We all know how valuable a rolling pin is in shaping dough to your desired thickness. This baking tool is greatly needed in making the crust of your pies and pizzas. If you don't own one right now, don't worry because you can use other objects that can be used as a good rolling pin substitute.
I came up with this list to help those who like to bake, but have no rolling pins in their kitchen. You can still flatten your dough with a little bit of resourcefulness. If you like to know the objects that you can substitute for a rolling pin, keep reading.
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#1, #2, #3, #4
Although the substitutes for rolling pin is quite simple and easy to find, it takes me pretty much time to really try and figure out what are the most effective. #1, #2, #3, and #4 are the best ones I found out!
Just fill in the form below to discover what they are. It also indicates that you appreciate my work, and encourage me to do more, try more to improve your cooking experience. 😉
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1. Wine Bottle
Most of us have a wine bottle stored in our homes and another way of putting it into good use is to use it as a rolling pin. According to Leaf.tv, a full or half-full wine bottle is perfect in rolling out a pastry dough. To keep your pastry dough firm, use a chilled wine bottle.
To prevent your bottle from imparting any potential bacteria or microbes into your dough, sandwich your dough with a parchment paper or plastic wrap. This technique can also keep your dough from sticking into the bottle.
If you have no plastic wrap or parchment paper, disinfect the exterior of the bottle and remove the label if it's sticking out. Before you roll the bottle, sprinkle it with flour to keep the dough from adhering to its surface.
Once the parchment paper or plastic wrap is placed or your bottle disinfected and floured, you can start rolling it out. To roll, press down the bottle with one hand and grip the neck with your other hand. You can learn the basic steps in rolling the dough with a wine bottle in this video here.
2. Tall Drinking Glass
Another acceptable rolling pin substitute that you can use is a tall drinking glass. Author Joe Kissell of Take Control suggests using a tall drinking glass to roll the dough for your pies. The sides of the glass should be smooth, so your dough comes out pretty good.
The drinking glass should be heavy, so you don't get it broken as you apply pressure when rolling it. You can get it chilled before using so you can keep the dough cold. According to Prepared Pantry, a cold rolling pin helps in making beautiful pie crusts and pastries because it can keep the butter solid.
To use a drinking glass as a rolling pin, first, spray it with a cooking spray or any oil as a lubricant. Roll the drinking glass like what you do to a regular rolling pin. Before you roll the glass hardly into the dough, make sure that you clean it well.
You can also keep the dough clean by placing it between plastic wrap sheets. Plus, the plastic wrap can help keep the dough from adhering to the drinking glass when you roll it.
3. Thermos
Another interesting object that you can use as a rolling pin alternative is a thermos. According to The Boat Gallery, you may use a thermos as long as its sides are smooth so it can flatten the dough nicely. You can technically use any smooth-sided thermos as long as its cylindrical in shape.
What I use is the LebernaTM 34-Ounce Thermos which is made of stainless steel. Its long cylindrical shape makes it perfect for rolling a pizza dough. You can also keep the water from leaking through its secured lid.
Since our goal is to keep the dough cold as possible, you can store cold drinks inside the thermos when using it as a rolling pin. The cold dough can make nice pizza or pie crusts. Make sure that you wipe the thermos from any dirt and moisture before you start rolling it.
You can keep the dough from adhering to the thermos by dusting it with some flour. Roll the thermos like you do with a regular rolling pin.
4. PVC Pipe
Yes, you read it right. You may also use a piece of PVC pipe to make a rolling pin substitute for your baking needs. According to author Dorothy Herman, a 12-15 inch water PVC pipe can make a good substitute for a rolling pin. Make sure that you purchase the caps that fit on the ends to make it even sturdier.
To put more weight, add some cold water or beans inside the pipe. Most people do this because the water doesn't leak out as what others wrongfully expect. You need to be aware that it does make a sound each time you roll it on the dough.
Since this pipe is made of PVC, you need to be careful not to get in contact with the dough. To keep your dough protected, sandwich it with a plastic wrap. After that, you can start rolling it out to desired thickness.
When you're done rolling, take each cap off from the pipe and wash it with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and leave the pipe to dry overnight.
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5. Water Bottle
Another great piece of item that you can substitute as a rolling pin is a water bottle. A stainless steel water bottle, just like this fits the bill of being a proper rolling pin alternative.
If you have a plastic bottle filled with water on hand, you can turn it solid by freezing the water inside. Although this may do the trick, rolling it will be a bit uncomfortable to the hands. To keep your hands from getting frozen, use gloves.
No matter what your choice is, make sure that you clean the bottle well before you get it in contact with the dough. For a safer solution, lay the dough in between pieces of plastic wrap.
In this way, your water bottle will not be touching your dough plus it won't stick to the item. To create a firmer pastry, fill your water bottle with cold water before you give it a roll.
6. Dowel
Since most rolling pins are made of wood, the closest way to duplicate it is to use a piece of wooden dowel which is at least one inch in diameter. The right length of the dowel should be about 19 inches to give better maneuverability. If you have a couple of free parts, a drill, and a table saw, then you can make your own rolling pin by watching the process in this video.
The best hardwood that you can choose includes cherry, maple, and walnut. Cherry is resistant to deformation, but its light color may darken over time to a dark reddish brown. The walnut has a firm and tightly compact grain which can hold itself pretty well against abuse.
My personal choice is maple because it's strong enough to resist any abrasion and it's hefty enough to flatten the dough well. Since dowels come in a straight form without handles, you won't be holding the sides to roll, but you use the heel of your hand instead. The motion should be pressing the dowel away from you.
As compared to other rolling pin substitutes, you may get more maneuverability and more controlled pressure with a dowel. Although this may be perfect for pie and soft bread dough, it may not work well for a hard or chilled cookie dough.
7. Beverage Can
If you have lots of soda cans in your fridge, then you can use one as a substitute for a rolling pin. An unopened can is preferable over an empty one because it has enough sturdiness to flatten a dough. Using an empty can is not advisable because its thinness can easily collapse with a bit of pressure.
For your pastries, a chilled soda can is perfect to flatten a dough. The coldness of the can keep the pastry dough from melting. Just like the rest of any rolling pin alternatives, you need to sandwich the dough with some plastic wrap to keep it clean and dry from any moisture coming from the chilled can of soda.
After you have used the soda can as a rolling pin, be careful when opening it up because a sudden burst of foam may erupt. If you don't like this kind of a mess, you can prevent it by giving your can a tap on all its sides before opening. This technique may work with a regular soda but not with a diet soda.
Final Thought
Did you enjoy reading the list of objects that you can use as a good rolling pin substitute? This list was important to me because it has allowed me to bake my favorite without the need of buying a hefty rolling pin. I don't only save cost, but I also save space on my kitchen cabinet.
If you've tried any of the objects listed above, leave your comments below. Don't forget to share this wonderful list with your friends if you like it.
