How to Choose the Best French Rolling Pin for Your Kitchen.

Choosing the right rolling pin is crucial for any home cook or baker. A high-quality rolling pin not only ensures that you can roll out dough evenly but also enhances your experience in the kitchen. At Clines Crafted Woodworking, we pride ourselves on creating handmade, top-tier rolling pins that are made right here in Kentucky. Our rolling pins are crafted with locally and sustainably sourced wood, making them not just a tool, but a piece of art that will last for generations.

Let’s dive into the key factors you should consider when selecting the perfect French rolling pin for your needs.

1. Wood Color and Aesthetics

The appearance of your rolling pin can be as important as its function, especially if you plan to leave it on display in your kitchen. We offer four beautiful wood options, each with its own unique characteristics and color tones:

• Red Oak: A classic light brown wood with a hint of red, Red Oak is perfect for those who prefer a traditional look in their kitchen. Its elegant grain pattern adds a touch of sophistication.
• Walnut: The deep, dark brown tones of Walnut make it the most popular choice for its stunning appearance. If you’re looking for a rolling pin that combines beauty with function, Walnut is an excellent option.
• Cherry: Cherry wood has a red tint that deepens over time, giving it a rich, beautiful patina as it ages. It's a perfect choice for those who want a rolling pin that will become even more striking with use.
• Maple: Maple is a light-colored wood that’s subtle yet durable. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a timeless, classic rolling pin that blends seamlessly into any kitchen décor.

Each wood type is carefully selected and sourced from local, sustainable suppliers to ensure both quality and environmental responsibility.

2. Weight and Durability

When it comes to rolling pins, the weight plays a key role in how it handles different types of dough. The hardness of the wood directly affects the weight, and each of our wood types offers a different feel in your hands:

• Walnut: This is the softest of the hardwoods we use, making it slightly lighter. It’s perfect if you prefer a rolling pin that offers a bit more flexibility and is easier to handle.
• Cherry: Cherry wood is slightly heavier than Walnut but still offers a balanced weight that works well for most dough types.
• Red Oak: Red Oak is a medium-weight option, offering durability and heft that makes rolling out tougher doughs a breeze.
• Maple: Maple is the hardest and therefore the heaviest wood we use. If you need a rolling pin with a bit more weight to roll out doughs like pie crusts or bread dough, Maple is a great choice.

Each of our rolling pins is hand-turned on a lathe, which gives us precise control over the shape and balance of the final product. Whether you prefer a lighter touch or a heavier, more traditional rolling experience, we’ve got the perfect option for you.

3. Size: 12-inch vs. 20-inch Rolling Pins

Size is another critical factor to consider when choosing a rolling pin. At Clines Crafted Woodworking, we offer two standard sizes:

• 12-inch Rolling Pin: This size is ideal for those who work with smaller batches of dough or for specific items like tortillas or pastries. It’s also easier to store in a drawer, making it a great option for kitchens with limited space. If you’re an occasional baker or need something more compact, the 12-inch rolling pin is the way to go.
• 20-inch Rolling Pin: The traditional 20-inch size is perfect for bakers who frequently make larger batches of dough, such as for pizzas, pie crusts, or bread. Its longer length helps you cover more surface area, making it easier to roll out larger pieces of dough evenly. If you bake several times a week or work with bigger dough projects, the 20-inch rolling pin is the best choice.

For those who work with both large and small batches of dough regularly, we offer a set that includes both the 12-inch and 20-inch rolling pins, ensuring you have the right tool for every job in the kitchen.