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Making pizza at home is fun and rewarding, but having the right pizza peel can make a big difference. This guide will compare wooden and metal pizza peels to help you choose the best one for your kitchen and style of cooking. Whether you’re trying to decide between a wooden peel or a metal one, or wondering if a perforated or round holed peel is better, this guide will help you choose the right tool for your kitchen and style of cooking.
If you want to perfect your dough before baking, check out our Neapolitan Pizza Dough with Poolish guide.
Wooden vs Metal Pizza Peels – What’s the Difference?
Wooden Pizza Peels
Pros:
- Easier to handle for beginners – dough doesn’t stick as easily.
- Gentle on your dough – perfect for transferring pizza from countertop to oven.
- Classic look and feel for traditional pizza-making.
Cons:
Needs occasional oiling to maintain longevity.
Not ideal for sliding pizzas directly into a very hot oven (over 500°F / 260°C).
Best for:
- Home cooks making pizza occasionally or preparing pizza on the counter before baking.
Tip: A great option for beginners is the JIAFUEO Wooden Pizza Peel, which is durable and beginner-friendly, making it easy to slide pizzas from your countertop into the oven.
Metal Pizza Peels
Pros:
- Thin and strong – great for sliding pizzas into high-temperature ovens.
- Easy to clean.
- Can handle heavier pizzas without bending.
Cons:
- Dough can stick more easily, especially on solid peels.
- Some beginners find metal handles less comfortable.
Best for:
- Frequent pizza bakers and those using high-heat ovens.
Metal Peels: Solid, Perforated, and Round Holed
- Solid Metal Peel (No Holes):
- Provides full support under the pizza, ideal for beginners and delicate pies.
- For a simple and reliable option, the Chef Pomodoro Foldable Pizza Peel works perfectly.
- Perforated Metal Peel (With Holes):
- Holes let excess flour fall through and create a crispier crust.
- Many home bakers prefer the Hans Grill Pizza Peel PRO for high-temperature baking.
- Round Holed Metal Peel (For Rotating Pizzas):
- Makes it easy to turn pizzas inside a pizza oven without disturbing the crust.
- The round holed metal peel is perfect for rotating pizzas evenly during baking.
How to Decide Which Peel Is Right for You
Ask yourself:
- How often do you bake pizza?
- Occasional: wooden peel is comfortable and safe.
- Frequent: metal peel is more durable and efficient.
- What type of oven do you have?
- Standard home oven: wooden peel works well.
- High-temperature pizza oven: metal peel is better.
- Do you want a crispier crust?
- A perforated metal peel can help reduce sticking and make the crust crispier.
- Do you need to rotate pizzas in the oven?
- Round holed metal peel makes turning the pizza easier without damaging it.
Quick Summary Table
| Type of Peel | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden | Gentle, beginner-friendly | Not ideal for very hot ovens | Casual home cooks, countertop prep |
| Solid Metal | Thin, strong, easy to clean | Dough can stick | Frequent bakers, high-heat ovens |
| Perforated Metal | Crispier crust, reduces sticking | Can be tricky for beginners | High-heat ovens, crispy crust lovers |
| Round Holed Metal | Rotate pizzas easily, even baking | Needs experience | Pizza oven users, rotating pizzas |
Tips for Using Your Pizza Peel
- Sprinkle flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Shake gently to slide pizza in and out of the oven.
- Keep wooden peels oiled and store metal peels in a dry place.
- Use a round holed peel carefully to rotate pizzas mid-bake for even cooking.
Peels Mentioned in This Post
- JIAFUEO Wooden Pizza Peel – great for beginners and countertop prep.
- Chef Pomodoro Foldable Solid Metal Pizza Peel – full support, ideal for delicate pizzas.
- Hans Grill Pizza Peel PRO (Perforated) – helps create a crispier crust for high-temperature baking.
- Round Holed Metal Pizza Peel – perfect for rotating pizzas evenly in a pizza oven.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pizza peel depends on your oven, experience, and how often you bake. Wooden peels are great for occasional bakers and countertop prep, solid metal peels are strong and durable, perforated peels give a crispier crust, and round holed peels make rotating pizzas easier. By understanding these differences, you can pick the right tool to make homemade pizza easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. For additional pizza-making tips, see our post on Pizza Tools for Beginners.
