How to Make a Metal Pizza Peel
If you’re a pizza lover, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, homemade pizza. And if you’re interested in taking your pizza-making skills to the next level, then you need to learn how to make a metal pizza peel.
A metal pizza peel is a great tool for transferring pizzas from your oven to your table, and it’s also great for sliding pizzas under the broiler. This article will show you how to make a simple metal pizza peel using just a few basic tools and materials. So whether you’re an experienced Pizza Maker or just getting started, this tutorial is for you! Let’s get started!
What is a Metal Pizza Peel?
A metal pizza peel is a baking tool that is used to slide pizzas in and out of the oven. It is usually made out of aluminum or stainless steel, and it has a long, flat blade that helps to transfer pizzas without them sticking or falling apart.
A metal pizza peel can be an essential tool for any home pizzeria, and it is also a great gift for the pizza lover in your life. If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, then a metal pizza peel is a great option.
Why Use a Metal Pizza Peel?
Using a metal pizza peel has several advantages over using a traditional wooden peel. First, a metal pizza peel is much more durable and will last longer than a wooden peel.
Second, a metal pizza peel is less likely to absorb moisture from the dough, making it stickier and harder to work with. Finally, a metal pizza peel is less likely to warp over time, which means that it will keep its shape and slide under pizzas more easily.
Required Tools & Supplies
- 1/8″ thick aluminum sheet
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- 1/4″ drill bit
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Ruler or straightedge
- Permanent adhesive labels
- Tin snips
Step by Step Guide: How to Make a Metal Pizza Peel
Step 1: Cut the Aluminum Sheet to Size.
Using a tape measure, measure and mark out a 12″x16″ rectangle on the aluminum sheet. Then, using a straightedge or ruler, draw a line connecting the marks. This will be your cutting line. Next, using a jigsaw, cut along the line that you just drew.
Use a sharp blade and go slowly to avoid cutting yourself or making a jagged edge. After cutting the aluminum sheet to size, use a sanding block or an abrasive cloth to smooth out any rough edges.
Step 2: Drill Holes for the Handle.
Using a drill and a 1/4″ drill bit, drill two holes in the aluminum, about 1″ from the end. These will be for the handle. If the handle is too close to the end, it will be difficult to maneuver the pizza peel. If the handle is too far from the end, keeping the pizza peel level will be difficult. If you think the holes are too close together, you can always enlarge them later with a bigger drill bit.
Step 3: Cut Out the Shape of the Pizza Peel.
Using a jigsaw or a bandsaw, cut out the shape of the pizza peel. The most important thing is to make sure that the blade is perpendicular to the aluminum sheet. If the blade is tilted, the pizza peel will be curved and difficult to use.
While you could freehand the shape of the pizza peel, we recommend using a template. You can find templates online or in craft stores. If using a template, trace it onto the aluminum sheet with a marker before cutting it out.
Step 4: Smooth the Edge of the Peel.
Once you’ve cut out the shape of the pizza peel, use a sanding block or abrasive cloth to smooth down the edge. This will make it easier to slide the pizza on and off of the peel without catching or tearing the dough. Of course, if you think the edge is too sharp, you can always use a file to round it off.
Step 5: Attach the Handle.
Now it’s time to attach the handle. If you’re using a wood handle, drill a hole through the center of the peel and screw it in place. Next, you’ll need to weld or solder it in place for a metal handle. If you’re not comfortable doing this, you can always ask a friend or family member for help.
Step 6: Add Labels.
If you want, you can add labels to your pizza peel. This is completely optional, but it can be helpful if you plan on giving the peel as a gift. You can find labels at craft stores or online. Peel off the backing and stick them on.
Step 7: Use and Enjoy!
Your metal pizza peel is now ready to use! Be sure to season it before using it for the first time. To do this, rub some oil into the surface of the peel. Then, bake a test pizza on it to make sure it slides off easily. If it doesn’t, give it another light coating of oil. After that, you’re ready to start making pizzas!
Additional Tips & Advice
- If you’re having trouble cutting the aluminum sheet, you can try using a hacksaw.
- If you’re not comfortable welding or soldering the handle in place, you can always use bolts or screws. Just be sure to use long enough ones to go through both the peel and the handle.
- When cutting out the shape of the peel, be sure to go slowly and use a sharp blade. This will help you avoid making a jagged edge.
- If you’re using a template to cut out the shape of the peel, be sure to trace it onto the aluminum sheet with a marker before cutting.
- After cutting out the shape of the peel, use a sanding block or abrasive cloth to smooth down the edge. This will make it easier to slide the pizza on and off the peel without catching or tearing the dough.
- To season the peel, rub some oil into the surface of the metal. Then, bake a test pizza on it to make sure it slides off easily. If it doesn’t, give it another light coating of oil.
- 7. Once you’ve seasoned the peel, you’re ready to start making pizzas!
Types of Pizza Peel
Wooden Pizza Peels:
Wooden pizza peels are the most popular type of peel. They’re affordable, easy to find, and they work well. The downside is that they can be difficult to clean and they’re not as durable as other types of peels.
Metal Pizza Peels:
Metal pizza peels are more expensive than wooden peels, but they’re also more durable. They’re also easier to clean, which is a major plus. The downside is that they can be difficult to find, and they’re not as lightweight as wooden peels.
Composite Pizza Peels:
Composite pizza peels are made from materials, usually wood and metal. They’re more expensive than wooden peels, but they’re also more durable. The downside is that they can be difficult to find, and they’re not as lightweight as wooden peels.
Wooden or Metal Pizza Peel: Which One to Choose?
There are pros and cons to both wooden and metal pizza peels. It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a peel. If you’re looking for an affordable option that is easy to find, a wooden peel is a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more durable option that is easier to clean, a metal peel is better. Metal pizza peels also slide pizzas off more quickly than wooden peels.
If you’re looking for a lightweight option, a wooden peel is a better choice. If you’re looking for an option that is easy to store, a metal peel is a better choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. No matter what pizza peel you choose, be sure to season it before using it. This will help the pizza dough to slide off more easily.
Does Making a Pizza Peel Worth It?
A pizza peel is a great tool if you love making homemade pizzas. It allows you to slide the pizza onto the baking stone or steel easily, making it easier to remove the pizza from the oven. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to use! So, if you think you might enjoy making pizzas at home, we recommend giving it a try.
Making a peel will make your life easier when making pizzas, but it’s unnecessary. You can still make pizzas without one, and you’ll have to use a little more elbow grease. We recommend using a metal pizza peel because they’re the sturdiest and last the longest. Wooden peels are also an option, but they’re not as durable and can be difficult to clean.
Conclusion
Metal pizza peels are a great option for an easy-to-clean and durable pizza peel. They can be used with conventional and convection ovens, making them a versatile tool in the kitchen. In addition, they are easier to clean and more sanitary, they can be used at higher temperatures without warping or burning, and they last longer than wood.
If you’re looking to buy your first metal pizza peel or upgrade your current one, consider the factors we’ve outlined in this article. We hope this guide on how to make a metal pizza peel has been helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
