If you are looking for the best pizza peel, the most important factors to consider are its material, size, and handle length, among many other features. With these things in mind, I have handpicked my favorite products in this article. Continue reading to learn more about why they might be important to you.
I have been baking homemade pizzas for as long as I can remember. But one thing that bothers me is when I need to transfer the dough in and out of the oven. If I am not careful, I can quickly burn myself.
Fortunately, I came across handy cooking tools known as pizza peels. These have a paddle-shaped surface and a long handle that helps you safely move pies from your kitchen counter to an oven and back.
Below, I will discuss the best pizza peels you can buy today. I will talk about the pros and cons of each item, so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
I will also walk you through the factors to consider before buying a pizza peel. Hopefully, this section can help you make a wise purchasing decision.
Finally, a handy FAQ section awaits you below. I will answer your most common questions about pizza peels.
Without any further ado, let us get on with it!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor’s Pick  |
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Best Metal Peel  |
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Best Wooden Peel  |
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Best Perforated Peel  |
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7 Best Pizza Peels
These best pizza peels allow you to safely transfer pizza doughs from your kitchen counter to the oven and back.
1. Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best pizza peels is the Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel.
It features an aluminum paddle with a foldable wooden handle. The paddle offers a large surface area to help you move pizzas, cakes, pastries, and pies into an oven or grill. Hence, it can prevent you from burning your hand from the oven or hot baked goods. This paddle can even act as a cake lifter.
Meanwhile, the handle uses all-natural pine wood material to ensure durability. It measures 24 inches long when fully extended to help you quickly reach large pizzas and ovens. It also has a foldable design for convenient storage.
Furthermore, this best pizza peel has a safety backstep. It makes it easier to lift pizzas and cake sheets out of the oven and onto your kitchen counter.
On top of all these benefits, most customer reviews for this product were positive. If there is any critique, it would be the folding mechanism. It requires you to loosen the bolt every time you need to fold the pizza peel. A few customers also noticed a mildew smell coming from the box.
But as you can tell, the pros far outweigh the cons. For this reason, I picked Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel as the best pizza peel.
Pros:
- A commercial-grade aluminum paddle head offers durability and reliable heat resistance
- The large surface area can help you transfer pizzas in and out of the oven
- The all-natural pine wood handle can easily fold for convenient storage
- A safety backstep feature to easily lift pizzas and cake sheets
Cons:
- The pizza peel is not easy to fold because you need to loosen the bolt every time
- A few customers noticed a mildew smell coming from the box
2. New Star Foodservice 50196 Aluminum Pizza Peel – Best Metal Peel
The New Star Foodservice 50196 Aluminum Pizza Peel is another premium aluminum pizza peel to consider.
It features a commercial-grade anodized aluminum blade. This material offers durability to withstand extremely hot temperatures. It also has a triple rivet construction that fastens the blade tightly to the handle.
Additionally, the slimmer design of the pizza peel lets you easily slide or flip the pizza dough. It is also perfect for lifting cakes, cupcakes, and muffin pans out from the oven while keeping you safe from the heat.
Moreover, the New Star Aluminum Pizza Peel is easy to clean. It does not absorb unwanted odors and food particles.
There is even a sturdy handle made of natural basswood. This construction provides better control when transferring pizza from the counter into the oven and back.
Finally, it is available in different sizes. Feel free to choose one that best suits your needs.
Despite these benefits, it is best to consider the downsides of this pizza peel. First, it has rough edges, which make the handle uncomfortable to hold for long periods. Second, a few users noticed that the pizza dough tended to stick to the metal blade.
Overall, though, the New Star Foodservice 50196 Aluminum Pizza Peel is still worth considering for your needs. It is my top recommendation if you are looking for the best metal pizza peel.
Pros:
- The durable anodized aluminum blade can ensure stability and long-lasting use
- It has a slim design that lets you slide, lift, or flip pizza dough easily
- It is easy to clean and prevent unwanted odors
- It is available in different sizes
Cons:
- It has rough edges, which might be uncomfortable to hold
- A few users said that the dough tends to stick to the pizza peel
3. Heritage Acacia Wood Pizza Peel – Best Wooden Peel
Those who want a non-stick wooden pizza peel might like the Heritage Acacia Wood Pizza Peel.
It features a large pizza spatula made of acacia wood. This material brings both function and form to your dinner table and kitchen. It can act as a pizza peel to help you transfer the dough into the oven. At the same time, it is perfect as a charcuterie board or serving plate.
Additionally, this best wooden pizza peel has a tapered edge. It helps you lift the pizza dough right off the stone or baking sheet without leaving a mess.
Moreover, it has a smooth yet sturdy wooden frame. Despite its thin frame, it can withstand extreme temperatures and prevent warping.
Finally, the Heritage Wooden Pizza Peel has a long handle. It can help you steer clear of the heat. It even allows you to hang up your pizza board when you are done in the kitchen.
However, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this pizza paddle. First, it can be relatively heavy, leading to difficulty in cleaning. Second, a few customers said that the tapered edge could make it hard to get the pizza dough underneath the peel.
With that said, the Heritage Acacia Wood Pizza Peel is still one of the best pizza peels available today.
Pros:
- A versatile wooden pizza peel can act as a charcuterie board or serving plate
- The wooden surface offers a non-stick finish
- A smooth and sturdy frame can withstand extremely hot temperatures
- The long handle can prevent you from burning your hands
Cons:
- The pizza peel can be quite heavy
- Some users said that the front was relatively blunt, which made it difficult to get under a pizza
4. Ooni 12-Inch Perforated Pizza Peel – Best Perforated Peel
The Ooni 12-Inch Perforated Pizza Peel features a unique perforated design. These holes can effectively get rid of excess flour from the pizza dough to avoid burning it in the oven.
This perforated pizza peel can also prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. Hence, it leaves little to no mess after baking.
As for its construction, the Ooni Pizza Peel uses high-quality aluminum. This material can withstand extremely hot temperatures without warping to last you for several years.
Despite its durability, this aluminum pizza peel is still lightweight enough. Thus, it is easier to handle and clean.
Finally, it has a strong handle made of glass reinforced nylon. It ensures heat resistance than most materials on the market.
However, all these benefits come at a relatively steep price tag. Some users also struggled cleaning the pizza peel due to the holes.
Nevertheless, the Ooni 12-Inch Perforated Pizza Peel might still be worth considering if you have the budget. It has a high-quality frame that makes it a top choice among professionals.
Pros:
- It has a unique perforated design to avoid burning the dough in the oven
- The high-quality aluminum pizza paddle prevents warping
- The lightweight frame is easy to handle
- A long handle made from glass reinforced nylon can withstand extreme heat
Cons:
- The most expensive pizza paddle on this list
- It might be challenging to clean due to the holes in the pizza peel
5. Silkceram Acacia Wood Pizza Peel – Best Budget Peel
Are you looking for the best pizza peel on a budget? Then, the Silkceram Acacia Wood Pizza Peel might be the right product for you.
It uses eco-friendly and sustainable acacia wood. This material has a natural golden glow and a unique pattern that adds an aesthetic look to your kitchen. At the same time, it offers durability that can last you a long time.
Additionally, the Silkceram Pizza Peel features an arc edge design. It helps you scoop up and slide off the dough from the pizza peel.
Furthermore, this wooden board has many uses. It can act as a pizza peel, cutting board, or serving plate for bread, cheese, crackers, and meat.
There is even a convenient handle with a wall-hanging hole. It provides comfortable handling and allows you to hang it anywhere after use.
Finally, this handcrafted wood cutting board is an excellent gift idea. It is both an attractive and practical present for your family and friends on special occasions.
However, it is best to check the downsides of this pizza peel before finalizing your purchasing decision. First, the acacia wooden frame is not dishwasher safe. Second, a few customers said that the surface easily got damaged.
With that said, the Silkceram Acacia Wood Pizza Peel is hard to beat, especially when considering the features you get for a low price. It is one of the best pizza peels you can get today.
Pros:
- A multi-functional board can act as a pizza peel, cutting board, and serving plate
- The acacia wooden construction offers an attractive and durable frame
- It has a unique arc edge for sliding off the dough from the pizza peel
- A comfortable handle with a wall-hanging hole ensures convenient storage
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe
- A few customers reported that the wooden surface easily got damaged
6. OUII Aluminum Metal Pizza Paddle
Those who like to bake extra-large pizzas might want to invest in the OUII Aluminum Metal Pizza Paddle.
It has a large pizza plate that measures around 12 by 14 inches. It can easily handle a 14-inch family-size pizza, pie, and other large cakes.
This best pizza paddle also features an aluminum frame. Despite the plate size, it is still lightweight enough for easy handling. It can also resist rust to last you for several years.
Meanwhile, it has a 2mm cookie sheet thickness. It slides effortlessly inside an oven without bending to the extreme heat.
Furthermore, the OUII Aluminum Pizza Peel comes with a long handle. It can extend up to 25 inches, which allows you to reach deep pizza ovens without burning yourself.
There is even a free rocker knife included in the package. It can easily slice through a pizza for your convenience.
Finally, this pizza peel and slice set is easy to clean. It is even safe to put inside the dishwasher for hassle-free maintenance.
There are still a few downsides to this item, though. First, some users said that the pizza dough tended to stick to the peel. Second, a few customers were also disappointed with the free pizza slicer due to its dull blade.
Nevertheless, the OUII Aluminum Metal Pizza Paddle is still among the best pizza peels available today.
Pros:
- The aluminum pizza plate can accommodate family-sized pizzas
- It has an extendable and rotating handle to ensure easy access
- The package includes a free pizza slicer
- It is safe to put in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning
Cons:
- The pizza dough tends to stick to the peel
- A few users said that the included pizza slicer was not sharp enough to cut through a pizza
7. Checkered Chef Pizza Paddle
The Checkered Chef Pizza Paddle is the last item on this list of the best pizza peels.
It features a stainless steel paddle. This material is heat-resistant and rustproof to ensure durability.
Additionally, this best pizza paddle offers a large surface area. It can handle large-sized pizzas with ease. The spatula can also act as an extra large turner for barbeque and other meats.
Furthermore, it has a foldable design. It can save you storage space when you are done baking.
There is even a black rubber handle that provides a comfortable and stable grip. It can also prevent you from burning your hands.
Finally, this pizza paddle is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
But before finalizing your purchasing decision, it is best to consider the downsides of this pizza paddle. First, it can be quite heavy, which makes it difficult to balance the dough. Second, it might be too large for some ovens.
Overall, though, the Checkered Chef Pizza Paddle is still one of the best pizza peels available today.
Pros:
- It features a stainless steel paddle to ensure durability
- A multi-purpose spatula can act as a pizza peel or a large grill turner
- The foldable design saves you storage space
- A comfortable black rubber handle stays cool to protect your hands from accidental burns
Cons:
- The heavy pizza peel makes it challenging to balance the dough
- It might be too large, which makes storage and cleaning tricky
How to Choose the Best Pizza Peel for Your Needs
With so many pizza peels available today, it can be relatively difficult to choose the right one for you.
Fortunately, I will walk you through the factors you need to look into before buying the best pizza peel. I hope you will be more confident to make a wise purchasing decision at the end of this buying guide.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a pizza peel is its material.
Most pizza peels use metal or wood, and each material has pros and cons.
Metal pizza peels are easier to clean. They can also withstand extreme heat without bending or warping. However, they are more likely to stick to the dough. Hence, they might require you to add more flour or cornmeal to keep the pie moving on a metal peel.
On the other hand, wooden peels are less sticky, so they do not require less flour or cornmeal. They are relatively easy to clean. But avoid getting the dough wet from spilled toppings because it can easily become extra-sticky. Wooden pizza peels also tend to stain, especially on the front edge, where burn marks are common.
Choosing between the two materials will depend on your needs and personal preferences.
Size
The size of the pizza peel also matters.
It needs to be large enough to handle the pizzas you make, whether they are family-sized pies or slices for everyone.
However, it is also best to check the dimensions of your baking oven before buying a pizza peel. The last thing you want is to buy one that is too wide for your cooker. An extra-large peel might also make turning the pizza inside the oven more difficult.
Length of Handle
It is also essential to consider the handle length of the pizza peel.
Look for a handle with enough length to keep your hands and arms safe from the heat. You don’t want to be putting on oven mitts every time you need to load or adjust the pizza.
However, buying a handle that’s too long can end up causing other issues. It can be hard to maneuver, especially if you have a home oven or a small kitchen countertop. You might also struggle to find the appropriate storage space for them after use.
Versatility
You might find it surprising to know that pizza peels are not only for cooking pizza. You can also use them for baking bread, quesadillas, and anything else you use your baking stone for.
You can utilize them as serving plates for pizza, meat, cheese, and other party food.
Those with a penchant for interior design can even use these pizza peels as dramatic wall fixtures for their kitchens and pantries.
To sum up, invest in a multi-purpose pizza peel to get the most out of your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have a wooden or metal pizza peel?
Choosing between a wooden and metal pizza peel will depend on your needs and personal preferences.
Wooden peels usually have a rough surface to prevent the dough from sticking. They are also thick and sturdy, making them a great option for transferring the pizza into the oven. However, this thickness is also a downside because it is difficult to slide the peel under the pizza. Wooden pizza peels are also more difficult to clean as they tend to absorb the sauce and other stains.
On the other hand, a metal pizza peel features a thinner carrying surface. Hence, it is easy to slide under the pizza. It is ideal for turning the pizza and getting it out of the oven. Additionally, a metal peel is easier to clean and is often safe to put inside the dishwasher. With that said, it tends to stick to the dough, which requires you to add more flour or cornmeal.
How to use a pizza peel
A pizza peel is relatively easy to use, but it still requires some practice to get used to it.
Before you transfer the pizza inside the oven, make sure gently shake the peel to make sure that the pizza is able to slide. Doing so can help address and fix any sticking of dough (instead of getting it partially stuck in a super hot oven. You can try sprinkling extra flour or cornmeal on the peel if it’s sticking too much.
Then, put the pizza inside the oven with a forward edge of the peel. Be careful when doing this step because you can potentially burn yourself or your pizza goes sliding off the baking stone. Give it a little shake to get the pizza onto the cooking surface.
While baking the pizza, it is essential to turn the dough occasionally. It allows for an even bake without any charred spots.
The last step is to get the pizza out of the oven. You can do this by slipping the peel underneath the dough. Proceed to pull it out slowly and carefully to avoid ruining the pizza.
How do you keep pizza from sticking to the peel?
If you want to prevent an uncooked pizza from getting stuck to a peel, try dusting it with all purpose flour, cornmeal, or even semolina flour. These ingredients can help the pizza slide as well as soak up a bit of moisture from the dough which also helps to keep it from sticking.
However, cornmeal and semolina add some flavor and crunch to the crust, which you may or may not enjoy. Flour is the safest ingredient to use if you want to minimize the texture impact on your pizza.
Regardless of what you want to use, do not overuse it. Excessive flour or cornmeal can burn, leading to a bitter underside with a chalky texture.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top picks for the best pizza peels. I highly recommend each one as it can help you safely transfer pizzas from your kitchen counter to the oven and back.
However, my absolute favorite is the Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel. It features a large aluminum paddle that can act as a peel and cake lifter in one. Meanwhile, the pine wood handle can extend up to 24 inches to help you safely move pizzas and other baked goods into an oven. Furthermore, it is easy to store due to its foldable design. Finally, a safety backstep prevents any accidents when lifting the pizza. Overall, it is one of the best pizza peels available today.
