Rolling pins: description of varieties and nuances of choice

The rolling pin is perhaps the most famous kitchen "character". Of course, this is largely due to anecdotes, where the utensil acts as a female weapon of reprisal against the guilty husband. But, having rejected the jokes, we can confidently say that it depends on how much a pie or noodle turns out to be delicious.

The fairly ordinary and well-known rolling pin has a rich history. Scientists have found that already about 3,000 years ago, the Etruscans actively used this type of utensil in everyday life. However, in other parts of the world, instruments were also common. They were made of stone, clay or wood. It is worth noting that rolling pins were not always used to work with the test. They also beat meat and chopped spices and roots. And in the IV century BC. e. in ancient Greece, the product was used to smooth or, on the contrary, pleat fabrics. Before rolling, the matter was kept in a special solution.

At the end of the 19th century, a wooden rolling pin with handles was invented, designed for rolling dough. It is fair to say that such rolling pins began to appear in different cities, however, the African American Reed patented this invention. He made a movable spinning cylinder with handles that remained in a fixed position.

The history of glass rolling pins is especially interesting and romantic. They were given by English sailors to their wives, leaving for swimming. A fragile gift was decorated with touching drawings and inscriptions. Naturally, such a present was not used in the kitchen, but was stored as a souvenir and talisman.It was believed that if the rolling pin cracked or crashed - this is a bad sign, the ship wrecked. Traditionally, glassware was hollow and had one handle. Inside it was possible to pour tea, spices. But the wives of the sailors filled sea salt there, believing that it would save from the evil eye and troubles on the water.

The most famous glass rolling pins at that time were cobalt Bristol (produced in the city of Bristol), they were of high cost. More affordable counterparts were Nailsea (from the city of Nailsi). They were made from bottle glass.

At the beginning of the 19th century, ceramic rolling pins also appeared, which was associated with the popularization of health and hygiene. Ceramic analogues were easier to wash than wooden ones. The dough did not stick to them, and the temperature of the rolling pin and dough could be adjusted by cooling or heating the accessory. The only drawback of ceramics is fragility.

Porcelain and ceramic factories instantly picked up this idea and set about producing utensils. The most popular at that time were blue and white products from the German factory Meissen and the Dutch Delft. Since ceramic rolling pins required careful handling, they needed to be improved. So there were rotating (roller) ceramic options with wooden handles.

A rolling pin is a type of kitchen utensil, which is a cylindrical object designed for rolling dough. Some models are equipped with handles.

Rolling pins can be made of various materials, have a different configuration.

From the point of view of design, rolling pins can be divided into 2 groups - those that have handles, and without those (in the form of a roller). The handles on the accessory make rolling the dough more convenient - the hands remain clean, like the dough itself. But special ease of labor when rolling out the product with handles was not found. Another advantage of working with such utensils is protection against overheating due to rubbing hands on it. This is especially true when the recipe requires cooling the rolling pin or the dough is rolled out of the refrigerator.

Handles on rolling pins can be a continuation of the roller with a working surface or attached separately. Today, manufacturers offer devices with folding handles. Often the latter are made from other materials.

More interesting can be called classic cylindrical models. They are rightfully considered universal, because they are suitable for working with dough even on a baking sheet or in a pan. An analogue with handles in this case will be inconvenient. In addition, many housewives use such a rolling pin and as a pusher.

One more variety can be distinguished - cylinders with a thickened middle part (working surface). Such devices are convenient for working with dense flat cakes (for example, for whites), but it is uncomfortable to roll thin dough with such utensils.

If we talk about new products, it is worth mentioning rolling pin with rotating handles. The product consists of a rotating part and handles. You can even hold onto the latter, since only the working surface rotates. Such rolling pins are especially convenient for those who work with large volumes of dough: hands get tired less, calluses are not rubbed.

The structural features of rolling pins are also determined by their purpose. For example, in addition to the well-known cylindrical rolling pin, there is a raviolina. With its help, you can sculpt ravioli, the dough texture of which is close to dumplings.

Rolling pin noodle cutter - an indispensable assistant for those who love homemade noodles.It is necessary to thinly roll the dough with a familiar rolling pin, and then with a noodle cutter. As a result, you get perfectly thin and uniform noodles. And again there will be a saving of time and effort.

Product "3 in 1" will win the hearts of those who value functionality and ergonomics. Due to the design features, it can act as a bottle for storing oil or sauce, a pestle for grinding spices, and also a rolling pin.

Another multifunctional device - rolling pin for cookies. It is a classic cylindrical helper made of plastic with handles. However, inside the product is hollow, it opens, and cookie cutters are stored in it. It is very convenient, because the molds are not exactly lost and will not require a separate place for storage.

The dimensions of the rolling pin, namely: length and diameter, are determined by the purpose of the product. Do not neglect the choice of utensils in terms of its size. Some devices are designed for rolling large layers of dough, while others allow you to roll out the dough directly on a baking sheet or in a pan, saving time and effort.

The universal and most popular device is considered to be 25-30 cm long and 5-6 cm in diameter. It is suitable for working with small products and rolling medium-sized formations. For larger ones, it is recommended to choose a rolling pin, the length of which is 40-50 cm. Together with the size, the diameter of the product steadily increases - it is 8-10 cm. Small products 7-10 cm long are necessary for rolling small piece products: dough for pies, dumplings, manti. Sometimes they can have one handle in the manner of a roller. Such devices are indispensable in conditions of space deficiency.

There are also thin long accessories called bite. They are used for rolling Armenian lavash, baklava. They are also convenient for rolling pizza, dough for some pies. Dough layers can also be wound on such utensils. The length of some products reaches a meter.

Differences may also apply to the materials of which the rolling pin is made. Consider the most common.

One of the most popular options that attract usability, durability, optimal weight. On average, it is 0.5-1 kg - that is, the devices are not heavy, but not too light. However, wood products also have disadvantages. First of all, they require special care. Wood does not tolerate moisture, which complicates the washing and disinfection of the accessory. You can not soak a rolling pin, use a dishwasher to wash.

The dough sticks strongly to the wooden surface, especially soft. You have to add flour all the time or use a film. Finally, during operation, nicks and cracks may appear on a wooden surface. This is fraught with the development of bacteria on the surface, and burrs on the rolling pin can injure hands.

When choosing a wooden rolling pin, preference should be given to those devices that are made of hardwood: beech, linden, oak. You can consider the bamboo option.

Modern elastic material, replacing the wooden counterpart. Silicone products are easy to use, however, the dough does not stick to them. For greater convenience, experienced housewives use rolling pins with silicone rugs.

An important point is that silicone rolling pins are quite light, so they are not suitable for all types of dough. It is optimal to apply them if you need to roll soft dough, and the amount of work is small. Otherwise, you can use silicone analogues with a weighting agent. The role of the latter is a metal cylinder, which is fixed inside the accessory.

A rolling pin made of stainless steel is rarely used by housewives, but in a professional kitchen this is a fairly common and necessary “unit”. Primarily, A professional rolling pin is valuable in that it can roll out absolutely all types of dough. In this case, the material does not run the risk of being covered with cracks and burrs, therefore, we can talk about its durability. In addition, due to its large weight, metal utensils are convenient to use for viscous, inelastic dough, to roll out large layers.

Aluminum is used a little less often, which is comfortable to roll out softer and more flexible dough. Also, the accessory is suitable for grinding nuts and spices by rolling them. If the recipe requires, you can heat or cool the metal rolling pin. Caring for her is quite simple, you can use a dishwasher.

The disadvantage of a metal accessory is the difficulty of working with it. It’s not easy to get used to such a rolling pin, it is important to choose the correct thickness. Metal rolling pins can be solid and combined - that is, the working surface of metal is combined with handles made of wood or silicone.

Metal rolling pins are often hollow with the ability to fill the inside with water. This allows you to adjust the weight of the rolling pin and change its temperature. For example, if the dough contains oil, and it is important that it does not melt, pour cold water into the rolling pin. If, on the contrary, you need to warm the dough to improve its elasticity, pour warm water.

The option is not for daily use, which, however, is suitable not only for rolling dough, but also for sugar mastic, minced meat and fish mince, marmalade, chocolate mass. It is clear that this is a rather fragile product that requires careful handling. Very often, glass rolling pins are hollow, but they can be filled with cereals if desired. The latter helps to regulate the weight of the rolling pin. In addition, such an accessory will decorate the interior.

Porcelain and ceramic can also be referred to glass rolling pins; classification is based on their decorative similarity and fragility. It is important to protect the icing on such products from chips, sharp temperature drops.

Stone rolling pins, along with wooden ones, appeared among the first in the arsenal of housewives and professionals. Then they disappeared from everyday life, but now they are reborn again and are characterized by high cost. First of all, it is worth noting their respectable appearance and impressive weight (on average 2 kg). Such rolling pins are optimal for tight dough. In this case, it is especially convenient to work with a marble rolling pin. But thin and delicate dough requires the development of special skills for working with a stone accessory.

Stone products, if necessary, can be heated and cooled, however, this cannot be done abruptly. Such temperature jumps are fraught with the appearance of cracks on the surface. The same applies to strokes, accidental rolling pin drops. That is why, despite the strength of the stone, the model still requires careful handling.

Modern material that is resistant to water, grease, temperature extremes. A plastic accessory rolls the dough quite well, it does not stick to the surface of the accessory, you can transfer the dough to a baking sheet using a rolling pin. However, all these properties are real only if the model is made of high-quality food-grade plastic. If there is no exact information about the manufacturer and the material, it is better to refuse the purchase.

There are rolling pins with a centimeter ruler applied to the surface. They allow you to roll out the dough of the same size, which is especially important in the work of professional bakers and confectioners - the finished baking is perfect in size.

If you need to strictly control the thickness of the dough, you should pay attention to the rolling pin with special clamps. Thanks to the latter, the rolling surface of the rolling pin simply does not fall below a predetermined parameter, and the dough is obtained with the desired thickness.

As limiters, special slip rings are used that are worn on both sides of the rolling pin. Rings can be in the set, providing the desired thickness of the dough, in this case, every time you need to pick up new rings and put them on. In addition, the rings can be built-in, and then just scroll through them by setting the desired height parameter.

A figured rolling pin with a pattern or inscription is designed to decorate pastries. It is not suitable for rolling dough. A carved rolling pin with patterns is used already on the layer that is ready for cutting, it is necessary to go through the tool with a drawing according to the test strictly once. Otherwise, the pattern will be broken. Patterned rolling pin can have a diverse design: from a small print for cookies to a more pronounced one, for gingerbread cookies and pies. Thanks to such an assistant, it is possible to easily and quickly decorate any pastries.

Please note that such a rolling pin is not suitable for all types of dough. If you put an ornament or pattern on the dough rising in the oven (for example, yeast), it simply disappears. But on the sand test, the pattern will remain pronounced.

One of the best modern rolling pins, experts call the silicone model from the brand Stahlberg. It is a metal base on which a silicone casing is pulled. In addition to the stylish appearance, it provides strength and functionality of the rolling pin. When working with a rolling pin from this German manufacturer, you don’t have to make much effort - just grab the handles and press the dough harder. The latter does not stick to silicone, and the utensils roll out even tight layers.

If you do not yet have experience in rolling the dough, but dream of perfect baking, dumplings and noodles, pay attention to the model that allows you to adjust the thickness of the dough. Customers have won the trust of products from brands such as Mastrad and Tescoma. The first has 3 removable rings for rolling dough for pizza, noodles and cookies. The second model does not have removable rings; special supports are used to adjust the thickness of the formation. The height of the latter is adjusted by scrolling on the rolling pin of a special valve.

Both options are made of food grade plastic. The dough does not stick to the surface, the product itself is convenient to use and easy to clean. Another brand that produces quality rolling pins that control the thickness of the dough is Tupperware.

For rolling puff, shortbread and unleavened dough, it is recommended to use a product made of stainless steel "Multi-home" (China). It is a classic rolling pin with polypropylene handles in bright colors. It can be attributed to universal varieties - the length is 42 cm. But for some, the weight may seem insufficient for rolling a tough dough (200 g). But thanks to the roller working cylinder, the work does not take much effort.

For a tight test, a spectacular rolling pin from Premier Housewares. The marble product with a wooden stand and the same handles has a length of 26 cm, and is especially effective for puff pastry.

Before buying, you need to hold a rolling pin in your hands, try to roll an imaginary dough. You should be comfortable, the weight of the product should not lead to fatigue of the hands. Swipe over the work surface, inspect it. It should be smooth, without nicks and tubercles.This is often done by manufacturers of cheap wooden rolling pins. If there are dents and irregularities on the metal rolling pin, this indicates improper storage of the product - most likely, the accessory was dropped.

Of course, it is important to consider why you are getting a rolling pin. If you are looking for a universal model, and do not do much testing, choose dishes 25-30 cm long. If you often cook noodles, dumplings, pies or cakes with thin cakes, a half-meter assistant will come in handy. And when there is not enough space in the kitchen, and most often you make small pies or roll out the dough for dumplings and dumplings individually, it makes sense to buy a small rolling pin-roller 7-10 cm long.

For more information about the rolling pin, see the next video.