What Is A Pizza Peel: Everything You Need To Know
If you love pizza, then you know that there’s nothing quite like a fresh, hot slice straight out of the oven. But do you know what is a pizza peel?
A pizza peel is one of the most important tools for making pizza. A pizza peel is a kitchen tool that is primarily used for transferring or sliding pizzas into and out of an oven. Without a pizza peel, it would be nearly impossible to make a perfect pie. But, there’s more to it than that!
If you’re into cooking and want to start making your own pizzas at home, a pizza peel is an essential tool that you’ll need in your kitchen. Are you considering buying or using a pizza peel? If so, you’re likely wondering what is a pizza peel and how to use a pizza peel. This guide will answer all of your questions and give you everything you need to know about this handy kitchen tool. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Pizza Peel
What is a pizza peel?
A pizza peel is a large, flat piece of wood with a long handle designed for making pizzas at home. It’s basically the same idea as a shovel or spade, but instead of removing dirt or soil, it helps you to remove and transfer uncooked pizzas from different surfaces.
If you’ve ever used a pizza peel, you know that it’s a piece of cornered wooden or metal tool with a handle. These were traditionally made out of wood, but they can now be found in other materials as well such as aluminum and stainless steel. The size and shape can vary depending on the needs of the baker and their oven.
A pizza peel is an important kitchen tool that makes baking pizzas easier than ever before. This common kitchen instrument is used to slide the fresh dough into the oven with ease. Without one of these, you can’t make homemade pizzas!
What does it do?
A pizza peel does exactly as its name implies. It helps you to transfer or move a pizza from one surface to another. You may have heard of the term “pizza dough transfer” before, which refers to how a pizza peel is used for spacing and moving pizzas into an oven without them breaking at all.
There are a number of uses for a pizza peel that go beyond just transferring fresh dough into the oven. A pizza peel can also be used for carrying finished pies, removing hot pans from the oven, cutting pizzas (with a sharp knife!), and more!
Types Of Pizza Peels
We have just mentioned what is a pizza peel and its uses, but do you know it comes in many different materials, so which one is right for you?
There are many different types of pizza peels available on the market today, each with their own unique design and features. Each type has its own advantages (and disadvantages!) that make it perfect for certain occasions.
1) Wooden pizza peel
Wooden peels are the most popular choice for home bakers because they’re sturdy, affordable and fairly easy to find online or in specialty baking stores. Wood is also fairly strong so you won’t have to worry about it breaking if it accidentally drops on the oven floor.
The biggest drawback with wooden peels is that they aren’t dishwasher-friendly so you’ll need to clean them by hand after each use…
2) Metal pizza peel
Metal peels tend to be a little pricier than wood, but they’re also built from stronger materials which means they can take more abuse over time!
If you want a little more precision when it comes to how your crust turns out then this might be the best choice for you. These high-quality peels are usually made of aluminum, copper or stainless steel so they’ll feel solid in your hands while you’re serving up your best pies.
The biggest problem with metal peels is that they’re not always dishwasher-safe, so keep this in mind before you purchase one since some might require special treatment after each wash…
3) Drum pizza peel
This type of peel is typically made out of wood or aluminum and is lightweight enough to pick up easily. It’s designed specifically with home bakers in mind as they’re easy to store, clean and use without any trouble at all!
4) Flatbread peel
For baking thinner crusts or flatbread, this is an excellent choice. It’s also great for cooking pizza on a BBQ grill since it won’t fall through the bars!
Be careful, though, as many of these peels are made with metal that doesn’t conduct heat well which could lead to burnt fingers if you try to use them for thicker crust pizzas.
5) Aluminum Pizza Peel
This type is considered one of the best for beginners because it’s inexpensive and easy to handle. It comes with a wooden handle and is perfect for sliding pizza into your oven or onto a hot stone
6) Bamboo Pizza Peel
This pizza peel is made from eco-friendly bamboo which makes it durable and long lasting. The slats are usually beveled so that you get a perfect shape every time you use them…
7) Hardwood Peel
Another favorite, this type combines the aluminum handle with the hardwood making it great for working with yeast dough. Also, many users find that their wood finish doesn’t chip away like metal peels do when they’re constantly sliding dough into the oven
8) Stoneware Peel
This type is best for anyone who wants to create perfect pizzas every time without fail. The reason why is because of the unique shape of the peel which helps you get your pie in and out of the oven perfectly each time.
As you can see, there are plenty of pizza peels available no matter what kind you’re looking for! If you want to learn more about this great baking tool then be sure to click on any of our links above so you can explore more options that suit your needs and budget perfectly!
How To Use A Pizza Peel
Now that you know what is a pizza peel, so how do you use it? While pizza peels are very easy to use tools, there’s actually a right and wrong way of using them! If you’ve ever baked your own pizzas at home, you might have wondered how it works or what the trick behind it is.
With a little bit of guidance and practice, anyone can learn how to use a pizza peel to their best advantage. Here’s everything you need to know about using one:
Step 1: Grease the peel
Using some oil or butter on your dough will allow it to slide easily onto your baking stone without sticking. Don’t worry – it will be removed later in the process.
Step 2: Shape your pizza
Make sure that your dough is pressed out into a round circle to fit your baking stone’s surface area. If you’re making individual pizzas, use small balls of dough instead of one big ball.
Sometimes, you may have to sprinkle a bit of flour on top of the dough before placing it on the peel because this helps keep the dough from sticking to itself too much as you move it from surface to surface.
Step 3: Add toppings and sauce
Once your dough is shaped to the desired size, add the sauce and any ingredients you like on top before sliding it onto your stone in the oven.
Step 4: Transfer It Into The Oven
Next up, Use a peel to transfer the pizza from a pan or cutting board to a preheated stone for baking. This can be done by carefully sliding the edge of your peel under each side of the crust and gently advancing it until all of the pie is supported.
Place the front end of your pizza peel against the edge of your oven and pull back slightly with a single hand while holding the back end steady with your other hand. This will help to transfer your dough from the counter to the oven without any problems!
Step 5: Wait for your pizza to be done
This will depend on the type of dough you’re using and the size of your baking stone, but it should take anywhere from five to twelve minutes. You’ll know that it’s finished cooking when the crust is golden-brown and crispy on top.
Step 6: Take It Out Of The Oven
Now that your pizza is in the oven, simply pull out the front part of your peel and set it aside. Then, use a pair of tongs or a fork to grab onto the back end of the peel and carefully slide it under your fresh pizza. Next up, give a small jerk upwards so that you can lift up the crust from inside the oven. Place it on top of a cutting board where you can cut and serve it immediately…
How To Use A Pizza Peel Safely
Although it might feel like common sense, always remember that a pizza peel is sharp! Don’t move or slide it around with food still on top – this can lead to accidents. Also, make sure that no one else is nearby while you’re practicing how to use a pizza peel so they don’t get hurt by accident.
Pizza Peels Are Essential For Any Kitchen
From home cooks to professional bakers, pizza peels are an essential tool for anybody who wants to make the best pizzas possible in their own kitchens! Although they might seem complicated or difficult at first glance, it is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it; even children can learn how to use a pizza peel without any problems.
How To Clean A Pizza Peel
After you’re done baking, it’s time to clean your pizza peel. Your first instinct might be to use soap and water on the surface of the peel since it will still have some sauce or other ingredients on top.
However, this is a big no-no! The next time you try using your peel after washing it with soapy water, you’ll notice that food won’t stick very well at all. This is because soap removes oils from surfaces…which includes wood!
To remove any leftover ingredients without damaging your wooden pizza peel, simply fill up a bowl with warm water along with around two tablespoons of salt. Then, dip your fully-dried pizza peel into the solution for about four or five minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Afterward, it will be as good as new!
Some notes when cleaning a pizza peel:
✅ Always make sure the peel is fully dried before using it again.
✅ Don’t use soap or any other harsh chemicals on your pizza peel.
✅ A new wooden pizza peel may require special care at first to prevent warping, which can be done by rubbing some olive oil onto its surface and letting it sit overnight before using it for the first time.
✅ Don’t cut your pizza on the wooden peel in order to avoid scratches.
Once you know what is a pizza peel and how to use a pizza peel, you now have it – how to clean it so it stays like new even after repeated use.
How To Store A Pizza Peel
Many pizza peels are made of aluminum or other strong, durable metals that can stand up to frequent use without breaking. These types of peels are designed to last for a long time which means that it’s important not to damage them at all!
Pizza peels come in different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to store yours properly when you’re finished using them. Some peels might be able to rest on their side after use, while others will need to be kept upright. Check the instructions manual that came with your baking stone if this is something you’re unsure about!
After you’re done using a peel, always place it somewhere where it won’t get dirty and covered in dust or pantry scraps, especially if you have pets or small children who might be tempted to touch it. This is especially true if your peel came with a wood handle as they can break off easily from mishandling.
To keep your pizza peel safe and in good condition for a long time, always make sure that it stays dry when not in use. If water or any other liquid manages to seep into the wood, give it a quick wipe down before storing away for later!
If you do lose the little piece that holds the handle on as well as the flat rectangular metal slat then don’t worry most manufacturers sell replacement pieces so you can fix it up at home.
However, if you do lose these pieces then don’t worry because most manufacturers will sell replacement handles and slats for around $5-$10 dollars…
How To Maintain A Pizza Peel
Even though pizza peels are designed to last for a long time of use, it’s still important to take proper care of them so they remain safe and clean. Make sure that you never put your peel into the dishwasher or submerge it in water under any circumstances – this can cause damage that may lead to cracking or warping over time.
To keep your pizza peel looking good as new, try to wipe it down with a wet cloth or cloth that’s been dipped in water after using it each time. This should prevent dirt from sticking to the surface while also keeping any gunk off of your food at the same time!
Also, remember to dry your pizza peel off before putting it away to avoid rusting or corroding the metal over time.
After each use, wipe off any excess dough on top of the peel using a dry cloth before stacking them up together in a safe place until next time. You should also make sure that your pizza peels don’t remain wet either because this could lead to mold growing between the cracks which can be harmful when you’re preparing food.
As you can see, anyone can learn what is a pizza peel and how to use a pizza peel properly so they can avoid burns, cuts and other injuries. Once you have the right technique down, enjoying your favorite pizza is just a few easy steps away…
Why You Need One In Your Kitchen
A lot of people wonder why they need a pizza peel when they could just use another utensil like tongs or spatulas to remove their pies from the oven. There are two main reasons that using a pizza peel is better than any other tool:
1) It’s Efficient
When you make your own homemade pizza recipes, there will be times when the pie isn’t perfectly round; this means that the crust may be thicker in some areas than others.
To solve this problem, you can use a pizza peel to transfer your homemade pizzas easily from the oven to the cutting board without breaking them apart or having to touch them at all.
2) You Can Transfer It Safely
There’s nothing more frustrating than making a delicious and cheesy pizza on your bake stone only for it to break when you try and lift it up!
Using a proper bottle made of sturdy metal will ensure that your dough never touches anything but the solid surface of your baking stone; this way, none of those toppings will come crashing down onto the ground while also preventing any other injuries from occurring!
Pizza peels are extremely useful tools for bakers and home cooks alike. They allow you to transfer hot food from one place to another without spilling it along the way.
And because a pizza peel has a large surface area, it’s perfect for sliding dough in and out of an oven or moving other baked goods from one place to another without dropping them.
In short, a pizza peel is basically just a flat piece of metal or wood with a handle on top. If you’re familiar with cooking, then you know that this is a very common tool to find in any kitchen.
When To Use A Pizza Peel
There are a few instances that you would need a pizza peel. Here they are:
1) Transferring Prepared Pizza Dough Onto A Baking Stone
If you’re going to be transferring a prepared pizza dough onto a baking stone then you better have a good reason not to use a pizza peel.
Using one is by far the easiest way of getting it on or off the stone as well as being more safe and enjoyable. This is because you can simply slide your uncooked pie from your work surface directly onto the hot stone in your oven with no risk of burning yourself at all!
2) Transfer Baked Pizza Onto Serving Plate
After removing your delicious creation from the hearth, using a pizza peel will allow you to rescue it from the often very hot baking stone and place it on a nice clean plate without burning your hands.
3) Transferring Dough From Back Of The Kettle Grill
If you’re using a kettle grill with a back mounted pizza stone, trying to remove hot baked pizzas would be much easier if you had a metal paddle at hand. Slide your pie off of the stone and onto the peel then slide it right into an awaiting oven or onto a serving plate!
4) Making And Serving Fresh Pizza On A Large Deck Or Patio
There’s no shame in saying that we all like relaxing on our patios while cooking up delicious meals. With that said, having a big wooden paddle nearby is great for serving and eating your personal pies without getting dough all over your fingers… This is especially great if you’re making more than one pie at a time!
When NOT To Use A Pizza Peel
There are three major reasons why using a pizza peel would be the wrong choice:
1) Using it on some type of non-stick surface like a stone without any support underneath would be pointless as it will not allow the pizza to slide off easily.
2) Using a metal paddle to serve pizzas directly onto somebody’s plate or into their hands would also be pointless because there is no way that the hot pie wouldn’t burn them.
3) Trying to use one if you’re cooking your pies on an electric stove top would be ridiculous. Since there are no coals or direct flame, the temperature won’t get high enough for you to use this tool which means you’d have to figure out another way of getting your pies in and out of the oven safely…
Different Uses For A Pizza Peel
A pizza peel is a very versatile kitchen tool that has dozens of different uses. From baking to cooking to serving, this multi-purpose device can be used for almost anything – and it’s not just limited to making pizzas!
Here are a few examples of what you can use a pizza peel for:
✅ Transferring Pizzas: As we’ve already mentioned, the main purpose and primary use of a pizza peel is to transfer uncooked pies into out of an oven. The design is specifically suited to this task because the large surface area lets you easily slide your dough with no risk of dropping or burning yourself.
✅ Cooking: A pizza peel makes an excellent all-purpose kitchen utensil for ovens or grills. It can also be used as a way to hold meat over the fire so you don’t burn your hands on hot skewers.
✅ Slicing And Serving: Once you’ve removed your pizza from the oven with a warmed-up pizza peel, you’ll want something to cut up the pie with!
For this, you can use the edge of your peel to cut through your pizza like a professional chef. Because it has a very large surface area, this tool is perfect for serving slices onto plates with ease.
✅ Specific Pizza Peels: Depending on how much money you want to spend, there are also certain types of peels that are specifically designed for making pizzas.
These have handles made out of stone or metal so they won’t cool down fast, and some even have small spikes in the front so they don’t slip while sliding dough into an oven.
✅ Cooking Meat: If grilling isn’t your thing, there are some pizza peels that have a meat holder on the end of them like one of those metal forks that cooks use for turning chicken or hot dogs.
✅ Making Deep-Dish Pizzas: If you want to make deep-dish, Chicago-style pizzas at home – or even calzones – there are some special pizza peels that have a deep-dish lip on the end. This way your pie won’t touch the place when transferring from oven to countertop or plate.
The primary use of a pizza peel is making it easier to carry or handle your homemade pizzas – specifically when you’re putting them in or taking them out of the oven. There are also other uses but these depend on what kind of pizza peel you use and how much money you want to spend…
On A Final Note
A lot of people think that using a pizza peel is only for professionals who know what they’re doing. The reality, however, is that anyone can benefit from having one around – whether it’s for cooking at home or just because it makes a cool kitchen gadget!
Just remember: the bigger and sturdier your paddle is, the more things you’ll be able to use it for! So keep that in mind when choosing which one to get next time you’re looking for something new and exciting to put in your kitchen.
How To Pick The Right Pizza Peel For You
As mentioned in “What is a pizza peel” section, pizza peels come in many different types and sizes on the market, so how do you choose the right kitchen tool for you?
There are many different types of pizza peels for sale online, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about the different options available. After all, you don’t want to purchase a peel that doesn’t match up with your needs or specific requirements!
Different Sizes And Shapes
Peels come in various different sizes and shapes. Some are round while others are rectangular. It can be helpful to consider these differences when purchasing one for yourself because they’ll affect how well your pizza turns out once it’s transferred into the oven.
Rectangular peels will give you more room for error than round ones, which means you’re far less likely to run into problems with burnt edges on your dough if you choose this option!
Small Vs Large Size Peels
Not only do size and shape differ between pizza peels, but they often differ within the same variety of peels. For example, you’ll find some peels designed for personal-sized pizzas and others that are meant for large pies. The size is completely up to your preference!
Material Differences
The material used in the construction of pizza peels can affect their performance levels.
Wooden peels may warp over time while heavier metal ones are more durable yet also sometimes pricier than wooden options. This factor will be especially important if you plan on using your peel regularly since it has a direct impact on durability and functionality.
- A metal pizza peel can be used on flat surfaces or in ovens without creating any damage due to its heat-resistant material.
- Wood peels are typically not as durable but have their own benefits because they don’t conduct heat well and allow air circulation beneath them when being used that way.
- Plastic peels are inexpensive and easy to clean but may melt if exposed to high temperatures too often.
Functionality Differences
Pizza peels also differ in the way you can use them. Some are designed to be used on gas or charcoal grills while others are intended more for cooking in an oven.
Depending on your preferred style of cooking, one of these options might be better suited to your specific preferences! It’s always good to learn all about different options before deciding which pizza peel is best for you.
In short, it’s important to be aware of the many options that are available when shopping. The main factors that need to be considered include size and shape, the material used for construction, functionality, and more. Once you’ve learned about all of your different choices, you should have an easier time finding a peel that will work best for whatever skills or preferences you have!
Tips for Using a Pizza Peel
1) Be sure to dust off any excess flour or cornmeal before putting your dough onto the peel. It’s important to make sure it isn’t sticky!
2) Make sure you angle your pizza peel correctly when trying to put your dough inside an oven. Angle it slightly downwards and slightly away from you for easier transfers.
3) If possible, try not to use oil or other lubricants on your pizza peel since they’ll only end up transferring onto the bottom of your dough. Not only can this affect how well it turns out later but it could even cause smoke alarms if silicone gets too hot! Plus, many people find that adding oil isn’t necessary – so skip this step if you can!
4) When transferring the finished pie into the oven, always put it onto the middle rack. Only doing so ensures that your entire pizza turns out perfectly!
5) Be careful when handling any dough that is still raw since this will transfer heat into the food. Instead, use something like tongs or another kitchen tool to handle it with instead! Once you’ve used your peel properly and followed all of these tips, making amazing pizzas at home is sure to become even easier than before!
With some tips under your belt, you should have all of the information you need to go shopping for pizza peels. Now that you know what key factors are involved in this decision, finding one that works best with your skills and preferences is sure to become much easier!
FAQs on What Is A Pizza Peel
Is a pizza peel necessary?
A pizza peel isn’t necessary but it does make cooking easier and more enjoyable for many people. If you want to be able to cook your pizzas even faster than before, it’s definitely worth investing in one!
How does a pizza peel work?
A pizza peel works by transferring dough from a surface to the inside of an oven quickly and without breaking it. This is accomplished with its flat, wide shape which you can use to easily slide across and into the oven.
What is a pizza peel made out of?
Pizza peels can be made out of many different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Although wood is the most commonly used material for this type of kitchen tool, metal and plastic are also common alternatives that offer their own benefits. Most modern peels are created using metal though which offers better durability and functionality than other options!
Why do they call it a pizza peel?
The term “pizza peel” was created because the flat shape and wide functionality of it makes it ideal for transferring pizzas from one surface to another quickly!
Despite this term being used most often, it doesn’t necessarily have to be used exclusively for pizzas. This is simply the most common kind of food that pizza peels are associated with – but they can also be used to bake many other types of desserts too!
What can you use instead of a pizza peel?
People who don’t want to use a pizza peel can simply choose one of the many different alternatives available. These include using a cutting board, flipping it over with tongs, and more!
While you can technically use many different kitchen tools instead of a pizza peel, it’s recommended that you avoid anything small or with any sort of sharp edges since this could damage or change the shape/size of your pizza.
What is the best material for a pizza peel?
The best materials include metal, silicone, and plastic. Metal offers more durability while silicone provides an easy-to-grip surface that prevents dough from sticking to it too badly! Plastic is used less than other material options but still acts as an effective substitute in some cases.
How do you clean a pizza peel?
Cleaning a pizza peel is very easy and only takes a few moments! Simply heat up some water and wipe down the surface with a sponge to remove any leftover dough or other food ingredients that may still be stuck.
Is a pizza peel dishwasher safe?
A pizza peel isn’t dishwasher safe so it’s recommended that you clean it by hand instead. If you do use a dishwasher though, be sure to choose the top rack only since high temperatures can damage them over time!
How do you store a pizza peel?
It’s best to store your pizza peel in an open and dry area so it can air out and dry completely. This keeps the wood from warping while preventing mold and other issues from occurring while it isn’t in use!
What are some popular brands of pizza peels?
Some popular brands of pizza peels include Ooni, Pizzacraft, True Fabrications, Checkered Chef, Lodge Manufacturing, and more. The best way to find out which one is best for you is by shopping around until you find what works best with your cooking skills!
Final Thoughts
It’s time to take your pizza-making skills to the next level with a pizza peel, perfect for taking pies out of ovens and onto plates. If you’re looking to buy one or upgrade an old one that is no longer working well, we can help!
A pizza peel is an essential tool for any at-home pizza chef. The best thing about a pizza peel is that it’s versatile and can be used as a spatula, knife, or means of transferring your cooked pizza from the oven to the table. They are available in many materials from wood to plastic so you will have no problem finding one that suits your needs perfectly!
The pizza peel is a kitchen utensil that allows you to transfer pizzas from the oven or grill into your desired location. A well-made peel will be made of wood and measure about 18” by 14” with a handle on one end for easy gripping. It may also have some kind of lip at the bottom edge, which helps keep it in place as you slide it under pies; this feature makes them especially useful for grilling pizzas too.
Thank you for reading. We hope this article has been informative and helped answer any questions you may have had surrounding these kitchen essentials! Please contact us with any questions about pizza peels or the content of this blog post!
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