A pizza turning peel is crucial for baking in a scorching oven. In this review of the Ooni Turning Peel, I’ll share insights gained from baking over 1000 pizzas with it in the last three years.
We’ll closely examine its features, usability, and value to determine if it’s the right choice for your pizza-making setup. For more options, check out our guide to the best pizza turning peels, covering various oven types and sizes.
Keep reading to find out if the Ooni turning peel is the best option for your pizza adventures.
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04/15/2024 06:50 pm GMT
Ooni turning peel overview
The Ooni turning peel is designed with the needs of home pizza chefs in mind. Especially those using portable, high-temperature pizza ovens like the Ooni Karu 16 and Gozney Arc. Here’s a detailed overview of the key features to help you assess whether it fits your pizza-making setup.
Key features:
Head size: The peel features a head width of 7 inches (17 cm) in diameter, making it ideal for 12-inch Neapolitan pies
Overall length: The peel has an overall length of 32 inches (80 cm), the perfect length for smaller portable pizza ovens, as well as home ovens.
Weight: At just 1 pound (0.4 kg), this peel is exceptionally lightweight.
Materials: Made from high-quality aluminum and equipped with a handle of heat-resistant glass-reinforced nylon, this peel offers durability and can withstand high temperatures during pizza baking.
The Ooni turning peel combines practical design with durable materials to suit the high demands of home pizza baking. With its size and lightweight, it caters well to both outdoor pizza and indoor pizza ovens.
Next, we’ll take an in-depth look at each aspect of this peel. From its design and functionality to its durability, to help you determine if it’s the ideal choice for your pizza-making needs.
Detailed review of the Ooni pizza turning peel
Have you ever struggled with burnt pizza? I’ve been there, and that’s why I want to take you through a detailed exploration of the Ooni turning peel. This peel has been a part of my pizza-making journey for the last three years.
Design and functionality
I like the overall design of the Ooni turning peel. It’s well put together and easy to use. The 7-inch head of the peel is perfectly sized for 12-inch Neapolitan pizzas. And the thin blade of the head slides easily under the pizza without disturbing the soft dough.
The peel is 32 inches (80 cm) long, which works great with my Oonipizza oven. But the relatively short handle also works great in my small kitchen where space is limited.
One of the things that surprised me about the Ooni pizza turning peel the first time I used it was how incredibly light it is. At just 1 pound (0.4 kg), it’s the lightest turning peel I’ve used. This makes it very easy to handle, even during longer pizza-making sessions.
Material and build quality
The Ooni turning peel is made from sturdy aluminum. Thie makes it light and able to handle the intense heat of pizza ovens. After using it regularly for three years, I’ve noticed some wear on the peel’s surface. This hasn’t affected how it works, but it does make me wonder about how long the aluminum will last looking good.
Compared to my Gi.Metal turning peel, the Ooni peel shows more signs of wear. To be fair, I haven’t used the Gi. Metal peel as much as the Ooni peel, but it seems to hold up much better. If you’re thinking about how your peel will hold up over time, take a look at this side-by-side photo of the two peels
Comperasion between the Ooni aluminum turning peel and Gi metal stainless steel, showing how the Ooni peel is waring down
I’m happy with the overall build quality of the Ooni pizza turning peel peel. The handle is made from a heat-resistant glass-reinforced nylon that stays cool, even when things get really hot. This is a big plus over metal handles, which can get too hot to touch. The head of the peel is also solidly attached to the handle with strong bolts. This keeps everything stable and durable. Check out this close-up photo of the bolts and the joint to see the solid craftsmanship
Even with the surface wear, the Ooni peel is well-made. It’s sturdy and does the job well, making it a reliable tool for anyone who loves making pizza.
Handle length and comfort
The handle on the Ooni turning peel is thoughtfully designed and comfortable. It measures about 25 inches, making it just right for reaching into both small ovens, like the Ooni, and home ovens without putting you too close to the heat.
The peel itself is quite light, which helps in managing the peel smoothly, especially during busy pizza sessions when you’re turning pizzas frequently. This lightness also reduces the strain on your wrists and arms. This is a big plus if you’re making multiple pizzas in one go.
The material of the handle, heat-resistant nylon, not only keeps it cool but also provides a secure grip. However, the edges of the handle could be smoother. Compared to my Gi. Metal peel, which has a very comfortable grip, the Ooni‘s handle feels a bit rough around the edges. This isn’t a dealbreaker. But it’s something to consider if you prefer a peel that’s comfortable to hold for long periods.
Overall, I like the handle design of the Ooni turning peel. It does a great job of blending functionality with comfort, making it easier to manage your pizzas.
Ease of use
Using the Ooni turning peel feels intuitive and straightforward, especially if you’re frequently cooking pizzas at home. The lightweight design makes maneuvering the peel effortless, which is a huge advantage when you’re busy in the kitchen.
The thin blade of the peel is particularly effective. It slides under uncooked pizza pizzas easily, lifting them without any hassle. This prevents the raw dough from tearing or sticking to the baking surfacs. And that’s crucial when handling sticky, high-hydration pizza dough or fully topped pies.
However, the weight and balance of the Ooni peel might take some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to heavier, more robust peels. While its lightness might initially feel a bit flimsy, it’s not necessarily a drawback. Adapting to its feel can quickly turn it into an extension of your hand, making it second nature to use.
Maintenance and longevity
Keeping the Ooni turning peel in shape is straightforward. Unlike wooden peels that can warp and crack, rr other metal peels that may rust, an aluminum peel like this one requires minimal maintenance.
After baking, I simply wipe off the peel with warm water and mild soap, and any residue comes off easily. It’s important to let it dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
It’s worth noting that the Ooni turning peel is not dishwasher safe. This isn’t much of an issue for me since it wouldn’t fit in my dishwasher anyway, but it’s good to keep in mind.
As I mentioned earlier, the aluminum surface of the peel does show signs of wear over time, but it still performs well. This wear is mostly cosmetic and doesn’t affect the peel’s ability to smoothly slide under and lift pizzas.
Like any aluminum peel, the longevity of the Ooni turning peel depends on how much you use it. In a home setting, you can expect this peel to last for many years. But if you’re looking for a peel to run a small pizza business or host frequent pizza events, other peels might be a better fit, offering greater durability with heavier use.
Price and value: Is the Ooni pizza turning peel worth it?
The Ooni turning peel is priced at around $60, a reasonable rate given its features and functionality.
This places it in the middle of the market in terms of price, striking a good balance between cost and quality. For those just starting out, there are cheaper alternatives available, including a basic wooden peel. Conversely, for professionals or serious enthusiasts seeking more durable equipment, more expensive peels might offer better longevity and performance.
The peel’s lightweight design, ease of use, and durable materials make it a solid investment to improce your home pizza-making experience. While it may show some cosmetic wear over time, this does not impact its performance. The peel remains effective and reliable for handling pizzas, proving to be a practical tool for regular use.
For casual home users and those new to pizza making, the Ooni turning peel is an excellent choice. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality, providing the essential features needed for effective pizza handling without the cost of professional-grade equipment.
Conclusion: Is the Ooni Turning Peel right for you?
The Ooni turning peel is an excellent choice for both small pizza ovens and indoor oven use. It’s well-built, lightweight, and reasonably priced. This makes it a solid option if you’re just starting out with pizza-making.
However, the aluminum does show visible wear over time. While this wear doesn’t affect the functionality of the peel, it might be a concern if you plan to use the peel a lot. For example, if you’re running a small pizza business or hosting frequent pizza events. If you need a tool for heavy-duty use, you may want to consider more durable options. Stainless are better suited for intense, all-day baking.
For casual home chefs and pizza enthusiasts, the Ooni turning peel offers great value, balancing affordability with the essential features needed for effective pizza handling. If you’re ready to elevate your pizza game without breaking the bank, the Ooni turning pizza peel could be the perfect tool for you.
Andreas, the founder of The Pizza Heaven, has spent the last 20 years mastering the art and craft of Neapolitan pizza. With a profound passion for pizza, sharing, and teaching, he launched this website in 2019 to guide both new and seasoned pizza-makers in elevating their Neapolitan pizza skills.
