The 4 Features You Must Definitely Pay Attention To

1. Material

Pizza peels are made either from Wood, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel. Each material has certain advantages as well as disadvantages.

Wooden Pizza Peel

Wooden pizza peels, apart from the aesthetic aspect, also offer practical benefits. The main advantages are that they are sturdy and can therefore withstand weight even if they have a long handle. They prevent the dough from sticking to the peel and, finally, they are resistant to high temperatures, making them easier to handle even during baking. On the other hand, they have a shorter lifespan, as the wood wears out and, due to established hygiene regulations, must be replaced. Finally, because of their material, they are more demanding in terms of cleaning and maintenance.

Aluminum Pizza Peel

Aluminum pizza peels, due to their material, offer several benefits. First of all, they are lightweight, which makes them quite easy to handle. Because of the aluminum, friction between the dough and the peel is reduced, so there is no risk of ruining the pizza as you place it in the oven. Finally, they are easy to wash as long as you do not use acidic detergents. However, be careful to make sure that the peel you buy is made of anodized aluminum so that you are fully covered by hygiene regulations.

Stainless Steel Pizza Peel

Stainless steel pizza peels are easier to clean, since there are no specific restrictions for them from the health authorities, so the process is very simple and easy. They are extremely durable and sturdy due to their material. Inevitably, the advantages they offer also give rise to the disadvantage of inox pizza peels, as due to their construction material, they are heavier compared to wooden and aluminum peels.

2. Size

The size of the peel is a very important factor that will determine your purchase. When we talk about peel size, we refer to the size of the handle and that of the head.

The handles on pizza peels are divided into 3 categories, depending on the oven in which they are to be used.

3. Pizza Peel Head

The peel head comes in various sizes, and depending on the size you want to give the pizza you are making, you should choose accordingly. As a guideline in Greece, a small pizza is considered to have a diameter of 25 cm, a medium 30 cm, a large 35 cm, and jumbo pizzas 40 cm and above. With this in mind, you should keep in mind that the pizza peel should be a similar size to the pizza you are making, because if the head is larger, it makes handling the peel inside the oven more difficult.

4. Round or Square Pizza Peel

This particular feature will not change the quality of the pizza, but it will affect your convenience. Apart from the obvious (for a square pizza, prefer a square peel, and similarly for a round pizza, a round peel), the differences are as follows. The peel with a square head ensures safer placement of the pizza in the oven, while the round head, since it can gather the pizza from all sides, allows you to rotate the pizza during baking more easily.

5. Perforated or Solid Pizza Peel Head

Here things are simpler. Pizza peels with a solid head, due to their construction, are more stable and therefore easier for the operator to control. On the other hand, perforated pizza peels are lighter than solid ones, making the operator's job easier since they won't be handling a heavier object all day. However, the main advantage of perforated oven peels is that they allow the operator to remove excess flour from the base of the pizza. This development in the peel minimizes excess flour, ensuring better flavor in the pizza and saving time on oven cleaning since there are fewer burnt residues.

In a nutshell

The features you should take into account are:

• The material of the peel. A pizza peel, besides being used to put the pizza in and take it out of the oven, is a tool that requires maintenance and must also comply with hygiene rules.
• The size of the peel, as well as the shape of the head, which should reflect and match the choices you present on your menu.
• The length of the handle. Choose based on the size of the oven as well as the kitchen space. For a traditional oven, use a pizza peel for a wood-fired oven, while for a small oven prefer a pizza spatula.
• Perforated or solid head. If you really want something extra, choose a perforated pizza peel. If you feel confident handling flour on the pizza, prefer a solid peel.
• The weight of the peel. Will an employee hold it all day, can they hold it safely and consistently over time, or do they need a lighter peel so they can do their job faster?

Whatever you decide, you will find it in our corresponding category of Pizza Oven Peels in a wide variety. Happy shopping!