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As food lovers and avid bakers, we have searched high and low for the best rolling pins for working with all types of dough—buttery pie crust, delicate dumpling wrappers, and everything in between. We tried all kinds in our testing: There was the sleek marble rolling pin that stayed wonderfully cool and looked lovely on our countertops but was heavy enough to double as a kettlebell; a vintage beauty with a perfect patina that turned out to be prettier than it was practical; and a pricey, professional French rolling pin we hoped would magically transform us into master pâtissiers. (Alas, it did not.) For such an elemental kitchen tool, there really is a dizzying array of styles from which to choose. Where’s a baker to begin?The best rolling pins
To answer that question, we gathered a lineup of well-reviewed, best-selling rolling pins and put them through a week of frenzied cookie-making and pie-baking to find one that could please both novice home bakers and pastry obsessives alike.
As our tests proved, the best rolling pin performs beautifully, is made from solid hardwood, will last a lifetime, and is a model of economy and restraint—in fact, it may even cost less than that wine bottle you’ve been using in its place. Plus, if you’re a sucker for aesthetics or just want to treat yourself, there’s a terrific upgrade pick that costs only a few bucks more. Read on for the best rolling pins of 2023; for the specifics of how we tested them and what to look for in a rolling pin, keep scrolling.
What we looked forHow does the rolling pin feel in our hands?
Ask a serious baker for advice and they’ll invariably say that a good rolling pin should feel like an extension of the baker’s hands. We kept that maxim in mind as we worked our way through the lineup, making note of how comfortably our palms rested on the edges of the pins, how responsive each felt to our touch, and if over time our fingers began feeling crowded or crampy. We also took note of each rolling pin’s weight: The ideal rolling pin is heavy enough to effectively handle all kinds of dough, no matter how tough, but not so heavy that it’s cumbersome to maneuver and risks over-flattening delicate doughs.Is it well-designed? Is the material high-quality?
Does the rolling pin look and feel thoughtfully made? If it has tapered sides, are they symmetrical and even? Is it long enough to tackle large projects, but not so big as to feel clumsy? Ideally, a baker should be able to buy a rolling pin once and keep it forever.Does it roll smoothly and evenly?
Does the pin feel agile when it is in motion, pivoting and rolling smoothly—without requiring too much elbow grease? When it comes to surfaces, the best rolling pins should strike a Goldilocks sort of balance: not so slick that it can’t be effectively floured and struggles to stretch the dough underneath it, but not so coarse that the dough becomes a sticky mess. We took note of how naturally nonstick each rolling pin was, awarding points for models that allowed us to reach our desired shape and thickness without incorporating too much excess flour into the dough.Is the rolling pin easy to clean?
Most pros eschew handled pins for a number of reasons, not least of which is the fact that the nooks and crevices where the pieces come together can be tricky to clean when they’re gunked up with dough. But even simple dowel-style pins can require maintenance, and we took that into account.
An affordable upgrade: Whetstone Woodenware French Rolling Pin
Whetstone Woodenware French Rolling Pin
On the whole, we’ve found that “fancy” rolling pins aren’t worth their price tags. Hand-finished with intricate whorls in the wood and a satiny sheen, they look like a million bucks (and probably cost upward of $60), but struggle controlling pastry dough even with a serious dusting of flour.
Which is why we were pleasantly surprised by the Whetstone Woodenware French rolling pin. With its sleek Indiana Rock Maple body and artisanal good looks, it certainly appears a notch more luxe than our all-around pick from JK Adams—but, happily, that extra style doesn’t come at a loss of substance. Its 23-inch length is the most generous of all the rolling pins we tested, making it ideal for large projects. It’s also a bit thicker and weightier than the competition—not so much as to make a huge difference in user experience, but just enough to instill confidence when staring down a slab of chilly dough straight from the fridge. Working on sugar cookies, it skimmed the surface of the cookie dough in smooth, firm strokes, rolling it easily into a uniform thickness. If you’re a committed baker or just feel like treating yourself, or someone you love, to a baking tool that’s practical, pretty, and will bring pleasure for years to come, this is an excellent product and a serious value.What we didn’t like about the Whetstone Woodenware French Rolling Pin
The Whetstone Woodenware rolling pin’s 23-inch length means it will be a bit trickier to stash away if you’re tight on kitchen storage space. And depending on the types of baking projects you frequently take on, the extra inches may also just be overkill—if you’re looking for a pin to use for small tasks like dumpling wrapper-rolling, readying dough for tiny tartlet pans, or making small decorations out of fondant, you may be better off with a slightly smaller option. Luckily, the company also makes a 19-inch model.
French Rolling Pin vs American Rolling Pin — Which is Better?
FAQ
Are metal or wood rolling pins better?
What is the best rolling pin for not sticking?
Are wooden rolling pins sanitary?
What wood makes the best rolling pin?
Are wood rolling pins good?
As Epicurious says, “Marble, silicone, metal, and nylon may have certain strengths, but when it comes to versatility, durability, and long-term performance, wood rolling pins remain the gold standard for a reason.” Keep in mind that metal, if not chilled or if used for extended periods, can conduct heat.
Do you prefer a rolling pin without handles?
I personally prefer a rolling pin without handles, but they’re hard to beat when it comes to grip comfort and they will similarly to a straight rolling pin without handles. The majority of rolling pins are wood, but these days it is possible to find them made of metal, marble and silicone, as well.
Which rolling pin is best?
With its tapered ends, the French Rolling Pin is a sleek and elegant choice that lets you rock and roll with precision. Like a trusty ol’ wine bottle, the Wooden Rolling Pin brings a rustic charm and a firm grip to the table. If you’re looking for some coolness, the Marble Rolling Pin keeps your dough chill and delivers an even thickness.
Are wooden rolling pins hot or cold?
Wooden rolling pins are neither hot nor cold, and they should hold onto a dusting of flour that will prevent whatever you’re rolling from sticking. The idea behind the metal and marble pins is that they are colder (and can even be chilled), so butter is less likely to melt as you are rolling your dough.