Paella is regarded as one of Spain’s top national dishes, which has been passed down by Valencian families over many generations. However, this delicious mix of rich flavors and textures has become a very popular dish that is enjoyed all around the world. A hearty rice casserole that is packed full of vegetables, meat or seafood, herbs and spices, and brightly colored with yellow saffron is the perfect meal for any occasion.
If you want to make truly authentic Spanish paella, you need a good solid paella pan.
The 5 Best Paella Pans
- Matfer Bourgeat 062052 Black Steel Paella Pan
- La Paella Garcima Stainless Steel Paella Pan (Our Top Pick)
- Virtus Spanish Paella Pan
- Magefesa Enameled On Steel Paella Pan
- Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Cooking Pan
Our Top Pick for the Best Paella Pan
Our top pick for the best paella pan is the La Paella Garcima Stainless Steel Paella Pan. Whether your cooking passion is to rustle up a rich, hearty, spicy paella for family and friends or you are a newbie to the delights of Spanish cooking, the La Paella Garcima paella pan will have you cooking Spain’s national dish like a professional.
This superb top quality stainless steel paella pan is an excellent choice for cooking paella. It has been specially constructed with just the right specifications to cook paella the authentic Spanish way. As well as its high cooking performance, the shiny stainless steel finish will light up any family dinner or party.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Paella Pan
Size
The first thing to consider before you buy a paella pan is to think about how many people you will be cooking paella for. Will it be for one, two, for a family of four, or do you need a larger pan so that you can serve a spicy food creation or whip up a new recipe for guests at your next dinner party? Paella pans have a wide diameter and they can range in size from 8-inches up to a whopping size of 32 or 35-inches.
As well as the diameter of the pan, you also have to consider the depth of the pan.
The depth allows the pan to hold a lot of rice and other ingredients, like chicken, shrimp, fish, mussels, clams, or Chorizo sausage. Although most manufacturers like La Paella, make their paella pans with a 2-inch depth, some manufacturers like Magefesa make their pans with a very generous depth of 5.5-inches. Here is a guide that can help you decide which is the best paella pan size for your lifestyle:
– Paella Pan Sizes
| 10″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (26 cm) | Serves 1-2 |
| 13″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (32 cm) | Serves 2-3 |
| 14″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (36 cm) | Serves 2-4 |
| 15″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (38 cm) | Serves 3-5 |
| 16″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (40 cm) | Serves 4-6 |
| 18″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (46 cm) | Serves 6-8 |
| 20″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (50 cm) | Serves 7-10 |
| 22″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (55 cm) | Serves 9-12 |
| 24″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (60 cm) | Serves 10-16 |
| 28″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (70 cm) | Serves 15-35 |
| 32″ Stainless Steel Paella Pan (80 cm) | Serves 20-40 |
The Paella Pan Sizes has been taken from the La Paella website.
Construction
To be able to make traditional paella the authentic Spanish/Valencian way, it is all about the pan. In Spain, they don’t only cook Paella in the paella (paellera) pan but they also serve it in the pan. As well as its distinctive shape (large and round), it has a wide base and a shallow depth, with sloping sides and two loop handles that are set opposite each other and are securely riveted onto the rim.
Paella pans are made out of different materials, carbon-steel (which also includes polished carbon steel and enameled steel), stainless-steel, cast-iron, and even copper. While cast-iron is a durable material, it can be quite heavy. As paella pans are designed to be a serving dish or eat-in-the pan at your table, it may not be the best type of material for making and serving paella. The most popular materials are carbon steel, stainless steel, and of course, beautiful copper.
– Carbon Steel
A paella pan that is made out of carbon steel is the classic style paella pan that is used by professional chefs and Spanish home cooks. It is very popular because of its high cooking performance and even heating distribution and naturally non-stick surface.
The carbon steel also rates very high as the carbon steel allows a natural patina to develop from the reaction of the ingredients in the pan, whereby a thin film forms on the steel and adds a certain flavor to the paella.
Also, a high-quality carbon steel pan, like the Virtus Spanish Paella Pan, will have a dimpled surface that not only creates a certain texture but it allows any liquid to evaporate quickly so you can develop that crunchy, crisp socarrat rice crust on the bottom, which is the piece-de-resistance of authentic Spanish paella.
Carbon steel paella pans are very versatile to cook with as you can use them on most stovetops, gas hobs, in the oven, or grill and even an open fire. However, they may not be suitable for induction stovetops.
The downside of carbon steel is that it requires some maintenance. As it is a reactive metal, it can rust if do you not take care of it. Always take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain your new carbon steel paella pan so that it will last for years.
This video will teach you how to season your carbon steel paella pan.
– Black or Blue Steel
A relatively new sort of steel on the market is black or blue steel. The “black” or the “blue” reference is derived from the extra special surface-hardening treatment that prevents the pan from rusting and makes the surface highly resistant to chipping, scratching, and peeling and it gives the pan a black or blue coloring.
As well as offering you a high level of functionality and excellent heat distribution, a “black” or “blue” steel pan like the Matfer Bourgeat 062052 Black Steel Paella Pan, is very stylish with a polished black finish which makes this sort of paella pan one that you will want to show off to your family and friends.
The blue or black finish can wear off over time and dull in color especially if you are cooking with acidic ingredients. So you will have to maintain or season the surface to make sure its attractive color stays put over the long term. Whether it is black or blue steel will make no difference to your paella as they both deliver a very good level of cooking performance.
– Enameled Steel Paella Pans
While most carbon steel pans are the most widely used there are also enameled steel pans like the Magefesa Enameled On Steel Paella Pan that has a black and white speckled enamel surface. Enameled steel is a good choice for a paella pan as it makes the pan more durable and increases its longevity.
The enameled surface protects the pan from rusting and it has a naturally non-stick surface. It also delivers high heat durability and excellent heat distribution. Enameled steel can turn black over time but this should not deter from the pan’s overall cooking performance. The only problem with the enameled surface is that the enamel can chip if you drop or knock the pan around.
– Stainless Steel Paella Steel
Whatever type of cookware you have in your kitchen, stainless steel remains the material of choice for many cooks. The stainless steel paella pan is very similar to a carbon steel one as it has a high resistance to rust. It is also relatively maintenance-free.
Stainless steel pans like the La Paella Garcima Paella Pan provides superb cooking performance. The stainless steel gives the pan its strength and rigidity to hold a lot of heavy ingredients, while also looking attractive due to its highly polished silver finish. The downside of stainless steel is that it is not naturally non-stick. It also does not develop a patina like a carbon steel pan but it is very effective at transferring the heat throughout the pan.
– Copper Paella Pans
If you have not discovered the old-world charm of copper cookware, start with a copper paella pan! It will quickly become the showpiece in your kitchen and at your dining table. Copper gives the paella pan a shiny copper allure to its surface that shines with a brilliance bringing that timeless classic quality to all of your meals. As well as its stunningly beautiful exterior, copper has excellent heating conductibility properties.
You do not have to worry about the copper leaching into your food as the interior surface will either be made from stainless steel or have a traditional tinned interior that is lead-free like the Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Cooking Pan. The downside of using copper is that it requires a lot of maintenance to keep its shiny surface looking great. The bottom can stain after a few cooking sessions.
You also can’t put in the dishwasher. However, if you soak it after you have finished cooking and eating the paella, it is still quite easy to clean.
5 Best Paella Pans – Reviews
1. Matfer Bourgeat 062052 Black Steel Paella Pan
If you want to cook paella for four to six people, this stunning black steel paella pan from the German company Matfer Bourgeat is an excellent choice.
As well as featuring the strength of steel that resists chipping, scratching, and peeling and the extra special surface-hardening treatments that prevent it from rusting, its polished black finish will look attractive at the dining table when you serve your new paella creation to your family or guests.
It measures 15¾- inches in diameter and weighs 6-ounces. The heavy-duty steel is thick enough to boil the rice while still being more lightweight than cast iron. Also, the curved sides are high enough to contain all of the paella ingredients. The two handles are made out of extra strong steel to allow you to get a good grip while transporting the pan from the stove to the countertop or table and they can also withstand high temperatures.
Cooking with the Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is amazing as the steel construction and the hammered bottom makes sure that the heat distributes evenly so that your food is cooked to perfection. You can use it on stovetops, even an induction stove. It is also very easy to clean.
To be able to maintain the non-stick surface, you need to season the pan’s surface and Matfer Bourgeat has included some tips on how to season it before you use it.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ideal for four to six people
- Made from polished black steel
- Sturdy handles
- Very good non-stick ability
- Heavy-duty construction
- Resists chipping, scratching, and peeling
- High curved sides
- Excellent heat distribution for even cooking
- Sturdy handles
- Handles can withstand high temperatures
- Easy to hold and also transport
- Compatible with all heat sources
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Need to “season” it to maintain its non-stick surface
2. La Paella Garcima Stainless Steel Paella Pan
To be able to make delicious paella the Spanish way, invest in the Garcima Paella Pan from La Paella. As this high-quality paella pan is made by Garcima, a family-owned business from Valencia, Spain, this stunningly stainless steel beautiful pan will make it so easy to make authentic paella dishes.
The sturdy and rigid 16-inch pan can make enough paella for four to six people. It is crafted from strong 18/8 food-grade stainless steel with a classic dimpled bottom that stops any oil from pooling around the sides of the pan. The depth of the pan is 2-inches deep which is just right for rice dishes.
As well as its superb cooking performance, La Paella is one pan that you will definitely want to show off to family and friends as it features a dazzling mirror finish and two gold handles.
With a high cooking ability and an attractive appearance, it is safe to use on the stovetop, in the oven, or under the grill. However, as the pan is made of a thin, single ply metal, it will heat up very fast. It is not meant to be used for high-heat sauteing only for cooking rice dishes. It will overheat if left over a direct flame without food in it.
The pan is maintenance-free, with no seasoning or special cleaning required. It also comes with an informative pamphlet that contains two recipes, tips for perfect paella, and care instructions.
La Paella also makes a large range of paella pans, including 10, 22, and 24 inches. They also make an extra-large 26-inch one in carbon steel with bright red handles, as well as paella pans that are made out of enameled steel.
If you want to learn how to cook a perfect paella, La Paella has some tips and a video to get you started.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for four to six people
- Authentic
- High cooking performance
- Very good heat distribution
- Dazzling mirror finish stainless steel
- Attractive gold colored handles
- Safe for stovetop, oven, or grill
- Classic dimpled bottom
- Maintenance-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Thin, single ply metal can overheat if left on an open flame
- Food can stick to the pan’s surface
3. Virtus Spanish Paella Pan
From the idyllic Prince Edward Island, the home of the famous heroine of Anne of Green Gables, the Canadian company, Paderno World Cuisine manufactures their range of top quality kitchen and cookware products. With a high-cooking performance and measuring a massive 35½-inches, the Virtus Spanish Paella Pan can cook enough paella for a large party of 20 people.
The Virtus paella pan is the perfect choice for cooking all types of paella dishes as it is made out of polished heavy-gauge carbon steel that gives it its strength. However, as it is thin metal, the pan can get nice and hot very quickly. The hammered base helps the pan to expand when it is heated to prevent buckling.
If you want your paella to form a crisp socarrat rice crust on the bottom, this pan is perfect as its shallow dimpled surface makes sure that any liquid evaporates quickly for authentic Spanish paella. The pan’s low sides provide heat distribution for slow cooking. The dual zinc handles are sturdy and allow you to carry the pan easily from the stove to your dining table.
A highly versatile pan, the Virtus pan can be used on the stovetop, in the oven or under the grill.
To keep it in good condition so that it will continue to serve up delicious paella, follow these simple tips: Once you have unpacked it, wash it with hot water and soap to remove any manufacturing residue. Once it is completely clean, season it with a light coating of oil and heat the pan on the stove.
Wipe it down with a cloth, then give it one more light coating of oil. Repeat this procedure after each use. This simple procedure will also stop the pan from rusting.
The pan is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Made out of polished heavy-gauge carbon blue steel
- Solid construction
- High cooking performance
- Hammered base prevents any buckling
- Very good heat distribution
- Heats up quickly
- Dimpled shallow surface creates a crisp base
- Sturdy zinc handles
- Can use it on the stovetop (including induction), in the oven, under the grill
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Handles can get hot over an open flame
- Requires some maintenance to stop it from rusting
4. Magefesa Enameled On Steel Paella Pan
For a truly authentic paella, you need a solid and sturdy paella pan that is made in Spain, the birthplace of paella. The 18-inch Magefesa paella pan is the perfect choice for cooking up a paella storm in your kitchen for a large family dinner or a dinner party. It has a 5.5-inch depth and can accommodate up to 30 or 40 servings. It also comes at a very affordable price.
As it is made out of carbon steel, it has a solid and strong construction. The extra long-lasting coating of black and white speckled enamel means that it is easier to maintain. It is also highly resistant to any rusting.
The Magefesa paella pan is very versatile as you can use it on an outdoor firewood stove, indoor stovetops, and in ovens just as long as the temperatures do not exceed 400° and even induction stoves. It has a high level of durability and the steel will not lose its shape. Also, it delivers an excellent heating distribution and can create a wonderful paella crust on the bottom.
You will want to show it off at the dinner table as it has an attractive black sheen and it is also easy to carry with dual sturdy handles.
To be able to maintain your Magefesa paella pan, it is recommended that you only use silicone and wood utensils and also visit the Magefesa website to learn how to take care of it and discover new recipes. It is covered by a two-year warranty. Magefesa makes a wide range of paella pans from 8-inches up to a 36-inch pan.
Pros
- Great price
- Very good quality
- Ideal for 30-40 servings
- Made in Spain
- Solid carbon steel construction
- Enameled surface provides very good rust-resistance
- Attractive black and white speckled surface
- High heat durability
- Excellent heat distribution
- Natural non-stick surface
- Extra 5.5-inches depth
- Sturdy handles
- Firewood, gas and oven, induction compatible
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can rust if you do not maintain it
- Need to season it to keep it non-stick
- Recommend only silicone & wood utensils
- Not recommended for ceramic stoves
5. Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Cooking Pan
If you love the look of copper, invest in this beautiful artisan copper paella pan from Sertodo Alicante. Lovingly crafted by world-class international artisans, this paella pan is made from the highest quality heavy 14-gauge hammered pure copper that is sourced from recycled materials.
The traditional hot-tinned interior will reward you with a superior level of cooking as it allows the heat to distribute through the pan so that your food can cook evenly. Even though the exterior and interior are made from recycled materials, there is no lead in the copper or the tin.
As well as being a great choice for all your paella dishes, its gorgeous copper exterior with a subtle shine will bring a little bit of old-world charm to your kitchen and will also delight your guests. This medium-sized paella pan is 15-inches in diameter and has a 2-inch depth. Its clever design means it can easily hold enough food for up to six-eight people.
The low conductivity of the stainless steel handles means that their material helps them to stay cool and easier to handle while you cook up a scrumptious paella for your family and guests. A highly versatile pan, you can use it on the stovetop or in the oven and prepare a lot of different dishes, crepes for breakfast, sauces, or anything you fancy.
The Sertodo Copper Alicante paella pan is relatively maintenance-free. Unlike carbon steel, this user-friendly pan does not require any seasoning prior to first use. Just follow these instructions from the manufacturer: Your copper paella pan should be cleaned with soapy water before first use. Use only wood or plastic cooking spoons to avoid scratching it. Always wash by hand.
Sertodo Copper makes other paella pan sizes: small (12-inches), and large (18-inches).
Pros
- Top-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Made from hammered 100% pure copper
- Traditional hot-tinned interior
- Lead-free recycled materials
- Sturdy
- Medium-sized pan can serve up to eight people
- 2-inches depth
- Low heat conductivity handles
- Exquisitely beautiful copper finish
- Cooks evenly and distributes heat very well
- High cooking versatility
- Cannot use it on the stove and in the oven
- Very low maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Paella Pan
Our top pick for the best paella pan is the La Paella Garcima Stainless Steel Paella Pan. Whether your cooking passion is to rustle up a rich, hearty, spicy paella for family and friends or you are a newbie to the delights of Spanish cooking, the La Paella Garcima paella pan will have you cooking Spain’s national dish like a professional.
This superb top quality stainless steel paella pan is an excellent choice for cooking paella. It has been specially constructed with just the right specifications to cook paella the authentic Spanish way. As well as its high cooking performance, the shiny stainless steel finish will light up any family dinner or party.
Check the price on Amazon
