French Rolling Pin vs American Rolling Pin -- Which is Better?

What’s the difference between a French pin and an American pin?
Once I was introduced to a French pin, I put my original American rolling pin in a closet and never looked back. It’s really a matter of preference, and I hope this video helps you decide what’s best for you. Let me know in the comments which one you prefer. Meanwhile, here’s a bit of rolling pin history.
Rolling pins have been around since the 9th Century and the first civilization we know to have used them was the Etruscans who lived in Italy, north of Rome. The rolling pin was not much more than a simple wooden cylinder then. In the late 1800s J.W. Reed, an African-American Inventor, developed and patented a version of the rolling pin that had a central rod. With this new type of rolling pin, the handles did not spin along with the body; this design is similar to what bakers use today. Rolling pins without handles are most widely known as French rolling pins, and they are the preference in many kitchens because of their maneuverability and the level of control they provide. French rolling pins are generally longer, smoother and tapered at the ends. They make it easier to roll out dough evenly, simply because of their design; with an American pin, you're more likely to roll away from your body than toward it. This can create rips in your dough or baked good. Sans handles, the pin offers a more direct connection to the dough in front of you. So once a baker is comfortable working with one, the pin can begin to feel like a fluid extension of one's own arms and hands.
American rolling pin
Pros: Comfortable Handles.
Cons: Hollowed center making them more likely to become damaged. Requires a little more finesse to use.
The classic wooden pin is the most popular. In the United States, 650,000 to 700,000 rolling pins are sold each year.
French rolling pin
Pros: Longer, Made from solid wood. Easier for most to use.
Cons: No handles.
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[@davidbaulch3223]

A bit late for comments on this topic - just found you - but I "turn" wooden objects and one of the favorites is the French pin. Mine are normally 22"-24" and 2-2.5" in diameter. Using this in my own kitchen, I can "feel" the thickness of the dough much easier than with my "mother's" old American pin. When I transfer rolled out dough to a different place, the French pin drapes the dough easier and makes the move so much simpler. I keep my "mom's" American because it was hers, but I use the French pin not only because it's mine, but it works better. My wife likes it more, as well.

[@iamdjsluggo]

I’ve been using a 100 year old dowel for making Tortillas for about 25 years. Was time to hang it up as a relic/heirloom. Switched over to a French rolling pin a couple months ago. Same exact feeling! ❤✌🏾

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

So glad to hear you're enjoying the "feel" of the French pin! Another convert!! I appreciate your comment -- thank you.

[@stacyroberds1421]

At 64, I can’t believe how excited I am to change over to a French rolling pin!

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Hi Stacy -- it really is the little things that make us happy, right? Enjoy the French pin!!

[@LindaSteinhaus-z5d]

I’m 65 and feel the same! 😂

[@beammeupscotty1955]

I have always hated American style rolling pins. It's not just because the working surface is so short. I find that when rolling a very stiff dough, the interior steel axle actually flexes. It feels quite shoddy. A couple years ago I had a sizable live oak tree fall down on my property. I cut out an appropriate sized blank and turned a French style pin out of that oak. It works much better. You can apply significantly more pressure compared to conventional pin

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Hi Scott. I love that you repurposed a part of a fallen tree for a rolling pin. I've been a French pin user for many years and agree with your comments.

[@HockeyTruffles]

Thanks very much for this. Very informative. I've always felt like my American style pin was a less than perfect design, so I'm going to take la plunge.

[@yorditomarsho1]

Enjoyed the video. I’ll definitely be getting the French pin. Tres chic!

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

We agree with you on that -- tres chic on the French pin!

[@jillcaldwell4519]

I have the exact same marble American pin. I am thinking of trying the French pin. Thank you for your video.

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Yes -- try the French pin to understand how good it feels to work with it. Thanks for your comment! -- Andrea

[@OrenEcoCraft]

Thank your sharing

[@jacquelinelopez8321]

Definitely the French pin it’s much more satisfying and gets more surface area😌

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Yes, I agree with you! Thank you for your comment and hope you enjoyed the video.

[@mistervacation23]

If you and your partner are engaging in playful or humorous behavior, such as putting a lampshade on your head, it could be seen as a lighthearted moment between the two of you. However, if your wife's reaction of chasing you with a rolling pin causes you discomfort or distress, it is important to address your feelings and concerns with her in a calm and honest manner.

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

My thought -- it is less stressful to be chased by someone with a French pin.

[@donnaeichenlaub8180]

What brand French rolling pen would you recommend?

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Hi Donna. Thanks for your question. I feel you need to get a French pin that feels good in your hands. I honestly do not know all the different brands available. I'd go to a kitchen place or a restaurant supply place and get myself up close and personal with the pins. Hope this answer helps you -- Andrea

[@masonhgmail]

Thank you - this was just what I was looking for. One question, the lengths you measured were 10" and 20.5" (US and FR, respectively). I'm curious, though... How long is the patch of the French pin that is in contact with the surface? (since it tapers, the entire length could never be in contact with the surface, right?) Or, when using the French pin is one supposed to bring the narrow sections in contact with the dough, too?

[@secretkitchensofnewjersey6509]

Excellent question! I had to measure my French pin in order to give you an accurate reply. My pin is 20.5 inches long. There are 16 inches of the pin that are flat to the surface when I roll it. It is only a few inches on either end where there is a taper that does not touch the surface. The narrow sections would not be able to touch the surface. I hope this is an adequate reply for you. Your comment is appreciated. -- Andrea