Rolling Pin Covers vs. Dusting the Counter

Is using a rolling pin cover and pastry cloth to roll out dough better than dusting a counter with flour?

Yes and no. Rolling pin covers are usually made from stretchy cotton and fit snugly around rolling pins. They protect the pins from nicks during storage and keep dough from sticking—or so it’s said. Pastry cloths, which are made from heavy, durable materials like canvas, go on the counter. The idea is that because these coverings absorb excess flour, they prevent the dough from sticking.

We rolled out pizza and pie doughs with both a flour-dusted rolling pin cover and pastry cloth and a floured rolling pin on a counter liberally sprinkled with flour (lifting the dough and reflouring the surface as needed). Both methods worked equally well.

The upside: In a hot kitchen, pastry cloths allow easy transfer of dough from countertop to refrigerator and keep counters and tables clean. The downside: Manufacturers recommend that pastry cloths and covers be washed between uses to avoid picking up off-flavors from traces of fat left on the cover and cloth.

THE BOTTOM LINE While pastry covers and cloths may save on countertop cleanup, they don't help with the laundry.