Introduction to Authentic Paella Pan
A trip to Spain is out of reach in the current scenario, but a trip to the Spanish flavors is possible. Living in any part of the world and indulging in the authentic Spanish flavors made in your kitchen isn’t a treat?
And if the Spanish delicacy is the flavorful one-pot dish paella, it is a pat-worthy treat. Paella needs three elements- confidence, the right recipe, and a paella pan.
You already have the confidence; the right recipe is widely available; a good paella pan is at your fingertips.
Lies below is the list of the 10 best paella pan available and everything you need to know about the cookware.
What is a paella pan?
The Valencian dish paella is a farmer’s or laborer’s lunch cooked uncovered on an open fire with rice, shrimp, veggies, and meat embedded with flavors. It is also known as Spanish Piaya pan. A flat, wide, circular cookware, generally 4cm deep with two round-handle was used in the preparation. It has a wide diameter to ensure spill-less incorporation and mixing of all the ingredients.
The paella pan is a thin bottom pan because the authentic recipe must have a socarrat, the crispy caramelized rice crust. And who can do it better than the thin-bottom?
Traditional paella pans are made with cast-iron that make the most delicious socarrat. But now we have versions that are easy to maintain.
Top 10 Best Paella Pans
Here are the best paella pans that you can buy for your family for home cooking or for outings:
1. Victoria Cast Iron Paella Frying Pan
Best cast iron paella pan.
Why I recommend: Have you ever wondered why cast iron is the preferred material for paella pans; it makes the tastiest crispy, caramelized rice crust and enriches the delicacy with much-needed iron content. Victoria’s cast-iron pan adds the mineral to your paella.
Construction: – The cast-iron skillet maintains tradition and style hand in hand; it has a high curvaceous side and drip-spout contour with wide helper handles and has a smooth finish with pure flaxseed oil seasoning. It retains heat for a long; food stays hot for 15 minutes.
2. Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet, Pre-Seasoned
Why I recommend: – In composition and appearance, the carbon steel pan resembles Machika and Garcima, but it is a pre-seasoned pan with 100% natural soybean oil that works on all types of cooktops; that adds to its being one of the best and preferred paella pans.
Construction: – The American brand Lodge manufactures this pan or skillet from 12 gauge carbon steel known for its toughness and unparalleled heat retention; it can endure extreme temperatures. Simple and elegant enough to attract attention, it makes the perfect paella- rising the appetite to a level higher with smell and look only. It is the best paella pan for open fire.
3. Machika Polished Steel Paella Pan
Best paella pan for induction cooktop
Why I recommend: – Besides Garcima, Machika is the most renowned name for paella pans; if the search is for the best carbon steel or enameled steel pans (it designs only these two versions). Its thin and rigid dimpled bottom makes one of the best Valencian socarrat, in the oven, on a gas stove, or wood fire.
Construction: – Made in Spain, in association with Garcima, the paella pan has a high-grade carbon steel composition; light in weight, durable and attractive. It is sure to seek attention with the look (of its and the dish). It is a good serve ware and got heat-resistant, riveted handles.
4. Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan
Made from carbon steel – best material for paella pan.
Why I recommend: – What can be better than Made in Spain cookware for a Spanish dish! Garcima has been in the business of paella pan making for more than 100 years; it started its journey in 1920, never looked back since then. This denotes how good the carbon steel pans are!
Construction: – The paella pan made from top-class carbon steel is lightweight yet sturdy; you can make the traditional paella for 3-4 people on a wood fire, gas stove, or oven. Its heat retention and distribution and hammered dimpled bottom are responsible for the performance.
5. Machika Enameled Steel Paella Pan
Machika best paella pan for outdoor cooking.
Why I recommend: – It is a carbon steel pan with enamel coating for easy release designed for those who want a non-stick version of the paella pan. You get the crispy crust, very little of which sticks at the bottom; after all, its primary material is carbon steel. This pan is so attractive that it always complements the look of the dish.
Construction: – Machika and Garcima have formed the structure from carbon steel and covered the entire surface with an enamel coating. The idea was to make a non-stick version of the paella pan retaining its authenticity. This pan like others: has the signature hammered-dimpled bottom making it rigid.
6. La Paella Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan
Best Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan.
Why I recommend: – How significant a paella pan is! And, if you get one used by Chefs, then? La Paella’s professional-grade pan is one such pan, recognized as one of the best; may be it is the one used in your favorite restaurant. Its high heat endurance is the reason for being the best in the professional kitchen.
Construction: – Perfect for serving 5-8 people, the 18-inch pan is composed of premium-grade carbon steel, which gives the pan durability, extra thickness, and good heat retention and distribution ability. Its hammered-dimpled bottom adds rigidity. So, if you want to give the pan a good workout, it is the one.
7. Garcima Enameled Steel Paella Pan
Best paella pan for electric stove. It is an authentic Spanish paella pan.
Why I recommend: – ‘Made in Spain’, the pan is the updated version of a carbon steel paella pan, which is a non-stick one. The USP lies in the brand name, a living legend, and in that enameled granite finish, sure to attract anybody’s attention.
Construction: – The primary material of the pan is carbon steel so that authentic paella with crispy socarrat is easy to prepare in it- and for that, no pre-seasoning is needed. Thanks to the enameled coating! This pan has been built with high walls for cooking without any spill or mess.
8. Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan
Best Carbon Steel Paella Pan
Why I recommend: – Carbon steel needs seasoning before every use, but if black carbon steel is seasoned once, it turns exceedingly non-stick. It is the USP of Matfer Bourgeat’s black steel paella pan and the reason behind being one of the best; another best feature is the welded handles.
Construction: – The 15.75-inch pan is carved from single black carbon steel, natural, chemical-free coatings that initiate healthy cooking. The curved, high walls and wide surface assure spill-proof incorporation, mixing, and sauté of ingredients for the recipe. Last but not least, the welded handles give extra strength and security and prevent the accumulation of food.
9. Cuisinart Non-Stick Paella Pan
Best paella pan with lid
Why I recommend: – To all Cuisinart fans, if you are making paella in any of your skillets or wok, stop because Cuisinart now has its non-stick paella pans. “What makes it different?” It’s beautiful red color; its non-stick composition makes low-oil paella and the lifetime warranty a significant feature of Cuisinart products.
Construction: – Like all other paella pans, Cuisinart uses steel in constructing the 15-inch pan, but unlike them, it has a non-stick coating. It has riveted stainless steel handles at the sides and on the lid. Yes, this is the only paella pan that has an oven-safe glass lid, though paella is prepared uncovered. And the socarrat! The hammered-dimpled bottom prepares it.
10. Garcima 16-Inch Stainless Steel Paella Pan
Best stainless steel paella pan
Why I recommend: – In search of a stainless steel paella pan? The legend has a wide range of this, too. The 16-inch pan is an example of the collection. Hail the composition; the durable, sturdy, and easy-to-maintain stainless steel! And, you do not have to pre-season it either.
Construction: – Garcima has manufactured the pan from 18/8 stainless steel in the same way carbon steel pans are created. It has got all the features of the carbon steel pan: the thin hammered dimpled bottom and even heat distribution ability. Made from single-ply metal- it prohibits high-heat sautéing; and ensures the preparation of any rice dish, be it paella or risotto.
Also Read: 10 Best kitchen knife set under 500 USD
Buying guide: Choosing the best paella pan
Things you should consider before buying a paella pan. While buying; the best paella pan, there are a few things you need to consider to get satisfaction:
- Material
- Size and servings
- Stove type
- Fire resistance
Material
Cast-iron: – Traditional paella pan is made from cast-iron. It was one of the prevalent cookware to make paella. It creates the authentic socarrat but, has some drawbacks.
Cast-iron cookware is heavy in weight and need seasoning before and after use. Before use initiate easy release of the dish while after use initiates rust-proof, long-lasting stay.
Besides cast iron, a Paella pan of carbon steel, stainless steel, and enameled steel are widely available. Here are brief details of each of them too.
Carbon steel: – Lightweight, inexpensive carbon steel makes the best socarrat, being the reason behind its use in the professional kitchen.
However, this best material for paella pan needs proper care; else, it may develop rust.
Stainless steel: -Stainless steel is the best material for a paella pan if you want a forever rust-proof pan with little maintenance.
Stainless steel paella pan has a drawback: the dish made in it misses the signature socarrat.
Enamelled steel: – Enameled steel is the non-stick rust-proof version of the carbon steel pan with a thin enamel coating on carbon steel. This pan is easy to clean and maintain, but its thermal conductivity is not as good as a carbon steel pan.
The enamel coating is not chip-resistant, indicating handle with care while using.
Paella pan size and servings
Paella pans are no deeper than 4cm. However, diameter of a paella pan can be of any size. The general size is 24cm but it can go up to 115cm. It all depends on number of people you are cooking for. I have a chart for you. Check the best pan for paella with different sizes depending on number of people:
| Number of people | Size in inch | Size in cm. |
| 2-4 | 14 | 36 |
| 3-5 | 15 | 38 |
| 4-5 | 16 | 40 |
| 5-8 | 18 | 45 |
| 7-12 | 22 | 55 |
| 12-20 | 24 | 60 |
| 14-22 | 26 | 65 |
| 16-25 | 28 | 70 |
Make sure your pan should accord the cooktop or outdoor tripod burner.
Go for a couple of size large pan, extra of this delicacy will be a demand.
Stove type
Traditionally, Paella is cooked over an open fire. But, the cooktops of home and professional kitchens make the tastiest versions; all hail the compatible paella pan! From ceramic hob, electric stove, induction stove, gas stove to outdoor tripod burner: the paella pans work on all.
All paella pans do not support all cooktops. Any pan supports gas stove and similar; for electric, ceramic, and induction stove, you need a flat bottom one.
How to season a paella pan?
Carbon steel or cast iron paella pans need seasoning before every use. It increases the longevity and efficiency of the pan. Here are the simple steps of seasoning.
If using an oven:
- Wash and pat dry the pan before seasoning it
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350F).
- Apply a thick layer of cooking oil to the interior and exterior surfaces of the pan.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the pan is golden in color.
- Allow it to cool before using.
If using a cooktop:
- Make sure the pan is clean before seasoning.
- Apply a thick layer of cooking oil to the interior
- Heat it.
- Cool before using.
What does a paella pan cost? (Paella pans price)
Paella pans are available in different price ranges, which differ depending on the size and type of material. In the following we have divided the individual types into price categories.
| Price range | Available products |
| Low price (20 – 50 $) | Ordinary paella pans, some of which are even suitable for induction stoves, some for up to 25 servings |
| Medium price (50 – 70 $) | Robust quality paella pans, often also suitable for induction cookers |
| High price (from 70 $) | A gas burner is often supplied with the paella pan. Models with gas burner generally got higher price. It can go up to $200 or more. |
What are the alternatives to best paella pan?
If you don’t have a paella pan, but still want the flair of a paella, you can use a conventional pan as an alternative.
However, you should make sure that the alternative pan does not have a too high rim either. Low height pans can be used as an alternative to a paella pan.
Frequently asked questions about Paella Pan:
What size paella pan should I buy?
Generally 24cm to 36cm paella pans are most popular. A 14 inch paella pan is suitable for medium sized family.
Do you need a lid for paella pan?
Best paella pans do not come with lids. You have to allow the liquids to evaporate to make tender and tasty paella.
Should you season paella pans?
Enameled, nonstick paella pan and stainless steel paella pan do not need seasoning.
What is the name of a paella pan?
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish. In Spain many people call the paella pan as Paellera.
What can I use if I don’t have a paella pan?
Happliy use aluminum skillet or stainless steel skillet as an alternative to paella pan.
Does paella pan come with lid?
Paella is cooked uncovered, so I the pan does not include lid. However, the one by Cuisinart has lid. If you want you can cover with a suitable lid available in your kitchen.
How do I clean after use a paella pan?
You need to take proper care of your paella pan to enjoy your making the dish in it for long.
* Traditional paella pans made of cast iron, carbon steel, should be washed with water without soap and certainly not in the dishwasher.
* Dry it well and grease it with cooking oil.
* Keep your paella pan in a dry place. This prevents rusting.
What Is A Pata Negra Paella Pan?
Pata Negra paella pans are built from heavy-duty, carbon steel, often labelled as “restaurant grade”. They are constructed from thicker steel that can handle more wear and tear.
Can you prepare other dishes in a paella pan?
A paella pan is versatile. Its wide, shallow bottom allow to cook all types of dishes in it. So, making risotto, pulao, stir fry; sautéing veggies and stakes is easy to do in a paella pan.
Conclusion : Best paella pan reviews
There are different paella pans made from different materials. Suitable stove types depend on the material used to make the paella pan.
Before buying best paella pan for you, decide upon what type of stove you are going to use.
The sizes of the paella pans are different. Choose paella pans as per the number of people you are going to serve.
If you have a plan to prepare paella while you go for camping, buy cast iron paella pan or stainless paella pan with stand.
If you are going to make paella at home then paella pan for induction or gas stove is fine for you.
Where to buy a paella pan? You will find best quality paella cooker on Amazon. Do not buy large paella pan if you have a small family to cook for. Small paella pans are available which are budget friendly, go for them.
If you have any question on an authentic paella pan you can ask me by sending a message from contact page of buyforpantry.com. I can suggest you best paella pan made in Spain.
