A rolling pin is a kitchen tool typically used to flatten dough. They're commonly used for rolling out pie crusts, when making noodles, and to flatten cookie dough before using cookie cutters. Rolling pins have two main types, rods and rollers. One key difference between these two is that rollers have handles and rods do not. Rolling pins are made from a variety of materials, including wood and stainless steel. If you're ready to add a rolling pin to your kitchen, here are five of the best available. You'll be able to roll a lot of dough with any of these. Joseph Joseph 20085 Adjustable Rolling Pin with Removable Rings, 16.5″ Removable Rings So You Flatten the Dough EvenlyThis wooden rolling pin features discs to raise the rolling surface so you always roll your dough perfectly.Best Overall Find on Amazon Do you want to roll your dough to a desired thickness with ease? This wooden rolling pin has four different colored discs on each end. These discs measure 1/16-inch, 1/6-inch, 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch, four common thicknesses for dough. Simply unscrew the ends and select the one you want. Remove the others, and screw the end back into place, holding on the disc you choose. Now as you roll your dough, the disc will hold the rolling pin off the counter at the perfect height, so you can roll your dough out perfectly even. To make it easier for you to get the dough the perfect size, there are inches and centimeters etched on the wooden pin as well. For best results, hand wash after each use without submerging in water. Then, dry it immediately when you’re done washing it. Pros Durable solid beech wood rolling pin Adjustable discs for an even roll Measurements etched on the rolling pin Cons Should hand wash Professional French Rolling Pin for Baking – 15.75″ Chef Baker Roller by Ultra Cuisine Stainless Steel Rolling Pin with Tapered EndsDo you prefer to roll your dough with a stainless steel pin? This one is beautiful. Best Stainless Steel OptionFind on Amazon Since stainless steel is non-porous, some people prefer steel rolling pins to wooden ones. While many steel rolling pins weigh a ton, this one has a hollow core, so it only weighs 10 ounces. The center of this pin measures 1.5″. This gradually tapers to 1.25″ at each end. The tapering lets you rotate the pin smoothly, without leaving any lines in your dough. Many professional chefs prefer to use a tapered rolling pin. Since there aren’t any handles, you can sense the dough more easily beneath the pin. This allows you to roll the dough more evenly. You can wash this rolling pin in the dishwasher or by hand. Pros Tapered ends Lightweight Dishwasher safe Cons Not having handles can take some getting used to Wilton Fondant 9 Inch Rolling Pin Mini Rolling Pin for FondantThe perfect little rolling pin for rolling small amounts of fondant or dough. Best Mini Design Find on Amazon Sometimes you don’t need a big, bulky rolling pin. If you’re looking for a smaller one for easier storage and handling, check out this little 9″ rolling pin. It’s meant for rolling out fondant, but is perfect for pizza dough, small amounts of cookie dough, and any other small rolling tasks. It really does a good job getting the dough even. There are two adjustable rings that space the rolling pin off the counter by 1/8-inch or 1/16-inch, which is great when you need precise rolling. You can also remove the rings for rolling freehand. Since this rolling pin is so small, it handles easily. If your kids help you cook, this rolling pin is one that most young chefs can handle. It’s easy to wash by hand when you’re finished. Pros Perfect for small projects Kid-friendly Two different sized spacing rings Cons Will get lines in your fondant if you’re trying to roll larger pieces with this small rolling pin GoodCook Classic Wooden Rolling Pin with Easy Roll Bearings Basic Budget Friendly Rolling Pin If you're looking for an inexpensive rolling pin, give this classic one a try. Best on a Budget Find on Amazon If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a rolling pin, this one is a great inexpensive option. It’s a classic style rolling pin with handles on each end. It’s made from hardwood with nylon bearings for easy rolling. The barrel is one solid piece so you don’t have to worry about leaving marks in your dough from seams. This product is manufactured in the United States. It is lightweight, weighing in at only .8 ounces. It’s 18-inches long from handle end to handle end, though the rolling portion is only 10-inches. Pros Classic design Solid barrel construction Inexpensive Cons The label comes attached to the rolling pin and can be difficult to remove Fox Run Polished Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Cradle 10-Inch Barrel Beautiful Polished MarbleMarble has natural non-stick properties which makes it a great choice for a rolling pin. Best Marble Rolling Pin Find on Amazon Marble rolling pins offer some unique benefits. They are naturally non-stick, which helps keep your dough from clinging to the pin while you’re flattening it. In addition, marble doesn’t absorb moisture, fat, or odor from your dough, like wood can do. The rolling pin fits nicely in the wooden cradle, making it easy to store. The wooden handles are comfortable to use, and the nylon ball bearings make it easy to roll. This rolling pin features a 10-inch rolling barrel, and is 18-inches from handle to handle. It’s easy to clean with warm soapy water. Pros Marble construction Easy to roll Comes with a cradle for storage Cons Marble is heavier than other materials, and this pin weighs 4.6 pounds Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a French style rolling pin and an American style? French rolling pins are rod style. They feature a tapered cylinder. You use the heel of your hand to press out the dough, applying pressure with more control. They are easy to maneuver and allow you to have more control over your dough. But, they aren’t great for stiff or chilled dough. American rolling pins are also known as baker’s rolling pins. They have a handle on each end that you grasp while you roll the dough out. Ball bearings help the rolling part turn easily. They are comfortable to hold and can handle a variety of dough. But, they are typically heavier and harder to maneuver. How do you clean a rolling pin? For best results, always clean your rolling pin by hand in soapy water. If you have a wooden rolling pin, don’t submerge it in water or allow it to air dry. Instead, simply let the warm water run over it while you use a dishcloth to run up and down it to remove any leftover bits of dough. You can also use a soft bench scraper. Then, dry it quickly with a towel before storing. Rolling pins from other materials may be able to go in the dishwasher without causing problems. Always read the cleaning directions that came with your pin so you know how to best clean your model. What do you use rolling pins for? Rolling pins can be used for many baking tasks. You can roll out any type of dough, including bread dough, cookie dough, potsticker dough, or tortillas. Rolling pins are used for cake decorating to roll out fondant. Pastry dough often needs to be rolled with a rolling pin. Related posts: The 5 Best Small Dog Harnesses For Your Pint-Sized Pooch Read more The 5 Best Heavy Duty Dog Collars For Heavy Duty Walkers Read more The 5 Best Crinkle Dog Toys For Interactive Playtime Read more