Why You May Want To Reconsider Buying A Composite Pizza Peel
If you're serious about making pizza at home, investing in a quality pizza peel is a no-brainer. Along with helping you transfer dough from your counter to the hot oven and back again without injury, using a pizza peel is a great way to show off to your friends by looking like a real pizza professional! Pizza peels are usually made with either wood, metal, or composite, and there are some factors to keep in mind when choosing your preferred material, especially when it comes to composite peels.
According to KaTom Restaurant Supply, composite pizza peels are formed from various wood products, and resin is added to strengthen the peel. They are usually heavy, so they can't have long handles like other varieties, which is where the problem comes in. Because composite peels usually have shorter handles, the chance of burning yourself while trying to scoop up your pie is much higher since your hand will be that much closer to the oven. Additionally, composite peels are thick, making it difficult for a home chef to actually slide one under a pizza and maneuver it.
A plethora of pizza peels
Of course, every type of pizza peel will have its advantages and disadvantages. Wooden pizza peels are extremely high maintenance as they will become warped if put in the dishwasher or soaked in water for any length of time, and they must be oiled to maintain an optimal surface texture. On the other hand, wooden pizza peels have that authentic pizzeria look, and can function as either a peel, a cutting board, or a serving tray depending on the length. Peels made of metal are sticky, which can be a problem when working with raw dough since the dough may tear and generally make a mess. That said, metal peels are thin, easy to use, and even easier to clean, which makes them great for busy chefs.
When it comes to those composite models, the potential for injury that comes with the shorter handle means they may not be worth the risk. And, depending on who you ask, they're just not as aesthetically pleasing as other options. There are many kitchen tools that will help you make the perfect pizza, but if you want to avoid burnt fingers mixing with your pepperoni and cheese, a proper pizza peel might be one of the most important. To ensure your pizza gets to the table safely, make sure you take the time to find the best option for you and your kitchen.