We know a good amount about Spanish cuisine. That’s because we lived in Spain for three years. We know all about paella and traditional Spanish rice dishes. We’ve taken what we’ve learned to create this review of the best paella pan to buy for your home.
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3 Best Paella Pans
- Garcima 18-Inch Enameled Steel Paella Pan
- M’Heritage Copper 13.7-Inch Paella Pan
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan
What Is A Traditional Paella Pan
We lived in Spain for just over three years, so I feel that traditional rice dishes and paella pans are a way of life. It wasn’t until we traveled to Valencia, though, that we truly started to learn about this important part of Spanish life.
A paella pan is a wide, shallow cooking dish. It’s used to make paella Valenciana as well as a variety of other Spanish rice dishes. It’s even used to make a dish called fideua, a Catalan vermicelli rice noodle dish. Paella is the word for pan in the Valencian dialect.
In order to make Spanish rice dishes, the paella cooking pan must be wide and shallow. This creates a large cooking area. It allows the liquid to evaporate. It also means that the bottom of the dish creates a crispy, golden crust called a socarrat.
To learn more about Spanish rice dishes and the cuisine of Valencia see our guide to what to eat in Valencia.
Where To Buy A Paella Pan
Of course, an ideal place to buy a paella pan is in Spain. They practically give them out on the street here. I understand this isn’t always possible. Even if you have the chance to visit Spain, it’s not easy to transport a large pan home.
It’s now easier than ever to buy a Spanish paella pan online. With our paella pans reviews, we try to cover everything in detail below, including a full review of each recommended paella pan. If you are short on time, though, feel free to use the table below to find our top picks.
Also, we recommend Amazon for purchasing your paella pan. First, Amazon sells a variety of paella pans, at every price point to match any kitchen decor.
Second, we try to recommend products that are part of Amazon Prime, which provides purchasers with free and often super-fast delivery. (Get 30 days of Prime free here.) In some cases, the recommended paella pans are not Prime just because we focused on quality more than ease of shipping.
What Size Paella Pan Do You Need
Paella pan sizes range from smaller, stove top sizes to larger pans made for entertaining. Choose a smaller size if you will mostly be cooking indoors on the stovetop. A larger one can be used outdoors, over an open fire, or on a grill.
Even larger paella dishes can be used on the stovetop. You can use them on two or three burners if need be. As a frame of reference, a 13-16 inch pan can be used for 4 to 6 servings. A 22-26 inch pan is used for 8 to 20 servings.
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Reviews Of The Best Paella Pan For The Home
MAUVIEL PAELLA PAN
We are huge fans of the Mauviel M’Heritage Copper cookware line. The Mauviel M’Heritage Copper 13.7-Inch Paella Pan is easily one of the most elegant paella pans.
A French family business since 1830, Mauviel is a leader in the production of high-quality long-lasting professional and home copper cookware. This tradition of excellence lives on in their 13.7-inch paella pan.
Using a combination of 90-percent copper and 10-percent 18/10 stainless steel, the paella pan heats quickly and more evenly compared to other metals. This reduces cooking time while cooking thoroughly. The stainless steel interior helps maintain the flavors and nutritional values of the paella. Stay cool handles are riveted to the body to provide safety and stability.
Easy to clean by hand with soap and water, the Mauviel paella pan can be used on a variety of cooktops including gas, electric, induction, halogen, and in the oven. The M’heritage paella pan is guaranteed for life against any manufacturing defects.
Pros:
- Made in France
- Made of highly conductive copper
- Serves 4-6 people
CLASSIC GARCIMA PAELLA PAN
Garcima is one of the top producers of paella pans in Spain. They are one of the leaders in kitchen cookware in Spain. The Garcima 18-Inch Enameled Steel Paella Pan is ideal for cooking paella at home.
The pan is safe to use on a kitchen stovetop, outdoor grill, or in the oven. Made of top-quality steel, the Garcima 18-inch is coated in a black and white speckled enamel that prevents rusting and is easy to clean. No special maintenance is needed, just wash by hand with soap and water.
Serving between 5 and 8 people, the pan will fit over two standard stove top burners. Garcima provides an informational pamphlet with recipes and tips for making the perfect paella. A limited manufacturer’s warranty is also included with the pan.
Pros:
- One of the most authentic paella pan
- Made for serving 5 to 8 people
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
SERTODO ALICANTE COPPER PAELLA COOKING PAN
For over 20 years, Sertodo has been producing high-quality copper cookware and drinkware. The Sertodo Alicante Copper Paella Pan is a perfect example.
Their 18” copper paella pan is the ultimate pan for serving up mouthwatering paella. On the inside is a traditional hot-tinned cooking surface that is durable and cooks evenly.
On the outside, heavy 14 gauge copper not only looks stunning but heats up quickly and distributes heat throughout the entire pan. Handcrafted, the hammered copper is made from 100% recycled sources. Stay cool stainless steel handles make it easy and safe to transfer the pan directly onto the table for serving.
This 18” paella pan is perfect for making paella and other dishes for 8-12 people. Not suitable for the dishwasher, hand wash with warm soapy water, and dry immediately. Other paella pan sizes include 12” and 15”.
Pros:
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Made from 100% recycled sources
GARCIMA IBIZA OUTDOOR PAELLA PAN
The Garcima Ibiza Paella Pan Set with Burner is an outdoor paella pan made for entertaining.
Featuring a paellera with a burner and reinforced legs. The set is easily assembled for use right out of the box. The 24-inch carbon steel paellera is highly durable, conducting heat quickly and evenly. Versatile, the paellera is safe to use on indoor stovetops and ovens, as well as on outdoor grills.
The set’s paella burner has three concentric rings of flame, each independently controlled by its own knob. The sturdy tripod comes with a reinforced brace for burners up to 30 inches tall. The set is available with paellera in different sizes. A limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty is included.
Pros:
- The best option for frequent entertaining.
- Serves 24 people
- Comes in smaller sizes, starting at 10 servings
LE CREUSET PAELLA PAN
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan provides exceptional cooking performance to make the perfect paella each time. One of the things we like about the Le Creuset paella pan is that it’s made by Le Creuset. We are huge fans of the brand and own several of its pieces.
This 3 1/4 quart paella pan is made of heat-retaining cast iron, which aids in the development of the essential crust common in paella. The large surface area allows moisture to evaporate quickly and evenly. This reduces cooking time while not sacrificing flavor. The Le Creuset paella pan works on a number of indoor stove tops including induction as well as on outdoor grills.
Durable, the exterior enamel resists chipping and cracking, which provides years of usage. Cleaning up is quick and easy with simple soap and water. It is not dishwasher safe. Le Creuset paella pans come with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of colors to match any kitchen and in three different sizes
- Works outdoors, indoors, and on induction cooktops
GARCIMA 32-INCH CARBON STEEL PAELLA PAN
The Garcima 32-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan is a big paella pan by any standards. The carbon steel allows for maximum heat conductivity and rapid heating of the cooking surface. This cuts down on cooking time and ensures thoroughly cooked paella. Rigid and durable, the Garcima paella pan is thin and light with a hammered dimpled bottom.
It’s most suitable for outdoor cooking with either a gas-powered paella burner, gas grills, or over an open fire. The traditional material for paella pans, carbon steel enhances flavors providing a true taste of Spain. Easy to clean by hand with soap and water, the Garcima must be dried immediately after washing and treated with oil to prevent rusting.
Garcima provides an informational pamphlet containing recipes, tips for cooking paella and care instructions. The pan also comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros:
- Best for frequent entertaining
- Makes enough paella for 10-20 people at one time
- Made in Spain
SUR LA TABLE SPANISH PAELLA PAN
Sur La Table started producing high-quality cookware in 1972. The Sur La Table Spanish Paella Pan distributes heat evenly, which is the key to making a great paella.
Sur La Table’s 13.5-inch paella pan does this by ensuring that cooks of all levels can make the most iconic of all Spanish recipes. Safe to use in the oven (up to 480°F), on the stovetop, and on an outdoor grill, the Sur La Table paella pan is versatile and stylish. Made in Spain of high-quality stainless steel, the 13.5-inch pan can serve up to 6 people. All of these features make this one of the best stainless steel paella pans on the market.
Easy to clean with soap and water, the Sur La Table should never be left to air dry. Lightly oil after each cleaning. Available in sizes up to 22 inches, the Sur La Table is suited for home cooks and professional chefs. A limited manufacturer’s warranty is included.
Pros:
- 13 inch (34 cm) paella pan serves 6 people
- Made in Spain
MINERAL B CARBON STEEL PAELLA PAN
The MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Paella Pan is one of the best pans for paella. Working on a variety of heat sources, its design is ideal for making paella both indoors and out.
With two solid stainless steel side handles, the Mineral B easily and safely moves on and off the heat. The high-quality stainless steel provides a solid foundation for cooking, standing up to high temperatures. It’s also durable providing long-lasting usage. Large enough to cook for 6-8 people, the pan can double as a serving dish on the tabletop.
The Mineral B is highly versatile making it the perfect paella pan for home cooks, caterers, and professional chefs. The pan measures 17.40 x 12.50 x 1.75 inches. Hand wash only with dish soap and a sponge. Do not put it in the dishwasher. A limited manufacturer’s warranty is included.
Pros:
- Cook for 6 to 8 people
- Made of high-quality carbon steel
What Type of Material to Choose
Like most cookware, paella pans and paella sets are made using a variety of materials. Understanding which type of material is best for you depends on a few factors including your budget, how often you’ll be using your paella cooker, and the type of cooktop you have in your kitchen.
On the higher end of the market, you’ll find paella pans made from copper and carbon steel. These materials are excellent for heating quickly and evenly. But they can break the budget in terms of cost. Paella pans from stainless steel are the best value pans available. They provide a quality, non-stick, cooking surface without costing an arm and a leg. A nice alternative to stainless steel is cast iron skillet paella pans.
In addition to these materials, you’ll find electric paella pans and paella pans for induction hobs and cooktops. Electric paella pans are convenient for apartments and homes with smaller cooktops.
See some of our related posts:
FAQs-Choosing The Best Paella Pan For Your Home
Paella pans are specifically made for one thing; paella. Their wide and shallow design allows for the even and full cooking of paella rice. Most other frying pans are too deep and narrow to cook the rice properly. The best quality paella pans will be made using high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel.
This will depend on the materials used to make the pan. For paella pans made using a nonstick material like Teflon, you don’t have to season the pan. Paella pans are made using carbon steel, it’s recommended to season them before their first use. Seasoning can be done either on the stovetop or in the oven.
Paella pans are made using a variety of materials including nonstick Teflon, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Options vary on which is the best material for cooking paella. Many of the best paella pans are made using carbon steel. Carbon steel heats quickly and distributes heat more evenly.
It’s very easy to learn how to season a paella pan. Depending on the type of pan you’ve purchased, stainless steel, for example, you won’t have to season the pan. If you have a traditional pan made of carbon steel, then seasoning the pan is important. Seasoning a paella pan only needs to be done once.
No. You never use a lid when making paella. Paella is traditionally made without using a lid. This allows the rice to cook, but not to overcook and become soggy.
Called “socarrat” this crusty but never burnt, bottom layer of paella is the most coveted part of the dish. So, if you want to impress your dinner guests, make sure to properly cook your paella inorder for it to form a socarrat.