Are you wondering what is a pizza peel and why it’s essential for home pizza-making? We have the answers! A pizza peel is an often overlooked kitchen tool that makes the task of sliding pizzas onto baking stones and baking sheets more manageable. Not only does a good peel help get your tasty pies in the oven with minimal mess or stress, but it can also double as a serving platter.
Whether you’re just getting started with homemade pizzas or already know how to make them like a pro chef, having the proper equipment, like a quality pizza peel, will make all the difference; keep reading to find out everything there is to know about this handy wooden paddle and advice on styles and brands!
What Is A Pizza Peel?
A pizza peel is a flat board or paddle with an extended handle to slide pizzas in and out of hot ovens. The paddle should be long enough so you can easily reach the back of your oven without burning yourself. It should also have a thin edge for slipping underneath the pizza dough when transferring it from the countertop to the oven. The most common types of peels are made from wood or metal, although silicone versions are available.
Professional chefs generally prefer the wooden variety because they’re lightweight, strong, and heat-resistant – plus, they look great hanging in the kitchen! Metal peels are heavier but more stable; however, they can scratch up expensive baking stones like soapstone and marble. Silicone peels are easier to clean and don’t require extra flour for sliding, but they don’t offer the same level of control as wooden or metal versions.
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When Was The Pizza Peel Invented?
Although there’s no definitive answer to this question, most historians agree that the pizza peel was invented sometime during the Renaissance period in Italy. Originally made of wood or steel, these handy tools were to slide pizzas into brick ovens by hand – a task that would have been incredibly difficult and time-consuming without them! Today, the pizza peel has become an essential tool for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Why Is A Pizza Peel Necessary?
A good quality pizza peel makes transferring your delicious pies from the countertop to the oven or baking stone easy. It also helps you avoid burns and messes since you don’t need to use your hands or other utensils when sliding the pizza into place.
In addition, having a peel allows you to quickly and effortlessly slide pizzas onto your serving platters without having to worry about them sticking or breaking apart. And because they’re so light and easy to maneuver, pizza peels are ideal for both beginner and expert cooks alike!
How To Choose A Pizza Peel?
When shopping for a pizza peel, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to choose a size that fits your oven and baking stone – you don’t want the handle to be too short or long! Secondly, make sure the material is heat-resistant and non-scratch; wooden peels are usually your best bet here. This material should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver. You also should consider the design of the handle – look for one that’s comfortable to hold and won’t slip out of your hands, transferring pizza.
If you plan on using the peel as a serving platter (which we highly recommend!), opt for one with an extra-large surface area so you can fit more slices at once!
How To Store The Wooden Pizza Peel To Avoid Musty?
When storing your wooden pizza peel, keeping it away from moisture is essential. You can do this by placing the peel in a dry area, such as a cupboard or pantry shelf, that won’t be exposed to water or humidity. If possible, store the peel in its original box or wrap it with plastic wrap to further protect it from moisture.
It’s also a good idea to give the peel a light coating of vegetable oil before you put it away; this will help prevent any musty odors when you take it out of storage. Lastly, make sure to clean and dry the paddle thoroughly after each use – this will ensure that your pizza peel is ready for action the next time you need it.
What Are Other Tools Subtituing To A Pizza Peel?
If you don’t have a pizza peel, there are several alternatives you can use. A large baking sheet or cutting board will do in a pinch, but be sure to cover it with parchment paper or cornmeal to help keep the dough from sticking. You can also use the back of a spatula to slide pizzas onto their baking surfaces; make sure it’s wide enough for the job at hand! Finally, if all else fails, you can always opt for a pre-made store-bought crust and plop it onto your oven racks or stone – no peel required.
FAQs
Why Is It Called Pizza Peel?
The pizza peel is called such because it was traditionally used to slide pizzas into brick ovens – much like a baker would use a peel (or large wooden shovel) to remove loaves of bread from ovens in ye olden days.
Is Pizza Peel Necessary?
Yes, pizza peels are necessary for transferring pizzas from the countertop to the oven or baking stone efficiently and without a mess. They also help you avoid burns and messes since you don’t need to use your hands or other utensils when sliding the pizza into place.
Can You Use A Pizza Peel On Grill?
Yes, you can definitely use a pizza peel on the grill! Just make sure to brush with oil or coat with nonstick spray before loading your pizza onto the surface. This will help keep the dough from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Additionally, be cautious when transferring pizzas from the grill, as they’ll be very hot!
What Is The Best Material For A Pizza Peel?
Wooden peels are usually your best bet when it comes to choosing a good-quality pizza peel. This material should be lightweight, heat-resistant, and non-scratch. The handles should also be comfortable to hold and won’t slip out of your hands while transferring pizzas.
Can You Use Other Tools Instead Of A Pizza Peel?
If you don’t have a pizza peel, there are several alternatives you can use. A large baking sheet or cutting board will do in a pinch, but be sure to cover it with parchment paper or cornmeal to help keep the dough from sticking. You can also use the back of a spatula to slide pizzas onto their baking surfaces; make sure it’s wide enough for the job at hand!
How Do You Clean And Maintain My Pizza Peel?
It’s essential to clean your pizza peel after each use by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry the peel thoroughly before storing it in a dry area such as a cupboard or pantry shelf that won’t be exposed to moisture. You can also give the peel a light coating of vegetable oil before putting it away. This will help prevent musty odors when you take it out of storage.
Conclusion
What is a pizza peel? This tool has been an integral part of creating pizzas for centuries. Using a pizza peel properly will significantly improve your baking skills, allowing you to make pizzas faster and with better results. Furthermore, although they can be expensive depending on the type of material chosen, pizza peels are a surprisingly long-lasting kitchen tool that can be used on various items like bread, pastries, flatbreads, and more.
Iris Harper is a professional writer and restaurant set up consultant. She has over 10 years of experience in the food industry, and loves providing her clients with top-quality service. Her food reviews are highly sought after, as she has a knack for discovering new and delicious pizza creations.
