Rolling pin substitutes
Rolling pin substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Wine bottle
Same amount as the rolling pin
The best substitutes for a rolling pin are wine bottles, glass bottles, cans, hands, or other cylindrical objects. For professional results, use a wine bottle filled with water or a smooth glass bottle.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pie crusts
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rolling pin | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wine bottlepie crusts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Glass bottlepastry dough | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Cylindrical canthin doughs | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Handspizza dough | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Heavy glasssmall portions | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | PVC pipelarge dough portions | Same amountWorks | Works |
Wine bottle
similar taste and texture
Empty wine bottle works excellently as a rolling pin substitute.
- Best for
- pie crusts, pizza dough, pasta dough, cookie dough
Fill with cold water for better weight and stability. Remove label and ensure bottle is clean and dry.
Glass bottle
similar taste and texture
Any smooth glass bottle can serve as an effective rolling pin.
- Best for
- pastry dough, bread dough, tortillas, crackers
Choose a bottle with smooth sides and good weight. Olive oil or vinegar bottles work well.
Cylindrical can
similar taste and texture
Food cans or cylindrical containers can be used for rolling.
- Best for
- thin doughs, crackers, tortillas, pasta sheets
Ensure can is clean and dry. May be lighter than ideal for thick doughs.
Hands
similar taste, different texture
Use your hands to press and flatten dough.
- Best for
- pizza dough, flatbreads, tortillas, soft doughs
Works best with softer, more pliable doughs. May not achieve even thickness.
Heavy glass
similar taste and texture
Heavy drinking glass or tumbler can be used for rolling.
- Best for
- small portions, crackers, thin pastries, pasta sheets
Choose a heavy glass with smooth sides. May be too small for large dough portions.
PVC pipe
similar taste and texture
Clean PVC pipe can serve as a rolling pin substitute.
- Best for
- large dough portions, pizza dough, bread dough, pastry
Ensure pipe is food-safe and thoroughly cleaned. Can be cut to desired length.
Questions
5 questionsCan I use any bottle as a rolling pin substitute?
Yes, but wine bottles work best due to their weight and smooth surface. Ensure the bottle is clean, dry, and has no sharp edges that could tear the dough.
Will using a bottle affect the taste of my dough?
No, as long as the bottle is clean and dry, it won't affect the taste of your dough. Make sure to wash and dry the bottle thoroughly before use.
What's the best substitute for rolling out pizza dough?
A wine bottle filled with cold water works excellently for pizza dough. The weight helps flatten the dough evenly, and the smooth surface prevents sticking.
Can I use my hands instead of a rolling pin?
Yes, hands work well for softer doughs like pizza dough or flatbreads. However, you may not achieve the even thickness that a rolling pin provides.
How do I prevent dough from sticking to my rolling pin substitute?
Dust your work surface and the substitute with flour, or place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap before rolling.
Tips for substituting rolling pin
10 tips- Fill wine bottles with cold water for better weight and rolling control
- Dust your rolling surface and substitute with flour to prevent sticking
- Work from the center outward when rolling dough for even thickness
- Use parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent dough from sticking to your substitute
- For thin pastries, roll in one direction first, then rotate 90 degrees and roll again
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling
- If using a bottle, ensure it's completely dry to prevent water from affecting the dough
- For large dough portions, use a longer cylindrical object
- Apply even pressure when rolling to maintain consistent thickness
- Clean your substitute thoroughly before and after use