A rolling pin is valuable in the kitchen for cooking and baking. It is an essential tool that every chef or home cook should have.
However, there are things you can use if you do not have one.
All you need is to be a little resourceful and your meal will be perfect as it would with a rolling pin.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Rolling Pin?
You do not have to worry about rolling dough if your rolling pin is dirty, missing, or you haven’t bought one yet.
Table of contents
What is a Rolling Pin?
The rolling pin has a rich history and is one of the kitchen tools that have been used for centuries by humans.
The Etruscans, a people from Italy that predate the founding of Rome, are believed to be the first people who used rolling pins.
They invented various cooking tools, including the rolling pins. They likely used rolling pins to make thin pasta rolls or make bread as they grew wheat grains.
J.W Reed created the modern version of a rolling pin in the 19th century. Today a rolling pin is used in several ways, including crushing nuts and crackers.
Things to Use Instead of a Rolling Pin
Wine Bottle
Most homes have a wine bottle that no one wants to throw away and maybe it’s time to make use of it.
It makes a perfect rolling pin because it’s round and quite sturdy to withstand the force used to roll dough. Still, don’t apply much force to the narrow neck area of the wine bottle. Simply use that area to help guide and control the bottle.
However, start by cleaning the bottle thoroughly and removing labels.
The easiest way to prevent the dough from sticking on the bottle is to sprinkle some flour on it or use a plastic wrap or parchment paper to sandwich the dough.
The bottle doesn’t have to be empty; you can use a full one, or even half full. When done with cooking, clean the bottle and keep safely; you might need it again.
Related: What to use Instead of a Dough Hook
Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles can be used as rolling pins, and the best thing is that they are readily available.
However, the bottle should have straight sides so that you can roll your dough evenly.
Fill the bottle with water to make it heavy and make sure it’s clean on the outside before dusting it with some flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
Beverage Cans
If you love soda cans, get one from your fridge and use it as a rolling pin. A full unopened can comes in handier than an empty one.
It is sturdy and firm enough to flatten your dough. A cold beverage can is perfect for pastries as it prevents the dough from melting.
However, you can also sandwich your dough using a plastic wrap to prevent moisture from the chilled soda can.
After you are done flattening your dough, open the soda can carefully because it can erupt in a sudden foam burst.
To avoid such a mess, allow the can rest and tap it on all sides before opening.
PVC Pipe
This sounds unreal, but yes, you can use a PVC pipe rolling pin to roll your dough. When buying one, get some caps to fit on both ends to increase its stability.
You can also fill the pipe with water to increase its weight. The water will not leak as long as you have correctly fitting caps, but as you flatten your dough, it is likely to make a particular sound.
Ignore the sound and roll until you get your desired thickness.
The best thing about a PVC pipe rolling pin is that you can make it a permanent option.
Thermos
A thermos may sound interesting to use as a rolling pin. Not every thermos can fit into this role because it must have smooth sides.
It should have a cylindrical shape and be long, but should not be very big or have a handle.
Clean and wipe the thermos dry and apply some flour on the outside part of the thermos before you start rolling. It works like an ordinary rolling pin.
Your Hands
If you cannot find any of the above items, your hands can help flatten the dough.
Use your palms to push it slowly and gently until it flattens.
Your hands must be floured to prevent the batter or dough from sticking onto your hands.
Note that your palms may not give great results like a rolling pin or the list above, but you can achieve close to the desired shape and still make your meal as planned.
Do Not Use a Drinking Glass as a Rolling Pin Substitute
Never use any type of water glass or other drinking container as an alternative rolling pin. Whatever it is that you want to make, it is not worth the risk of a horrible hand injury.
Conclusion
What Can I Use Instead Of A Rolling Pin? Any of the items above! The PVC Pipe rolling pin is probably my favorite.
