As a pizza lover and connoisseur, I understand the importance of having the right tools to create and enjoy the perfect pizza. One essential tool that every pizza enthusiast should have in their kitchen is a high-quality pizza shovel. Whether you’re a professional pizzaiolo or a casual home cook, a pizza shovel is an essential accessory that can make a world of difference in your pizza-making experience.
A good pizza shovel, also known as a pizza peel, is a versatile tool that can be used for various tasks during the pizza-making process. From transferring the pizza dough onto a hot pizza stone in the oven to sliding the finished pizza out of the oven and onto a serving tray, a pizza shovel is designed to handle the entire pizza-making process with ease and precision.
The best pizza shovels are made from high-quality materials such as wood or stainless steel. Wood peels are traditional and add a rustic, authentic feel to your pizza-making experience, while stainless steel peels are durable, easy to clean, and provide a sleek, modern look. Additionally, a good pizza shovel should have a long handle, allowing you to safely reach deep into the oven without getting too close to the heat source.
Benefits of Using a Pizza Shovel
As a professional pizzaiolo, I can confidently say that using a pizza shovel, or pizza peel, has numerous benefits when it comes to making and serving pizzas. Whether you are preparing pizzas at home or in a commercial setting, a pizza shovel is an essential tool that can greatly enhance your pizza-making experience.
1. Easy handling and maneuverability: One of the main advantages of using a pizza shovel is its ease of use. The long handle allows for a comfortable grip, making it easy to lift and slide pizzas in and out of the oven. The flat, wide surface of the shovel provides stability, ensuring that your pizza remains intact during the transfer process.
2. Efficient baking results: Using a pizza shovel helps to ensure that your pizza bakes evenly and thoroughly. By using a shovel to transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or oven rack, you allow for better air circulation, resulting in a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings. The thin, durable surface of the shovel also helps to prevent the pizza from sticking, ensuring a seamless transition from peel to oven.
- 3. Versatility: Pizza shovels are not limited to just transferring pizzas in and out of the oven. They can also be used to prep pizzas by serving as a surface for kneading and shaping dough, as well as dusting it with flour or cornmeal for easy release. Additionally, pizza shovels can be used as serving platters, allowing you to present your pizza creations in a stylish and professional manner.
- 4. Safety and hygiene: Using a pizza shovel ensures that you can handle hot pizza without the risk of burning your hands. With the long handle of the shovel, you can easily reach into the oven without coming into direct contact with the heat source. In addition, using a pizza shovel makes it easier to maintain good hygiene practices in the kitchen. The smooth surface of the shovel can be easily cleaned and sanitized, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
In conclusion, a pizza shovel is an indispensable tool for any pizza lover or professional pizzaiolo. Its ease of use, efficient baking results, versatility, and safety benefits make it a must-have item in any pizza-making arsenal. So, whether you are a home cook or a professional, consider investing in a high-quality pizza shovel to enhance your pizza-making experience.
Tips for Properly Using a Pizza Shovel
Using a pizza shovel, also known as a pizza peel, can be a game changer when it comes to making and serving pizza. Here are some tips to help you use a pizza shovel like a pro:
- Preheat the shovel: Before placing the dough or pizza on the shovel, make sure it is preheated. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the shovel and make it easier to slide the pizza onto the baking stone or into the oven.
- Use flour or cornmeal: Sprinkle flour or cornmeal on the shovel to create a non-stick surface. This will help the pizza slide off easily and prevent it from sticking to the shovel.
- Slide the shovel under the pizza: When transferring the pizza from the counter or work surface onto the shovel, gently slide the shovel under the pizza. Be careful not to tear the dough or disturb the toppings.
- Hold the shovel at an angle: When sliding the pizza into the oven, hold the shovel at a slight angle to ensure a smooth transition from the shovel to the oven. This will help prevent the pizza from folding or sticking to the oven rack.
- Gently shake the shovel: Once the pizza is in the oven, give the shovel a gentle shake to ensure the pizza is not sticking and to help it settle into place.
- Rotate the pizza: As the pizza bakes, rotate it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use the shovel to remove the pizza: When the pizza is fully cooked, slide the shovel under the pizza and carefully lift it out of the oven. Use caution and oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat.
- Allow the pizza to cool: Before cutting and serving the pizza, allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will help the cheese set and prevent the toppings from sliding off.
In conclusion, using a pizza shovel properly can make the process of making and serving pizza much easier. By preheating the shovel, using flour or cornmeal, sliding the shovel under the pizza, holding it at an angle, gently shaking it, rotating the pizza, using the shovel to remove the pizza, and allowing it to cool, you can ensure that your pizza turns out delicious and perfectly cooked every time.
10 Best Pizza Shovel
Fontana Forni Outdoor Kitchen Stainless Steel Ash Shovel, For Pizza Ovens and BBQ Grills, Adjustable Length up to 120 Centimeters, Resistant to Heat and...
Features
| Part Number | JCSH-47-SEC |
- DURABLE & RESISTANT TO HEAT & CORROSION: This shovel is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and designed to withstand the high temperatures of your pizza oven
- EFFICIENT ASH REMOVAL: This shovel has a head size 315 x 215mm which provides a large surface area for ash removal, making your cleaning removal process quicker and more effective
- MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE FROM HEAT: With the total length of 120cm the shovel provides excellent control during the cleaning process
- EASY STORAGE: Help prolong the lifespan of the brush when not in use with the 3-section D-Loops end cap
- ADJUSTABLE LENGTH: Adjust the handle as needed
Chicago Brick Oven Combo Of Pizza Paddle, 35.5" with Detachable 21" Wooden Handle, Pizza Steel Spatula, Pizza Shovel And Pizza Oven Ash Rake Hook Scraper,...
Features
| Part Number | 810096802316 |
| Model | 810096802316 |
| Color | Wood and Aluminum |
- EASY HANDLING: Pizza-making process is made easy with our 12-inch by 14-inch pizza turning peel. 21-inch detachable long handle pizza spatula is 35.5-inches long in total. Maneuvering and rotating pizza in a hot oven with our pizza board is a breeze.
- PIZZA TURNING PEEL: Aluminum blade of this pizza cooker is optimally sized for easy maneuvering. Natural wooden handle prevents your hands from getting burned, perfect for indoor or outdoor pizza oven
- 50" LONG WOODEN HANDLE: Keep fingers burn free with our long coal rake for grill. Total length of 50" makes our bbq shovel one of the longest on the market. Charcoal poker is long enough to prevent burns and improve safety.
- 2.5" HOOK: Robust hook makes it easy and effortless to use. Our ash tool is versatile and can be also used as fireplace rake. Our wood fired pizza oven tools are a must have tools for any cooking enthusiast.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Sanded wooden handle of our pizza oven spatula is smooth to touch. Features leather strap to showcase and hang pizza shovel. Tapered edge makes it easier to slide under dough. Rounded corners make it safe to handle.
VEVOR OUTDOOR Pizza Oven, 12 Inch Wood Fired Pizza Ovens, Pellet Pizza Stove with Thermometer, Portable Pizza Maker for Outside Backyard Patio Camping, Pizza...
Features
| Part Number | 22.9 lbs Portable Outdoor Oven |
| Model | GB-PO12 |
| Color | Black (spray) |
| Size | 12 Inch Wood Pizza Oven |
- Efficient Baking: Preheat in 15 minutes, bake in 90 seconds, with temperatures reaching up to 1000°F / 540℃. Perfect for baking 12-inch pizzas and cooking various meats, fish, and vegetables.
- Multiple Fuels: Wood pellets, wood chips, and charcoal can all be used as fuel. Featuring a 450g large-capacity fuel funnel and separate feed port, reducing the need for mid-session refueling, making it easy to add and handle fuel pellets.
- Insulated Materials: Stainless steel 430 inner frame, cold-rolled plate shell, minimizing heat loss for faster heating and higher temperatures. Upgraded thickened cordierite pizza stone packaging reduces transportation damage.
- Portability: Foldable legs for easy transport, lightweight for use in various outdoor settings. Comes with a pellet scoop and storage bag accessories.
- Simple Operation: Load fuel, ignite, preheat the pizza oven, place the pizza inside, occasionally rotate by hand to prevent scorching, and enjoy your meal.
Cartman Outdoor 12" Wood Fired Portable Pizza Ovens & Pizza Cutter & Pizza Peel & Pellet Shovel
Features
| Part Number | C1168F |
| Model | C1168F |
| Color | BLACK |
| Size | 28.3"*15.6"*24.7" |
- Complete Professional kit: peel, shovel, cutter.
- Built-in thermometer for precise cooking control.
- Effortlessly rotate pizza stone for even heating.
- Cordierite stone retains heat, fits up to pizza.
- No burnt surfaces with enhanced curve and height.
4 Piece Pizza Oven Kit Pizza Turning Peel 9 Inch, Perforated Pizza Peel, Pizza Oven Brush, Ash Rake, Wood Burning Commercial Pizza Oven Accessoires for Home,...
Features
| Color | Grey |
| Size | 4 Set |
- WHATS INCLUDED: A 12'' x 14" aluminum rectangular pizza peel, a 9" round turning peel, a 6.2" x 2.2” adjustable rotating brush with brass bristles, an ash rake
- LIGHTWEIGHT PEELS: Both of two are balanced in weight, the rectangular perforated peel is easy to lift and maneuver pizzas to and from your oven while the round peel is ideal for maneuvering and rotating your pizza as cook
- CLEAN TOOLS: The adjustable, precision-angled brush ensures a comprehensive cleansing of your oven's every nook, whilst the ash rake offers swift and thorough removal of debris
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Made from high-grade aluminum for strength, endurance against heat and rust, and prepared to face the elements for outdoor storage year-round. This kit all comes with a long handle and insulating silicone sleeve on the end
- THE PIZZA ARTISAN'S CHOICE: For convenient carrying and storage, each tool is detachable and has a hanging hole at the end of the handle. Ideal pizza set for restaurant or homemade use
FAQ:
What is a pizza shovel?
A pizza shovel, also known as a pizza peel, is a tool used to transfer pizza in and out of the oven. It typically has a long handle and a flat, wide paddle on one end.
What is the best material for a pizza shovel?
The best material for a pizza shovel is wood or aluminum. Wood is traditional and helps prevent sticking, while aluminum is lightweight and easy to clean.
What is the best size for a pizza shovel?
The best size for a pizza shovel depends on the size of your pizza and your personal preference. Generally, a pizza shovel with a paddle size of about 14 inches is suitable for most home ovens.
What are the features to consider when choosing a pizza shovel?
When choosing a pizza shovel, consider the material, size, handle length, and whether it has a beveled edge for easy sliding. Also, make sure it is sturdy and comfortable to hold.
What is the best pizza shovel for a wood-fired oven?
For a wood-fired oven, a pizza shovel made of wood or aluminum with a longer handle is recommended. The longer handle helps to keep your hands away from the heat and flames.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best pizza shovel is a crucial decision for any pizza lover. With so many different options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is worth the investment. However, considering factors such as size, material, and handle design can help narrow down the options. Ultimately, the best pizza shovel will be one that is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use. It should also be able to handle the weight of a pizza without bending or breaking. By carefully considering these factors, pizza enthusiasts can find a shovel that enhances their pizza-making experience and ensures a delicious outcome every time.
