Creating the perfect pizza at home is an art, and the right tools make all the difference. A pizza peel is an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about their crust, acting as the crucial bridge between your prep station and the blistering heat of the oven. Choosing between wood and metal, or deciding on the ideal size and design, can significantly impact your pizza-making success.
This roundup examines ten of the best pizza peels available, from professional-grade perforated aluminum paddles to elegant wooden serving boards. Whether you are launching a Neapolitan-style pizza into a scorching outdoor oven or carefully retrieving a deep-dish from your kitchen stove, there is a peel here designed to meet your specific needs and help you achieve a flawless result every time.
Our Recommended Pizza Peels
- SHANGPEIXUAN Perforated Pizza Peel 12 Inch
- Epicurean Pizza Peel, 21-Inch by 14-Inch
- ooni 12′ Aluminium Metal Pizza Peel
- G.a HOMEFAVOR 12″x 15″ Perforated Pizza Peel
- JIAFUEO Pizza Peel 12 inch, Bamboo Pizza Paddle
- Winco 14″ x 15″ Wooden Pizza Peel With 36″ Handle
- PICNIC TIME Acacia Wood Pizza Spatula Peel
- Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel with Protective Blade Cover
- American METALCRAFT 16′ x 18′ Aluminum Pizza Peel
- GI Metal Super Peel 14×16 Inch
SHANGPEIXUAN Perforated Pizza Peel 12 Inch
This professional anodized aluminum peel is built for performance and durability. Its hard-film anodized aluminum construction provides strong abrasion resistance and excellent heat resistance, making it a long-term investment for any kitchen. The oval tubular handle is designed to be strong yet incredibly lightweight, offering an optimal grip and stability during use.
The key feature of this peel is its perforated design. The small holes allow excess flour to fall away from the bottom of the dough, which helps prevent burnt crusts. This design also reduces friction, making movements in and out of the oven smooth and incident-free. The flexible head acts as a scraper, making it easy to remove pizza dough from countertops during the preparation stage.
Epicurean Pizza Peel
The Epicurean peel is a versatile and practical tool for both home and commercial use. Its large 21-inch by 14-inch surface is made from a modified natural material that is lightweight, durable, and nonporous. This peel is NSF certified, meaning it meets strict standards for commercial kitchen safety and hygiene.
This reversible peel features a beveled front edge for easy sliding under pizzas. The material is knife-friendly, allowing you to prep, cut, and serve directly on the peel surface. It is also dishwasher safe, warp-resistant, and won’t crack, making it exceptionally easy to maintain over time.
ooni 12′ Aluminium Metal Pizza Peel
Designed specifically for high-temperature pizza ovens, the Ooni aluminium peel is a professional’s tool for creating great pizza. Its super smooth surface is ideal for stretching out dough, adding toppings, and launching your pizza with confidence. The lightweight design ensures easy handling.
This peel makes launching your pizza into a hot Ooni oven an absolute breeze. The key to success is to sprinkle the peel with a little flour beforehand, which helps your pizza slide off smoothly. It’s a purpose-built accessory that complements the fast-cooking nature of outdoor pizza ovens perfectly.
G.a HOMEFAVOR 12″x 15″ Perforated Pizza Peel
With an impressive 47-inch overall length, this peel offers exceptional reach and safety. The 32-inch handle allows you to comfortably rotate pizzas in the deepest brick ovens while keeping your hands well away from the heat. It is crafted from hard anodized aluminum, which protects the dough from oxidation and offers a lifespan significantly longer than standard peels.
The rectangular 12″ x 15″ head is perforated and features a beveled edge for smooth handling. The perforations reduce the need for excessive cornmeal or flour, which helps achieve a crispier and more flavorful crust with less sticking. The extended silicone handle provides additional comfort and a secure grip.
JIAFUEO Pizza Peel 12 inch, Bamboo Pizza Paddle
This bamboo pizza peel combines functionality with a beautiful, natural aesthetic. The smooth wooden surface is excellent for preventing raw pizza dough from sticking during the preparation and launching process. It is exquisitely made from premium-quality bamboo, making it a durable and attractive kitchen utensil.
Beyond its primary use, this peel is a multi-purpose tool. It can be used as a serving board for your finished pizza or as a cutting board for fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheese. The handle includes a hole for convenient wall storage, and its comfortable grip makes it ideal for homemade pizza projects.
Winco 14″ x 15″ Wooden Pizza Peel With 36″ Handle
The Winco wooden peel is a classic tool designed for deep ovens. Its 36-inch handle is built to safely reach the back of a deep pizza or bread oven, providing the user with protection from the intense heat. The wide blade is versatile, suitable for handling large pizzas, bread loaves, and other baked goods.
A key design element is the beveled edge, which allows the peel to slide under pizzas smoothly without damaging the crust or the cooking surface. This traditional wooden peel is a reliable and straightforward choice for those who appreciate the feel and performance of wood.
PICNIC TIME Acacia Wood Pizza Spatula Peel
This Acacia wood peel from Picnic Time is as much a serving platter as it is a kitchen tool. Its beautiful wood grain and elegant design make it a stunning centerpiece for any pizza party, perfectly displaying a 14-inch pizza. The flat paddle design allows for safe transfer from a hot oven to the table.
The tapered handle offers a steady and comfortable grip, giving you the control of a professional in the kitchen. It’s a pro-grade design that doesn’t sacrifice style, making the entire process from baking to serving a seamless and impressive experience.
Kitchy Pizza Cutter Wheel
While not a peel, the Kitchy Pizza Cutter is an essential companion for any pizza-making session. Its unique design provides stable vertical pressure and features a large cutting wheel that glides through pizza for a clean and perfectly controlled cut every time. You can achieve the perfect slice in one smooth motion.
The ergonomic design comfortably fits in the palm of your hand, offering superior control compared to traditional cutters. It also comes with a protective blade cover for safe storage in your cutlery drawer, making it a safe and efficient addition to your kitchen tools.
American METALCRAFT 16′ x 18′ Aluminum Pizza Peel
This American METALCRAFT peel features a large 16″ x 18″ blade made from 14-gauge aluminum, designed to easily slide under pizzas of all sizes. The combination of a durable metal head and a classic 14-inch wooden handle offers a comfortable grip and ensures safety when handling hot pizzas.
The substantial size of the blade makes it ideal for larger pizzas or for use in a commercial setting. The simple, effective design focuses on functionality, providing a reliable tool for both retrieving and launching pizzas with ease.
GI Metal Super Peel 14×16 Inch
The GI Metal Super Peel is designed for those who struggle with transferring delicate dough. Its unique design often incorporates a conveyor belt-style system, which can make launching even the most hydrated, sticky dough a simple task. This peel is a specialist tool that solves a common problem for home bakers.
By using a different mechanism than a traditional solid peel, it minimizes the risk of a failed launch. This is an excellent option for artisans working with high-hydration doughs or for anyone who wants to guarantee a smooth transfer from board to oven every single time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pizza Peel
I have used a lot of pizza peels over the years, and I can tell you that choosing the right one makes a huge difference. It is not just about sliding a pizza into an oven; it is about control, ease, and avoiding a cheesy disaster on your oven floor. The main decision you will face is between wood and metal, and each has a very specific job.
Let us talk about wood peels first. I always reach for a wooden peel when I am loading a raw pizza into the oven. The porous surface of wood is perfect for this job because it does not stick to the dough. A light dusting of flour or semolina on the wooden board creates a non-stick surface that lets the pizza slide off smoothly. You will avoid that heart-sinking moment when your topping-laden creation gets stuck right as you are about to launch it. However, I do not recommend leaving a raw pizza sitting on a wood peel for a long time, as moisture from the dough can still cause sticking. The main downside is that you should not keep a wood peel in a hot oven for extended periods, as it can warp or crack.
Metal peels, usually made from aluminum or stainless steel, are my go-to for turning and retrieving pizzas. They are thin, durable, and slide easily under a partially cooked pizza crust. Their slim profile is great for maneuvering in a tight oven space without disturbing other pizzas. Because they are not porous, they are very easy to clean and sanitize. The big thing to remember is that a raw pizza will almost always stick to a metal peel unless you work incredibly fast. The smooth surface offers less resistance, so the dough bonds to it quickly. That is why I use a wood peel for launching and a metal peel for rotating and pulling the finished pizza out.
Beyond the material, pay attention to the handle length and the shape of the blade. A longer handle gives you more reach, which is a major safety plus in a deep, hot oven. The shape is mostly personal preference; a round blade is classic for round pizzas, while a square or rectangular peel can be more efficient for baking other breads or for use in a rectangular baking steel setup. The handle should feel comfortable and secure in your hand. For your first setup, I suggest getting one of each: a wooden peel for launching and a metal peel for retrieval. This two-peel system is what most serious home pizza makers use, and it really is the best way to guarantee a perfect launch and a safe recovery every time.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a wood and a metal pizza peel?
The core difference is function. A wood peel is best for launching raw pizzas into the oven because its slightly rough, porous surface, especially when dusted with flour, resists sticking. A metal peel is thin and slick, making it the ideal tool for turning the pizza while it cooks and for retrieving the finished pie from the hot oven. Trying to launch a raw pizza with a metal peel often leads to a sticky mess.
Can I use the same peel for both launching and retrieving my pizza?
You can, but I do not recommend it. It is possible if you are very fast and confident, but it is risky. The best practice, and what I do, is to use a two-peel system. I launch the raw pizza with a wooden peel to prevent sticking. Then, after a minute or so of cooking, when the crust has set, I use a thinner metal peel to turn the pizza and later pull it out. This method is much more reliable.
How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the peel?
Sticking is the most common problem. The key is to work quickly and use plenty of dry flour, semolina, or cornmeal on the peel’s surface right before you build your pizza. Give the peel a little shake every now and then as you are adding toppings to make sure the pizza is still moving freely. If it sticks, gently lift the edge and blow a little air underneath to create a pocket of air that can help free it.
What size pizza peel should I get?
This depends on the size of pizzas you make and your oven. For a standard 12 to 14-inch home pizza, a peel with a 14-inch blade is a great versatile size. Make sure the peel is at least an inch or two wider than your pizza to give you some maneuvering room. Also, consider the size of your oven opening; a peel that is too large will be difficult to use.
How do I clean and care for my wood pizza peel?
Never put a wood peel in the dishwasher or let it soak in water. To clean it, I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and immediately dry it thoroughly. If there is stuck-on food, you can use a light scrub with a brush. Occasionally, you can treat it with a food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.
Are perforated pizza peels any good?
Perforated peels, which have small holes, are usually made of metal and are a nice hybrid option. The holes help excess flour fall through, which means less gets transferred to the floor of your oven, resulting in a cleaner burn. They work well for launching if you are very quick, but I still find them best for retrieval and turning. They are a solid choice if you want to minimize the number of tools you own.