The Guide to Choosing the Right Pizza Peel Wood vs Metal

Do you love making homemade pizzas but struggle to transfer them into the oven and get them out? Look no further than a pizza peel! But with so many options available, how do you choose between a wooden or metal pizza peel? In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between the two, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to choose the right one for your home kitchen or professional pizzeria. Keep reading to become a pizza peel expert and take your pizza-making skills to the next level!

Introduction To Pizza Peels

Pizza peels are essential for making pizza at home or in a professional kitchen. These paddles are used to transfer the pizza from the countertop onto the preheated pizza stone or oven. Using the right pizza peel can make or break your pizza-making experience. You might have encountered two types of pizza peels – wood and metal. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Wooden pizza peels have been used for centuries by pizzaiolos and offer a more authentic feel to a kitchen.

On the other hand, metal pizza peels are lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable. Choosing the right pizza peel can be daunting, but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore the differences between wood and metal pizza peels, the types of pizza peels, their pros and cons, factors to consider when choosing between them, and tips to maintain and clean your pizza peel. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newbie in the kitchen, this guide will help you choose the perfect pizza peel for your pizza-making needs.

Their Importance In Making Pizza

Pizza peels are an essential tool in any pizza-making process. They play a vital role in sliding the pizza in and out of the oven and rotating it to ensure an even bake. Not only that, but they also help to prevent toppings from falling off and keep the pizza intact. Pizza peels come in many types and materials, including wood and metal, that suit different needs and preferences. Using the right peel can contribute significantly to the quality of the pizza, improve productivity, and ensure safety during the process. In particular, a wooden peel is a favorite among pizza chefs because it prevents the dough from sticking and has a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Meanwhile, metal pizza peels are easily handled because they are highly durable and lightweight. Ultimately, pizza peels are a must-have tool for any pizza enthusiast, whether you’re a home cook or a professional pizzaiolo. Choosing the right type of peel can make the pizza-making process easier and more enjoyable, resulting in an authentic and delicious pizza.

The Differences Between A Wood And Metal Pizza Peel

1. Weight: Wood peels are heavier than metal peels, which makes them less prone to burning in the oven.

2. Thickness: Wooden peels are usually thicker and sturdier than metal peels, making them great for launching pizza into the oven without damaging the dough.

3. Texture: The rough surface of a wooden peel makes it less likely for pizza dough to stick, while metal peels require flour or a pizza screen to prevent sticking.

4. Maintenance: Wooden peels require more maintenance than metal peels, as they are harder to clean and are more prone to bacterial growth.

5. Material: Wood peels are usually made of hard, dense woods such as bamboo or acacia, while metal peels are made of high-quality metals like aluminum or stainless steel.

6. Price: Wooden peels are usually less expensive than metal peels.

7. Purpose: Wooden peels are best used for launching pizza into the oven, while metal peels are better for retrieving the pizza from the oven and checking if it’s done. 

In conclusion, choosing a wood and metal pizza peel ultimately depends on personal preference and the intended use. Invest in both types of peels for home cooking to take advantage of their strengths and make cooking easier.

Types Of Pizza Peels

1. Traditional Wood Pizza Peel: This type of pizza peel has been used for centuries and is made from dense, raw wood that offers fewer issues with dough sticking. Wood’s rough, uneven, and textured surface allows air to pass through, keeping the dough from sticking and making it easy to deploy onto the baking tray.

2. Metal Pizza Peel: Metal pizza peels are thin and flat, made of either aluminum or stainless steel. The carrying surface of metal peels can either be solid or perforated, but there are chances that dough can stick to the peel’s surface if not done right.

3. Pizza Screen: Pizza screens give pizzas a more even bake by allowing heat to circulate underneath the dough. Pizza screens are made of perforated metal that is stretched and fixed onto a metal frame.

4. Rocker Blade: This type of pizza peel has a unique shape that makes it easy to cut pizzas. The blade is designed rockingly, allowing users to pivot it back and forth as they slice the pizza.

5. Turning Peel: Designed for use in commercial kitchens, turning peels have a smaller, circular perforated carrying surface with long handles and slots. These peels are made of metal with a wood or rubber handle, which reduces heat transfer.

Choosing the right pizza peel depends on several factors, including your cooking frequency and personal preference. If you’re a home cook, it’s recommended that you use pizza peels with a perforated carrying surface to reduce stickiness. At the same time, pizzerias may prefer the traditional wooden peel for its authentic flavor. No matter what type of pizza peel you choose, always make sure to maintain and clean it properly to ensure it lasts a long time.

Pros And Cons Of Using A Wood Pizza Peel

If you’re a pizza lover, you know the importance of choosing the right pizza peel for a perfect pie. Wood peels are a classic choice, but before deciding, let’s look at the pros and cons of a wood pizza peel.

Pros:

1. Authentic Flavor: Wood peels are made from raw wood, which tends to preserve the authentic flavor of pizza.

2. Non-stick Surface: The rougher surface of a wood peel makes it less likely for pizza dough to stick to it.

3. Durability: Wood peels are known for their durability and can last for years with proper care.

4. Gorgeous Aesthetics: A wood peel can add a rustic and textured aesthetic to your pizza-making process.

5. Cost-Effective: Wood peels are generally cheaper than their metal counterparts.

Cons:

1. Thick Surface: The thickness of a wood peel can make it difficult to slide under the pizza and remove it from the oven.

2. Maintenance: Wood peels require regular oiling and proper cleaning to prevent warping and bacterial growth.

3. Stains and Odors: The wood surface can absorb stains, odors, and even raw pizza dough oil, which can be difficult to remove.

4. Not Dishwasher Safe: It is not recommended to soak a wood peel in water or use aggressive dishwashing soap on it.

5. Limited Uses: Wood peels are primarily used for transferring uncooked pizza into the oven and are not ideal for flipping or retrieving cooked pizza from the oven.

In conclusion, while a wood pizza peel can add to your pizza-making experience, it also has its fair share of drawbacks. Considering the pros and cons can help you decide when choosing between a wood or metal pizza peel.

Pros And Cons Of Using A Metal Pizza Peel

Pros

1. Easy to slide under pizza: The thinner surface of a metal pizza peel allows you to easily slide it under your pizza without damaging the dough.

2. Lightweight: Metal pizza peels are lighter than their wooden counterparts, making them easier to handle and maneuver.

3. Durable: Properly maintained metal pizza peels can last long and withstand high temperatures.

4. Easy to clean: Unlike wooden peels, metal peels can be easily cleaned with soap and water without fear of damaging the surface.

Cons

1. Prone to bending: Metal pizza peels can become bent or warped over time with frequent use, which may affect their effectiveness.

2. Dough sticking: Metal peels are stickier than wood, so flour or a pizza screen is usually necessary to prevent the dough from sticking.

3. Potential for burning: If left in the oven for too long, a metal pizza peel can become hot and potentially burn the user if not handled properly.

4. Slippage: The smooth surface of a metal pizza peel can sometimes lead to slippage, which can be dangerous when handling hot items.

Overall, metal pizza peels have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage. They are lightweight and durable but require proper maintenance to avoid bending and potential burning. Additionally, they can be prone to dough sticking and slippage, but overall they are easy to clean and easily slide under pizzas.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Wood And Metal Pizza Peel

Pizza peels are essential for making delicious pizzas, but choosing between wood and metal can be challenging. Both materials have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are factors to consider when choosing between wood and metal pizza peels:

1. Material: The first factor to consider is your preferred material. Wood pizza peels are traditional and offer an aesthetic and natural look. Metal pizza peels, on the other hand, are sleek and lightweight.

2. Durability: Durability is another important factor to consider. Metal pizza peels are more durable than wood pizza peels, which can break easily due to a lack of elasticity.

3. Stickiness: Another thing to consider is how well the pizza will slide off the peel. Wood pizza peels are non-sticky and great for launching pizzas, while metal peels can stick to the dough.

4. Cleaning: Cleaning is also a significant concern. Wooden pizza peels are difficult to clean due to their absorbent nature, while metal peels are easy to clean and maintain.

5. Heat capacity: Heat capacity is another factor to consider. Metal pizza peels can handle more heat than wooden ones, making them a better choice for high-temperature ovens.

6. Price: Finally, consider the cost of each pizza peel. Wood pizza peels are more affordable, but the quality of the materials used will determine the worth of the peel.

By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect pizza peel for you that will make your pizza-making experience a breeze.

How To Maintain And Clean Your Pizza Peel?

Maintaining and cleaning your pizza peel is important to ensure the longevity of this kitchen tool. Here are some simple steps to help you clean and maintain your pizza peel:

1. Always hand wash your pizza peel with mild soap and warm water. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher as it can cause warping and damage to the wood.

2. For wooden pizza peels, make sure to dry them completely after washing to prevent warping. You can also apply food-grade mineral oil to help protect the wood from cracking and bacteria.

3. If your pizza peel has any stains or tough spots, use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean it. Spray the solution onto the surface and wipe it down with a clean cloth.

4. For metal pizza peels, you can easily clean them with soap and water. It’s also dishwasher safe, but make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.

5. After using your pizza peel, make sure to remove any excess flour or dough to prevent it from becoming stuck on the surface.

With these simple tips, you can keep your pizza peel clean and in good condition for years to come, ensuring that you can make delicious pizzas every time.

How To Choose The Best Option? Wood Or Metal Pizza Peel

When it comes to choosing between a wooden or metal pizza peel, it can be a tough decision. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your needs before making a final decision.

A wooden pizza peel may be the best option if you’re looking for a sturdy and sticking-resistant peel. They are also more affordable and easier to slide underneath the pizza. On the other hand, metal pizza peels are ideal for turning and removing pizzas due to their thin carrying surface and require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts.

If you can’t decide between the two, consider getting both a wood and metal pizza peel. A wooden peel is better for transferring raw pizza into the oven, while a metal peel is better for turning and getting the pizza out of the oven. You can also opt for a perforated pizza peel, which combines the non-stick benefits of a wooden peel with the easy maintenance of a metal peel.

When choosing a wooden pizza peel, look for one with a sharp beveled edge and made of a hard type of wood, such as bamboo. For a metal peel, choose one that is thin, sturdy, and lightweight, like the Kitchen Supply Aluminum Pizza Peel.

Ultimately, your best option will depend on your preferences and needs. Consider the abovementioned factors when selecting the perfect pizza peel for your kitchen.

FAQ

Q: What is a pizza peel?

A: Professional pizza bakers use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza from the countertop to the pizza oven. It has a long handle and a flat carrying surface made of either wood or metal.

Q: What are the types of pizza peels?

A: There are two types of pizza peels: launching peels and turning peels. Launching peels are used to put the pizza in the oven, while turning peels are used to rotate the pizza and remove them from the oven.

Q: What is the difference between wood and metal pizza peels?

A: Wood peels are heavier, have a more natural look, and are non-stick, but can be difficult to clean and maintain. Metal peels are lighter, easy to clean, and can slip under the pizza easily, but they can stick to the dough and alter the taste of the pizza.

Q: Which is better, wood or metal pizza peel?

A: It depends on personal preference and the frequency of use. It is recommended to have both a wood and metal pizza peel to make cooking easier.

Q: How do you maintain and clean your pizza peel?

A: Wash a wooden pizza peel with vinegar to clean the rough surface properly. For a metal pizza peel, wash it with soap and water.

Q: What should I look for in a good pizza peel?

A: Look for a pizza peel that is made of high-quality materials and proportionate to the size of your oven. Check if it has a non-stick material or features a non-stick coating. The handle should be strong enough to accommodate large pizzas.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pizza peel ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both wood and metal pizza peels have their own unique pros and cons. Wood peels are more attractive and feel more natural but require more maintenance and can be harder to clean. On the other hand, metal peels are more affordable, durable, and easier to clean, but they can be more prone to sticking and are less appealing aesthetically. When choosing between the two options, it’s important to consider affordability, ease of use, and maintenance factors.

Investing in wood and metal pizza peels can provide the best of both worlds and cover all bases. Lastly, it’s crucial to properly care for and maintain your pizza peel to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in creating delicious homemade pizzas. Regardless of which type of pizza peel you choose, with proper usage and maintenance, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect pizzas in no time.