Must-Have Pizza-Making Tools for Beginners

Making restaurant-quality pizza at home doesn’t have to be complicated—but having the right tools makes a huge difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your homemade pizza game, these must-have pizza-making tools will help you achieve the perfect crust, sauce, and bake. 🍕🔥

1. Pizza Stone or Steel (For a Crispy Crust) 🔥

A pizza stone or pizza steel is essential for getting that perfect, crispy crust.

Pizza Stone – Retains heat and absorbs moisture for a traditional, crispy bottom.
Pizza Steel – Transfers heat more efficiently for an ultra-crispy, blistered crust.

Beginner Tip: Preheat your stone or steel in the oven at 500°F+ for at least 45 minutes before baking.

2. Pizza Peel (For Transferring Dough Easily) 🍕

A pizza peel lets you slide your pizza in and out of the oven smoothly.

Wooden Peel – Great for prepping and launching pizza.
Metal Peel – Ideal for turning and retrieving pizza from the oven.

Beginner Tip: Lightly dust the peel with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.

3. Dough Scraper (For Handling Dough Like a Pro) 🍞

A dough scraper (or bench scraper) makes handling sticky dough easy and helps with cleanup.

Helps divide and shape dough efficiently.
Scrapes excess flour off work surfaces.

Beginner Tip: Use it to fold and develop gluten during kneading.

4. Digital Kitchen Scale (For Precision Baking) ⚖️

Measuring ingredients by weight instead of volume ensures consistency in your dough and toppings.

Essential for getting the right hydration level in pizza dough.
Great for portioning cheese and sauce evenly.

Beginner Tip: Aim for a hydration level of 60-65% (flour-to-water ratio) for an easy-to-work-with dough.

5. Pizza Cutter or Rocker Blade (For Clean Slices) 🔪

A good pizza cutter ensures clean, even slices without dragging toppings around.

Wheel Cutter – Easy to use for basic slicing.
Rocker Blade – Great for cutting whole pizzas in one swift motion.

Beginner Tip: Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to avoid cheese sliding off.

6. Mixing Bowls & Measuring Cups (For Dough Prep) 🥣

Having a set of large mixing bowls and accurate measuring cups is crucial for dough preparation.

Use a large bowl for proofing dough.
Measuring cups/spoons ensure precise ingredient ratios.

Beginner Tip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent dough from drying out.

7. Infrared Thermometer (For Checking Oven & Stone Temperature) 🌡️

An infrared thermometer helps you check if your pizza stone or steel is properly heated.

Ensures your baking surface reaches 500-700°F.
Prevents underbaking or burning your crust.

Beginner Tip: Your oven may say 500°F, but your stone/steel could be cooler—always check before baking!

Bonus: Optional Tools for Serious Pizza Makers 🎖️

If you want to go beyond the basics, consider:

Dough Proofing Box – Keeps dough from drying out while fermenting.
Olive Oil Brush – Perfect for brushing crusts before baking.
Perforated Pizza Peel – Helps reduce excess flour on the bottom of your pizza.

Final Thoughts

Having the right tools can turn a good homemade pizza into a great one. If you’re just starting out, focus on the essentials like a pizza stone, peel, and cutter—and upgrade as you go!

Which pizza tool can’t you live without? Let us know in the comments! 🍕🔥