11 Best Paella Pans For Spainsh Cooking In 2022
Style and utility, they're the best of both worlds.
sakshi john 
Image: TheBridalBox Design Team
In This Article
Paella is a popular Spanish dish that includes rice with chicken, seafood, and saffron. If you want to cook paella at home, here’s our list of the best paella pans for your kitchen. With the right paella pan you can prepare various paella dishes such as Marisco, Mixta, Negra, Vegetariana, Negra, and more.
Paella pans are usually shallow and wide and made of specific materials like enameled cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel to properly cook all the ingredients. So, explore the available options and features to choose the right one that meets your needs.
Top Picks
11 Best Paella Pans To Buy
1. Best Heat Conductor:Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan
Garcima carbon steel paella pan, made in Spain, is strong, durable, and evenly distributes heat. You can safely use this 15-inch pan with a grill, oven, or stove and make paella for three to five people. Although this silver pan is thin, it has a dimpled hammered bottom, making it suitable for paella. The handle is red and made of steel to keep it cool during cooking. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Durable material
- Good heat conductor
- Informative pamphlet
- The best material for traditional paella
Cons
- Need to season with oil before use
2. Best PTFE-Free:Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan
Matfer Bourgeat offers a 17.75-inch compatible multifunctional paella pan, which can serve six to eight people. The black carbon steel paella pan needs to be seasoned once and then becomes nonstick with time and use. It distributes heat evenly and controls the temperature, helping to retain nutrients and vitamins in paella.
The lightweight pan has two handles for secure holding and no rivets to prevent the formation of bacteria. The wide and shallow interior and curved sides make it easy to fry vegetables and meat. Matfer pans can endure high temperatures and are suitable for all stoves, hobs, and induction heat sources. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Natural mineral material
- No harsh chemicals
- No coatings
- PTFE-free
- PFOA free
Cons
- Very heavy
3. Best Easy To Clean:La Paella Garcima Enameled Steel Paella Pan
The 14-inch La Paella Garcima enameled steel pan is safe to use in the oven, on a grill, and on standard stovetops. The paella pot, made of durable steel and coated with spotted black and white enamel, is suitable for two to four people. The enameled pan offers convenience and is easy to clean and maintain. The bottom diameter measures 12 inches, and the outer dimensions are 14.25×1.75 inches.
Pros
- No special maintenance required
- Easy to clean
- Anti-rust
Cons
- Not nonstick
4. Best Non-Toxic:Ecolution Sol Paella Pan
Ecolution Sol brings you the ecologically advanced Hydrolon nonstick paella pan made of sturdy carbon steel. It also has ergonomic riveting and a chrome-plated handle to keep it cool and comfortable to hold. The non-toxic coating is water-based, which allows safe and healthy cooking.
The structural material helps uniform heating and is suitable for gas, electric, and glass-ceramic cooking surfaces. This paella pan has a diameter of 15 inches and is easy to clean. To maintain the best condition, allow the pan to cool after cooking and then wash it. Avoid pouring hot water into the pan.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- PFOA-free
- Non-stick
- Non-toxic
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven safe up to 450°F
Cons
- Not suitable for grills
5. Best Easy To Operate:Victoria Cast Iron Paella Frying Pan
Victoria offers a 13-inch cast-iron frying pan that can effectively and evenly retain and radiate heat. The pan is naturally seasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil and is 100% Kosher certified. The double-loop handle makes it easy to operate, and the pan can keep food warm for 15 minutes or more. It is suitable for grills, ovens, campfires, broilers, ceramic, or induction heaters.
The material naturally releases trace amounts of iron, thereby increasing the mineral content of the food. It has a curved handle that provides leverage and has a wide auxiliary handle. It is also designed with a sharply contoured spout and a larger hanging hole for easy storage. You can use the multifunctional pan for cooking, serving, baking, grilling, etc. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- PTFE-free
- PFOA-free
- Versatile
- Zero waste production
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- May rust without proper care
6. Best Coating-Free:De Buyer Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Paella Pan
De Buyer Mineral B paella pan is a 12.5-inch circular pan made of carbon steel. It has a thick uniform skirting with two ergonomic, stainless steel handles to keep it cool while cooking. The French arc design is suitable for stirring, frying, and flipping. The material of this pan has natural nonstick properties that get seasoned with use.
The pan can evenly heat and quickly evaporate the liquid, thereby gradually changing the paella’s flavor and retaining vitamins and nutrients. The pan is hand-made in a French factory without any chemicals and comes with a beeswax protective finish, which can be used on all cooktops.
Pros
- PTFE and PFOA-free
- 100% natural beeswax finish
- Becomes naturally nonstick
- Coating-free
Cons
- It may take time to season
- Not dishwasher-safe
7. Best Scratch-Free:Imusa USA Red Paella Pan
Imusa USA red paella pan has a perforated bottom and is made of traditional carbon steel. The 15-inch diameter pan has a flat base for comfortable heating and is suitable for all paella types. The natural coating acquires nonstick properties once seasoned and becomes scratch-free, and will not peel off. The red pan has two handles and is suitable for serving too.
Pros
- Natural coating
- Perforated bottom
- Flat bottom
- Even heating
Cons
- May get stained
8. Best Lightweight:Machika Enameled Steel Paella Pan
The Machika 10-inch paella pan is made of high-grade enameled steel. It has an excellent thermal conductivity that creates the perfect crust for your paella. The metal pan is constructed with innovative hammered technology, making the bottom of the pan hard and hollow, which is necessary for the perfect paella.
The Machika pan can be cleaned with detergent and water and then wiped with a soft cloth to preserve the enamel. You can store it in a plastic bag to avoid scratches and dents.
Pros
- Good heat conductor
- Lightweight material
- Durable
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- May not heat evenly
9. Best Cooking Surface:Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Cooking Pan
Sertodo Alicante paella pan is made of 14 gauge, 100% pure copper, hammered by hand, with perfect polish, gloss, and lasting beauty. This 18-inch pan has easy-to-hold stainless steel handles that will not heat up during cooking. Heavy metals have excellent thermal conductivity and controllability. The inner lining with tin interiors makes the cooking surface naturally non-sticky.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-reactive cooking surface
- Oven-safe
- 100% recycled sources
Cons
- Tin lining may seem weak
10. Best Oven-Safe:Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan
Le Creuset paella pan is made of enamel cast iron and measures 17.7×14.9×2.5 inches. It has a durable black matte-finished interior and a durable, colorful enamel exterior, making it an attractive serving pan. The cooking surface is large and shallow, which can layer the rice and help evaporate excess moisture.
The pan provides even heat distribution to achieve balanced cooking and a beautiful socarrat formation. You can use the pan on electric plates, gas, vitro-ceramic glass, radiant ring, induction, ovens, outdoor grills, and stovetops. Avoid using metallic pads or abrasive cleaning agents to prevent enamel damage.
Pros
- No seasoning is required
- Oven-safe
- Robust material
- Retains heat efficiently
Cons
- Thermal shock (hot and immediate cold) may damage the enamel
11. Best Dishwasher-Safe:Restaurantware Paella Pan
If you are looking for an induction-ready paella pan, the Restaurantware pan is a good pick. This stainless steel silver pan size is 11×8 inches in dimension with double-riveted handles for easy use and balance and helps precise temperature control and heating for faster cooking. The textured bottom prevents food from jamming. After being removed from the fire, it cools down quickly and is easy to clean immediately.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Textured bottom
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May seem small
How To Choose The Right Pans For Paella?
Cooking Paella may seem simple, but it requires a unique pan to cook authentic recipes and flavors. Keep the following points in mind while buying a paella pan.
- Size: When deciding what size paella pan to buy, consider the maximum number of people you might want to feed. Paella pans range from 8 inches to 60 inches.
- 10-inch pans can serve one to two people
- 14-inch pans serve two to four
- 16-inch pans serve four to six
- 20-inch pan serves seven to ten people
- 24-inch pans suitable for around ten to 16 people
- 28-inch pans can serve 15 to 35 people and
- A 32-inch pan can serve 20 to 40 people
- Construction: Paella pans usually have a larger bottom surface and a shallow depth, with inclined sides and two ring-shaped handles. They are made of different materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and cast iron. Cast iron is strong and durable, but it is heavy and may not be suitable for regular use. A dimpled surface allows the liquid to evaporate quickly, forming a crispy socarrat rice crust at the bottom.
- Material: Carbon steel is a classic style used by professional chefs. The heating is uniform, and the surface is naturally nonstick. The enamel steel paella pan is made of carbon steel but with a white and black speckled enamel surface, increasing the pan’s service life and durability. The stainless steel paella pan does not rust and requires almost no maintenance. The copper pan has excellent thermal conductivity along with its beauty.
- Cooktop: Not all pans are suitable for all cooktops. The gas cooktop can hold any pan, preferably a round bottom pan. Electric, induction, or ceramic cooktop need a flat bottom to distribute heat evenly.
- Cleaning: Choose a paella pan that is easy to clean. It should be dishwasher safe, or it can be soaked in water for a while and washed gently without any additional scrubbing. Nonstick pans do not stick food, so they are easier to clean.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John specializes in writing about home, furniture, and kitchenware products. Her research-driven approach ensures good-quality, practical products for you. Here’s her collection of the best paella pans that are durable, high-quality, versatile, and functional. Each product includes its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. You can also explore the buying guide to better understand the parameters to consider during purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the pan on the grill or in the oven?
Yes, you can use paella pans on the grill. Please read the instruction manual before purchasing to understand whether the materials are not suitable for grills or ovens.
2. Can I use a paella pan on a smooth-top electric stovetop?
Yes, you can, but preferably for smaller portions. Paella pans are flat and shallow-bottomed so that you can spread the rice evenly. If you choose an electric gas stove, you need to use a small six-inch pan and finish it in the oven for even cooking.
If you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine, perhaps paella is one of your favorite dishes. When cooking paella, getting the ingredients right is only half the challenge, and cooking it to perfection is another. Lucky for you, as with the best paella pan by our side, you can ensure that your meal is cooked to perfection. When choosing the ideal pan for your needs, factor in its size based on the number of people you will be cooking for. Also, ensure the material is durable and easy to clean.
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