Dough Cutters Made Easy

A pastry cutter is a simple yet indispensable tool in any baker’s kitchen. It is made of a flat blade attached to a comfortable handle, designed primarily for dividing and portioning dough with precision and ease.

This versatile utensil comes in various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood, each offering different benefits in terms of durability, sharpness, and maintenance requirements.

While it is primarily used in baking, a dough cutter’s usefulness extends beyond working with dough. I use it for many kitchen tasks such as chopping vegetables, slicing soft cheeses, and even cleaning cutting boards.

The tool’s design allows for efficient, clean cuts and easy transfer of ingredients, making it a valuable asset for professional bakers and home cooks.

Key Takeaways

• A dough cutter, also known as a bench scraper or pastry cutter, is a versatile baking tool.
• It’s primarily used for dividing and portioning dough.
• Each material has pros and cons, available in plastic, metal, or wood.
• Key factors in choosing a dough cutter include material, blade sharpness, handle comfort, and size.
• Beyond baking, it can be used for chopping vegetables, slicing cheese, and cleaning cutting boards.
• Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for longevity and performance.

What is a Pastry Cutter

A pastry cutter, dough cutter, or bench scraper, is a versatile baking tool I use mainly for cutting and portioning dough. It consists of a flat, sturdy blade attached to a handle, designed to provide clean and precise cuts in dough without tearing or sticking.

Pastry cutters are typically available in various materials like plastic, metal, and wood, each offering unique advantages like sharpness, durability, and maintenance. In addition to its primary function in baking, I also use it for chopping vegetables, slicing soft cheeses, and even clean cutting boards.

Types of Dough Cutters

When it comes to pastry cutters, you have several options to choose from, each with its pros and cons.

Plastic Dough Cutters

Plastic dough cutters are lightweight, affordable, and dishwasher-safe, making them a popular choice for home bakers. I have found that they’re best suited for cutting soft doughs and scraping bowls, as they’re less likely to scratch surfaces. However, I have found that plastic cutters may not be as durable or sharp as their metal counterparts.

• Advantages – Lightweight, affordable, and dishwasher-safe, plastic dough cutters are great for home bakers. They are gentle on surfaces, making them ideal for non-stick counters.
• Limitations – While they work well for soft doughs, they lack the sharpness and durability of metal cutters.

Metal Dough Cutters

Metal dough cutters are made of stainless steel and are preferred by professional bakers and serious home cooks. They offer superior sharpness and durability, making them ideal for cutting through tougher doughs and performing more demanding tasks, which is why I prefer them. The downside is that they may be more expensive and require hand washing to maintain quality.

• Advantages – Often made from stainless steel, metal cutters provide superior sharpness and durability. They’re great for tough doughs and multi-purpose use, such as chopping vegetables or slicing soft cheeses.
• Limitations – Metal cutters can be more expensive and usually require hand washing to prevent rust or damage.

Wooden Dough Cutters

Wooden dough cutters, although less common, offer a classic and rustic feel to your baking experience. They’re gentle on delicate surfaces and provide a comfortable grip. However, wooden cutters require more maintenance, such as oiling and hand washing, to prevent cracking and warping.

• Advantages – These cutters offer a rustic charm and a comfortable grip. They are also gentler on delicate surfaces, which makes them ideal for bakers who value aesthetics and tradition.
• Limitations – Wooden cutters require more maintenance, including regular oiling and hand washing to prevent cracking.

One day, I found my grandmother’s old pie crust recipe, with a note: ‘Use the pastry cutter.’ I remembered the wooden cutter she used, tucked away in my kitchen. Using it brought back memories of baking with her, and the pie turned out just like hers—flaky and golden. Now, that old cutter is more than a tool; it’s a connection to my family’s baking tradition.

How to Choose the Best Pastry Cutter

With so many options available, choosing the best cutter for your needs can be overwhelming.

• Material – I suggest you consider the pros and cons of plastic, metal, and wooden cutters, and choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Blade Sharpness and Durability – Choose a cutter with a sharp and durable blade that can handle various dough types and withstand frequent use.
• Handle Comfort and Grip – Ensure that the handle is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip, especially when working with wet or sticky dough.
• Size and Weight – Choose a size that fits comfortably in your hand and is appropriate for the amount of dough you typically work with. Consider the weight as well, as a heavier cutter may provide more stability and control.
• Price and Budget: They come at various price points, so determine your budget and look for a high-quality option that offers the best value for your money.

If you don’t have a pastry cutter or don’t want to get one because you know you won’t use it a lot, don’t worry. Several pastry cutter alternatives are available in your kitchen and I have tried all of them.

4 Tips and Techniques for a Pastry Cutting

To get the most out of your pastry cutter, I suggest you follow these tips and techniques.

1. Proper Hand Placement – Hold the cutter with your dominant hand, gripping the handle firmly for optimal control and stability.
2. Cutting and Dividing Dough – Use a gentle rocking motion to cut through the dough, applying even pressure to ensure clean and consistent cuts. Use the blade to measure and mark the dough before cutting.
3. Shaping and Decorating – Use the straight edge of the cutter to create clean lines and sharp edges when shaping dough or decorating pastries.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance – After each use, wash your cutter with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly to prevent rust and maintain its sharpness. For wooden cutters, apply a food-safe oil periodically to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.

Benefits of Using a Dough Cutter

Incorporating this kitchen tool into your baking routine with benefits that I know will make your life easier and your baked goods more consistent.

• Effortless Dough Division – You can easily divide and portion your dough into equal sizes, ensuring uniform baking and consistent results.
• Clean and Precise Cuts – Compared to using a knife, they provide cleaner and more precise cuts, resulting in better-looking baked goods.
• Versatility – They are not just limited to cutting dough; they can also be used for other kitchen tasks, such as chopping vegetables, scraping cutting boards, and transferring ingredients.
• Timesaving and Efficiency – A pastry cutter can help save valuable time and increase your overall baking efficiency when cutting and portioning dough.

Creative Uses Beyond Baking

Your cutter is not just limited to baking tasks; it’s a multi-purpose tool I have used for many other kitchen tasks.

• Cutting and Portioning Soft Cheeses – I use a pastry cutter to slice and portion soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, or goat cheese.
• Slicing Homemade Pasta and Noodles – Run your cutter through sheets of fresh pasta or noodles to create evenly sized strips.
• Chopping Vegetables and Herbs – I have found the sharp blade of a cutter can make quick work of chopping vegetables and herbs, especially when dealing with large quantities.
• Scraping and Cleaning Cutting Boards – Use the straight edge of your cutter to scrape and clean your cutting board, removing stuck-on food and transferring chopped ingredients to pots and pans.

Top Brands and Models

To help you narrow your choices, I have an overview of some reputable brands and top-rated models for various needs and budgets.

• OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper – This versatile and affordable option features a sharp stainless-steel blade and a comfortable non-slip handle.
• Norpro Stainless Steel Scraper/Chopper – Made of durable stainless steel, this lightweight kitchen tool is perfect for cutting, scraping, and transferring dough and other ingredients.
• Ateco 1385 Stainless Steel Bench Scraper – With its high-quality stainless-steel construction and measurements etched on the blade, this professional-grade cutter is a favorite among serious bakers.
• Dexter-Russell 6″ Dough Cutter/Scraper (Sani-Safe Series) – This NSF-certified cutter features a polypropylene handle and a stainless-steel blade, ensuring safety and durability.