We're on a bit of a pizza kick right now, so we decided to make another article. For this one we're looking into pizza peels. Specifically they difference between bamboo and wood. Chat GPT has a good breakdown on the two materials. First let's take a look at two listings that highlight what we are talking about.
First we have a listing of a pizza peel that is made out of bamboo. Currently on Amazon for only $14.38 and it has a 4.4 star score on over 3,500 ratings.
Second we have a pizza peel made out of birch plywood. Currently on Amazon for $18.99 for a pack of 2 and it has a 4.3 star score on over 400 ratings.
The listings are a nice head to head comparison, because while the wood listing is a few bucks more, you get get two peels instead of just one. So let's go to Chat GPT to see what it thinks about the difference between the two.
"Bamboo and wood pizza peels are both popular choices for transferring and handling pizzas in a pizza oven or on a baking stone. They have some differences in terms of material properties, maintenance, and cost. Here's a comparison:
Bamboo Pizza Peel:
Material: Bamboo pizza peels are made from bamboo, a type of grass. Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly material known for its rapid growth and renewability.
Weight: Bamboo is lightweight, making it easy to handle. However, this can also make it less durable for heavy use.
Maintenance: Bamboo pizza peels require careful maintenance to prevent splitting, warping, or absorbing moisture. They should be hand-washed and dried immediately after use to prolong their lifespan.
Cost: Bamboo pizza peels are often more affordable than their wood counterparts.
Wood Pizza Peel:
Material: Wood pizza peels are typically made from hardwoods like beech, maple, or oak. These woods are durable and can withstand high heat and frequent use.
Weight: Wood pizza peels tend to be heavier than bamboo peels, which can be an advantage for handling large or heavy pizzas.
Maintenance: Wood pizza peels are relatively low maintenance. They can handle moisture better than bamboo, but it's still recommended to hand wash and dry them to avoid warping and cracking.
Cost: Wood pizza peels are usually more expensive than bamboo peels due to the higher quality and durability of the materials.
In summary, the choice between a bamboo and wood pizza peel depends on your preferences and intended use:
If you're looking for an eco-friendly, lightweight, and more budget-friendly option, bamboo may be suitable for you. Just be aware that it may not be as durable for heavy or frequent use.
If you prefer a more durable, heavier, and long-lasting option that can withstand the rigors of a professional kitchen or regular home use, then a wood pizza peel made from hardwood is the better choice.
Consider your specific needs, budget, and environmental concerns when making your decision. Both types can effectively help you transfer and bake pizzas, but they have different characteristics that may be more or less suitable for your individual requirements."
So interesting. According to GPT the wood peels are supposed to be more expensive. Yet per unit the wood option is cheaper than the bamboo. GPT could be thinking on a more general analysis, as we have seen maple peels be much more expensive than bamboo. So it may just be that birch plywood is a bit of a cheaper material. Lots of things will depend on the brand and size. That said the rest of the analysis makes sense.
NOTE: All price and review info is based on the time of posting. The numbers may have changed since the creation of this article. Don't forget to always research everything yourself before you buy it, don't just take our word for it. All links to Amazon on this page are part of the Associates program which gives us commissions, thanks for your support!