The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Peels

A pizza peel is a tool used to slide pizzas in and out of a hot oven. It helps in transferring the pizza onto the baking surface and removing it once its cooked, without risking burns or mishaps.

There are primarily two types of pizza peels – wooden and metal. Wooden peels are traditional and are great for shaping and transferring uncooked pizzas. Metal peels are more durable and are often used for removing cooked pizzas from the oven.

To maintain a wooden pizza peel, its important to season it with oil regularly to prevent sticking. Clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap, and ensure its completely dry before storing. For metal peels, simply wash with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and store in a dry place to prevent rust.

Yes, a pizza peel can also be used for transferring bread, pastries, and other baked goods in and out of the oven. It can also double up as a serving board for charcuterie or cheese platters.

To use a pizza peel effectively, sprinkle cornmeal or flour on the peel before placing the pizza dough to prevent sticking. Shake the peel gently to ensure the pizza slides off easily onto the baking surface. Practice makes perfect, so dont be discouraged if it takes a few tries to master the technique.