Best Outdoor Pizza Oven Peels: Top Picks for Perfect Pies

Pizza is a universally beloved dish; there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making it from scratch in your home. But you can't make an amazing pizza in your outdoor pizza oven without a good pizza peel.

Let's look at some of the best outdoor pizza oven peels so we can get cooking! 

Besides mouthwatering toppings and a perfect crust, the key to a perfect pizza is getting it into the pizza oven. You just can't have a delicious pizza without cooking it, and using a pizza peel is the most classic method for getting your pie from the prep table into the oven.

What are pizza peels made from?

Pizza peels come in various materials like wood, metal, and composite, each offering its own advantages. For example, wooden pizza peels are great for preventing the dough from sticking but may be less durable than metal ones, which are more resilient and long-lasting.

Composite peels offer the best of both worlds, combining wood's nonstick features with metal's durability.

What to look for when buying a pizza peel?

Size and weight are two critical factors when shopping for a pizza peel.

The size should be appropriate for your oven or grill, allowing you to easily maneuver the pizza without bumping into the sides. Most outdoor pizza ovens are made to accept a 12"14" pie. Some pizza ovens will cook a 16" pizza, but launching a 16" pizza pie into an oven that's only 16" wide can be challenging.

Should a pizza peel be lightweight or heavy?

The weight of the peel should be light enough to handle but sturdy enough for the task at hand. A good pizza peel should also have a comfortable grip to ensure ease of use and reduce the chances of dropping the pie when transferring it in and out of the oven.

I have spent considerable time researching and testing the best pizza peels available. It's important to own, or at least try, wooden, metal, and composite pizza peels and decide which one(s) work best for you. 

At the moment, I prefer building my pizza on a wooden pizza peel before launching it into the oven. I use a turning peel to rotate the pizza once in the oven and a metal peel to remove the pie once done. The wooden pizza peel is used exclusively for building and launching. Bundled sets like this one, which includes both a turning peel and a metal pizza peel, can be a good value, especially if you're just getting started with outdoor pizza cooking.

Best Pizza Peels

I have researched and compiled a list of the best pizza peels available on Amazon to make your pizza-making experience easier and more enjoyable.

Gerrii 5 Pcs Bamboo Pizza Peel

The Gerrii 5 Pcs Bamboo Pizza Peel is a great investment for pizza enthusiasts who value convenience and durability.

Pros

• Durable and eco-friendly bamboo material
• Handle design makes it easy to use
• Comes in a pack of 5 for added value

Cons

• Slightly thicker than metal pizza peels
• It might require some extra care in cleaning
• Irregular front edge shape may take getting used to

The Gerrii 5 Pcs Bamboo Pizza Peel recently landed in my hands and I'm happy to report that it lives up to its promise. The first thing I noticed was the high-quality construction of the bamboo peel. It's sturdy and doesn't show signs of warping or breaking even after multiple uses. This set is perfect for a pizza party where you want to have multiple crusts ready to launch at a moment's notice.

I also appreciate the handle design on this pizza peel. It makes transporting pizza in and out of the oven a breeze, and I haven't had any issues with dropping pies or getting burned. The hole at the end of the handle is a convenient feature for hanging the peel on my kitchen wall, saving precious storage space.

The downsides to this pizza peel

One possible downside I experienced with the Gerrii bamboo pizza peel is its slight thickness compared to metal pizza peels. However, this has not significantly affected my pizza-making experience. As for cleaning, it's essential to thoroughly rinse the peel after use, as it's not dishwasher safe.

Something else that took some getting used to was the irregular front edge shape of the peel. While it's designed to make it easy to pick up pizza, it might be a bit tricky for beginners to maneuver at first. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's not a problem.

With any pizza peel, it's important to have a good amount of flour or semolina on the board so the pizza will slide into the oven without incident. This is especially true with synthetic, bamboo, and metal pizza peels like this one.

The Gerrii 5 Pcs Bamboo Pizza Peel is a reliable and eco-friendly pizza-making tool. Its benefits easily outweigh its minor drawbacks regarding durability, ease of use, and value. I recommend trying this set if you're an avid home pizza maker.

Colnic Pizza Peel Set

The Colnic Pizza Peel Set is a valuable addition to any home kitchen, offering convenience, quality, and safety for pizza enthusiasts.

Pros

• High-grade aluminum peel with a foldable wooden handle
• Includes a pizza cutter rocker and baking glove
• Easy to clean and store with hanging options

Cons

• Peel size may only accommodate medium-large pizzas
• Slicer design may take some getting used to
• Cannot directly cut on the peel to avoid scratches

Recently, I tried out the Colnic Pizza Peel Set while making homemade pizza, and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance. The high-grade aluminum peel is lightweight, durable, and non-stick, allowing me to easily slide the pizza in and out of the oven. The foldable wooden handle was also a nice feature, providing a comfortable grip while keeping my hand away from the heat.

This pizza peel set comes with some bonus equipment

In addition to the pizza peel, the set comes with a pizza cutter rocker and a baking glove, both of which proved to be valuable additions to my pizza-making process. The large, sharp rocker blade made slicing a breeze, while the thick baking glove protected my hand when handling hot utensils and opening the oven door.

Cleaning and storing the Colnic Pizza Peel Set was a breeze, thanks to its smooth, non-stick surface and foldable design. I could easily clean the peel and cutter with a soft sponge and running water or even pop them in the dishwasher. The hanging ropes and holes provided options for easy kitchen storage, keeping my workspace organized.

The only drawbacks I noticed were that the peel size might only accommodate medium-large pizzas for smaller pizza ovens, and cutting directly on the peel should be avoided to prevent scratches. The slicer's design might take some time, but it still works well overall.

The Colnic Pizza Peel Set is an excellent investment for newer pizza enthusiasts, offering convenience, quality, and safety in one affordable package. I highly recommend this set to anyone looking to elevate their homemade pizza game.

Newmeto Pizza Peel, 12 Inch Perforated

The Newmeto Pizza Peel is a must-have for pizza enthusiasts seeking a reliable and efficient tool for their baking endeavors.

Pros

• Crisper crusts due to perforated design
• Made of high-strength, durable anodized aluminum
• Suitable for home and professional use

Cons

• Perforations might make sliding the dough off challenging
• Not dishwasher safe
• It may require thorough flouring to avoid sticking

After trying many pizza peels, I recently used the Newmeto Pizza Peel, and its perforated design genuinely impressed me. The holes let steam escape while baking, resulting in a crispier and more evenly cooked crust. The durable anodized aluminum construction ensures it can withstand high temperatures and is lightweight for easy handling and cleaning.

The versatility of this pizza peel was another aspect I appreciated. It works well for indoor and outdoor pizza ovens and is suitable for home and professional use. I also found it helpful for making other baked goods like delicate bread and pies. This professional-grade tool has truly become an indispensable part of my pizza-making endeavors.

However, I did encounter a few challenges with the Newmeto Pizza Peel. The same perforations that improve crust crispiness can make sliding the pizza dough off the peel tricky. It requires thorough flouring to avoid the dough sticking to the peel, and it is not dishwasher safe, so it needs to be washed by hand. Despite these minor drawbacks, I still consider the Newmeto Pizza Peel an excellent addition to any pizza lover's kitchen toolkit.

Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel with Foldable Wood Handle

I recommend the Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel to anyone looking for a reliable and convenient pizza peel for their baking needs.

Pros

• Durable aluminum head and natural pine wood handle
• Foldable handle for easy storage
• Safety backstep for secure lifting

Cons

• The handle may need constant tightening to avoid folding during use
• Might be too small for larger pizzas
• Not dishwasher safe

Recently, I used the Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel to try baking and cooking pizzas, bread, steaks, and more. I found the commercial-grade aluminum head with a natural pine wood foldable handle an excellent combination of materials, giving it both durability and convenience.

Is a foldable handle a good feature for your pizza peel?

The foldable handle is a fantastic feature for anyone with limited kitchen space. Being able to fold the handle and store it away in no time is a great advantage, especially for those of us with small apartments or condos. However, I noticed that the handle sometimes needs to be tightened to prevent it from folding during use. This might be a minor issue, but it can get frustrating if it keeps happening while you cook.

One thing I appreciate is the safety backstep on this pizza peel. It's perfect for lifting pizzas or cake sheets out of the oven without risking burning my hands. I tried using it with my wood-fired oven, standard oven, and grill, and it worked seamlessly.

Unfortunately, the Chef Pomodoro Pizza Peel might be too small for those who love making larger pizzas. You'll need to be careful when transferring big pizzas, holding onto one side, or using a different pizza peel altogether. Also, the peel is not dishwasher-safe, so you must wash it by hand.

Despite minor drawbacks, I genuinely enjoyed using the Chef Pomodoro Aluminum Metal Pizza Peel. Its durability, foldable handle, and safety features make it a great addition to any pizza enthusiast’s kitchen.

New Star Foodservice Wooden Pizza Peel

I recommend the New Star Foodservice Wooden Pizza Peel for its durability, functionality, and ease of use.

Pros

• Sturdy and lightweight basswood construction
• Tapered half-inch blade for easy lifting
• Various lengths and sizes are available

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe
• It may be rough on the surface
• No hole for hanging storage

After using the New Star Foodservice Wooden Pizza Peel, I've noticed its basswood construction makes it sturdy and lightweight. The fine, even texture ensures the peel is less prone to cracking and free of oils that could affect my food's taste. The tapered half-inch blade is designed to easily slide under and lift my pizza, making the transfer to and from the oven a breeze.

Is this wooden pizza peel dishwasher safe?

One of the aspects I really appreciate is the variety of lengths and sizes available. This allowed me to choose the perfect pizza peel for my kitchen and outdoor pizza-making needs. However, I must mention that this peel isn't dishwasher safe and requires handwashing for proper cleaning.

The surface might feel a bit rough at first, but it does not affect the overall performance of the peel. A little sanding could easily smooth it out if necessary. Additionally, there's no hole for hanging storage, so finding a designated storage spot might be a challenge for some users.

In conclusion, the New Star Foodservice Wooden Pizza Peel is a valuable addition to my pizza-making toolkit. Despite its minor drawbacks, its durability, functionality, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for novice and expert pizza makers.

Buying Guide

I consider several features to ensure a smooth pizza-making experience when choosing the best pizza peel. Here are the key factors to keep in mind as you make your decision:

Material: Pizza peels come in various materials, including wood and metal. Each has its pros and cons. Wooden peels are great for launching pizzas into the oven, preventing dough from sticking. However, they require regular maintenance and are more difficult to clean. On the other hand, metal peels, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, are lightweight, easy to clean, and better for retrieving pizzas from the oven, but the dough can sometimes stick to them if not properly floured.

Size: The size of the pizza peel matters, as it should correspond to the size of the pizzas you plan on making. A smaller peel is more manageable for personal-sized pizzas, but you'll want a bigger one for larger pies. Additionally, consider the size of your oven opening to ensure the peel fits comfortably inside.

Handle length: Depending on the depth of your oven or grill, the handle length may be an important factor in choosing your pizza peel. Longer handles allow for safer and more comfortable handling with extremely hot ovens or open flames. However, shorter handles can be more maneuverable and easier to store.

Ease of use and storage: A pizza peel should be easy to use and store. Some peels have folding handles or hanging loops, which make storage simpler. Additionally, consider the thickness of the peel, as a thinner one allows for easier sliding under the pizza.

When analyzing these features, it's important to prioritize your personal preferences and cooking needs. Weigh the pros and cons of each feature and consider their importance based on how you plan to use the pizza peel. By doing so, you can confidently choose the best pizza peel for your culinary adventures.