Why are most circular pizza peels designed with holes in metal
I am looking to buy a pizza peel. In the UK, I'm noticing a difference in styles, and was curious if there was a reason more than design
There is the "paddle" design, which is more rectangular and a solid piece of metal
Almost all of the longer handled circular (rounded) peels seem to have holes in the metal as per below.
This design seems counter intuitive to me - the dough could easily sink into the hole making it more difficult to slide the pizza off. Not only that, but by having holes, there is less area to be floured before putting the pizza on top of the peel
Given both of the designs are (as far as I know) designed for the same purpose (to transfer the pizza), is there a reason why circular peels with longer handles seem to all have cut outs like the picture above? If any one has used them, does it hinder transfer (or at least, sliding the pizza off)
Best Answer
The Chef Pomodoro round peel you picture is described by the manufacturer as a ‘turning peel’.
A turning peel is a must-have to easily rotate the pizza multiple times with precision.
Taking that cue I checked a few more on Amazon and they were mostly described that way.
A Turning Peel is specifically for rotating the pizza while it is cooking. I imagine that the radial slots allow increased friction making it easier to turn the pizza. I don’t think you could use it to put a thin, fresh, homemade pizza into an oven.
One reviewer of the Chef Pomodoro peel says:
The turning peel worked great and freed up my regular peel so we could keep making pizzas inside while I was cooking them outside.
which indicates a separate function from a peel you would build a pizza on.
Pictures about "Why are most circular pizza peels designed with holes in metal"
Why do pizza peels have holes?
The primary purpose of a perforated peel is simply to rid the worry of any excess flour tainting your beautiful pizza crusts by leaving singed flour marks. Burned flour also makes your oven smoky, it can be enough to make your fire alarms go crazy and that is not a distraction that you want while you are baking.Is it better to have a wooden or metal pizza peel?
Metal peels are more durable than wood, requiring very little maintenance other than hand-washing. Aluminum is also lightweight, so these peels are easier to maneuver than wood or composite peels. However, pizza crust can stick to the metal, making it difficult to slide the uncooked pizza off the peel.What material should a pizza peel be?
A good aluminum peel is better than a wooden pizza peel since it ensures a faster pace during work and thus a higher productivity. Perforated pizza peels allow extra flour to be removed so that ovens stay clean, no smoke is given off and no bitter crust forms under pizzas.Pizza Peels - Wood or Metal
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