Key Takeaways -

• Choose durable hardwood for a long-lasting pizza peel.
• Proper design and crafting ensure ease of use and functionality.
• Perforations can improve dough handling and crispiness.
• Regular maintenance, like oiling, prevents cracking and extends the peel's life.

Making pizza at home is fun, but it can be challenging to handle your pizza in a hot oven without the right tool. A pizza peel is a must-have for safely moving your pizza in and out of the oven without ruining it or burning yourself.

We will teach you how to make your own wooden pizza peel, from picking the right wood to shaping and finishing it. We’ll also share some simple tips to help you create a peel that works perfectly for you.

Keep reading to find out how to easily make a sturdy and reliable pizza peel that will make your pizza-making experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re new to this or a pizza pro, making your own peel is a rewarding project that will improve your kitchen setup.

Materials and Tools Required

Before you start making your pizza peel, it's important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Below is a list of what you'll need:

Materials

For the materials, you’ll need a hardwood plank, such as oak, maple, or hickory, with dimensions of 1 to 1.5 metres long, 20 to 30 cm wide, and at least 12 mm thick. You’ll also need a food-grade oil or finish to seal the wood, with options including flaxseed oil, walnut oil, mineral oil, or beeswax.

Tools

• Planer or block plane
• Jigsaw or bandsaw
• Circular or table saw
• Spokeshave or sharp knife
• Sandpaper or sander (orbital or spindle sander)
• Drill with a Forstner bit (for the handle hole)
• Clamps (if glueing multiple pieces of wood)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil for marking
• Compass or round object for tracing curves

Designing Your Pizza Peel

Choosing the Right Wood

Opting for quarter-sawn hardwood offers greater stability and durability, making your peel more resistant to warping. When selecting your wood, consider the size of your oven. For instance, if your oven is smaller, a peel around 25 cm wide will be easier to manoeuvre.

Choosing the right size ensures that your peel fits smoothly in the oven without being too bulky or cumbersome.

Designing the Handle and Paddle

The handle and paddle length are key to ease of use. A 1.4-metre length is ideal for comfortable handling without getting too close to the heat. When marking out the handle, aim for a width of 4 cm, while the paddle should be about 33 cm long.

Use a compass or bucket lid to create smooth curves, and trace the shape with a circular object like a pizza tray for a professional finish. This ensures your peel is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Crafting the Pizza Peel

Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Wood

Start by selecting a sturdy piece of hardwood, such as oak, maple, or hickory that is at least 12 mm (1/2 inch) thick. The thickness of the wood is important for durability and ease of use. If you need a wider piece, you can glue together multiple pieces of wood.

Apply wood glue evenly, clamp the pieces together, and let them dry thoroughly according to the glue manufacturer's instructions. This ensures your peel has a solid, reliable structure, capable of withstanding regular use and the intense heat of your oven.

Step 2: Shape the Peel

With your wood prepared, it’s time to shape your pizza peel. Begin by tracing the outline of the paddle and handle onto the wood. Use a pencil for this step, and consider using a compass, bucket lid, or pizza tray to help you create smooth, even curves.

Precision is key here; the better you trace the shape, the easier it will be to cut. Once you’re happy with the outline, carefully cut along the lines with a jigsaw or bandsaw.

Aim to stay as close to the lines as possible without cutting over them, as this will give your peel a clean, professional look that’s easy to handle.

Step 3: Sand the Edges

After cutting out the shape, the next step is to smooth the edges and surface of your peel. Start with coarse grit sandpaper to remove rough spots and imperfections from the cutting process.

Once the rough edges are smoothed, switch to finer grit sandpaper for a polished finish. This step enhances not just appearance but also comfort. Focus on the handle, rounding the edges for a better grip. A well-sanded handle makes using the peel a more enjoyable experience.

Step 4: Create a Bevel for Easy Sliding

To ensure your pizza peel slides easily under your pizzas, you’ll need to create a bevel on the front edge of the paddle. This bevel is crucial as it helps the peel to slide smoothly under the dough without tearing it.

You can create this bevel using a sander, gradually tapering the edge until it forms a slight slope. Alternatively, you can carefully use a sharp knife to achieve the same effect. The goal is to create a gentle, even slope that allows for easy transfer of pizzas from the peel to the oven.

Step 5: Drill a Hole for Hanging

Once the bevel is complete, you’ll want to drill a hole at the end of the handle to make storage easy. This hole should be large enough to accommodate a hook or piece of string, allowing you to hang the peel when it’s not in use.

Hanging your peel not only keeps it within easy reach but also prevents it from getting damaged on your countertops. Make sure the hole is drilled straight and smooth, as this will ensure it’s easy to hang and won’t weaken the handle.

Step 6: Finish the Peel

With the peel construction complete, the final step is to apply a food-safe coating. Start by wiping the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

Next, apply a finish like mineral oil or beeswax to seal the wood and protect it from moisture and stains. This finish enhances the wood's appearance by highlighting its natural grain and extends the life of your peel.

Follow the product instructions, allowing the finish to soak in and dry completely before use. This step ensures your peel is ready for years of pizza-making.

Step 7: Test Your Peel

Before you start using your new peel, it’s important to test it. Sprinkle a little flour or corn meal on the surface of the peel; this helps prevent the pizza dough from sticking. Then, place a pizza on the peel and practice sliding it off onto a countertop or oven stone.

This test run will help you get a feel for how the peel handles and ensure that the pizzas easily slide. If everything moves smoothly, your peel is ready for action. You can now enjoy the satisfaction of using a tool you made yourself, making every pizza night a special occasion.

Additional Tips for Making a Perforated Pizza Peel

Benefits of a Perforated Peel

A perforated pizza peel offers several advantages. The small holes in the peel help reduce the sticking of uncooked dough to the surface, making it easier to slide your pizza into the oven without any hassle.

Additionally, the perforations allow better airflow under the pizza as it bakes, which helps achieve a crispier crust. This feature is especially beneficial if you prefer a thin, crunchy pizza base, as it helps remove excess flour and moisture during the transfer (1).

Creating the Perforations

Creating perforations in your pizza peel is a key step in improving its functionality. Follow these simple steps to get it right:

1. Mark out where you want the holes to be on the paddle.
2. Use a ruler to ensure the holes are evenly spaced.
3. Drill the holes carefully, keeping them uniform in size and shape.
4. Sand the edges of each hole to remove any rough spots or splinters.
5. Ensure the surface is smooth and well-finished for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Too Much Flour On The Peel Hinder Pizza Transfer?

Yes, using too much flour on the pizza peel can hinder the transfer. Excess flour can create a barrier, causing the pizza to stick rather than slide off smoothly. It's best to use a light dusting of flour or cornmeal to ensure easy movement without leaving too much residue on the pizza or the peel.

Can Bread Dough Be Transferred Using A Pizza Peel In Baking?

Yes, a pizza peel is a versatile tool that can be used for transferring bread dough during baking. It allows you to easily move the dough from the countertop to the oven without disturbing its shape. Just make sure to lightly dust the peel with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.

Can I Make A Pizza Peel From Plywood?

Yes, you can make a pizza peel from plywood, but it's important to use food-safe, untreated plywood. Solid hardwood is generally preferred for its durability and resistance to warping. If you choose plywood, ensure that it’s of high quality and thick enough to provide the necessary strength.

How Do I Prevent My Pizza Peel From Cracking Over Time?

To prevent your pizza peel from cracking, regularly apply food-grade oil to keep the wood moisturised and protected. Avoid exposing the peel to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.

Proper storage, such as hanging the peel or keeping it in a dry, cool place, also helps maintain its integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own pizza peel is a rewarding and practical project that enhances your home pizza-making experience.

By choosing the right materials, carefully designing and crafting the peel, and considering optional features like perforations, you can create a durable and effective tool tailored to your needs.

Whether you're handling pizza, bread, or other baked goods, a well-made pizza peel will make the process easier and more enjoyable for years.

Sources -

1. https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-Perforated-Pizza-Peel-for-Improved-Pizza-Ma/