Peel (tool)

Peel (tool)

A peel is a tool used in baking, particularly in the handling of bread and pizza. It is a flat, shovel-like instrument that is used by bakers to slide loaves of bread, pizzas, pastries, and other baked goods into and out of an oven. The peel is an essential tool in any bakery or pizzeria, allowing for the safe and efficient transfer of dough and baked products.

Design and Materials

A traditional wooden peel.

Peels are typically made from wood, metal, or a combination of both. The design of a peel includes a flat carrying surface, known as the blade, and a handle. The blade is usually wide and thin, allowing it to easily slide under the dough or baked item. The handle provides leverage and distance from the heat of the oven.

Wooden Peels

Wooden peels are traditional and are often preferred for their natural non-stick properties. The wood surface helps prevent dough from sticking, making it easier to slide the dough into the oven. Wooden peels are also less likely to conduct heat, reducing the risk of burns.

Metal Peels

Metal peels, often made from aluminum or stainless steel, are more durable and easier to clean than wooden peels. They are thinner than wooden peels, which can make them easier to slide under baked goods. However, metal peels can conduct heat, so care must be taken to avoid burns.

Composite Peels

Some peels are made from composite materials, combining the benefits of both wood and metal. These peels may have a wooden handle with a metal blade, or vice versa, providing a balance of durability, ease of use, and safety.

Uses

Using a peel to place bread in an oven.

Peels are primarily used in the baking of bread and pizza. They allow bakers to place dough directly onto the hot surface of an oven, such as a pizza stone or the floor of a wood-fired oven. This direct contact with the hot surface is crucial for achieving the desired texture and crust in baked goods.

Bread

In bread baking, peels are used to transfer loaves of sourdough, baguettes, and other types of bread into and out of the oven. The peel allows bakers to handle the dough gently, preserving its shape and structure.

Pizza

In pizza making, peels are used to slide pizzas into and out of the oven. The peel is often dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking. Once the pizza is baked, the peel is used to retrieve it from the oven.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of a peel is important to ensure its longevity and performance. Wooden peels should be kept dry and occasionally oiled to prevent cracking. Metal peels should be cleaned after each use to prevent the buildup of residue.

Related Pages

• Bread
• Pizza
• Baking
• Wood-fired oven

A metal pizza peel.

See Also

• Pizza stone
• Baking sheet
• Oven