7 Best Paella Pans 2021 – Expert Reviews & Guide

Let’s have a look at what we consider to be the 10 best paella pans.  These versatile pans are a must in every Latino house and for good reason!

A lot of people do not know what a Paella Pan is. Chances are that you would have surely seen a Paella Pan in your lifetime?  A shallow but wide cooking vessel that is mainly used to cook seafood and meat along with Spanish rice. A lot of people also use it to cook vegetables as well.

One thing that you need to understand before investing in a Paella Pan is that it is something associated with Spanish Cuisine. If you plan to cook dishes that are culturally associated with South America and Spain, you would certainly need a Paella Pan.

A paella is a Spanish dish, and a Paella Pan helps you in cooking those dishes. Talking a little about the cooking process, Paella Pans lets the liquid evaporate quickly which is mainly because of the wide surface area of the pan. This lets you create a crispy golden crust. This is more like a type of cuisine in itself.

A lot of people have a question if they can really use Paella Pan for any other purpose or not. The fact is that they can use it for cooking many other things, which include searing steaks, making fish fillets, or chicken cutlets.

Paella Pans can also be used for roasting meat or you can use it to prepare bacon or even pancakes. A lot of people also use Paella Pan for stir-frying vegetables.

One thing that you would love about cooking in Paella Pan is that it leaves everything very crispy. You can also carry your Paella Pan to a campfire and you will absolutely love cooking in Paella Pan.

If you are planning on purchasing a Paella Pan and if this is your first time, then let us help you in making the selection.

The pan is easy to choose with a few considerations required during the purchase process.  In the latter part of the page, we have also covered a short buying guide that will help you in ensuring that you choose nothing but the best Paella Pan for yourself.

Here is a quick guide to our top 5 paella pan recommendations without the details…

 

Best Paella Pans Reviews

 

1. Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet, Pre-Seasoned

The first one on our list is from Lodge and this is made of Carbon Steel, the best material for paella pan.

It is an affordable option for you and it offers the best browning or searing experience to the user. The material used here is 12 gauge steel which not only heats quickly but it also retains heat for a longer period.

This Paella Pan is quite versatile as you can use it on an induction stove, electric stove, gas-based stove and even on outdoor grills or open fire. This adds a lot of versatility for you and you can even experiment with your food.

The carbon steel Paella Pan comes seasoned with natural oil but after the first use onwards, you would need to wash it and then need to rub cooking oil in order to season the Paella Pan.  Avoid any kind of rusting or oxidation of the metal. Overall, it is good value for money.

Things we liked

• Available in 15 inch size and is made of carbon steel.
• Pre-seasoned and has a nice finish.
• Quite tough and is best for high heat cooking.
• Made in the USA and therefore good quality.

Things we didn’t like

• Can only be hand washed and needs to be seasoned after each wash

2. Victoria Cast Iron Paella Frying Pan Seasoned

If you are looking for something that is Kosher certified then here is the best type of cast iron paella pan for you.

This is available in many different sizes so you will surely find a suitable one for your family. The material used here is cast iron which has great heat retention and so you end up consuming less energy while cooking the food.

The handles integrated into these Paella Pan are double loop which is easier to use, and there is no chance of slippage either.

If you are really looking for something quite versatile, then you can go ahead and have a look at this Paella Pan. You will be able to use it for many purposes and that is why you will be able to get the best return on investment.

Things we liked

• This is a kosher certified Paella Pan as it has a non-GMO flaxseed oil coating.
• It is available in 5 different sizes, which include 6.5 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches and 13 inches.
• It comes with a lifetime warranty.
• Can also be used for cooking, grilling, baking and even serving,

Things we didn’t like

• Nothing that we could notice.

3. Virtus Spanish paella pan

At number 3, we have a Paella Pan from Virtus.   This is for the cooks who are looking for something classic as well as traditional.

This traditional Paella Pan is also made of carbon steel but it has a very classic design that enhances the flavor in the food. It is really good for browning.

The Paella Pan can be used not only with traditional stoves, but it can also be used with induction cooktops or in ovens.

This model is available in 4 different sizes wherein the smallest one is 18.5 inches in diameter while the largest one is 35.5 inches in diameter.

The bottom of this Paella Pan is hammered, which allows space for the base to expand.

It doesn’t take a lot of efforts to season this Paella Pan.

Things we liked

• This has a very classic design and it is made of carbon steel.
• This Paella Pan is compatible with induction and you can also use it in the oven.
• Made in Spain and hence it gives a classic feel with the touch of tradition.
• It has a very good heat dispersion and the handles are made of zinc.

Things we didn’t like

• Smaller sizes are not available.

4. Garcima La Ideal Polished Steel Paella Pan

Until now, we have talked about the Paella Pan, which is made of carbon steel but the fact is that a lot of people don’t like that material because of the maintenance it requires.

In this case, the maintenance required is minimal. The Paella Pan has 2 handles for easy handling, and in addition to this, there are 4 rivets in each handle to improve the grip.

This model is designed and manufactured in Spain to keep the tradition alive.

Overall, it is quite an amazing pan if you need something that requires less maintenance compared to traditional carbon steel.

With the different options in size, you can choose the right one for your family.

We would recommend this for the people who often cook for large gatherings or who cook for a big family at once.

Things we liked

• This model is made of polished steel, which is durable.
• Available in 6 different sizes.
• Comes with 4 rivets in the handle and that offers a good grip to the user.
• Available in medium to an extra-large size which will surely suit your needs.

Things we didn’t like

• Slightly expensive because of the material quality used.

5. La ValencianaVaello Enameled Steel Valley Panel Paella Pan

If you are looking for a high-quality Paella Pan which is also affordable, then you need to have a look at this Paella Pan from La Valenciana.

This Paella Pan is made of enameled steel which is the best material for making Paella Pan. Apart from this, it is also available in 4 different sizes for you.

The design of the Paella Pan is quite ergonomic which adds a lot of flexibility for the user.

The cleaning part is also very easy, and the amount of maintenance required is actually minimal.

It is a perfect gift for people who love to cook. You can certainly consider this Paella Pan and we assure you that you are getting a top-quality Paella Pan at an affordable price.

Before you order this pan, ensure that you choose the right size for yourself. Available options are 26 cm, 30 cm, 34 cm and 60 cm. For more details, refer to the pros and cons listed below –

Things we liked

• The pan is made of enameled steel, which is so far the best material for these Paella Pan.
• The pan is available in 4 different sizes
• The amount of maintenance required is minimal.
• Available at an affordable price for you.

Things we didn’t like

• Nothing that we could find.

6. Vaello Campos Enamelled Steel Paella Pan

If you are still hunting for a Paella Pan that is made of enameled steel then you might want to have a look at this model from Vaello Campos.

This model is a 38 cm design, which is made of enameled steel and it has a very sturdy construction as well.

The design of this Paella Pan is very traditional, and you can cook as many as 8 servings in a single go.

There are a total of 2 handles on this Paella Pan which is more of a standard design but it offers a lot of cooking comfort to you.

The design and manufacturing is from Spain, and hence it not just looks traditional but it works like a traditional Paella Pan. Apart from the traditional use, you can also use this Paella Pan for the grill, casserole, and other recipes.

Things we liked

• Very easy to clean and much easier to maintain as it is made of enameled steel.
• It comes with a traditional design and so there is authenticity in your dishes.
• Big enough to cook 8 servings in a single go.
• One of the most durable Paella Pan available in the market.

Things we didn’t like

• No options for other sizes available here.

7. Chef Direct Stainless Steel Round Dish Paella Pan

The last product on our list is from Chef Direct and this is also made of stainless steel.

The Paella Pan is available in different sizes for you. The best part about these Paella Pans is the versatility as you will be able to use this Paella Pan with stovetop, gas stove, electric cook and it is also vitro ceramic safe.

The brand offers a product satisfaction guarantee.

The maintenance part is also quite easy when it comes to this Paella Pan as it is made of stainless steel. You will be able to clean it in the dishwasher which will save a lot of time for you after the event is over.

Overall, it is a nice product and you must check it out before making a final purchase decision.

Things we liked

• Made of stainless steel
• Available in 7 different sizes with the smallest one being 20 cm while the largest one is 46 cm.
• Can be used in oven, grills and even on an open fire.
• Easy to clean as it is dishwasher friendly.

Things we didn’t like

• Nothing as such.

How To Choose The Best Paella Pans

The purchase of Paella Pan can be difficult if you are a first-time buyer.  There are a lot of factors that can impact your choice of product.

We are here to help you in making a good purchase decision.  You will find listed a comprehensive buying guide where we have covered all the points that you must consider while purchasing the Paella Pan.

Let us go over it now.

Size of Paella Pan

The first thing that you need to check is the size of the Paella Pan.

This is majorly defined by the servings that you are going to cook in a single go. You should buy a size which is enough to feed your family and some guests without requiring any rework.

In addition to this, you also need to ensure that the Paella Pan can be accommodated inside your grill or on your cooktop.

To give you a perspective, you would need a 16 inch Paella Pan for serving 4 to 6 people, an 18 inch Paella Pan for serving 6 to 8 people and a 22 inch pan for serving 8 to 12 people.

If you are going to serve 12 to 20 people, then we would recommend you to opt for a 26 inch pan. The largest size that we found was 32 inches, which was enough to accommodate 20 to 40 people.

Material Used in Making Paella Pan

The next thing that you would need to check is the material that the pan is made of.

Traditionally, the Paella Pan is made of Carbon steel and if you would like to maintain the authenticity of the dish, then invest in a pan made of carbon steel.

The only problem with carbon steel is that it would require a certain level of seasoning and maintenance.

If you are looking for other options, then you will come across Paella Pans that are designed with stainless steel or enameled steel. Enameled steel is one of the best material that you will find because it will not rust, it is economical and it is also easy to maintain.

In addition to this, the enameled steel can be used on the grill, fire, and in the oven. The challenges with carbon steel are that it requires maintenance to prevent rust.

Lastly, stainless steel is easy to maintain and it can also be used on the fire, grill and in an oven but it is expensive.

Propane Powered Paella Pan

If you are opting for bigger Paella Pans, then finding the right cooktop might be a challenge.

This is true for the pans which are used in commercial establishments or even at home while preparing meals for the party.

The solution? Propane-powered Paella Pans which doesn’t require any connection from your side. That makes it really easy to cook and that also adds to the versatility while you are cooking a meal on Paella Pans.

Kosher Certified Paella Pans

A lot of people prefer Kosher certified Paella Pans and the difference is created by the way the pan has been seasoned.

If you are particular about your meals and if you prefer Kosher Certified food then you might want to ensure that the pan that you are investing in a Kosher Certified.

There are many such options available in the market and you would not have any kind of trouble finding one.

Non-Stick Pan

After the cooking, it can be really difficult to clean the pan and in such a case, the non-stick pan is going to be your best friend.

It will ensure that the residue doesn’t stick to the surface of the pan.  Moreover, it will also enhance the cooking since you will be assured that the food doesn’t get burned easily.

We would really recommend you to opt for something that has a non-stick coating, even if that means deviating slightly from the mainstream traditional Paella Pans

Dishwasher Friendly

We are sure that just like us, you do not like to clean dirty pans.

That is certainly a huge task to accomplish and dishwasher friendly Paella pans can save you from this trouble.

Yes, there will be a tradeoff between the sizes of the pan in this case because you will only be able to purchase the pan that would fit easily in your dishwasher. If you are fine to use a small or medium Paella Pan then it would certainly make sense to invest in a good dishwasher safe Paella Pans.

Pre-Seasoned Paella Pan

Another thing that you need to check is if the Paella Pans are Pre-Seasoned.

This will save you from seasoning the pan right after the purchase. This might not make a lot of difference if you know to season the pan and if you are not going to use it immediately after the purchase. Check out the details and ensure that you are aware of these details as well.

Cost and Warranty

The last thing that you need to check is the cost and the warranty associated with the Paella Pans.

This is quite an important factor because it will determine your purchase. Set a budget and choose the material of the pan accordingly.

The carbon steel pans are the cheapest options while the stainless steel pans are the most expensive ones.

Having a budget will save you from any disappointment.

Also, have a look at the warranty that is offered by the brand. There are only a very few brands that would offer such warranties.  Ensure that you are aware of what is covered and what is not covered in the warranty.

How to Season a Paella Pan?

If you are using the non-stick paella pan, you do not need to season it.

On the other hand, if you are using the carbon steel pan, then you will surely have to season it. The process of seasoning a paella pan can be performed in the oven or the cooktop. If it is seasoned, the pan will need a method for maintenance for you to use it.

This will last for many years if you follow the right methods to take care of the pan. Here are the methods that will prove helpful to you if you are using a paella pan or brought a new pan.

The oven method

You can clean and dry the pan. If it is brand new, you can use the stovetop and fill it with water. Warm up the water for ten minutes to get rid of any manufacturing oils. You can also dust and glue the residue from the pan. Then try preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You have to put the pan in the oven for thirty to thirty-five minutes. This will make the pan golden in color. Take off the paella pan in the oven by utilizing the potholders and then permit it to cool down before you use it.

The stovetop method

If you have bought a new pan, then boil it in water for ten minutes to take off the residues. You have to wipe the internal parts of the paella pan with strong to medium heat. Utilize the potholders to power on the pan until it is the same as a golden color. Take off the pan from heat and then cool it down.

The important instruction

You can apply a thin coat of oil in the pan after you wash it. This will keep the pan free from rust. You can make use of the soap to wash the carbon paella, and it can be re-seasoned because the soap will get rid of the existing seasoning. In time the paella pan will improve the dark and non-stick surface if you took care of it.

Can the pans be put in the dishwasher?

The pans of carbon steel must not be put in the dishwasher. It will rust easily. The pans that are made of enameled and stainless steel can be dish-washed but not the carbon ones.

Fill the dirty pan in one and half-inch of water and let it be for some hours or even overnight. Then you can pour the water out, and then you can use a scrub sponge. Then use the soap for dish-washing to clean the residue. The dirt will come easily without much effort.

There are many interesting things you can serve in the paella. There are varieties of methods you do can heighten the taste of the dish. You can serve a simple green salad. When cooking the paella, you can also offer other tapas like olives, fried Marcona almonds, chilled gazpacho, and many more. Enjoy doing many new things with your paella pan by keeping it clean and rust-free.

Paella Pans Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is unique about the paella pans?

Paella pans are available in numerous types, and you can use them for a varied number of tasks. The Paella pans can be used for roasting, grilling, and making regular food at home. And as any premium quality cooking pan, the Paella pans offer users with fantastic value for money. So, if you are looking for a premium and intelligently pans for your kitchen, the Paella Pans will be a great choice to make.

The top three reasons why the Paella pans are popular among the buyers are the build quality, easy usability, and fantastic design. Due to three and many other great points, the Paella pans are an amazing choice to make, and as they are available in a wide range of models, they are an excellent buy for the homeowners who are looking for the best-quality paella pans.

Can it be used for daily cooking?

Yes. The Paella Pans are durable enough to be used for daily cooking, and if you are looking for a reliable pan that can help you cook delicious food efficiently, the Paella pans will be a great option to go with.The unique design and perfect handling of the Paella pans make it an ideal choice for the home kitchens, and if you are after ideal value for money, there won’t be a better buy than the Paella Pans.

2. Can we use it for roasting?

The Paella pans are great for roasting. You get a perfectly designed deep bottomed Paella pan for roasting. So, instead of buying any other roasting pan that can’t complete the Paella pans or quality and performance, we will suggest you to search for a deep-bottom Paella pan for roasting and frying purposes. Believe us; you are going to get unmatched performance from Paella pans. Apart from the roasting, there are several other kinds of Paella pans that you can opt for in your kitchen. Try them and know why the Paella pans are a popular choice to make.

3. Are the non-stick Paella Pans safe?

Paella pans are available in a wide range of models. You can get the traditional cast iron skillets and non-stick Paella pans. Another popular choice for the homeowners is the non-stick Paella pans,which make it easier for the user to cook food in a healthy way as they need extremely less or no oil for cooking. And those who are afraid of using non-stick pans at home, the Paella non-stick pans are great for home use, and you won’t have to worry about any health issues. So, try your hands on Paella pans, and you will get a perfect non-stick coating and safe oil-free cooking.

4. Are they worth buying?

Now the most crucial thing that most of the buyers often ask, whether the Paella pans are worthy enough to buy or not. So, believe us guys, with the excellent design, perfect handling, and great value for money, Paella Pans completely worth the money. And no matter which pan you choose, you will be able to get the best value for your money an get the best-in-class performance.

Conclusion

This was all about the best Paella Pans available in the market and we have tried our best to cover all the possible information.

If in case you need any more details about a specific model then you can certainly visit the product page linked to the listings.

You can also compare prices at various places and purchase the Paella Pan from the seller who offers the best price for the product.

With this, we would conclude the page for today but stay tuned for many such reviews and buying guides. Do not forget to share the link of the page with your friends and family who are looking for a Paella Pan. This will help them as well in choosing the best paella pan in the market.