
You’re thinking about trying your hand at making pizza and come across something called a pizza peel, but you’re not quite sure what it is or why you need one. No worries, our team at Pequod’s Pizza can help. A pizza peel is a flat, paddle-like tool you use to get your pizza in and out of a hot oven without wrecking it or burning yourself. This guide breaks down why you need a pizza peel, how to use it, and the key things to look for when buying your own.
What Is the Point of a Pizza Peel?
The main job of a pizza peel is to move your pizza from the prep counter to the oven and back in one smooth motion. Without it, you’d struggle to lift that delicate dough onto the pizza stone or steel, likely ending up with a pizza folded in half and toppings on the floor. Imagine trying to place a freshly assembled pizza directly onto a hot oven surface with your hands. Not only would that be awkward, but it’s also a bit risky. This is where the pizza peel steps in, saving both your pizza and your fingers.
The best pizza peel helps you slide the dough onto a hot surface without losing shape and makes it equally easy to pull a finished pizza out of the oven. You’ll have no more awkward attempts at using your hands or trying to improvise with an ordinary spatula.
Pizza Peel vs. Pizza Paddle: What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably heard pizza peel and pizza paddle used interchangeably, and yes, in a way, they are, but there’s a small difference.
A pizza spatula or paddle is typically smaller, with a shorter handle, and more suitable for home use. Peels, on the other hand, usually have a longer handle and are meant for commercial ovens.
In other words, a pizza paddle is great if you’re working with a small oven at home, while a peel is your go-to if you need to reach deep into a bigger, hotter oven.
What To Look for in a Pizza Peel
So, you’ve decided to get a pizza peel, but you aren’t sure which one to pick. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Material
Pizza peels come in two main types: wood and metal. Wooden peels are fantastic for getting your pizza into the oven. The dough won’t stick as much, and you can assemble your pizza right on the peel. Metal peels, usually aluminum, are super thin, making them perfect for getting under the pizza once it’s done and ready to come out of the oven.
Size
Choose a peel that’s big enough for your pizza but not too big that it becomes awkward to handle. The size you need depends on the size of your oven and the pizzas you plan to make. Most peels range from 12 to 14 inches wide, which is perfect for home ovens and personal-sized pizzas.
Handle Length
A longer handle can be handy if you’re working with a large, blazing-hot oven. For a home oven, a shorter handle is probably easier to work with.
Shape
Peels come in round or square shapes. Square peels are more common, especially for getting pizzas in and out of the oven. Round peels are typically used to turn the pizza during cooking, so it’s about what feels right for you.
How Do You Use a Pizza Peel?
Using a pizza peel is all about the technique. It might take a while, but you eventually get the hang of it. The steps below can help you master it in no time.
Dust the Peel
Before placing your dough on the peel, sprinkle some flour or cornmeal on the surface. This helps your pizza slide off when you’re ready to move it into the oven.
Assemble the Pizza
Build your pizza right on the peel. Get the dough in place, spread the sauce, and throw on your favorite toppings. Be careful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, making it heavy and tricky to slide off the peel.
Transfer to the Oven
Once your pizza is ready, give the peel a little shake to make sure nothing’s sticking. Then, in one smooth motion, slide the peel out from under the pizza and leave the pizza on your baking stone or steel.
Retrieve the Pizza
When it’s time to take the pizza out, slide the peel under it (this is where a metal peel shines) and lift it right out.
How Do You Keep Pizza From Sticking to the Peel?
Nobody likes a stuck pizza. Here are a few tips you can use to keep the dough from sticking to the peel when you’re trying to get it in the oven.
- Use flour or cornmeal. Sprinkle a bit on the peel before you place the dough. This helps your pizza slide off easily.
- Don’t wait too long. Once the dough is on the peel, don’t let it sit for too long. Dough that sits too long on the peel is more likely to stick.
- Cold dough is key. Make sure your dough is cold but not too cold when you work with it. Warm dough can be stickier.
- Give it a shake. Every now and then, gently shake the peel while assembling your pizza to make sure the dough isn’t sticking.
Order Frozen Pequod’s Pizza
With the right pizza peel and a little practice, you’ll soon be sliding pizzas in and out of the oven like a pro. If you ever want to take a break from homemade pizza and you’re in the mood for a slice of Pequod’s famous deep-dish pizza but don’t feel like making it, you can order our frozen pizzas and have them shipped straight to your door. Just put one in your oven, and you’ll be biting into that caramelized crust and gooey cheese we’re known for in no time.
Image by Eneida Nieves is licensed with Pexels License