Best Paella Pan Reviews 2018

Paella is a show-stopper that brings Spanish cuisine to the head of the pack when it comes to gastronomical delights. Thanks to the popularity of this mouth-watering dish, there are lots of specialty paella pans on the market to get your rice just right, with plenty of room to spare for all the other delectable components that make paella a crowd-pleaser. You can’t deliver great paella without a proper layer of socarrat (caramelized rice) on the bottom of the pan. We have researched and selected some of the best paella pan brands that will make the rice the star of the show.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Construction

Size

Serves

Good For

Origin

Our Top Choice

La Paella Garcima Valencian Paella Pan

Garcima is a family-owned business in Valencia, Spain. It makes high-grade paella pans that are crucial to making expert-level paella.

A treat for yourself, and makes a memorable gift. Gorgeous paella pan that you can keep on display. Rigid with dimpled bottom and gold handles. Maintenance-free.

Expensive because of the quality, and because imported.

Stainless steel

22 inches

10-12 people

Stovetop, oven, or grill

Spain

Best Value

Nordic Ware Spanish Paella Pan

Nordic Ware is based in Minneapolis, and features cookware that allows its customers to make ethnic specialty items from around the world.

Ideal for multi-purpose use. Heavy-duty construction. Even heat distribution. Good price. Comes with a 10-year warranty.

Handles get very hot.

Aluminized steel

15 inches

6-8 people

Stovetop

USA

Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Pan

Sertodo Copper is the brainchild of copper artisans, headed up by Jon Beall from Texas with a branch in Michoacan Mexico. Its vision is creative and eco-friendly.

An elegant handcrafted paella pan made from recycled copper that has been hammered to make a beautiful presentation. The interior is a traditional hot-tinned non-reactive surface.

Expensive because of the high quality, hand hammered copper.

Copper, stainless steel

15 inches

6-8 people

Stovetop or oven

Mexico

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Paella Pan and Skillet

Lodge is an American company specializing in rugged cast iron and carbon steel cookware that has been pre-seasoned with natural soybean oil.

Takes a beating, even in the hottest fires, for great caramelized rice and many years of use. Good for induction stovetops, and can be used on a grill or open fire.

Not for dishwashers; don’t even use soap. Just clean with a firm brush and hot water, then towel dry and apply a gentle coating of oil to make it last for a lifetime.

Carbon steel

15 inches

6-8 people

Stovetop, grill, open fire

USA

Paderno World Cuisine Spanish Paella Pan

Paderno World Cuisine hails from the beautiful red sand beaches and lighthouses of Prince Edward Island, and makes cookware to suit every kitchen task.

This pan gets nice and hot, distributing the heat evenly. It can feed large groups of family and friends. Dimpled to evaporate the liquid and form a crisp socarrat.

Needs to be pre-seasoned.

Carbon steel

18.5 inches

8-10 people

Stovetop, oven, or grill

Canada

(Updated November 15, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Paella Pan?

Paella is a sumptuous dish that brings life to the Spanish cuisine. Simply cook some rice and throw in whatever you fancy, and you have paella. Apart from the ingredients, you’ll need a perfect paella pan to make great paella. The traditional Valencian dish incorporates white rice, chicken, tomatoes, beans, snails, rabbit, and saffron, but you can get creative with it and add your preferred ingredients. This is something you probably can’t make in your ordinary omelette pan.

The first consideration when shopping for a paella pan is the number of people you’re planning to serve. Each pan has a range of servings, and that number should guide you when choosing the size of a paella pan. Secondly, consider the heat source you’re going to use. This may limit you to certain sizes that would comfortably fit on your stove, oven, fire pit, or grill. Unlike pizza pans, which just slide into the oven, most paella pans don’t come with a flat bottom. Typically, a home stove will fit a 20 or 22-inch pan, while ovens can accommodate 17 or 18-inch pan sizes and a large outdoor grill can handle up to 26 inches.

It’s always a good idea to choose the largest possible size of pan that your heat source can support. Generally, the larger the pan, the thinner the rice layer – which translates into a better-tasting paella. However, some people prefer having two smaller pans instead of one big one. This can be helpful if you frequently make paella for a small family of fewer than four people, but you still have the flexibility to make enough paella for a group of 12 people. A good copper pan can be useful for making a wide range of dishes other than paella.

Price

Paella is best made with a special type of pan, and you’ll only get it right with a pan made of materials like carbon steel. Cheap paella pans are available on the market, but they’ll not offer you the quality you desire. A good-quality paella pan will cost you as little as $40 or as much as $280, depending on the size and the material it’s made of. Carbon steel pans are the commonest and the cheapest, while stainless steel and non-stick pans tend to be more costly.

Features

The best-tasting paella comes from a thin layer of rice in the pan. This means you should choose the size of the paella pan keenly to match the number of servings you’re planning to have. Here are the features to look for.

Size – Paella pan sizes range from 14 inches to as big as 40 inches. Depending on what source of heat you’re using (ovens, grills, or home stoves), you need to pick a size that suits your needs.
Material - Carbon Steel – Paella pans are made of a wide range of materials, with each material carrying its share of pros and cons. You’ll not find a single best material for paella pans. Carbon steel is the traditional material you’ll find in most kitchens, and it’s known to conduct heat well and, because it is a reactive material, some people feel it often adds flavor to paella. However, it tends to rust when not properly taken care of.
Material - Stainless Steel - Stainless steel paella pans come with a more gorgeous look and a mirror finish, and can make wonderful gifts. They are simple and easy to maintain, but are a little more costly. Enameled steel pans are primarily made with carbon steel but coated with a black, speckled finish of enamel. They are affordable and make cleaning a breeze, not to mention rust-free. Be careful with the enamel coating to avoid cracks.

Construction and Design

Cooking is a necessary activity that should be made enjoyable by all means. A perfect pan will make your paella cooking a breeze and present delicious outcomes every time you put your mind to it.

Apart from the material a pan is made of, the shape of the pan plays a critical role in its performance. The traditional paella pans have a convex (protruding) bottom, a design meant to help with the first stage in the paella-making process. This is the stage when you fry the basic ingredients, and it’s referred to as sofrito. The convex shape allows the oil and ingredients to collect at the center of the pan and fry well. However, when it comes to using vitroceramic and induction hobs, whereas the middle of the pan will be in contact with the hob, the outer areas of the pan are raised, making the heat concentrated in the middle. This means you’ll have to continuously turn the rice around. With a flat-bottomed paella pan, there is good contact with the hob all around the pan. These models take a modern approach and come in polished steel, stainless steel, enamel-coated, and non-stick options.

Now, the current interpretation of the contemporary paella pan comes with a Tefal-style, non-stick coating to completely eliminate any risk of rice burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. These models are easy to clean, maintain, and will last longer. You can find them in both the traditional shape as well as the flat-bottom shape.

Performance and Ease of Use

Paella pans are relatively easy to use, provided you choose the right model the first time. Some models come with extra features, including lids. If it’s going to impact the price, you don’t need to spend your money on it. Paella is traditionally prepared uncovered. Of course, you can cover it after taking it off the heat, and allow your meal to rest before serving.

In terms of shape, traditional paella pans are convex, which means they won’t sit flat on your smooth-top electric burner. Consider models with flat bottoms that are designed for these modern burners. These models also work on induction hobs.

It’s always a good idea to go for a paella pan that can be used on multiple heat sources, like gas or charcoal grills, live fire, indoor stovetop burners, etc.

In terms of ease of cleaning, carbon steel pans are likely to rust and become tedious to clean when not properly taken care of. It’s advisable to let the pan soak in warm water for several hours before you wash. After cleaning, dry the pan completely and apply a little oil to prevent rusting. Non-stick pans are the modern incarnation of paella pans and provide much ease of maintenance and cleaning.

What is the Best Paella Pan?

For great paella, the pan is everything. There are many different materials to choose from, each with its own benefits. Carbon steel pans are ubiquitous among households in Spain, due to their quick heat-up times and even distribution of the heat. Enameled steel pans are easy to clean and rust resistant. Stainless steel is a top-of-the-line material, and extremely versatile and durable. Pata Negra pans feature an extra-thick grade of carbon steel for chefs that are going to put their paella pans through rigorous duty, and are a great choice for restaurant chefs. Flat-bottom pans are ideal for those with smooth cooktops, like glass, ceramic, or induction. Not only is the material crucial, but the company behind the production speaks volumes about the product. We have selected from the finest of brands to serve you well, so go ahead and pick a model that suits your style and budget.

Our Top Choice

Need a paella pan? Try the La Paella Garcima Valencian Paella Pan, a stainless steel pan with gold handles. Looking for something a little less expensive? The Garcima 22-Inch Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan is another high-quality pan available through La Paella. It can be used on the stovetop, in the oven and on a gas or charcoal grill.

La Paella Imported Garcima Spanish Paella Pan – Stainless Steel Paella Pan with Gold Handles, Available in Multiple Sizes

La Paella Pan SS-22GLD – 22-Inch

Features

Garcima is a family-owned business from Valencia, Spain that makes high-quality steel pans. It offers authentic paella pans that are showcased in the La Paella line, allowing you to make expert-level paella. Its range of paella pans covers the full spectrum in material options, including stainless steel, carbon steel, enameled steel, pata negra, and flat bottomed pans.

When it comes to good paella, authenticity is key. The excellent quality of the Garcima Valencia Paella Pan is evident immediately. This elegant pan is crafted from stainless steel, and offers a bit of bling with the attractive golden handles. You will be proud to cook with this pan. It is durable and reliable so you can enjoy cooking with it for many years to come, and it is beautiful enough to showcase on your pot rack.

This La Paella pan can move seamlessly from the stovetop to the oven, and even the grill. It has a large capacity for paella and can feed 10 -12 people. Your purchase even comes with tips on how to make your paella a gold-medal winner, and contains two recipes to get you started.

While our article is focused on the 22-Inch La Paella Garcima pan, it comes in several size variations to choose from, including 10, 16, 22 and 24 inches.

This is just one of the great Garcima Paella Pans available through La Paella. Take a look at Garcima’s Amazon Store for more.

Best Value

Enjoy preparing your own paella with a Nordic Ware 40030 Spanish Paella Pan. While researching paella pans, we came across Nordic Ware’s Restaurant Cookware available at affordable prices. We thought the 12.25” skillet, made in the USA with a professional-grade PFOA-free non-stick interior surface, would also be a nice addition to any home kitchen.

Nordic Ware Non-Stick Paella Pan - Heavyweight Aluminized Steel Flat Bottom Paella Pan, Griddle with High Sides

Nordic Ware Paella Pan 40030 – 15-Inch

Features

Nordic Ware was started by Dave and Dotty in 1946. As immigrants to America hailing from Norway, they missed the Scandinavian food items native to their homeland. Seventy years later, the company has expanded its line of cookware to include ethnic specialty items from around the globe, such as this paella pan.

Craving a classic paella dish in your own home? Check out Nordic Ware’s 40030 Spanish Paella Pan. It's 15 inches in diameter and made with heavyweight aluminum steel. It's designed for even heat distribution, and comes with the classic side handles. The rim is high enough to keep your rice and other ingredients in place, and low enough to evaporate the liquid to make a good socarrat. This paella pan comes with a 10-year warranty.

Nordic Ware makes lots of specialty cookware for preparing international delights that will soothe the homesick and take them back to their ethnic roots, no matter where they are in the world. Other specialty cooking pans that Nordic Ware offers include:

Italian Frittata and Omelette Pan
Crepe Pan
Rolled Omelette Pan
Swedish Rosettes and Timbales Set
Norwegian Krumkake Iron

The Nordic Ware Paella Pan is an affordable option for making authentic Spanish Paella at home. Check it out today.

Sertodo's Copper Alicante Paella Pan is a handcrafted hammered copper pan. It's a showpiece, plus it delivers great paella. This paella pan is also available in a bundle with the Sertodo Cooking Station, a stylish hand-hammered copper skirt that fits around your portable burner, adding a touch of elegance for cooking presentations.

Sertodo Alicante Spanish Paella Pan – Hammered Copper Paella Pan with Stainless Steel Handles, Available in 3 Sizes

Sertodo Paella Pan PP-15 – Medium, 15-Inch

Features

Owner Jonathan Beall had a vision of bringing copper artisans together when he founded Sertodo in 1997. While it is still a small owner-operated company that caters to each customer individually, Sertodo’s international artisans work from locations in Texas, as well as a village high in the Sierra Madras mountains in Mexico called Clara del Cobre. They handcraft copper cookware from recycled materials, and take great pride in their beautiful creations.

If you want to show off your cookware as well as your skills in the kitchen, look no further than the Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Pan. This beautiful artisan copper paella pan has a non-reactive hot-tinned surface on the interior, so it will last a long time. The stainless steel handles are also of high quality, and this material keeps the handles from getting blazing hot.

This pan deserves a prominent place in your kitchen, thanks to the gorgeous handcrafted design. It can be placed either on the stovetop or in the oven, and is 15 inches in diameter. This medium-sized pan can feed 6-8 people, and, thanks to the manufacturer's eco-friendly practices, it's crafted from 100% recycled materials.

While this medium-sized paella pan from Sertodo is a great size for family-style cooking, there are several size options to choose from, including small (12 inches), medium (15 inches), and large (18 inches).

If you love the look, style and cooking performance of copper, see the wide range of products available from Sertodo.

The Lodge CRS15 Pre-Seasoned Paella Pan and Skillet is made from carbon steel that can handle high heat, even in an open fire. This durable pan will last you a lifetime if you treat it right. Prefer cast iron? The Lodge L17SK3 17-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a bit deeper, but would also work for making paella, as well as many other dishes.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Paella Pan – Flat Bottom Skillet with Slanted Sides Doubles as Spanish Paella Pan

Lodge Paella Pan CRS15 – 15-Inch

Features

Lodge is an American company that began its cookware line with a focus on cast-iron skillets. Since then it has expanded to include carbon steel, a favorite material to use when crafting top-notch paella pans.

Although the CRS15 Pre-Seasoned Paella Pan and Skillet is made in the USA, it features classic Spanish carbon steel construction. The 12-gauge carbon steel is tough and durable, so your paella pan will still deliver excellent quality paella for years to come. The quick heat-up ability of the materials means everyone can get a taste of the socarrat on the bottom of the pan with each serving, as the rice will caramelize nicely.

You can take this versatile paella pan from the stovetop to an open fire. It will handle the high heat of an oven, and can even be used on induction stovetops. This pan is good for home and professional use. It has been pre-seasoned with natural soybean oil. You can also use it for lots of other dishes besides paella.

Just remember, do not put this pan in the dishwasher. Don’t even wash it with soap. Use a firm brush and hot water only after each use. Then dry it off with a towel, and while it's still warm, season it with a light coating of oil, just like a cast-iron pan, so you can enjoy this prized paella pan for a lifetime.

If you are looking for other great cast iron cookware, that’s one of Lodge’s specialties. See what else they offer.

Paderno World Cuisine's Spanish Paella Pan is a beautiful pan made in the classic style. This 18.5” pan accommodates large groups. If you’re on a tighter budget, try the Paderno World Cuisine Enamel Paella Pan. This classic-style pan is made from carbon steel and coated with enamel, and is safe for traditional stovetops, ovens and induction stoves.

Paderno World Cuisine Polished Carbon Steel Paella Pan with Dual Zinc Handles

Paderno Paella Pan A4172447 - 18.5-Inch

Features

If you want a good crust on the bottom of the pan, you are going to need a paella pan that does not trap a lot of liquid on the bottom. The dimpled bottom of this Paderno paella pan achieves that quite well.

Paderno World Cuisine began production in 1976 on Prince Edward Island in Canada. As a prominent cookware manufacturer in Canada, demand for its products has grown exponentially. In order to serve its customers well, it has a huge array of kitchen and cookware products made from high-grade materials, including a line of ethnic cookware to help chefs prepare hometown recipes.

The Spanish Paella Pan was made for the stovetop, oven, or grill, but it can also be used with induction heat. It will be a cherished part of your cooking repertoire for a lifetime if you take care of it well.

You will need to wash this pan with hot water and soap to remove any manufacturing residue. Once it is completely clean, lightly coat it with a flavorless oil like flaxseed oil, and heat the pan on the stove. Wipe it down, then give it one more light coating of oil.

Always keep your paella pan in good condition. After each use, clean your pan with hot water and a gentle but firm brush, then warm it up on the stove, and keep it coated with a very thin layer of oil. Presto! You will have a fine paella pan year after year that will help you deliver fantastic meals to the table.

Paderno offers paella pans in a variety of sizes and materials, including ceramic coated pans, if this isn’t the right one for you.

Get the Best Paella Pan of 2018!

It is truly a treat to cook with a beautiful paella pan. It makes the process more enjoyable and adds to the pleasure of cooking great food. The brands we have selected offer high-quality construction and deliver the goods when it comes to cooking paella properly. This is one pan you’ll want to invest in and take your time selecting, as the quality of the pan is crucial in bringing out the best in your paella. These brands offer products that are at the top of the list in customer satisfaction. We’re glad to have played a part in your quest to find the best paella pan. These same brands still offer a wide range of other options for you.

Our Top Choice

La Paella Garcima Valencian Paella Pan

Best Value

Nordic Ware Spanish Paella Pan

Sertodo Copper Alicante Paella Pan

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Paella Pan and Skillet

Paderno World Cuisine Spanish Paella Pan