Paella is one of the most popular dishes in Spain and its recipe has been passed down through generations. Today, this dish is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Paella is basically a casserole that is filled with vegetables, herbs, meat, and various spices. It is a great dish to cook for celebrations and large family gatherings.
If you want to make nice authentic paella, it is essential to have the right paella pan. A traditional paella pan has a shallow but wide surface area, curved handles, and sloping sides.
If you’re looking for the best cooking pans for paella, you’ve come to the right place.
Read this article to learn all about the best paella pans and what to keep in mind when you are buying one.
Our Pick – Top 3 Paella Pans
In case you’re in a hurry, here are my top three recommendations for the best paella pans.
Still confused about which paella pans is best for you?
Let me help by providing detailed reviews on the best paella pans that I found in the market (and the ones you can buy online).
These reviews will definitely help you gain awareness and understanding of the best features, pros, and cons of each paella pan.
Let’s get started!
Best Paella Pans Reviewed
Below is the table that shows all the paella pans covered in this review.
Now let’s have a look at the detailed reviews of each of the paella pan covered in this article.
Garcima 22-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan, 55cm
- Authentic paella pan. Made in Spain.
- Informative pamphlet included, which contains two recipes.
- Can be used on a gas or charcoal grill, on the stovetop, or in the...
The Garcima paella pan is made of high-quality carbon steel, which is durable and a great conductor of heat, so this pan will warm up quickly. Many paella fans believe that carbon steel paella pans enhance the flavor when cooking.
This pan is versatile and compatible with charcoal and gas grills. It is also suitable for the oven and different types of cooktops.
It comes with two pamphlets that contain all the necessary information about this pan and has two recipes, which will help you make delicious food.
The Garcima Paella pan has a wide 22-inch surface and can easily cook for 7 to 12 people, so it is a great choice for a family gathering or celebration.
When using this pan, you will never have to worry about your food being under or overcooked since it is good at distributing the heat equally.
This paella pan has a sleek design and comes with steel handles that are red in color. It is extremely lightweight and compact so it doesn’t take too much space and is very travel-friendly.
The Garcima paella pan is thin but sturdy and has a dimpled bottom.
If you do not want your carbon steel paella pan to rust, make sure to wash it after every use. When washing it, don’t forget to rub the surface of this pan with some vegetable oil as that prevents rusting.
If your pan does start rusting, no need to worry – steel wool can easily take it off.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Sertodo Copper Paella Cooking Pan with Stainless Steel Handles, Hand Hammered 14 Gauge Pure Copper, 12 Inch
- PURE HEAVY GAUGE COPPER - from 100% recycled sources for unsurpassed...
- SUPERIOR QUALITY - our hammer polish beats shine, beauty and...
- TIN-LINED INTERIOR - long-lasting and natural non-stick, non-reactive...
The Sertodo paella cooking pan is made of heavy gauge copper that is environment-friendly and made of 100% recycled material.
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so this paella pan tends to heat up quickly and distributes heat evenly, which guarantees no over or undercooked food.
The Sertodo paella cooking pan is made of high-quality material, has a sleek design and is covered with a shiny polish.
This pan is durable and reliable and its shine is long-lasting. What makes the Sertodo paella pan stand out is that its interior is lined with tin, which gives it a non-stick coating.
Unlike other paella pans that may need to be seasoned before you start cooking, you can immediately start using this pan as soon as you get it.
The non-stick coating makes cleaning much easier since your food will never stick to the surface – it will just slide right off. This will help you save time when washing the pan.
It is necessary to wash the pan after every use since rust can easily accumulate at the surface. The non-stick coating also makes the cooking surface non-reactive, so you will never have to worry about chemicals from the pan transferring to your food.
The Sertodo paella cooking pan is child-friendly and does not contain lead or cadmium.
Another great thing about the Sertodo paella cooking pan is that it has an ergonomic design and comes with stainless steel handles that stay cool at all times.
This paella pan comes in 3 sizes— 12 inches (can serve up to 4 to 6 people), 15 inches (can serve 6 to 8 people) and 18 inches (can serve up to 10 to 12 people) pan.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Le Creuset L2064-3467 Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan, 3 1/4-Quart, Cerise
- Works well on the stovetop or outdoor grill
- Durable matte black enamel finish requires no seasoning
- Even heat distribution and superior heat retention
The Le Creuset paella pan is made of high-quality enameled cast iron and comes with a black matte enamel finish. It doesn’t require any seasoning. The enamel coating has many benefits. It makes the surface of the paella pan non-reactive, so atoms of metal will not transfer to your food or affect its taste.
Non-stick enamel coating also prevents rust from accumulating at the surface of the pan and makes cleaning much easier. With a non-stick coating, the food slides right off, so you will never need to use harsh materials like steel wool.
Simply take a soft cloth, warm water, and some dish soap to clean the Le Creuset paella cooking pan for long-lasting results.
This paella pan is compatible with gas and electric stovetops, ovens and even an outdoor grill. Since cast iron is a good conductor of heat, you will not have to wait too long for your pan to heat.
You will also never have under or overcooked food since the Le Creuset paella cooking pan is known to distribute heat evenly across the bottom of the pan.
One of the best things about this pan is that it is colorful.
This pan has an ergonomic design and stainless steel handles, which stay cool when you are cooking. The Le Creuset paella pan includes a limited lifetime warranty and is a long-lasting, reliable choice.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Matfer Bourgeat 062051 Black Steel Paella Pan, 14 1/8 Diameter
The Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is made of black steel and comes with two handles, which remain cool when the pan is on the stove. This pan has an ergonomic design since it has a dimpled bottom and curved sides, which makes cooking paellas easy.
This paella pan has a wide surface of 15 inches and can serve up to 6 to 8 people, so it is a good option for a small gathering.
The Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is extremely lightweight, so you can easily carry it from one place to another.
Make sure to wash the pan after each use; otherwise, it may start collecting dust and grime at the surface, which can not only damage your pan but also affect the taste of your food in the future.
One of the best things about the Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is that it is extremely versatile and can be used to cook many items, including vegetables and crepes.
Steel is a good conductor of heat so this pan will heat up pretty quickly and evenly divide heat across the bottom of the pan.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
La Paella 18 Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan, Large, Silver
- Professional grade carbon steel is extra thick and durable and...
- Can be used on a gas or charcoal grill, on the stovetop, or in the...
- Ideal for serving6 to 8 people
The La Paella Restaurant Grade Pan is made of professional-grade carbon steel that is durable and extremely thick.
Since carbon steel is an excellent conductor of heat, paella this cooking pan tends to heat up very quickly and distributes heat evenly, making sure the food is always perfectly cooked.
This paella pan does not have a non-stick coating, so you might have to season it before using it. It also means that washing this paella pan may require some work since the surface can easily rust or catch grime.
You can use abrasive materials like steel wool on the surface without worrying about damaging the coating, but don’t forget to rub thoroughly or your pan may start collecting dust and lose its shine.
After washing, dry it with a soft cloth and make sure to store it in a dry place. The La Paella restaurant-grade pan is compatible with a gas or electric stovetop and a charcoal grill.
This pan can easily serve up to 5 to 8 people and comes with a pamphlet that gives you information on how to use this pan. The box also includes two recipes that will guide you on how to make the perfect paella for you and your family.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Enamelled Steel Valencian paella pan 12Inch / 30cm / 4 Servings
- Made of enamelled steel
- Used traditionally to make the Valencia paella
- Easy to clean and maintain
The Valencian paella pan by Castevia Imports is made of high-quality steel, allowing the pan to heat up very quickly. It has an ergonomic design, a dimpled bottom and curved sides, so it is a good choice for making paellas. It also has black handles that stay cool when the pan is on a stovetop.
This pan is compatible with gas and electric stovetops and charcoal grill. It is also versatile enough to cook various other dishes besides paellas.
One of the best things about the Valencian paella pan by Castevia Imports is that it is lightweight, so it is extremely travel-friendly and can be moved around from one place to another.
Another great thing about this paella pan is that it comes with a hard non-stick enameled coating that makes cleaning very easy. Let the pan cool off for a few minutes after use and then simply wash it with dish soap, a soft cloth, and some warm water.
Don’t forget to dry this pan after washing it. The enamel coating also prevents the surface of the pan from rusting and comes with black steel handles that stay cool when the pan is on the stove.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Vaello Campos La Valenciana 50cm Enamelled Steel Paella Pan
- Vaello Campos Vaello La Valenciana Enameled Steel Valley Panel Paella...
The Vaello Campos La Valenciana paella pan is made of high-quality steel, which makes sure your pan heats up in just a few seconds. The steel material of this pan also prevents undercooking or overcooking of food as it always distributes the heat evenly across the bottom of the pan.
This pan has a traditional ergonomic paella pan design and comes with a dimpled bottom, curved sides and strong handles that stay cool when you are cooking. The Vaello Campos paella pan can easily serve 5 to 7 people.
One of the best things about this pan is that it has an enameled coating, which makes cleaning extremely easy. Thanks to the enamel coating, the food slides right off and your pan doesn’t rust.
When washing this pan, make sure not to use abrasive materials; instead, use a soft cloth to wipe the surface so that you don’t damage the coating.
The coating also makes the surface of your pan non-reactive, so you will never have to worry about chemicals from the pan transferring to your food during cooking. The Vaello Campos paella pan is durable and will last you a long time.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Matfer Bourgeat 062052 Black Steel Paella Pan, 15-3/4 In. Diameter
The Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is made of steel, which makes it an excellent conductor of heat. This pan can heat up in just a few minutes and evenly distributes it across the surface of the pan. It has an ergonomic design that includes stainless steel handles, curved sides and a dimpled bottom.
The Matfer Bourgeat paella pan is extremely lightweight and weighs 6 ounces, so it is easy to carry from one place to another. This paella pan is compatible with charcoal grills, gas, and electric stovetops.
It is also extremely versatile and can be used to cook various other dishes other than paellas. You can easily make bacon, crepes, and vegetables on this pan since it has curved sides and a wide surface that allows you to cook for around 7 people.
Unlike many other paella pans, the Matfer Bourgeat paella pan does not have a non-stick surface, which can make cleaning and maintenance a little harder.
Every time you use this pan, it is best to wash it immediately; otherwise, it will rust. Without a coating, this pan is prone to scratches and dirt. Make sure to store it in a dry, clean and safe space after use.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Mabel Home 18-inch Enamaled Steel Paella Pan, 46cm
- 18-Inch Enameled Steel Paella Pan (46-cm). Serves 8 to 10 people
- This pan is good for beginning paella cooks and is one of our most...
- Fits well over most large standard burners.
The Mabel Home paella pan is made of high-quality steel and comes with a strong non-stick enamel coating that has various benefits. First of all, this coating makes cooking and maintenance extremely easy because you don’t have to do much after you’re done using it.
Make sure to wash it regularly with warm water and dish soap to prevent rust and grime from collecting on the surface. The non-stick coating will also prevent your pan from getting rusty for a very long time.
This paella pan has a wide surface that is 18 inches wide and can serve up to 8 people, so it is a good choice for a small gathering or a big family.
The Mabel Home paella pan has an ergonomic design since it comes with curved sides, a dimpled bottom and sturdy side handles that stay cool at all times – even when the pan is on a stove.
Since this pan is big in size, it may not be compatible with all the stovetops, but it can be used on a charcoal grill. The Mabel Home paella pan comes with a limited warranty, so it is a safe purchase.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Mauviel 5277.4 M'Elite Paella pan, 15.7, Stainless
- Made in France. Mauviel is the leading cookware manufacturer for...
- High performance: M’ELITE is a collection conceived for induction,...
- Stay Cool Handles. Cast Stainless steel handles stay cool during use....
The Mauviel M’Elite paella pan is one of the most popular pans used for paella since it is guaranteed to last a long time. This pan is 5 ply and has a thickness of 2.6mm.
It is still extremely sturdy and reliable. The surface of this pan is polished from the outside, which gives it a shine and makes it look good on your kitchen shelf or stovetop.
This pan has an ergonomic design and has 2 side handles (made of stainless steel) that stay cool during use.
One of the best things about the Mauviel paella pan is that it is dishwasher safe, so you will not have to spend a lot of time cleaning it.
This paella pan can be used on all types of stovetops. Whether you have a gas, electric or induction cooktop, you will never have to worry about damaging this pot since it comes with a magnetized base.
It is also oven safe and can easily withstand high temperatures. The Mauviel M’Elite paella pan comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you know this product is reliable and long-lasting.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
La Ideal 071052 Polished Steel Paella Pan, 35 1/2-Inch, Gray/Red
- Authentic paella pan. Made in Spain.
- Informative pamphlet included, which contains two recipes.
- Can be used on a gas or charcoal grill, on the stovetop, or in the...
The La Ideal paella pan is made of high-quality steel that is polished and has a matte finish. It does not have a non-stick coating, but it has an ergonomic design with bright red handles, so the pan is easy to use.
This steel paella pan has a wide surface area and can easily serve up to 5 to 6 people, so it is a good choice for a small family. Besides that, the La Ideal paella pan is extremely versatile and can be used to cook various meals and dishes.
Since it has a wide surface, you can fry and cook crepes, vegetables, and even bacon very easily.
Cleaning the La Ideal paella pan may require some work, so make sure to do it regularly. After use, let the pan cool off for a few minutes and then rub off all the grime off of it; otherwise, it may turn sticky.
If the stains refuse to go away, you can use steel wool without worrying about damaging the pan.
This paella pan is compatible with gas and electric stovetops and has a 2-year warranty, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The La Ideal paella pan is also extremely lightweight, so you can easily take it with you if you are traveling.
Enamelled 8 People paella pan 15Inch / 38cm / 8 Servings
- Pan has diameter of 38 cm. This means pan can cook 8 servings at one...
- Consists of 2 handles, ergonomically designed for maximum cooking...
- Made with high quality materials in Valencia, Spain - Traditional home...
The paella pan by Castevia Imports has a wide surface and can easily cook for 8 people at one time. It is made of high-quality metal that is guaranteed to last a long time.
Thanks to its non-stick enamel coating, this cooking pan is extremely easy to clean. Simply wash it with warm water and dish soap after every use and keep it away from water when storing it.
The non-stick coating is strong enough to protect this pan from rust and scratches that can be easily caused by utensils. The coating also makes the surface non-reactive, so chemicals from the metal will never transfer to your food. This pan by Castevia Imports is extremely child-friendly.
This paella pan has an ergonomic design, so it is easy to use. It includes 2 side handles that are made of stainless steel and remain cool during use. It also has curved sides and a dimpled bottom that makes cooking easier.
This paella pan by Castevia Imports is compatible with gas and electric stovetops.
One of the best things about the paella pan by Castevia Imports is that it is versatile. Besides cooking paellas, you can make multiple other dishes in the pan. It is also extremely lightweight, which makes it a good travel partner.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
|
|
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Keep in mind when buying a paella cooking pan
Here are some things that you should keep in mind before buying a paella pan:
Size of the paella pan
One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying paella pans is the size, which entirely depends on you. Paella pans come in various sizes – some are 12 inches wide and some are even 30 inches wide.
If you have a big family, it is best to get the 30-inch paella pan since it can serve more people.
However, if you have a small family and don’t use paella pans too often, it is best to get something smaller so you can store them in your kitchen cabinets easily.
Non-stick
Another important factor to keep in mind is the non-stick coating.
A non-stick coating makes things easier when you are cleaning your pan and prevents scratches and rust, thus increasing the lifespan of your pan.
Plus, non-stick paella pans don’t need to be seasoned before cooking and with them, you don’t have to worry about your food sticking to the surface of your pan. Non-stick paella pans are very common, so you can easily find one.
Material
The material of your paella pan plays a very vital role in determining the lifespan of your pan.
Here are a few types of paella pans that are common in the market:
Carbon Steel
Most traditional paella pans are made of carbon steel. It is a very popular choice that is mostly used by professional chefs. Carbon steel has a high cooking performance and is known for its heat retention.
To add to the benefits, carbon steel also has a non-stick surface, which makes cleaning extremely easy after you’re done cooking.
However, some carbon steel pans are known to affect the taste of your paella.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most common choices for paella pans since it is long-lasting and reliable.
The best part about stainless steel pans is that they do not require much maintenance and are generally easy to clean. They also heat up pretty fast and can cook pretty much anything.
However, stainless steel paella pans are not non-stick so it may take some to remove the rust if there is any.
Copper
A copper paella pan is sturdy and will look great in your kitchen.
Copper pans have a shiny matte finish that makes them stand out amongst other kitchen pans. Copper pans are good conductors of heat and are completely lead or cadmium free.
They are also pretty simple to clean and if given proper care, will last you for years.
All the materials mentioned above have their pros and cons, so it is always advisable to go for one that meets all your needs and requirements.
Final Thoughts
Paella is a delicious dish that is slowly becoming popular all over the world.
It is not that hard to make paella. With the right amount of practice and a good, durable paella pan, you can make mouthwatering paella for your whole family.
When you are choosing a paella pan, just remember to keep our extensive reviews and buyer’s guide in mind so that you can make an informed decision.
You may also like the following articles about cooking pans: