A pizza peel is a flat, shovel-like tool used to transfer pizzas in and out of an oven. Typically made of wood or metal, it has a long handle that allows users to safely maneuver hot pizzas without burning themselves. The surface of the peel is often dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking. When making pizza, a pizza peel is essential for placing the uncooked pizza onto a hot surface, such as a pizza stone or wood-fired oven. It helps ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and can be easily removed once it's done.