Making pizza at home can be a fun and delicious experience, but using the right tools can make all the difference. A pizza peel is essential for safely transferring your pizza in and out of the oven. Here’s how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen:
1. Consider the Material
Pizza peels typically come in wood or metal (aluminum or stainless steel).
- Wood: Ideal for assembling pizza, as the dough is less likely to stick. Works best for sliding pizzas onto a preheated stone.
- Metal: Perfect for removing pizza from the oven because it’s thin, strong, and slides easily under the crust. Some metal peels come with perforations to reduce sticking and excess flour.
2. Size Matters
Measure your oven and choose a peel that fits comfortably.
- Small peels (10–12 inches): Great for personal pizzas or small ovens.
- Large peels (14–16 inches or more): Suitable for family-size pies or professional-style baking.
3. Handle Length
Safety is key! Longer handles keep your hands away from high oven temperatures.
- Short handles (8–12 inches): Easy to store, good for small ovens.
- Long handles (16–20 inches+): Ideal for deep ovens or pizza stones.
4. Weight and Maneuverability
You want a peel that’s sturdy but not too heavy.
- Lightweight peels: Easier to slide under pizza without deforming it.
- Heavier peels: Provide more control but can be tiring over time.
5. Ease of Cleaning
- Wood peels: Avoid soaking; clean with a damp cloth and let dry naturally
- Metal peels: Dishwasher-safe in many cases; simple to wipe down after each use.
6. Extra Features
Some pizza peels come with added perks like:
- Folding handles for easy storage
- Non-stick coatings
- Perforations to reduce flour buildup
Many pizza enthusiasts have both a wooden and a metal peel; wood for launching pizzas, metal for pulling them out. This combo can make your pizza-making process smoother and safer, and Firewood Oven gives you the right tools for cooking like a pro.
