing in different plastic discs on each end. Plus, it has length measurements etched into the surface. It takes the guesswork out of baking for beginners, but it's also a great option for pros that do a lot of baking.
There are some reports of cracks in the wood. Overall, though, many say that making cookies is a breeze with this rolling pin! Reviewers love that it is easy to make batch after batch of uniform treats of the same thickness.
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This rolling pin is handmade in America and comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can count on it to last! It's made of durable maple wood around a steel axel. Plus, the ball bearings self-lubricate for a smoother roll.
Reviewers note that this rolling pin isn't well-suited for tough doughs, so you may want to look elsewhere if this is the type of dough you typically work with. On the other hand, many love that it's well-balanced. They even say the quality is good enough to hand down this pin through generations!
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This heavy rolling pin lets gravity do a little of the work for you. It has traditional American-style handles for an easy grip. The ball bearings are made of nylon, so they won't rust. Plus, this stainless steel rolling pin won't crack or warp so you can count on it to last!
A couple of reviewers advise ensuring that the handles are firmly pushed in; if they aren't, small black bits can fall out. However, most love that the extra weight makes rolling out dough quicker and easier. Plus, they like that they can chill this rolling pin to keep their dough cold.
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This marble rolling pin is heavy enough for tougher doughs and attractive enough for decorating your kitchen. It comes with a wooden display stand so that it won't roll away. Plus, the nylon bearings inside won't rust.
There are a few instances of the hole for the axel being slightly off-center. But, most reviewers love this pin, saying it looks beautiful and is easy to clean. They also appreciate that it's heavy, confirming that it rolls tough dough well.
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This is one of the sturdiest options on our list! Its lack of handles and stainless steel construction means it won't break, stain, or dent. Plus, it can be chilled and comes with engraved measurement markings. Unlike most rolling pins, it's also dishwasher-safe!
Some bakers wish that it was heavier, saying that it requires more effort to use. Overall, however, it receives a lot of praise for its simple, sleek design and excellent durability. Reviewers also love that it's easy to clean and store.
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This adjustable option has a pin made out of silicone, making it easy to wipe down and non-stick. Plus, unlike wood, silicone won't absorb stains or odors. You can adjust it to four dough thicknesses, and it has handy length measurements on the rolling pin.
There are a few concerns about the plastic pin flexing over time. In general, this rolling pin is praised for its functionality and adjustability, with many saying it's large enough to roll out dough easily. They also confirm that it's non-stick enough for most doughs!
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This French rolling pin is made of strong and sustainable organic bamboo. Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that grows quickly without the need for a lot of water, making it a sustainable product. Plus, the artistic design of the pin lets you see the bamboo texture.
It's possible that your pin won't have the exact same colors as the one in the product images. Otherwise, many love that it's long enough to roll out any size of dough. Plus, it receives praise for being easy to use, aesthically-pleasing, and smooth.
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If you're starting to bake with little ones, this rolling pin set has everything you need to enjoy quality time together. You can work together with adult-sized and child-sized non-stick silicone rolling pins. You also get a non-stick mat and cookie cutters.
Some reviewers say that the rolling pins aren't as non-stick as expected. However, many love the contents of the kit and say the mini-rolling pin is also useful for small batches of dough. The non-stick pastry mat is praised for being handy, and buyers confirm that kids enjoy this colorful baking set!
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Looking to create unique cookies? These shaker rolling pins are etched with a laser to create intricate patterns. You can create your own set, choosing the number and designs of pins you would like. Plus, you can create a rolling pin with custom text!
There are some reports that these pins are smaller than advertised. However, most praise their high-quality and beautiful designs. They note that these make a great holiday gift! Plus, some users like that they can use them for clay or dough.
Danilo says, "A rolling pin might be a pretty straightforward tool, but not maintaining it properly can lead to unwanted decay on popular types like marble and wood. The best way to keep your trusty rolling pin is to clean it as soon you're done.
Whatever you do, never submerge your wooden rolling pin in water because this can lead to cracking. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and a bit of warm soapy water. The most important tip is to make sure the rolling pin dries thoroughly. If you want to treat or season it to add a layer of protection or bring out the original wooden color, you can do so by wiping food-grade mineral oil all over it.
For marble rolling pins, the same rule of not soaking in water applies. If you're dealing with stuck-on dough, you can make a paste using water and baking soda to rub onto the surface and pull off any stubborn residue. Store them safely when dry, and you can expect these tools to last a lifetime."
Chances are that a rolling pin isn't all that you need for cooking and baking. Here are some other tools you might be interested in!
Here are some rolling pins - both American and French - that are wildly popular on Amazon. You might even see some of our choices on that list!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Ebuns|French Rolling Pin|Wood Rolling Pin
No. 2: Joseph Joseph |Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings|Multicolor, 20085
No. 3: J.K. Adams |Maple Wood Medium Gourmet Rolling Pin
No. 4: Norpro |Stainless Steel Rolling Pin
No. 5: Chefmade|Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Handles and Cradle
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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