A great pizza night starts with prepping your oven and picking the right tools. Discover the ones that suit you best!
Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved dishes around the world. Eating it is fun, but making your own pizza? That’s a whole new level. Preparing it together becomes a special moment of sharing, fun, and creativity.
Getting your oven ready for a pizza night with friends might feel overwhelming at first, but with our guide, it’ll turn into a simple, exciting, and rewarding experience—for you and your guests.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be itching to plan your next pizza night!
What’s the Best Wood for Pizza Ovens?
If you’re using a wood-fired oven, the type of wood you choose is key to achieving the perfect pizza bake. Using the wrong wood can not only make it harder to heat the oven properly, but it can also ruin the flavor and texture of your pizza.
First and foremost, make sure you’re using dry, seasoned wood. Fresh or damp wood doesn’t burn hot enough and produces too much smoke, which will affect both the heat and the taste.
So, which woods are best? The top picks among pizza pros are beech and oak they burn hot and long. Other great options include acacia, olive, and cherry. Olive and cherry woods are especially good for longer bakes thanks to their aromatic qualities. Let’s break it down:
- Beech wood: The go-to choice—burns hot and clean, with minimal soot.
- Oak wood: Another top option—provides intense heat with a neutral aroma.
- Cherry wood: Burns evenly and infuses a gentle fruity aroma into the crust.
- Olive wood: Long-lasting burn and a distinct, rich aroma—perfect for gourmet results.
Avoid treated or resinous woods (like pine or fir). They can release harmful substances and leave unpleasant flavors on your pizza.
How to Use a Pizza Peel Like a Pro
One of the most essential pizza-making tools is the pizza peel. It allows you to smoothly transfer your pizza in and out of the oven.
Pizza peels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials—each with its own advantages.
The most popular type is the perforated aluminum peel. It’s lightweight and easy to handle. The holes let excess flour fall through before reaching the oven, reducing the risk of burning or smoking.
Wooden peels are a more traditional option and are great for preparing pizzas before the bake or for certain styles like “pizza alla pala”. They’re gentle on the oven surface and help the dough slide easily—though they’re less durable than metal peels.
As for technique, mastering the peel is at the heart of becoming a true pizzaiolo. Experts can slide a pizza onto the peel with a single flick, no hands needed!
If you’re just getting started, dust your peel with a bit of flour first. Then, gently lift and stretch the pizza dough onto the peel—either alone or with a friend’s help—being careful not to tear it.
When it’s time to launch the pizza into the oven, give it a quick shake to remove excess flour, then slide it in with a firm, confident motion.
Where to Find the Best Accessories for Your Oven
In this guide, you’ve learned about choosing the best wood and using one of the most important tools in a pizza chef’s arsenal: the peel.
To host the perfect pizza night, you’ll need high-quality tools made for the job. At Alfa Forni, we offer a full range of professional-grade accessories designed to deliver top results just like the world’s best pizzaiolos.
On our website, you’ll find a wide catalog that includes peels, small turning peels, brushes, and everything else you need to create an authentic pizza experience at home.
And while you’re there, check out our recipes and tips for crafting the perfect homemade pizza great for sharing with friends!
