When it comes to achieving restaurant-quality pizza at home, having the right tools is essential. We have compiled a list of the top tools for baking pizza at home based on expert recommendations and testing. These tools will help you perfect your homemade pizzas, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pizza maker.
From pizza making essentials to must-have pizza baking equipment, we’ve got you covered. Our selection of home pizza baking essentials includes tools for making pizza at home that are indispensable for creating delicious, professional-looking pizzas.
To start off, the most important tool for making consistently good pizza dough from scratch is a kitchen scale. Measuring cups and spoons are not accurate enough for baking, but a kitchen scale provides precise measurements, ensuring consistent dough every time. The OXO Stainless Steel Scale is our top recommendation, thanks to its dual metric and imperial units, large capacity, and easy-to-read display.
Another versatile tool that you shouldn’t overlook is a bench scraper. This handy tool is essential for handling pizza dough, as it can be used to pick up stray bits of dough, clean up flour, and even transfer ingredients to the stove. The OXO Stainless Steel Scraper is a top choice, with its sharp blade and ergonomic design that makes it ideal for dividing dough and tackling various kitchen tasks.
Choosing the right baking surface is also crucial for achieving the perfect pizza crust. The Original Baking Steel is highly recommended for its superior conductivity and heat capacity, resulting in crispier crusts. Alternatively, baking stones are a more affordable option that still yields excellent results. And, not to forget, wooden pizza peels like the ones from The Baker’s Board or American Metalcraft are preferred for launching and transferring pizzas to the oven with ease.
When it comes to turning and cutting pizzas, having the right tools makes the job easier. A turner peel, such as the ones from American Metalcraft or Ooni, is designed for easily turning pizzas while they cook, ensuring even cooking. And for cutting pizzas, a pizza cutter is essential for clean slices. The Love This Kitchen rocker blade cutter and the OXO roller pizza cutter are popular choices that deliver perfect slices every time.
For those serious pizza enthusiasts, investing in an outdoor pizza oven can take your homemade pizzas to the next level. The Ooni Koda Pizza Oven and Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven are highly recommended for their ease of use and professional-level results. If you prefer to bake indoors, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is an excellent choice, replicating the cooking environment of a wood-fired oven.
If you’re looking for alternative options, a cast iron skillet can be used to make pan pizza with a crispy bottom crust. The Lodge cast iron pizza pan is a versatile choice that can also be used for other cooking purposes. Additionally, a rimmed baking sheet is ideal for making square Sicilian-style pizzas, and it can double as a roasting pan.
Finally, for those who want to simplify the pizza dough-making process, a stand mixer or food processor can be invaluable. A food processor, such as the Magimix, is recommended for making smooth and supple dough quickly. The Escali Primo digital scale is also mentioned as a top pick for precise ingredient measurements. Other additional tools mentioned include guitar hangers for storing pizza peels and pastry cutters for perfect sauce consistency.
With these essential tools for baking pizza at home, you’ll be well-equipped to create mouthwatering pizzas that rival those from your favorite pizzerias. Stay tuned for more tips and recipes to elevate your pizza-making game!
The Importance of a Kitchen Scale
When it comes to baking accurate and consistent pizza dough from scratch, there is one tool that stands above the rest: a kitchen scale. Measuring cups and spoons may seem convenient, but they often lead to imprecise measurements, which can greatly impact the final result of your pizza. With a kitchen scale, you can ensure precise ingredient measurements every time, resulting in consistently delicious dough.
Using a kitchen scale eliminates the guesswork that comes with measuring ingredients by volume. Instead, you can weigh ingredients in grams or ounces, which provides a much more accurate representation of the actual amount you need. This level of precision is crucial when it comes to baking, where slight variations in ingredients can greatly affect the texture and consistency of your dough.
One highly recommended kitchen scale is the OXO Stainless Steel Scale. This scale offers dual metric and imperial units, making it suitable for any recipe. Its large capacity allows you to weigh both dry and wet ingredients, while its easy-to-read display ensures clear visibility, even in a busy kitchen.
Using a kitchen scale not only enhances the accuracy of your measurements but also improves the overall baking experience. It allows you to follow recipes more precisely, ensuring consistent results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning to explore the world of homemade pizza, investing in a kitchen scale is a game-changer for achieving baking accuracy.
Benefits of Using a Kitchen Scale:
- Precision: Accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
- Consistency: Achieve the same dough texture and consistency every time.
- Recipe Adaptation: Easily scale recipes up or down by adjusting ingredient weights.
- Efficiency: Save time by weighing ingredients directly into mixing bowls or containers.
By using a kitchen scale, you’ll take your homemade pizza dough to a whole new level of perfection. Embrace the precision and accuracy it offers, and elevate your baking game.
The Versatility of a Bench Scraper
A bench scraper is a versatile kitchen tool that is essential for handling pizza dough. Its sharp blade and ergonomic design make it ideal for a wide range of dough handling tasks. Whether you need to pick up stray bits of dough, clean up flour, or transfer ingredients to the stove, a bench scraper is the perfect tool for the job.
“A bench scraper is a must-have tool for any home baker. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in the kitchen, especially when it comes to working with pizza dough.”
One recommended option is the OXO Stainless Steel Scraper, which offers a durable blade and comfortable grip. Its sharp edge allows for easy division of dough, while its ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable hold. The scraper’s stainless steel construction also makes it easy to clean, allowing for effortless cleanup after use.
Here are some key reasons why a bench scraper is an indispensable tool for anyone working with pizza dough:
- Efficient dough handling: The sharp blade of a bench scraper allows for precise dough cutting and dividing, ensuring consistency in your pizza crusts.
- Easy cleanup: The stainless steel material of the OXO Stainless Steel Scraper is easy to wipe clean, making post-baking cleanup a breeze.
- Multi-purpose usage: In addition to dough handling, a bench scraper can be used for scraping off excess flour, transferring ingredients to a pan, and even cleaning up countertops.
The OXO Stainless Steel Scraper
With its sharp blade and ergonomic design, the OXO Stainless Steel Scraper is a versatile kitchen tool that will make your pizza dough handling tasks much easier. Its easy cleanup and multi-purpose usage make it a valuable addition to any home baker’s toolbox.
Choosing the Right Baking Surface
The choice of a baking surface greatly affects the final result of your pizza. Whether you prefer a crispy thin crust or a thick and chewy crust, selecting the right baking surface is essential. Let’s explore two popular options: baking steel and baking stone.
Baking Steel
When it comes to achieving a perfectly crisp and evenly cooked crust, baking steel is our top recommendation. Baking steel is known for its superior conductivity, which allows it to absorb and distribute heat more efficiently than other materials. This results in a crust that is beautifully browned on the bottom and perfectly cooked throughout.
Additionally, baking steel has excellent heat capacity, meaning it retains heat well and bakes pizzas quickly. This is especially beneficial if you’re cooking multiple pizzas in a row. The Original Baking Steel is a popular choice among pizza enthusiasts, praised for its durability and even heat distribution.
Not only is baking steel suitable for baking pizzas, but it can also double as a stovetop griddle. It’s a versatile cooking surface that can be used for various other dishes like pancakes, seared steaks, and more.
Baking Stone
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still yields excellent results, a baking stone is a fantastic choice. Baking stones are made from natural materials like ceramic or cordierite and are known for their ability to absorb moisture from the dough, resulting in a crispy crust.
When using a baking stone, it’s important to preheat it in the oven for optimal results. Once hot, the stone will transfer heat to the pizza, creating a crispy bottom crust. The stone also helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing any hot or cold spots that may affect the baking process.
Wooden pizza peels are essential accessories when using a baking stone. They allow you to easily launch and transfer pizzas to and from the oven without disturbing the delicate dough. The Baker’s Board and American Metalcraft offer high-quality wooden pizza peels that are highly recommended by pizza enthusiasts.
Whether you choose a baking steel or a baking stone, both options will elevate your homemade pizzas to restaurant-quality standards. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Whichever surface you choose, you’re sure to enjoy delicious homemade pizzas with perfectly cooked crusts.
Tools for Turning and Cutting Pizzas
When it comes to baking the perfect pizza, having the right tools for turning and cutting is crucial. These tools ensure even cooking and deliver clean, precise slices every time. Let’s take a closer look at the essential tools for turning and cutting pizzas:
Pizza Turner Peel
A pizza turner peel, also known as a small peel or a pizza spatula, is designed specifically for easily turning pizzas while they cook. Its flat, wide surface allows you to slide the peel underneath the pizza and lift it effortlessly, ensuring that your pizza is evenly cooked. We recommend the American Metalcraft or Ooni perforated peel for their high-quality construction and durability. With these tools, you can master the art of turning pizzas with ease.
Pizza Cutter
Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, it’s time to cut it into slices. A pizza cutter is an essential tool for achieving clean and uniform slices. The Love This Kitchen rocker blade cutter is a popular choice among pizza enthusiasts. Its curved blade design allows for effortless rocking motion, cutting through the crust and toppings smoothly. For those who prefer a traditional style pizza cutter, the OXO roller pizza cutter is a reliable option that delivers perfectly cut slices every time.
With these essential tools for turning and cutting pizzas, you can elevate your pizza-making skills and create delicious, professional-looking pizzas in the comfort of your own home.
“Having the right tools for turning and cutting pizzas is crucial for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.”
Outdoor Pizza Ovens for Serious Pizza Enthusiasts
For serious pizza enthusiasts, investing in an outdoor pizza oven can take your homemade pizzas to the next level. The Ooni Koda Pizza Oven and Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven are highly recommended for their ease of use and professional-level results. These gas-powered pizza ovens heat up quickly and can reach high temperatures, resulting in perfectly cooked pizzas with crispy crusts. The Ooni Koda Pizza Oven is designed for outdoor use and features a compact and portable design, making it ideal for camping trips or backyard gatherings. The Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven offers the option to use both wood and charcoal as fuel sources, allowing you to achieve the unmistakable flavor of a wood-fired pizza.
If you prefer to bake your pizzas indoors, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is an excellent choice. This innovative countertop oven is specifically designed to replicate the cooking environment of a wood-fired oven. With a maximum temperature of 750°F (400°C) and advanced heating technology, it delivers professional-level results with perfectly charred crusts and just the right amount of melt on the cheese.
Comparison of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
| Pizza Oven | Power Source | Temperature Range | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ooni Koda Pizza Oven | Gas | Up to 932°F (500°C) | – Compact and portable design – Easy to use and clean – Quick heat-up time |
$299.00 |
| Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven | Wood and Charcoal | Up to 932°F (500°C) | – Multi-fuel versatility – Adjustable flame height – Stainless steel body |
$499.00 |
| Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo | Electric | Up to 750°F (400°C) | – Built-in Element iQ system – Customizable settings – Integrated pizza stone |
$999.95 |
Investing in an outdoor pizza oven not only enhances your pizza-making capabilities but also creates a unique and enjoyable cooking experience. Whether you prefer the convenience of a gas-powered oven or the traditional flavors of a wood-fired oven, there are options available to suit every preference and cooking style.
Alternative Pizza Baking Options
While traditional pizza baking tools are recommended, there are alternative options available that can create unique and delicious pizzas. These alternative tools can add variety to your pizza-making repertoire and create new flavors and textures. Let’s explore some of these alternative pizza baking options:
1. Cast Iron Skillet for Pan Pizza
If you’re looking to create a thick and crispy crust, a cast iron skillet is the perfect alternative. The even heat distribution and retention of a cast iron skillet ensures a golden and crunchy bottom crust. One highly recommended option is the Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan, known for its durability and versatility. This skillet can also be used for other cooking purposes, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen.
2. Rimmed Baking Sheet for Square Pizza
If you prefer a square-shaped pizza, a rimmed baking sheet is an ideal alternative. This option is especially suitable for making Sicilian-style pizzas with a thick and fluffy crust. The rimmed edges of the baking sheet prevent the toppings from spilling over the sides, resulting in a perfectly contained pizza. Plus, a rimmed baking sheet can also double as a roasting pan, adding versatility to your kitchen arsenal.
Try something different and experiment with alternative pizza baking tools. A cast iron skillet can create a unique pan pizza with a crispy crust, while a rimmed baking sheet is perfect for square Sicilian-style pizzas.
By exploring these alternative pizza baking options, you can unleash your creativity and discover new flavors and styles. Whether you prefer a pan pizza with a crispy crust or a square pizza with a fluffy texture, these alternative tools will help elevate your pizza-making experience.
Additional Tools for Perfecting Pizza Dough
If you’re looking to streamline the process of making delicious pizza dough, there are a couple of additional tools that can make a world of difference. A stand mixer or food processor can be invaluable in creating smooth and supple dough quickly and effortlessly.
When it comes to a food processor, the Magimix is a top choice for pizza enthusiasts. Its powerful motor and sharp blades allow you to effortlessly mix and knead the dough to perfection, resulting in a smooth and elastic consistency that’s ideal for pizza.
For precise ingredient measurements, the Escali Primo digital scale is highly recommended. It ensures accuracy when measuring the various components of your dough, allowing you to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
In addition to these essential tools, there are a few other items that can enhance your pizza-making experience. Guitar hangers are a clever way to store your pizza peels, keeping them easily accessible and organized. Pastry cutters are also handy for achieving the perfect consistency when spreading sauce over your pizza dough.