You can’t go wrong with pizza steels when baking authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Pizza steel can help in giving your pizza the extra heat punch. While it replicates the vibe of an original pizza oven, the question might come to your mind - “which is better, wood or metal pizza peel?”

In short, a wooden pizza peel can be your top pick if you want to transfer your pizza. However, when it comes to tossing and turning - go for pizza steel! The thickness and materials of both help in perfecting your pizza. 

Although it might seem like a lot of work, your pizza peel is something that will bring the extra zing to the table. So, let’s start knowing more about various pizza peels without further ado!

What Is Better: A Wood or Metal Pizza Peel?

When deciding between a metal and wood pizza peel, you must consider the features you want in a pizza peel. A metal peel is easier to use than a wood peel; it can slide under the pizza without burning your hands.

However, below we’ve prepared specific needs catered to you that will help you find the best pizza peel for your Neapolitan pizza!

Soft Dough: Use Wooden Peel

A wooden peel has perforations that help add air to your pizza. This increases the air your pizza receives, reducing the chances of sticking. Large holes may cause sticking, so small holes are recommended. Wooden pizza peels require more care, but they will add a more authentic look to your kitchen.

Affordability: Choose Metallic Pizza Peel

Metal pizza peels are made of aluminum. They're easy to clean, and the aluminum construction is durable. They also resist stains and odors and are easier to move under the pizza. Metal pizza peels are also more affordable than wooden ones. If you're a newbie in the world of pizza making, a wooden pizza peel may be your best option.

Cleaning: Pick Metallic Pizza Peel

A metal pizza peel is an excellent option for people who don't like the idea of cleaning a wood pizza peel. Metal pizza peels are lightweight and require less care than wood pizza peels. They can be easily stored when not in use. 

Metal pizza peels are better suited for preparing large-sized pizzas. Additionally, metal pizza peels can be more durable and prevent stains from tomato sauce.

Wooden pizza peels are not dishwasher friendly. They are prone to warping when wet, so you should dry them thoroughly before using them. While you can clean a metal pizza peel in the dishwasher, wood peels should be aired before use.

Grip: Pick Bamboo Pizza Peel

A wooden pizza peel includes a long handle and a large paddle. A wooden pizza peel is lightweight and has tapered edges. Bamboo wood is a good choice for pizza peels because it doesn't scratch or warp when used correctly. It is also resistant to scraping and splitting. Additionally, the bamboo wood pizza peel is easy to grip and has a sophisticated design.

Affordability: Pick Metallic Pizza Peel

Wooden pizza peels tend to be more expensive than metal peels. However, metal pizza peels are more durable and less likely to burn in an oven. A wooden pizza peel is more attractive and feels more natural than a metal one. However, wood pizza peels can be harder to clean and require more maintenance.

What's the Difference Between a Wood and Metal Pizza Peel?

There are two types of pizza peels available on the market. A wood pizza peel is typically longer than a metal one. This extra length makes it easier to slide a pizza into the oven and remove it from the peel. 

Check out more of the differences below!

Length

The additional length also helps keep toppings from falling off the pizza. It's essential to choose a pizza peel that's the right size for your oven. A metal pizza peel can handle a larger amount of heat than a wooden one, so you'll want to ensure that you choose the correct size.

Durability

The wood pizza peel is more durable and sturdier than a metal peel. It's also easier to slide underneath the pizza. It's also more affordable than a metal peel, but wood peels have the disadvantage of cracking easily. In addition, metal peels can collect condensation from the dough, which could upset the crust or the toppings.

Materials

Wood pizza peels are made of maple, birch, or ash. Metal peels are generally made of stainless steel or anodized aluminum. You can easily clean metal peels, but you should oil wood peels to prevent warping. You can easily wash metal pizza peels.

Affordability 

Wood pizza peels are less expensive but require periodic treatment with food-grade mineral oil. This will protect the wood from warping and help prevent bacteria from forming. Wooden pizza peels can also require more frequent cleaning, but most professionals prefer wood launching peels.

Weight

Wooden pizza peels are heavier than metal ones, but the weight helps avoid burning them in the oven. They are easier to handle than metal peels and make an attractive home decor item. Additionally, they are easier to clean. Wooden peels are also easier to grip.

Surface Area 

Wooden pizza peels have a thicker surface. Because of this, it can be harder to slip the pizza under. The thickness can also make them difficult to slide into the oven. A wooden pizza peel is also harder to clean. If you drop one in the oven, you may have to scrape it with the end of a spoon.

Maintenance

Wooden pizza peels require a bit of oiling to keep them from slipping. The wood may absorb the sauce and other stains. You should not soak wooden pizza peels in water or use harsh soap to clean them. 

Wooden pizza peels are unsuitable for cutting boards because the wood will leave a mark. Wooden pizza peels are also more expensive than metal peels. You can check how to clean pizza peel in 3 different ways by clicking here. 

Wooden pizza peels are a good choice if you have a wood oven. The wood peel is usually thicker than metal ones, which helps prevent burning in the oven.

When Is a Wooden Pizza Peel the Best Option?

A wooden pizza peel is more effective for transferring a pizza into the oven, while metal peels are better for taking it out of the oven. A wooden peel is a better choice for beginners because it's easier to manage and less prone to sticking. A wooden peel is also non-stick, which is beneficial when transferring a pizza.

There are some advantages to using a wooden pizza peel. For one thing, they're cheaper than their metal counterparts. Wooden peels are less porous than metal ones, so they can be easier to handle when loaded with toppings. 

A wooden pizza peel has many advantages, including the fact that it's more effective for raw pizza dough. Moreover, it's more comfortable for cooking and storing, compared to the metal one. Besides, it's less likely to be prone to scratching or chipping a pizza.

Cons of Wooden Peel

However, they're less durable than metal. A wood peel can split or become brittle over time, and metal peels don't have that problem. Another option is a perforated pizza peel. Perforated peels are made of metal with holes for airflow. 

When Is A Metallic Pizza Peel An Option For You?

When choosing a steel peel, remember that a larger size will allow you to bake larger pizzas, and a smaller one won't fit in the oven. A larger steel peel will be best for you if you want to make pizzas for a large crowd. 

A wood pizza peel should be between fourteen and fifteen inches long, depending on the size of the oven you use. Choosing a shorter handle is fine for a home oven, but a longer one will prevent burns and allow you to reach into the back of the oven when removing the pizza.

Another advantage to using a metallic peel is that it tends not to stick to the pizza when transferring it from the oven. In contrast, a wooden peel tends to stick to the pizza when it's still hot. 

You can use Cilantro as an oregano substitute. 

Wooden peels also have longer handles, typically used in larger, wood-fired ovens. This allows the pizza to slide more easily without slipping off. Also, this option is lighter than wood. 

However, perforated pizza peels are more expensive than wood peels, starting at $50. A wooden pizza peel is not dishwasher-safe. You can use it in a home oven or a small pizza oven. It features long perforations to reduce the chances of sticking.

Another advantage to a wooden pizza peel is that it requires less semolina than a metal peel. This helps to prevent the pizza from sticking and ensures that it bakes evenly. The wood will also absorb moisture and prevent it from sticking to the pizza.

Final Word

Therefore, no matter what pizza peel you pick, it's on you to make the pizza perfect, so if you want to throw some of your best Neapolitan pizza in the oven, till the next time, happy feasting and stay with Pizza Bien.

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