Evil Rolling Pin?

[Lakeside]

Obviously I'm brand new, but why is a rolling pin considered evil in this world? Please excuse my ignorance. 

-Mike

[Giggliato]

The pin basically destroys the gluten matrix that contains all that precious CO2 that your yeast have been producing. Some enjoy flatbread pizza though, especially if it is crispy.

[Chicago Bob]

There are some styles of pizza where a rolling pin is OK. Like Giggliato said...think "flat". Cracker crust pizza, Chicago thin pizza, etc. If you want an airy, rising crust pizza it is best to hand stretch the dough.
Bob

[Tscarborough]

I have a rolling pin and use it for cracker crust among other things. I also use a short glass sometimes for not-cracker crust if the dough is very gassy, I use it to push all the CO2 out to the edges to prevent mid-pie volcanoes.

[Lakeside]

Thanks guys! That makes sense. I'm hoping to make some Neapolitan Pizza, so I guess I'll ditch the pin.

-Mike

[TXCraig1]

As you begin to understand what it takes to make great Neapolitan dough, you will truly appreciate why you don't take a rolling pin to it.