When it comes to pastry brushes and pastry crimpers, there are several options popular among home bakers and professionals alike. Here are some of the best recommendations for each:
Best Pastry Brushes:
- Silicone Pastry Brush:
- Example: OXO Good Grips Silicone Pastry Brush
- Why It’s Great: Heat-resistant, easy to clean, and doesn’t retain flavors or odors. The silicone bristles are excellent for glazing pastries or spreading sauces.
- Natural Bristle Pastry Brush:
- Example: Winco Natural Bristle Pastry Brush
- Why It’s Great: Traditional choice for basting and glazing, with fine bristles that hold liquids well. Best for delicate pastries.
- Nylon Pastry Brush:
- Example: Norpro Nylon Pastry Brush
- Why It’s Great: Sturdy and heat-resistant, making it a good alternative to natural bristles, and it’s dishwasher safe.
- Flat Pastry Brush Set:
- Example: Food Safe Pastry Brush Set (includes different sizes)
- Why It’s Great: A set gives you versatility for different baking tasks, from small details to larger coatings.
Best Pastry Crimpers:
- Dough Roller and Crimper Set:
- Example: Ateco Dough Roller with Crimper
- Why It’s Great: This dual tool allows for rolling dough and crimping edges, ideal for making pies and pastries.
- Pastry Wheel Cutter:
- Example: Wilton Pastry Cutter Wheel
- Why It’s Great: Traditional pastry wheel cutters are perfect for crimping edges, and the versatile wheel can create decorative edges.
- Handheld Pastry Crimper:
- Example: Fox Run Pie Crimper
- Why It’s Great: Designed with a comfortable handle, this tool creates a crimped edge easily, making it great for turnovers and pies.
- Pie Crust Press:
- Example: Norpro Pie Crust Press
- Why It’s Great: Creates a decorative crimped edge quickly and efficiently, perfect for filling pies.
Tips for Choosing:
- Material: Silicone brushes are easy to clean and more durable, while natural bristle brushes provide better absorption.
- Size: Choose a brush and crimper that suits your hands and the scale of your baking projects.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe options can save time and effort in maintenance.
Here’s a comparison table that outlines key features
| Type | Example | Material | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pastry Brush | OXO Good Grips Silicone Pastry Brush | Silicone | Heat-resistant, flexible bristles | Easy to clean, durable, doesn’t retain odors | May not hold as much liquid as natural bristles |
| Winco Natural Bristle Pastry Brush | Natural Bristle | Fine bristles for basting | Excellent liquid retention, traditional choice | Can be harder to clean, may retain odors | |
| Norpro Nylon Pastry Brush | Nylon | Sturdy, heat-resistant | Dishwasher-safe, versatile | Can be less absorbent than natural bristles | |
| Food Safe Pastry Brush Set | Silicone/Nylon | Multiple sizes | Versatile for various tasks | May not offer the same finesse as natural bristles |
| Type | Example | Material | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pastry Crimper | Ateco Dough Roller with Crimper | Plastic/Steel | Dual-purpose (rolling and crimping) | Versatile for dough handling | Can be bulky for small tasks |
| Wilton Pastry Cutter Wheel | Stainless Steel | Sharp wheel for cutting | Creates decorative edges easily | Wheel may not crimp as intimately as dedicated crimpers | |
| Fox Run Pie Crimper | Plastic | Ergonomic handle | Comfortable to use, makes crimping quick | May not create as decorative a finish | |
| Norpro Pie Crust Press | Plastic | Presses crimped edges | Fast and easy for pies, consistent results | Limited to pie edges, not multi-functional |
Summary:
- Pastry Brushes: Choose silicone for durability and easy cleaning, natural bristle for traditional tasks and flavor, and nylon for a balance of the two. If you want versatility, a brush set may be ideal.
- Pastry Crimpers: Dual-function tools like a dough roller and crimper are useful for versatility, while dedicated pastry crimpers provide a more decorative finish. Choose according to the specific pastries you’re making.
This table provides a general overview, but individual preferences may vary based on personal baking styles and habits.
