Ever wonder how America’s Test Kitchen gets its recipes so perfect? It’s not just magic; it’s a lot of testing, and that includes their rolling pins! Choosing the right rolling pin can feel like a big decision when you’re baking. You want one that makes your dough smooth and even, but there are so many kinds out there. It’s easy to get confused about which one will actually help you create those delicious cookies or flaky pies you’ve been dreaming of.
We’ve all been there, staring at aisles of rolling pins and feeling a little lost. This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll dive into what America’s Test Kitchen looks for in a rolling pin and share their top recommendations. You’ll learn what makes a rolling pin great for different baking tasks.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what features to consider and which rolling pins are worth your hard-earned money. Get ready to upgrade your baking game!
Our Top 5 Rolling Pin America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rolling Pin America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. J.K. Adams Maple Wood Baking and Pastry French Rolling Pin for Pizza
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to roll out your favorite doughs with the J.K. Adams Maple Wood French Rolling Pin! This beautiful pin is designed to make baking easier and more enjoyable. Its smooth maple wood and smart design help you create perfect pizzas, pies, cookies, and so much more. It’s a tool that bakers of all levels will love.
What We Like:
- The tapered handles feel great in your hands. They make the pin easy to move around.
- The wood has a slight texture. This texture helps flour stick to it. This means your dough won’t stick to the pin!
- America’s Test Kitchen picked this pin as one of the best. That’s a big deal!
- It’s made right here in the USA. The wood comes from trees that are grown sustainably.
- J.K. Adams offers a Lifetime Guarantee. You can trust this pin will last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tapered design is great for control, some bakers might prefer a pin with handles that are more substantial for heavier doughs.
- The 20.5-inch length is ideal for many tasks, but those with very large baking surfaces might wish for a longer option.
This rolling pin is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design make it a joy to use. You’ll be baking up a storm in no time!
2. GoodCook Everyday Rolling Pin
Rating: 8.7/10
The GoodCook Everyday Rolling Pin is a kitchen essential that helps you create delicious baked goods. It’s designed to shape and flatten doughs for all your favorite cookies, pastries, and breads. This rolling pin makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The 10-inch barrel is the perfect size for most baking tasks.
- Its 2-inch diameter provides a comfortable grip.
- The single-piece hardwood barrel and handles resist water, making cleanup simple.
- Smooth-rolling plastic bearings allow the pin to glide effortlessly over dough.
- It’s also handy for crushing seeds or nuts for recipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While water-resistant, prolonged soaking is still not recommended.
- Some users might prefer a heavier rolling pin for certain types of dough.
For home bakers looking for a reliable and versatile tool, the GoodCook Everyday Rolling Pin is a solid choice. It handles everyday baking needs with ease.
3. J.K. Adams 12-Inch-by-2-3/4-Inch Maple Wood Medium Gourmet Rolling Pin
Rating: 9.4/10
Baking just got a whole lot easier and more enjoyable with the J.K. Adams 12-Inch-by-2-3/4-Inch Maple Wood Medium Gourmet Rolling Pin. This rolling pin is designed for home bakers who want quality and durability in their kitchen tools. Its medium size is perfect for a variety of tasks, from rolling out pie crusts to shaping pizza dough. Made from beautiful, natural maple wood, it’s a tool you’ll be proud to use and display.
What We Like:
- The smooth, waxed maple wood barrels make rolling dough a breeze.
- Easy-grip handles feel comfortable in your hands.
- A full-length steel axle and self-lubricating bearings ensure it rolls smoothly for years.
- It’s handcrafted in Vermont, USA, using wood that’s grown and harvested responsibly.
- The lifetime guarantee means you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires handwashing and thorough drying to keep it in good shape.
- You’ll need to oil it regularly, especially at first, to maintain its finish.
If you love to bake, this J.K. Adams rolling pin is an excellent investment. It’s built to last and will help you create delicious treats for a lifetime.
4. WALFOS French Rolling Pin for Baking
Rating: 9.4/10
The WALFOS French Rolling Pin is a fantastic tool for any baker, from beginners to seasoned chefs. Its tapered design makes it easy to handle and control your dough, giving you a better feel for how thin or thick you’re rolling. Crafted from natural beech wood, this rolling pin is built to last for years of baking fun.
What We Like:
- The non-stick feature means dough won’t stick, making rolling smoother and requiring less effort.
- Its tapered design offers excellent control and a great feel for your dough.
- It’s super versatile, perfect for pasta, cookies, pizza, fondant, and even tenderizing meat or crushing nuts.
- Cleaning is a breeze – just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Made from durable, natural beech wood, it’s built to last.
- The 15.7-inch size is ideal for both home and restaurant kitchens.
- It makes a thoughtful and beautiful gift for anyone who loves to bake.
- Walfos stands behind their product with a satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions not to put it in the dishwasher or soak it in water, which might be a slight inconvenience for some.
This WALFOS rolling pin is a reliable and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. It’s a quality tool that makes baking more enjoyable and efficient.
5. 17.5 inch Wooden Rolling Pin for Baking – Long Dough Roller for All Baking Needs
Rating: 8.6/10
Unleash your inner baker with the 17.5 inch Wooden Rolling Pin! This long dough roller is designed to handle all your baking projects. It’s perfect for everything from fluffy bread to delicate cookies.
What We Like:
- It’s great for many baking jobs. You can roll out bread, biscuits, cookies, pie crusts, and pastry dough.
- The easy-roll design makes baking smooth. Nylon bearings stop it from skipping or sticking.
- You have better control when you roll. The action is smooth and easy.
- Comfortable handles make it easy to use. The ergonomic handles feel good in your hands.
- Cleaning is simple. The wood is naturally moisture-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- This rolling pin should not be soaked or put underwater. You need to wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
This rolling pin is a solid tool for any kitchen. It makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Rolling Pin America’s Test Kitchen
Are you ready to roll out some delicious baked goods? Finding the right rolling pin can make all the difference. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many rolling pins to find the best ones. This guide will help you choose the perfect rolling pin for your kitchen adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a rolling pin, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Weight: A good rolling pin feels balanced in your hands. It shouldn’t be too heavy or too light. A medium-sized rolling pin (around 9-10 inches long) works well for most tasks.
- Handle Comfort: Comfortable handles are a must. They make it easier to press down and roll dough evenly. Look for handles that are smooth and fit well in your grip.
- Smooth Rolling Surface: The rolling surface of the pin needs to be smooth. This prevents dough from sticking and ensures a nice, even thickness.
- Durability: You want a rolling pin that will last. A well-made rolling pin can be a kitchen tool you use for years.
Important Materials
The material of a rolling pin affects how it performs and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Wooden rolling pins are a classic choice. They are often made from maple, beech, or walnut. Wood is naturally non-stick and gives a great feel. However, wood can absorb moisture and may warp if not cared for properly.
- Marble: Marble rolling pins are heavy. This extra weight helps flatten dough easily. They also stay cool, which is great for pastry dough. Marble can be fragile, so be careful not to drop it.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel rolling pins are durable and easy to clean. Some have adjustable rings to help you roll dough to a specific thickness. They can sometimes be a bit sticky if the dough is very wet.
- Silicone: Silicone rolling pins are flexible and non-stick. They are lightweight and easy to wash. Some people find they don’t offer as much control as other materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a rolling pin better or worse.
- Construction: A rolling pin that is well-constructed will perform better. For wooden pins, look for solid pieces of wood without knots or cracks. For rolling pins with handles, make sure they are securely attached.
- Finish: A smooth, well-sanded finish on a wooden rolling pin is important. It makes rolling easier and prevents sticking. A rolling pin with a rough or unfinished surface will cause dough to stick.
- Weight Distribution: A balanced rolling pin feels good to use. If one end is heavier than the other, it can be hard to roll evenly.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some rolling pins are easier to clean than others. Wooden rolling pins need special care. Stainless steel and silicone are usually simple to wipe down.
User Experience and Use Cases
How a rolling pin feels and works in your hands is very important.
- Baking Bread: A sturdy wooden rolling pin is excellent for bread dough. Its weight helps you spread the dough evenly.
- Making Pastries: For delicate pastry dough, a cool marble rolling pin is a baker’s best friend. It keeps the dough from getting too warm and sticky.
- Rolling Cookies: A rolling pin with comfortable handles makes rolling out cookie dough a breeze. You can get consistent thickness for perfect cookies every time.
- Pizza Dough: A simple, smooth rolling pin works well for pizza dough. You can easily stretch and shape it.
America’s Test Kitchen has found that a good rolling pin is an investment in your baking success. Consider these tips, and you’ll be rolling out delicious treats in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of rolling pin does America’s Test Kitchen recommend most?
A: America’s Test Kitchen often recommends a classic wooden rolling pin. They like ones made from hardwood that are well-constructed and have a smooth finish.
Q: Is a rolling pin with handles better than one without?
A: Rolling pins with handles can offer more comfort and control for some bakers. Pins without handles, like the French style, can give you a better feel for the dough.
Q: How do I clean a wooden rolling pin?
A: You should never soak a wooden rolling pin in water. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. You can also use a little mild soap. Dry it thoroughly right away. Sometimes, you can oil it with food-grade mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out.
Q: Can I use my rolling pin for fondant?
A: Yes, you can use most rolling pins for fondant. A smooth, non-stick surface is best for fondant.
Q: What is the best material for preventing sticking?
A: Wood and silicone are generally considered the best materials for preventing dough from sticking.
Q: Do I need a special rolling pin for pie crust?
A: A good quality wooden or marble rolling pin works very well for pie crusts. The coolness of marble is especially helpful.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good rolling pin?
A: You can find decent rolling pins for around $15-$30. Higher-quality ones, especially from reputable brands or made from premium wood, might cost $40-$60 or more.
Q: What is a “French” rolling pin?
A: A French rolling pin is a tapered rolling pin without handles. It’s usually made of wood. Bakers like it because it gives them direct contact with the dough.
Q: Can a rolling pin be too heavy?
A: Yes, a rolling pin can be too heavy. A very heavy pin can make it difficult to control and can flatten dough too much. The weight should feel balanced.
Q: Where can I find rolling pins tested by America’s Test Kitchen?
A: You can often find reviews and recommendations on the America’s Test Kitchen website. They also sometimes partner with brands to offer their recommended products.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.