Quick answer
Use a pizza peel to slide raw pizza onto a preheated, oiled griddle, then rotate and remove it with the same peel for a crisp, even crust.
Why a Wooden Peel Works Best on a Griddle
A wooden pizza peel, like the Blackstone 12" Pizza Peel made of Acacia wood, is ideal for griddle use because it won't scratch the cooking surface and provides a smooth, non-stick launching platform. Its beveled edge helps slide the pizza off cleanly, and the textured plastic handle stays cool during use.
Trade-Off: Wood vs. Metal Peels
Metal peels are thinner and can slide under a fully cooked pizza more easily, but they can scratch a seasoned griddle top and conduct heat, making the handle hot. Wood peels are gentler on your griddle and better for launching raw dough, but they require handwashing and occasional conditioning to prevent cracking.
How to Use a Pizza Peel on a Griddle: Step by Step
- Prepare the peel with flour or cornmeal: Dust the wooden peel generously with flour, cornmeal, or semolina. This creates a layer of tiny rollers that let the dough slide off easily. Common mistake: using too little dusting causes the dough to stick. Add more if the dough resists sliding.
- Assemble the pizza on the peel: Place the stretched dough on the floured peel, then add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Work quickly to prevent the dough from absorbing moisture and sticking. Checkpoint: shake the peel gently after adding toppings. If the pizza doesn't move, lift the edge and add more flour underneath.
- Launch the pizza onto the hot griddle: Preheat the griddle to medium-high (about 400-450°F). Angle the peel slightly downward and give a quick, confident forward jerk. The pizza should slide off in one motion. Common mistake: hesitating or pushing slowly can cause the pizza to fold or stick. Commit to the motion.
- Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking: After 2-3 minutes, slide the peel under one edge of the pizza and rotate it 180 degrees. This ensures even browning on a griddle where heat may vary. Checkpoint: if the peel won't slide under, the bottom isn't crisp enough yet. Wait another 30-60 seconds.
- Remove the pizza with the peel: Once the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, slide the peel fully under the pizza and lift it off the griddle. Let it rest on a cutting board for a minute before slicing. Common mistake: trying to lift the pizza with your hands or tongs can break the crust. Always use the peel for removal.
Product Facts
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12" Pizza Peel: Made of Acacia wood with a textured plastic handle; handle is 7 inches long; beveled edge for easy pizza launch; handwash recommended; 1 year warranty. The beveled edge helps you slide the pizza onto the griddle without tearing the dough, and the long handle keeps your hand away from the heat.
12" Pizza Peel
