As a chef, having the right tools and knowing how to take care of them is essential. One of the most important tools in the kitchen is the pizza peel. It’s used to move pizzas in and out of the oven and is made of metal. Many cooks may not consider it, but one of the best ways to keep your pizza peel in top shape is to oil it.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of oiling your metal pizza peel, the types of oil to use, and the best frequency for oiling. We’ll also answer the question: should you oil a metal pizza peel? Whether you’re a professional pizza maker or a home cook, this post will give you the information you need to take care of your pizza peel and ensure great results every time.
Should you oil a metal pizza peel?
1. Benefits of oiling a metal pizza peel
Oiling your metal pizza peel is a great way to ensure that your pizza slides off the peel with ease and doesn’t stick. Regular oiling of your pizza peel also helps to reduce rusting and corrosion – keeping it looking and working like new for longer. Oiling your metal pizza peel regularly also means that you don’t need to use extra flour or cornmeal when transferring the pizza from the peel to the oven. This not only saves you time but also reduces the risk of burning your pizza on the oven floor.
2. Different oils to use for pizza peels
When it comes to oiling a metal pizza peel, the type of oil you use is important. Different oils have different properties, so it’s important to choose the right one for your pizza peel. Generally, the best oil to use for a metal pizza peel is vegetable oil or food-grade mineral oil.
Vegetable oil is great for repelling moisture and keeping your pizza peel from rusting, and it also helps the pizza slide off the peel more easily. Food-grade mineral oil is also a good choice, as it is flavorless and odorless.
Other oils that can work are olive oil, peanut oil, and coconut oil, but they should be used sparingly, as they can leave behind an unpleasant taste on the pizza.
3. How to apply the oil
- To apply the oil, start by ensuring your pizza peel is clean and dry.
- Next, use a clean cloth or paper towel to apply a thin, even layer of oil to the surface. Olive oil is a popular choice, but any food-grade oil should work. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the handle.
- Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Your pizza peel is now ready to use!
4. How often should a pizza peel be oiled
If you want your metal pizza peel to last, it’s important that you take the time to oil it regularly. To keep it in prime condition, you should oil it at least once per month. It’s best to use a food-safe oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, to coat the entire surface of the peel. Once you’ve applied the oil, let it sit for about an hour, and then wipe off any excess. This will help protect the metal from rusting and ensure that it slides easily under pizzas for many years to come.
5. Why you should avoid using butter or cooking spray
When deciding whether or not to oil a metal pizza peel, it is important to consider what types of cooking oils and fats you should avoid using. Butter and cooking spray are two of the least desirable options due to their high-fat content. Butter can easily burn and cause sticking, while cooking spray can leave an unpleasant residue.
Additionally, the ingredients found in cooking sprays are not always ideal for cooking, so it is best to avoid them. Olive oil or other cooking oils are better options for lubricating a metal pizza peel.
6. Tips for cleaning a metal pizza peel
Despite its hardiness, metal pizza peels do need to be cleaned occasionally for optimal performance. Here are 6 tips for cleaning a metal pizza peel properly:
- 1. Before starting, make sure to unplug any electric pizza peel and put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from abrasive cleaning agents.
- 2. Scrape off any excess dough and food particles with a plastic spatula.
- 3. Soak the pizza peel in warm water and detergent for 10 minutes.
- 4. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away any dirt and grime.
- 5. Rinse off the pizza peel with warm water.
- 6. Dry the pizza peel with a lint-free cloth before storing.
- 7. How to store a metal pizza peel
It is important to store a metal pizza peel properly to ensure it lasts for many years. To ensure your metal pizza peel is well-maintained, it should be wiped off after each use and stored in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, you should consider oiling the pizza peel before storing it away. This will act as a barrier to protect it from corrosion and rust. When possible, store the pizza peel in a sealed container or wrap it in a cloth to keep the moisture out. Doing so will help prevent any damage over time.
8. Benefits of using a metal pizza peel over a wooden one
When it comes to pizza peels, many cooks might opt for the classic wooden variety. But there’s a good reason to consider switching to a metal pizza peel instead. Here are 8 benefits of using a metal pizza peel over a wooden one:
- 1. Improved durability. Metal pizza peels are much more durable than wooden ones, meaning they won’t warp over time or break when you’re sliding your pizza into the oven.
- 2. Better heat retention. Metal pizza peels retain heat better than wooden peels, which makes them ideal for transferring hot pizzas into the oven.
- 3. Easy to clean. Metal pizza peels are much easier to clean than wooden peels, as they can be quickly wiped down or even tossed in the dishwasher.
- 4. Greater control. Metal pizza peels offer greater control when transferring pizza into the oven, as they’re less prone to sliding.
- 5. Won’t absorb moisture. Wooden peels can absorb moisture, which can lead to soggy pizza crusts. Metal pizza peels don’t have this issue.
- 6. Don’t leave wood particles in your pizza.
In conclusion, whether you choose to oil a metal pizza peel or not is a personal decision. Oiling a metal pizza peel will help to prevent sticking, but it may also cause the pizza peel to smoke when heated. If you do choose to oil your metal pizza peel, make sure that you use a food-safe, high-heat-resistant oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil. Regardless of your choice, always keep your pizza peel clean and dry to maximize its life.
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