At Cooksmill, we are always looking for ways to improve and expand our product selection to meet the needs of our customers, whether they’re professional chefs or passionate home cooks. We have expanded our range of pizza peels, adding brand-new wooden-blade pizza peels to our collection.
Pizza peels are essential tools in any kitchen that regularly makes pizza. Whether you’re running a busy pizzeria or crafting homemade Neapolitan pizzas in a backyard oven, choosing the right pizza peel can enhance your cooking process, making it easier and more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll introduce our new wooden pizza peels, discuss the benefits of both wooden and metal peels, and help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
What Is a Pizza Peel, and Why Do You Need One?
A pizza peel is a long-handled tool with a flat blade used to transfer pizzas into and out of an oven.
It plays a crucial role in pizza preparation, helping to:
- Move raw pizza dough easily into the oven without it sticking or losing its shape.
- Retrieve hot pizzas from the oven safely, keeping your hands away from the heat.
- Rotate the pizza while baking to ensure even cooking, especially in wood-fired or stone ovens.
- Prevent damage to the pizza dough by providing a stable surface when lifting or transferring it.
There are two main types of pizza peels: wooden and metal (typically aluminium or stainless steel). Both have unique advantages, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
Introducing Our New Wooden Pizza Peels: Why Choose Wood?
The most exciting additions to our pizza peel range are our new wooden blade pizza peels.
Why Are Wooden Pizza Peels Popular?
Wooden pizza peels have been used for centuries in traditional pizza-making. They are classic, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing, making them a great addition to any kitchen.
Here are some of the reasons why pizza chefs love using wooden peels:
- Natural Non-Stick Surface: Wood's porous nature helps absorb excess moisture from the dough, reducing stickiness and making it easier to slide pizzas into the oven.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wooden peels bring a rustic charm to any kitchen or pizza shop, making them great for both baking and serving.
- Durability: With proper care, wooden peels can last a long time. They are resistant to heat damage and won’t warp easily.
- No Overcooking: Unlike metal peels, wooden peels don’t conduct heat, which means they won’t overcook the dough when placing pizzas into the oven.
Best Uses for Wooden Pizza Peels
- Launching Pizzas into the Oven: Because of their slightly rough texture, wooden peels allow pizza dough to slide off effortlessly.
- Serving Pizzas: The attractive look of wooden peels makes them perfect for presenting pizzas straight from the oven to the table.
- Bread Baking: These peels aren’t just for pizza! Wooden peels can also be used for transferring artisan bread loaves into ovens.
At Cooksmill, our new wooden pizza peels are available in different sizes (12”, 14” and 16”), making them suitable for various pizza styles and oven types.
Our Existing Range of Metal Pizza Peels
While wooden peels are fantastic for launching pizzas, metal pizza peels are often preferred for turning and retrieving pizzas from the oven.
Types of Metal Pizza Peels We Offer
We stock a wide variety of metal pizza peels, each suited for different needs:
Aluminium Pizza Peels
- Lightweight: Aluminium peels are much lighter than stainless steel, making them easier to maneuver.
- Corrosion-Resistant: Unlike some metals, aluminium doesn’t rust, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Thin Edges for Easy Lifting: The ultra-thin design of aluminium peels makes it effortless to slide under pizzas, especially when retrieving them from the oven.
- Short-handled pizza peels: Unlike long-handled peels, the short-handled versions take up less storage space, making them easier to store in kitchens with limited space.
Best Uses for Metal Pizza Peels
- Turning Pizzas Mid-Bake: Once a pizza is in the oven, a metal peel can help rotate it to ensure even cooking.
- Retrieving Cooked Pizzas: Metal peels are thin and sturdy, making them perfect for lifting hot pizzas out of the oven without damaging the crust.
- Use in Commercial Kitchens: Many professional pizza chefs prefer metal peels because they can withstand high-volume use and extreme heat.
Wood vs. Metal Pizza Peels
If you’re wondering whether to go for a wooden or metal pizza peel, here’s a quick comparison:
If you mainly need a peel for launching pizzas, a wooden pizza peel is your best option. However, if you frequently turn or retrieve pizzas, a metal peel is ideal. Many pizza chefs use both wooden peels for placing pizzas into the oven and metal peels for managing them while baking.
How to Properly Maintain Your Pizza Peel
To ensure long-lasting performance, it’s important to care for your pizza peel properly.
For Wooden Peels:
- Do NOT soak it in water—this can cause warping.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely.
- Regularly oil the wood with food-grade oil to prevent drying and cracking.
For Metal Peels:
- Wash with mild detergent and warm water after each use.
- Avoid using abrasive scrubs to prevent scratching.
- Store in a dry place to avoid corrosion or oxidation.
Why Buy Pizza Peels from Cooksmill?
At Cooksmill, we pride ourselves on providing:
- High-Quality Kitchen Tools: We source durable, reliable products that professionals trust.
- Variety & Choice: Our expanded pizza peel range includes wooden, aluminium and perforated options to meet every need.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer some of the best prices for professional-grade pizza equipment.
If you’re serious about pizza-making, check out our full selection of pizza peels here.
Expanding our pizza peel range allows us to serve more pizza enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you prefer wooden peels for launching pizzas or metal peels for handling and turning, Cooksmill has the right tool for you. Explore our full range today and take your pizza-making to the next level!
