Perfecting a pizza crust takes time, patience, and having the right tools on hand. Today, I’m going to shed some light on one of the most underrated pizza-making tools of all time – a dough docker. It’s essentially a fork with a special function – making the crust crispy. In this post, I’ll explain what a dough docker is, how it works, and whether or not you need one.
A pizza dough docker/roller docker/ roto fork is a simple tool that pokes holes all over the surface of your pizza dough. This helps prevent air pockets from forming during baking, thus preventing large blisters or over-rising. Docking the crust also helps to crisp up the crust to perfection every single time.
So, if you are having a hard time getting a pizzeria-quality crispy crust at home, it’s time to invest in the best pizza dough docker. If you’re looking for more in-depth information on pizza dough dockers, keep reading.
🤔What Exactly Is a Pizza Dough Docker?
A dough docker is a handheld tool that looks like a paint roller with prongs at the end of it. It’s designed to help remove trapped gas from the dough and prevent large bubbles from forming while it bakes.
The tines on the docker create small holes that allow air to escape while piercing the dough. This leads to a more evenly cooked crust that’s less likely to bubble up or become too thick in certain areas.
👥How Does a Dough Docker Work?
Using a dough docker is fairly straightforward. After you’ve rolled out your pizza dough, simply run the docker over the surface of the dough. Be sure to apply enough pressure to create small holes without tearing the dough. Once you’ve docked the dough, you can add your sauce, cheese, and toppings as usual.
👩💼Is a Dough Docker Necessary for Pizzas?
While a dough docker isn’t strictly necessary for making pizza, it can be a helpful tool for achieving a more consistent crust. If you’ve ever had a pizza with large bubbles or uneven thickness, a dough docker can help address those issues.
However, if you prefer a thicker, chewier crust, you may not need to use a dough docker. Even though you can use a fork for the same purpose, using a dough docker is much much faster, especially if you are making a large pizza.
📝Common Mistakes People Make While Docking Their Pizza Dough
Even though it’s a simple tool that doesn’t require any special skills to use, it’s important to learn the correct way to use a docker in order to get the best results. Below, I have briefly summed up a few things to avoid while docking any dough:
#1 Sharp or Pointy Tips
Avoid using a docker with sharp or pointy tips instead of blunt tips. Long, blunt tips are better as they pinch the top and bottom of the dough together to eliminate the bubbles.
#2 Resist the Urge
Resist the urge to over-dock the dough. Typically, one or two passes with the dough docker should fetch you the desired effect.
#3 Apply Firm
When using a pizza dough docker, make sure to apply firm, even pressure. You don’t need to be too forceful with a docker, but you do want to apply enough pressure for the spikes to actually pierce the dough.
Also, make sure to dock the dough evenly, covering the entire surface without going all the way through the bottom of the dough.
Keep in mind that different types of pizza crusts require different techniques to achieve the desired texture. For example, a thin-crust pizza will need fewer passes than a thick crust. So, feel free to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your preferred type of pizza crust.
🔍How can a pizza dough docker enhance the texture of your pizza crust?
Docking dough can noticeably improve the texture of a pizza crust in mainly two ways. Poking the raw crust right before baking helps to create a more even surface by popping the enormous air bubbles.
Plus, this also prevents the dough from puffing up too much on one side while baking. This eliminates raw spots and leads to even cooking on all sides.
Furthermore, by removing trapped gas from the dough, the docker helps to create a more consistent texture throughout the crust.
🤔How to Choose the Best Pizza Dough Docker for Your Needs?
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this section, I’ll share some tips on how to choose the right pizza dough docker for your needs.
Quality of the Docker
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pizza dough docker is the quality of the tool. Look for a docker that is made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or reinforced food-grade plastic. A durable docker will last longer and perform better over time.
Type of Docker
There are two main types of pizza dough dockers: roller dockers and regular dockers. The roller dockers resemble handled rolling pins, featuring spikes or prongs that cover the roller.
You need to roll the docker over the stretched, raw dough, piercing it all over. Regular dockers are meant to be held in my hand, allowing me to press them into the dough to create small holes.
Both types of dockers can be effective, but roller dockers are generally considered to be more efficient and easier to use. They allow you to create a consistent pattern of holes throughout the dough, which can help prevent large bubbles from forming while baking.
Size of the Docker
The size of the docker you choose will depend on the size of the pizza you’re making. For smaller pizzas, a smaller docker may be sufficient, while larger pizzas may require a larger docker. Make sure to choose a docker that is appropriate for the size of the pizza you plan to make.
Number of Spikes
More tines mean more holes in the dough, which can be great for preventing large bubbles from forming while baking. You definitely want to avoid those surprise air pockets! However, be cautious about going overboard with the spikes, as too many can make the dough too thin and cause it to tear. So, striking the right balance is key.
Handle Design
Next up is the handle design. You’d want a docker with an ergonomic handle that ensures comfort during use. Look for one that’s easy to grip and won’t slip out of your hand while you’re busy creating your culinary masterpiece.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Now, let’s not forget about the cleaning and maintenance aspect. Nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing their docker after making a delicious pizza.
That’s why it’s worth looking for a docker that’s easy to clean and, even better, dishwasher safe. This will save you time and effort in the long run, allowing you to keep your docker in good condition for future use without any hassle.
⭐Best Pizza Dough Dockers I’ve Ever Used
I’ve used dough dockers in professional kitchens before, so I wanted something equally effective for my home. This “half-size” model caught my eye because it wouldn’t take up much space in my kitchen drawer and would be easier to use.
I’m so glad I chose this one. It’s a perfect size, even for large 18″ pizzas, and it works great for both pizza as well pastry dough. Compared to larger models, it’s much easier to use, clean, and store. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and smooth to work with, unlike cheap plastic models.
I love how the spokes are appropriately spaced and don’t stick to the dough. It feels sturdy and seems like it will last a long time. It’s dishwasher-safe as well. Just place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, and it will take care of the rest.
One thing to note is that when I first opened the package, there were some metal shavings, so be sure to wash it thoroughly. Overall, I’m extremely happy with this product. If you’re not in the baking business, the 1/2 size would be perfect.
This tool is quite compact, thus, easy to store in a smaller kitchen. The prongs on this docker are shorter, which adds to the ease of use, in my opinion. The handle is also super comfortable to hold, making the whole process easier.
I liked the fact that you don’t have to press down too hard to dock the dock. It feels nice and heavy, giving a sense of durability, and I believe it will withstand the test of time.
However, I did encounter a minor issue with mine. The handle and the docker itself were slightly misaligned, which made it look a bit crooked. It didn’t affect the functionality, but it was a small drawback.
Despite that, I would still recommend this product for its compact size, sturdiness, and ease of use.
This one’s the cheapest dough docker I’ve ever owned, and I’m super glad I bought it. The spikes on this docker are long enough to handle both ultra-thin and thick doughs. It’s much better and quicker than using a fork, as it doesn’t tear or mess up the dough’s surface.
The docker is made of high-quality plastic, from what I can see. I (accidentally) dropped it, but it didn’t break. It’s also easy to clean, and I had no issues running it through the dishwasher.
The only drawback is that the docker arrived unassembled, so I had to put it together myself. Not a big deal, though.
In Conclusion
A dough docker is a must-have tool for anyone who is into making pizza, pies, or any kind of pastry. Trust me; you won’t miss a fork once you start piercing the dough with a docker.
It saves you a lot of time, and the precise and even hole-piercing action keeps the steam from ruining your dough as well. So, if you are still on the fence about getting one, I say just go for it. These tools are fairly cheap and take up very little space.
