The Best Paella Pan for your Kitchen
Paella is a Spanish dish of rice, saffron, chicken, and succulent seafood served in a large, shallow pan. No matter what type of paella recipe you’re cooking up, you need to invest in a traditional paella pan. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite cookware for the best paella pans.
Additionally – go read the Best Hot Chocolate Makers here or the Best Chimineas here.
Best Overall: Cuisinart Nonstick Pan with Cover
For a Carbon Steel Pan: La Paella Pata Negra
Best Cast Iron: Williams Sonoma Staub
On a Budget: Amazon Machika
Best for Non-Stick: Matfer Bourgeat
For a Large Pan: Garcima
Best for Luxury: Mauviel Copper Paella Pan
Table of Contents
What is an authentic paella pan?
If you’re unfamiliar with the dish of Valencia, Spain – then you may not know what a paella pan is. Let’s talk about some of the qualities of these pans.
Firstly, a paella pan is extremely wide (large diameter) and has a completely flat bottom. Therefore, it’s helpful if you invest in a non-stick pan so you’re not scraping for hours after cooking.
Secondly, you really want to make sure whatever pan you use has a flat and wide cooking surface. This is essential so you can make rice with a dry texture – one of the main qualities of a good paella.
Thirdly, you want to make sure your pan can handle changes in heat. When cooking paella, home cooks want to ensure that your pan can go from high temperatures to a simmer in seconds. This is because you want to make the rice just right while also perfecting the socarrat.
Do I really need a paella pan?
You don’t necessarily NEED one but it’s definitely helpful when making paella. If you want to skip using a paella pan, just make sure you’re using cookware that has a large diameter and is extremely shallow. We recommend finding a high-quality pan that also has good heat conductivity and has some kind of non-stick enamel coating.
However, cooking with a specific cookware definitely has its benefits. Therefore, you should do some research prior to investing in a product or starting to whip up paella!
What is a paella pan made of?
Traditionally, they were made of carbon steel. However, there are many different options regarding pan materials in today’s world. Here are some popular paella pan materials. It just depends what you’re most comfortable with:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Enameled steel paella pan
- Cast-iron
Is a stainless steel paella pan good?
It depends on what exact pan you purchase – but typically, stainless steel pans are a good option for making the perfect dish. Traditionally, the Valencian people would cook the Spanish paella on carbon steel paella pans. However, stainless steel is a perfectly good option these days as well.
How do you clean a paella pan?
Most products are not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to hand wash your pan after cooking. It depends on your exact type of pan – but for the most part – cleaning instructions are the same.
Fill the bottom of the pan with about 1/2 inch of warm water. Let it sit for a few hours (preferably overnight). Then, come back, pour the water out, and use a teaspoon of dishwashing soap and a scrub brush to clean residue off the pan.
Which pan is best for paella?
Best Overall: Cuisinart Nonstick Pan with Cover
This option features steel construction with enameled exterior and nonstick interior – great for the perfect paella! Moreover, it heats evenly and quickly and the nonstick coating ensures easy food release and cleaning.
For a Carbon Steel Pan: La Paella Pata Negra
Made of professional grade carbon steel, this pan is extra-thick and durable. It can be used on a paella burner, gas grill, or even a charcoal grill. Additionally, this 18-inch carbon steel paella pan is ideal for serving 5-8 people – perfect for large dinners!
Best Cast Iron: Williams Sonoma Staub
If you’re looking for an enameled cast-iron paella pan, this product is a great option! You can choose different pan sizes depending on your needs (and it doubles as a serving piece after you cook). Moreover, this iron skillet is heavy-duty, resistant to rust, and is extremely heat-resistant.
On a Budget: Amazon Machika
Made with top grade carbon steel, this pan features a dimpled bottom, even heat distribution, and a great price! So, if you’re looking for a pan with easy maintenance and innovative design – this is for you! Plus, it comes in a large variety of different sizes.
Best for Non-Stick: Matfer Bourgeat
Made of black steel, this carbon steel skillet features natural non-stick material. It features two handles welded to the pan’s body for extra strength and can also withstand high temperatures.
For a Large Pan: Garcima
This pan comes in a variety of different sizes – up to 55cm – ideal for serving 7 to 12 people. In addition, this option comes with an informative pamphlet that contains two recipes, tips for the perfect paella, and care instructions. Overall, it’s a durable pan and extremely safe for your stovetop!
Best for Luxury: Mauviel Copper Paella Pan
This copper and stainless-steel pan is perfect for cooking a paella with richness and depth of flavor. It features heavy-gauge 2mm copper for superior heat conductivity and temperature control as well as riveted bronze handles to protect your hands. Plus, it’s just deep enough to layer ingredients!
In conclusion…
So, did you find a product that will meet all your cookware needs? If so, let us know about it in the comment section below!
