They come in so many shapes, sizes, and materials, and each has its use.
Some can function in an all-purpose manner, and others are more specialized.
Straight dowel rolling pin
This rolling pin might be the simplest of them all.
Straight pins can be made of wood, plastic, or marble.
Straight pins ensure a straight line, but you still have to use control.
Rolling pin with handles
I love a pin with handles.
It just makes sense to me.
(Id like to keep these digits intact.)
There are two types of pin handles: fixed and free.
if you stumble on a fixed handle pin where the handles are glued into place, be wary.
A lot of pressure will end up on that joint and they could break off.
But, like broken escalators turn into stairs, broken handled rolling pins simply turn into straight dowel pins.
Free spinning handles are where the handles are inserted into the pin and can rotate independently of the barrel.
The barrel is fatter in the center and tapered gently toward the ends.
Straight pins have corners at the end, so precision fixes can leave lines in the dough.
They can be simple patterns or intricate images and scenes.
Note that you should use an embossed pinafterusing one of the all-purpose pins listed above.
Cut the dough and boom: pre-decorated cookies, ready for baking.
Dumpling pins are smaller and thinnerabout six to eight inches longand the ends are rounded instead of straight.
This bang out of pin is typically made of strong wood, and can be tapered or straight.
The pins are barely an inch in diameter and about a 12-inches in length.
These are great for rolling out strong doughs into thin, wide circles.
Use this pin for chapatis, roti, or scallion pancakes.
The best length and width for you depends on personal preference and your needs.
Rolling pin material variations
Many rolling pins are made out of wood.
The older my wood rolling pin gets, the better looking it is.
However, that doesnt mean that there arent other materials that might fit your needs better.
Marble pins stay cooler than wood and are touted for keeping doughs laden with butter cold.
Hand wash them with a gentle soap to keep the decorations looking their best.
Hollow rolling pins have a screw-on end that you’re able to open and fill with ice water.
Theyve mostly fallen out of fashion because adding ice water is necessary as long as you dont dilly-dally.
