So, you’re eyeing the Roccbox, the stylish and powerful portable pizza oven that’s taking the culinary world by storm. You’re dreaming of authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked to perfection in just 60 seconds. But a crucial question lingers: Does the Roccbox come with a peel? Let’s dive deep into what’s included in the Roccbox box, explore essential accessories, and ensure you have everything you need for pizza-making success.
Unboxing the Roccbox: What’s Included?
The Roccbox oven itself is the star of the show, a beautifully designed piece of equipment that promises high-performance pizza cooking. But what other treasures await you inside that box? It’s vital to know exactly what you get when you invest in a Roccbox.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard Roccbox package:
-
The Roccbox Pizza Oven: The main attraction! This is the heart of your pizza-making journey. It features a robust construction, a stone floor, and a detachable burner system.
-
Detachable Gas Burner: The standard gas burner allows you to connect your Roccbox to a propane tank, providing a convenient and readily available heat source. It’s designed for ease of use and efficient heating.
-
Wood Burner (Optional, may require separate purchase): Depending on the package or your purchase choices, you might receive a wood burner attachment. This lets you use wood as fuel, imparting a unique smoky flavor to your pizzas.
-
Bottle Opener: A seemingly small addition, but incredibly handy for enjoying a cold beverage while you’re cooking up a storm. It’s attached to the Roccbox.
-
User Manual: A crucial guide that walks you through setup, operation, safety precautions, and troubleshooting. Don’t skip reading this!
The short answer is: No, a pizza peel is NOT included in the standard Roccbox package. You will need to purchase a pizza peel separately. This is an important point to consider when budgeting for your Roccbox setup.
Why a Peel is Essential for Roccbox Pizza Perfection
While the Roccbox itself is a fantastic piece of equipment, you can’t effectively use it without the right tools. A pizza peel is arguably the most important accessory. It is the bridge between your prep station and the blazing hot oven.
-
Launching Your Pizza: The primary function of a peel is to transfer your assembled pizza from your work surface into the Roccbox. Without a peel, attempting to place the pizza directly would be messy, dangerous, and almost guaranteed to result in a deformed or ruined pizza.
-
Rotating Your Pizza: During the brief 60-second cooking time, it’s essential to rotate your pizza to ensure even cooking. A peel allows you to quickly and safely turn the pizza within the oven, preventing burning and guaranteeing a uniformly cooked crust.
-
Retrieving Your Pizza: Once your pizza is cooked to golden-brown perfection, the peel is used to remove it from the oven. This allows you to serve your culinary creation with ease and elegance.
-
Safety First: The Roccbox reaches incredibly high temperatures. A peel provides a safe way to handle the pizza within the oven without risking burns.
Choosing the Right Pizza Peel for Your Roccbox
Not all pizza peels are created equal. Several factors come into play when selecting the perfect peel for your Roccbox. The size and material are the most important considerations.
-
Material Matters: Wood vs. Metal
-
Wooden Peels: Wooden peels are typically used for launching pizzas. The porous surface of the wood helps to absorb moisture from the dough, preventing it from sticking. They are usually thicker and less flexible than metal peels.
-
Metal Peels: Metal peels, often made of aluminum, are thinner and more durable. They are excellent for rotating and retrieving pizzas due to their ability to easily slide under the cooked crust. Perforated metal peels help remove excess flour, reducing burning inside the oven.
-
-
Size and Shape Considerations:
-
Size: The size of your peel should be appropriate for the size of the pizzas you plan to make. A peel that is too small will make it difficult to launch and retrieve the pizza. A peel that is too large can be unwieldy. Aim for a peel that is slightly larger than the diameter of your pizzas.
-
Shape: Peels come in various shapes, including rectangular and round. Rectangular peels are more common and versatile, while round peels can be easier to maneuver for rotating pizzas.
-
-
Handle Length: The handle length is crucial for safety and comfort. A longer handle provides a greater distance between your hand and the hot oven, reducing the risk of burns. Consider the depth of your Roccbox and choose a handle length that allows you to reach the back of the oven comfortably.
Essential Accessories to Elevate Your Roccbox Experience
Beyond the peel, several other accessories can significantly enhance your Roccbox pizza-making experience. These tools can help you achieve better results, streamline your workflow, and make the process more enjoyable.
-
Infrared Thermometer: An infrared thermometer allows you to accurately measure the temperature of the Roccbox’s stone floor. This is crucial for achieving the perfect Neapolitan crust. Aim for a temperature of around 750-800°F (400-430°C) for optimal results.
-
Dough Scraper/Cutter: A dough scraper is an invaluable tool for dividing and shaping your pizza dough. It allows you to easily portion the dough into individual balls and clean your work surface.
-
Pizza Cutter: While a sharp knife can work, a dedicated pizza cutter, especially a rocker-style cutter, provides clean and efficient slices.
-
Serving Peel/Board: A wooden serving peel or board adds a touch of elegance to your pizza presentation. It also provides a convenient surface for cutting and serving your pizza.
-
Protective Cover: To protect your Roccbox from the elements when not in use, a protective cover is a worthwhile investment.
-
Wood Fuel (if using the wood burner): If you plan to use the wood burner attachment, ensure you have a supply of suitable hardwood, such as oak or beech.
Tips for Using Your Pizza Peel with Roccbox
Mastering the art of using a pizza peel takes practice, but following these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve flawless pizza launches:
-
Prepare Your Peel: Before launching your pizza, lightly dust the peel with flour, semolina, or cornmeal. This creates a barrier between the dough and the peel, preventing sticking.
-
Assemble Quickly: Assemble your pizza quickly on the peel to prevent the dough from absorbing moisture and sticking.
-
The Shake Test: Before launching, gently shake the peel to ensure that the pizza is not sticking. If it sticks, lift the edges of the dough and add more flour underneath.
-
Smooth Launch: When launching, use a smooth, decisive motion to slide the pizza off the peel and onto the stone floor. Avoid jerky movements that could cause the pizza to bunch up.
-
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts are not perfect. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for the process and become a pizza-launching pro.
Troubleshooting Common Pizza Peel Problems
Even with the best techniques, you might encounter some common problems when using a pizza peel. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
-
Pizza Sticking to the Peel: This is the most common problem. Ensure you are using enough flour or semolina to prevent sticking. You can also try using a perforated peel, which helps to remove excess flour.
-
Pizza Folding During Launch: This can happen if you are not using a smooth, decisive motion. Practice your launch technique and make sure the pizza is properly supported on the peel.
-
Pizza Burning: If your pizza is burning before it is fully cooked, reduce the temperature of the oven or move the pizza further away from the heat source. Rotate the pizza frequently to ensure even cooking.
Investing in the Right Tools for Pizza Success
While the Roccbox is a significant investment, remember that the right accessories are essential for unlocking its full potential. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to your pizza peel and other tools. Investing in durable, well-designed accessories will not only make your pizza-making experience more enjoyable but also help you achieve better results. While the Roccbox doesn’t come with a peel, selecting the right one is key. Consider both a wooden peel for launching and a metal peel for turning and retrieving. With the proper tools and a little practice, you’ll be crafting authentic Neapolitan pizzas in your backyard in no time.
Does the Roccbox Pizza Oven Actually Include a Peel in the Box?
No, the Roccbox pizza oven does not include a pizza peel as a standard component of the packaging. While the Roccbox comes with essential items to get you started, such as the gas burner and bottle opener, a peel is considered an accessory that needs to be purchased separately.
This is a common point of confusion for first-time Roccbox owners. Many anticipate a peel being included to facilitate the launching and retrieval of pizzas. However, Gozney, the manufacturer of Roccbox, provides a wide selection of peels for purchase on their website and through authorized retailers.
What Type of Peel is Best to Use with a Roccbox?
Choosing the right pizza peel for your Roccbox is important for successful pizza cooking. Both wood and metal peels have their advantages. Wood peels are great for assembling your pizza and launching it into the oven, while metal peels are typically thinner and better for turning and retrieving the pizza once it’s cooked.
A good starting point is a wooden peel for launching pizzas due to its texture and ability to absorb some moisture. You may then opt for a smaller, thinner metal peel for turning and retrieving. Experimenting with both types will help you determine which works best for your cooking style and desired pizza outcome.
Besides a Peel, What are the Essential Accessories for the Roccbox?
Apart from a pizza peel, other crucial accessories for your Roccbox include a reliable thermometer to monitor oven temperature and a durable turning tool. An infrared thermometer is helpful for quickly assessing the stone’s temperature, while a long-handled turning tool allows you to rotate the pizza for even cooking without burning yourself.
Investing in a quality cover is also highly recommended to protect your Roccbox from the elements. A cover will help prolong the lifespan of your oven and prevent rust or damage from weather exposure. Proper storage and protection are essential for maintaining your Roccbox in optimal condition.
Can I Use Any Pizza Peel with the Roccbox, or Does it Need to Be a Specific Size?
While you can technically use any pizza peel with the Roccbox, selecting a peel with appropriate dimensions is crucial for ease of use and safety. Overly large peels can be unwieldy, making launching and retrieving pizzas difficult within the oven’s limited space.
A peel with a blade size that comfortably fits within the Roccbox’s internal dimensions is recommended. A 12-inch peel is often a good starting point, allowing you to handle most pizza sizes without struggling to maneuver the peel inside the oven. Consider the handle length as well; it should be long enough to keep your hands safely away from the intense heat.
Where Can I Purchase a Suitable Pizza Peel for My Roccbox Oven?
You have several options for purchasing a suitable pizza peel for your Roccbox. The most direct approach is to visit the Gozney website, where you’ll find a variety of peels designed specifically for use with their ovens, including the Roccbox.
Alternatively, many online retailers and cooking supply stores carry a range of pizza peels that are compatible with the Roccbox. Reading customer reviews and comparing prices across different retailers is a good way to ensure you’re getting a quality peel at a fair price.
How Do I Care for My Pizza Peel to Ensure it Lasts?
Proper care is crucial for extending the lifespan of your pizza peel, regardless of whether it’s made of wood or metal. For wooden peels, avoid soaking them in water, as this can cause warping or cracking. Instead, gently scrape off any excess flour or dough with a dough scraper or spatula after each use.
Metal peels are typically easier to clean and can be washed with soap and water. However, ensure they are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent rust. Storing your peel in a dry place will also help prevent damage and ensure it’s ready for your next pizza-making session.
What are the Alternatives to Using a Pizza Peel with the Roccbox?
While a pizza peel is the most common and recommended tool for launching and retrieving pizzas from the Roccbox, there are a few alternative methods, although they might not be as efficient or safe. Some users experiment with using a large spatula or oven-safe tray.
However, these alternatives often lack the thin, flat edge needed for smooth launching and the appropriate length to keep your hands safely away from the intense heat. A pizza peel remains the most reliable and recommended tool for optimal pizza-making with the Roccbox.