What Type of Rolling Pin Is Best for You?

Close your eyes and picture a rolling pin. Got it? Now, let's move on.

I'm sure many of you are imagining the classic design: a solid wooden cylinder with handles on either end. Sound familiar?

This iconic rolling pin design is widely recognized, but what many people don't realize is that there are actually many different types of rolling pins. Each style serves a unique purpose and is tailored to specific baking tasks. So, the 'best' rolling pin will depend on your preferences and needs as a baker. In fact, many experienced bakers and pastry chefs prefer having multiple types of rolling pins for different occasions.

With so many options in terms of shape and material, choosing the perfect rolling pin can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I've put together a guide to help you navigate the choices. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this roadmap will walk you through the key considerations to help you select the right rolling pin for your kitchen.

Rolling Pin Styles

When selecting a rolling pin, the first thing to consider is its shape. All rolling pins can be categorized into two main types: those with handles and those without. Each category has distinct shapes that are worth knowing about.

Handled Rolling Pins

Handled rolling pins are the most familiar type for many in the U.S., often known as the 'American' rolling pin. This style is also referred to as a traditional, baker's, or ball bearing rolling pin. While they come in various materials, wood tends to be the top choice for most baking tasks, as you'll see further below.

J.K. Adams 12-Inch Maple Wood Gourmet Rolling Pin

If you come across a small, handle-less rolling pin carved from a single piece of wood, you might be looking at an antique. These old-fashioned pins are often found in vintage shops or passed down through generations. While charming, these older pins aren’t the best choice for serious baking. The wood can be fragile and prone to splintering, and the smaller size might lack the heft needed for effective rolling.

Handle-Free Rolling Pins

Handle-free rolling pins, often referred to as French rolling pins, are favored in many kitchens for their agility and the control they offer. Without handles, these pins create a more direct connection with the dough, making it feel like a natural extension of the baker's hands and arms once they’re used to it. French rolling pins come in two distinct shapes:

Tapered

The tapered French rolling pin is, in my opinion, the most elegant of all rolling pins. As the name implies, this design narrows towards both ends, creating a graceful silhouette. Not only is it visually appealing, but the tapered shape also makes it easier to maneuver, allowing for smooth, controlled rolls—especially when working with delicate doughs like those for pies or tarts. If you often bake pastries or other fine doughs, this pin will be your best friend.

J.K. Adams Maple Wood French

Dowel

The dowel pin, or straight pin, is about as simple as it gets in terms of design: just a thick, perfectly cylindrical rod. For many home bakers, this style of pin serves as a versatile, all-purpose tool. It's heavy enough to handle tougher doughs, like chilled shortbread, while still offering a fine level of control needed for more delicate tasks.

J.K. Adams Maple Plain Rolling Dowel

Whether you’re choosing a dowel or tapered pin, it’s important to select one with the right weight (tapered pins tend to be lighter than straight pins) and the proper length to handle easily. As noted by Food & Wine, 'The ideal length for either type of French pin should be between 18 and 21 inches.'

Rolling Pin Materials

The rolling pins mentioned earlier come in a variety of materials, including marble and silicone. While experimenting with different options can help you find your ideal tool, here’s a rundown of the most popular materials and their unique benefits.

Wood

Whether it's maple, mahogany, beech, or another type, wood has long been a favored material for rolling pins—and for good reason. It’s durable and, with proper care (which I’ll cover below), it can last for years. One of the standout features of wood is that it doesn’t conduct heat, which is essential since you don’t want heat transferring from the pin to your dough, especially when you’re working with chilled butter.

Embossed Wood

Embossed rolling pins are typically made of wood and often come with handles. These pins feature laser-engraved patterns along the barrel, designed to press decorative designs into dough, especially cookie dough, before baking. While their primary function is to create these artistic impressions, they also serve a secondary role as charming kitchen decor. Keep in mind that if you use an embossed pin, the dough should first be rolled out with a smooth rolling pin before applying the design.

Kashmir Pattern Embossed Rolling Pin

Marble

The visual appeal of a marble rolling pin alone is enough to make it a coveted kitchen tool. But these heavy-duty pins are also perfect for bakers who often work with laminated doughs. A marble pin can be chilled in the refrigerator and will stay cool while you roll, making it ideal for creating the ultra-thin layers of dough and butter that are essential for puff pastry.

Fox Run White Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Cradle

Ceramic/Stoneware

These are the stunning rolling pins with glazed barrels and intricate painted patterns that you often spot in places like Anthropologie or high-end cookware shops. The ones that catch your eye because they’re just so beautiful. While there’s no denying their visual appeal, their practical use tends to take a backseat to their design.

Red Barrel Studio Ceramic Rolling Pin

Silicone

Silicone rolling pins have gained popularity in recent years due to their nonstick qualities and ease of cleaning. It’s true—they’re dishwasher-safe, don’t require mineral oil maintenance, and flouring dough is a lot less hassle. If these benefits sound appealing, trying out a silicone rolling pin could be a great move.

HusMait Silicone Rolling Pin

Metal

This category covers materials like aluminum and stainless steel, sometimes with a nonstick coating like Teflon. The main draw of a metal rolling pin, much like silicone, is its easy-to-clean nature. However, a key downside is that metal can conduct heat, meaning it may warm up your dough as you roll, which is less than ideal. If you choose a metal pin, be sure to chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before using it.

RSVP International Endurance Stainless Steel French Rolling Pin

Nylon and Acrylic

Plastic rolling pins, made from nylon or acrylic, are generally smaller than traditional pins. These are especially favored by pastry chefs and cake decorators for rolling delicate ingredients like fondant or marzipan. Their lightweight build and easy-to-clean, nonstick surfaces make them ideal for such tasks. However, they're not designed for regular baking use.

Zyyini Nylon Fondant Rolling Pin with Non-stick Surface

SK Mini Acrylic Rolling Pin

How to Care for Your Wooden Rolling Pin

If you're only going to own one rolling pin, a wooden one is likely your best bet. And despite some misconceptions, wooden pins are not difficult to maintain. Treat it like any other wooden kitchen tool: avoid putting it in the dishwasher, and never leave it submerged in water.

To clean a wooden rolling pin, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or sponge, ensuring any dough remnants are removed. No need for dish soap. Follow up with a dry towel to absorb moisture and allow it to air dry completely if needed.

You can periodically oil your wooden pin to keep it in good condition and extend its life. Apply a small amount of mineral oil or butcher's block oil with a clean, lint-free cloth, rubbing it into the surface. Let the pin air dry for 1-2 hours before returning it to storage.

Thirteen Chefs Food-Safe Mineral Oil & Conditioner