Wood vs Metal Pizza Peel - Which should you choose?

Introduction: Wood vs Metal Pizza Peel

Having the right tools is a key component to perfecting your pizza making. Arguably the most essential among these, is the pizza peel. The pizza peel is a tool that is used primarily for sliding pizzas in and out of the oven. Pizza peels also double as a surface for serving pizza to give it a home-cooked rustic aesthetic. Pizza peels come in a variety of material options ranging from bamboo to carbon steel, the primary difference being wood or metal. But what sets all these material choices apart from one another? The choice between a wood or metal pizza peel can be tricky because each comes with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will compare the pros and cons of each to help you decide if a metal or wood pizza peel is right for you.

Wooden vs Metal Pizza Peel: Wood Peel Overview

Image: WPPO New Zealand Hardwood Pizza Peel ($74.99)

In a pizzeria setting, the pizzas are typically made on a countertop then transferred onto a perforated metal pizza peel and placed in the oven. Although this comes with some additional benefits we will cover later, this process requires lots of practice and if you aren’t quick, the pizza may stick to the peel. For this reason, many home-pizzaioli may find it easier to use a wooden pizza peel vs metal, at least when first getting started. This way, you can build the pizza directly on the peel and slide it in the oven minimizing sticking.

Wood Pizza Peel Benefits:

• Reduces sticking – Wood peels naturally absorb some of the excess flour, which helps prevent the dough from sticking making launching pizzas into the oven easier.

• Traditional Aesthetic – In addition to a cooking tool, the classic, rustic look of a wood peel, doubles as a serving board.

• Doesn’t Conduct Heat – Unlike metal, wood doesn’t heat up quickly, reducing the risk of burning your hands when handling the peel near a hot oven.

Downsides of Wood Peels:

• Thicker than metal peels — The thick nature of the wood makes it harder to slide under cooked pizzas.

• Requires more maintenance — Improper care can result in warping or cracking wood.

In summary, if you are a beginner looking to start making pizza at home, a wood pizza peel may be the best starting point. Wood pizza peels are a bit more user friendly due to their natural non-stick nature which will reduce some of the frustration as you get the hang of pizza making. Furthermore, if you are on a tight budget, the wood pizza peel is a two-in-one tool that can be used to cut and serve the final product. 

Metal vs wood pizza peel: Metal peel overview

The next type of pizza peels are metal peels. These pizza peels are an excellent choice for more experienced home-pizzaioli and an essential tool for commercial kitchens. Metal peels are lighter and more durable than their wooden counterparts. This is great in high-volume kitchens where constant use can put strain on the user. 

When deciding on a metal pizza peel there are two important points of consideration, the type of metal and whether you want it to be perforated or non-perforated. Metal pizza peels are most commonly made from aluminum due to its affordability and lightweight qualities. However, in many cases more heavy duty materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel are used for more professional build quality. 

Metal Pizza Peel benefits:

• Thinner edge – Metal peels are thinner and easier to slide under a pizza making retrieving and maneuvering pizzas easier.

• Durability & Longevity – Metal peels don’t warp, crack, or absorb moisture like wood peels, making them more durable and easier to maintain.

• Easy to Clean – Metal doesn’t absorb oils, flour, or food debris, making them easier to wipe down and sanitize after use.

• Lightweight – Metal peels are often lighter than wooden ones of the same size, making them less physically straining, especially with frequent use.

Downsides of Metal Pizza Peels

• Prone to sticking – Metal pizza peels are a bit of a learning curve to reduce sticking. 

• Prone to bending – Aluminum is a thinner metal and may bend or dent if you are not careful.

• Conducts heat – Metal peels get hot quickly which may pose a burn risk to the user and increase the likelihood of pizzas sticking due to the temperature difference.

In summary, metal pizza peels are almost always used in commercial settings because they are lightweight and durable. But for the novice home-pizza cook they may require a bit of practice to get the hang of. An inexperienced pizzaiolo may need to use excessive flour to prevent sticking pizzas. This may alter the taste of the final product a bit.

Wood vs Metal Pizza Peel Comparison Table

Conclusion: Is a metal or wooden peel the right choice for you?

The decision between a metal vs wooden pizza peel, like anything else, comes down to the individual; their preferences, skill level, and budget. A combination of the two is always the best option. A wood peel may be used for constructing the pizza and launching into the oven, and serving, and the metal peel, like a turning peel (circular shape giving more space inside the oven), used to maneuver pizza throughout the cooking process and to remove the final product. Now that you know the key differences between these materials, check out our pizza peel collection to find your perfect peel here.