Category: pizza tools

It’s typical to hear people call something that slips under food with the intention to turn or flip a spatula. To differentiate a culinary tool that does that from what “flip and turn” a pizza, we call the pizza spatula, a pizza peel. No need to worry about the naming as any correctly define its intended role.

History of pizza spatula

Although commonly credited to the Italians, pizza dates back in 1522, a time when even tomatoes were suspected to be poisonous by the New Worlds. Similarly, that is how far a pizza spatula goes back with its use remaining the same. Unlike the modern times, there was only one type of a pizza spatula, a wooden pizza spatula. The kitchen utensil was used to place flatbreads and hearth bread, what would later evolve to pizza, into old wood-burning ovens. It might sound challenging to the pizzaiolo, but nevertheless, the wooden pizza peel gracefully served its purpose.

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Pizza spatula design

As time progressed, there was the introduction of new pizza peel both in terms of material of make and shape of the blade.

Regarding the shape of the pizza spatula, the majority of the blade now resemble a ¾ of a circle contrary to the circular one seen from traditional spatulas. Others are made with sharp corners, to make the sliding under the peel easier. The square-headed pizza spatula is however recommended to those working on a grill or a single small oven.

Another feature that has evolved in the history of pizza spatula is the length and width of the spatula. This feature is where a buyer should take great keen as it’s possible to order a spatula that won’t fit in the door of your oven. A12” pizza paddle, for example, works well with a BGE14” stone. It can also be sued to retrieve pizza up to 16”.

Pizza spatula by their material of make

Under material category, we have three distinct type of pizza spatula: wooden peels, metal peels, and composite peels.

Wooden pizza spatula

A pizza peel made from wood has a share of merit and demerit. If you are planning on purchasing one, the pizza peel will serve you better in terms of easy sliding of the raw pizza dough which is critical to avoid disturbing the toppings, and you can use it to serve the pizza directly without damaging the knife or pizza wheel. Another undeniable fact is that amongst the pizza spatulas, those made from wood are pocket-friendly.

However, using a wooden pizza paddle has its downsizing. The pizza peel demands attention in maintenance, e.g., avoid placing it on dishwater and later allowing it to completely dry after washing. Wooden peels are also likely to develop burn marks diminishing their longevity. Also, pizza spatula made from wood are thick calling for more space of storage.

Composite pizza spatula

Besides their ability to catch fire easier than wood. The composite peel should not be considered as an alternative to wooden pizza paddle. They may be better in how they look. But a spatula should be more than just looks. So the fact that the majority come with short handles exposing one’s arm to the furnace.

Metal pizza peel

Metal pizza peels are by far the best pizza spatula for turning and retrieving a cooking pizza. You will find two types of pizza spatula under metal category: aluminum peel and stainless steel. Despite having to dig deeper to get a spatula made of metal, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Metal pizza peel maintenance is low, they are attractive, and they are thin and are long-lasting. The material is however extra precaution when placing raw pizza dough as it will most certainly stick.

Despite having to dig deeper to get a spatula made of metal, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Metal pizza paddle maintenance is low, they are attractive, and they are thin and are long-lasting. The material is however extra precaution when placing raw pizza dough as it will most certainly stick.

So a wood, metal or composite pizza peel? Do not let it become daunting. In the end, you need a large, flat tool to move the dough while keeping your hands a safe distance from the oven or grill.

If this article on pizza spatula helped you, then you should check out our other articles on our page about the pizza tools you will need.

We shall talk about the Pizza Shovel on this page. Is there anything that smells and looks fantastic like a baked pizza fresh out of an oven or a grill? Contrary to what people expected, the process of making a home baked pizza is not a breeze.

Trouble starts if you make poor choice of pizza making tools. Investing in the right tool is crucial to those who want to make pizza that looks and taste as if they came out of an Italian bistro. Among the primary pizza tools that will exponentially enhance the results of your pizza is a pizza shovel.

Also known as pizza spatula or more professionally pizza peel, a pizza shovel is a large flat paddle with a long handle used for transferring the raw dough into the oven, flip half cooked pizza and retrieve the cooked pizza out of the oven.

The shovel is essential if you opt baking your pizza on a pizza stone. Thinking of getting started on homemade pizzas? Here are some pizza shovel 101 to help make an informed purchase and bake like a professional pizzaiolo.

Shape of the pizza shovel

There are two primary shapes for pizza shovel, round, and square. The round ones are appropriate for restaurants using large ovens with a single small doorway. The circular pizza spatula allows a professional to work on pizzas in all corners of a large oven. On the other hand, a square shaped pizza shovel match conventional ovens making the business of inserting and retrieving the pizza much easier.

Pizza shovel material

If you browse through an online shop or visit a local store, you will come across pizza peel made from different materials: Metal, wood, and composite.

A metal pizza peel is probably the best pizza peel. Under metal peel, there is Aluminum pizza spatula and stainless steel peel. Metal pizza shovel is easy to maintain and long lasting. The thin blade allows a more natural retrieving of the pizza. From an aesthetics point of view, metal peels are quite appealing hence can be hanged on kitchen walls to spare space in the cabinets. The downside of having the pizza spatula is the material’s strong cohesion with raw dough. To reduce the stickiness, dust the pizza spatula with flour before use. Metal pizza shovel cost more compared to peels made from other materials.

The downside of having the pizza spatula is the material’s strong cohesion with raw dough. To reduce the stickiness, dust the pizza spatula with flour before use. Metal pizza shovel cost more compared to peels made from other materials.

Wooden pizza shovel has one significant advantage; it does not stick with dough hence minimal damage to the precooked pizza. Apart from that and the fact that it cost the least, wooden pizza spatula is a pain. Maintaining it is a hassle, from cleaning to drying before storage. The peels are also thick making it difficult to slip it under the pizza when retrieving. Again, you need to be extra cautious with the pizza shovel when baking on a grill.

The peels are also thick making it difficult to slip it under the pizza when retrieving. Again, you need to be extra cautious with the pizza shovel when baking on a grill.

Composite pizza shovel is better for looks and easier to maintain. However, it shares shortcomings with wood pizza shovel: thick, not fireproof, less durable.

Length of the pizza shovel

The handle length of the pizza spatula needs to be long enough that the head can touch the end of the oven while keeping one’s hand 5 inches away from the door of the oven. The feature is imperative and should not be ignored whatsoever. A pizza spatula is supposed to keep ones knuckles away from the furnace. If concerned about where to store a long-handled pizza shovel, you can get one with a fold down feature.

A pizza spatula is supposed to keep ones knuckles away from the furnace. If concerned about where to store a long-handled pizza shovel, you can get one with a fold down feature.

The parchment paper has worked wonders in adopting some of the problems seen when sliding raw pizza dough form the pizza spatula. The sheet prevents contact between the raw dough and the blade eliminating the destructive stickiness. The parchment paper does not require the use of cornmeal, flour or semolina. Just keep it dry, and it won’t disappoint.

Check out some of our other articles. We talk about everything pizza related. From the business end to the tools and equipment needed to be successful.