Best Paella Pans for Cooking Mouth-Watering Spanish Dishes

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 1, 2024
First, you've seen paella on your favorite TV show, then you've tried it in a restaurant. You've liked it and now you want to cook ...Read more
PROS

Cast iron enables you to use this pan with any heat source, including gas and electric appliances.

CONS

Relatively small capacity.

OUR VERDICT

Are you dreaming about a high-quality pan to create chefs-d’oeuvre in your own kitchen? Then, Le Creuset pan will make your dream come true.

detailed parameters
Material

Enameled cast iron

Heat Source

Ceramic, Electric, Gas, Halogen, Induction, Outdoor Grill, Oven (~up to 500°F)

Diameter

13.5"

Height

1.75"

Capacity

3.25 Qt

Convenience

Cast iron handles, Dishwasher safe

Warranty

Lifetime limited

PROS

Aluminum core of this pan provides fast heat-up regardless of the heat source you use. 

CONS

Holding the pan with oven mitts might be inconvenient. 

OUR VERDICT

Once you try All-Clad Pan out, you won't like to cook paella in another dish.

detailed parameters
Material

Stainless steel encapsulating an aluminum core

Heat Source

Ceramic, Electric, Gas, Halogen, Induction, Oven (up to 500°F)

Diameter

16”

Height

2.5”

Capacity

5 Qt

Convenience

Stainless-steel handles (double riveted), Pouring edges, Dishwasher safe, Polished cooking surface

Warranty

Lifetime limited

PROS

Large diameter and capacity of this pan allow you to cook enough paella to treat your family members and also your guests.

CONS

Pan material is prone to rust.

OUR VERDICT

With this pan from Garcima, even novice cooks will be able to make mouth-watering paella.

detailed parameters
Material

Carbon steel

Heat Source

Electric, Gas, Outdoor Grill, Oven  (up to 500°F)

Diameter

22”

Height

2.25”

Capacity

~9 Qt

Convenience

Large loop handles (double riveted), Dimples in the base, Pouring edges, Pamphlet with recipes included

Warranty

30-day return policy

PROS

The steel pan makes it possible to use both metal and wooden cooking utensils.

CONS

Sticky marks might remain after you remove the label. 

OUR VERDICT

Available in different sizes, Magefesa pan will become your irreplaceable assistant in cooking perfect paella.  

detailed parameters
Material

Carbon steel

Heat Source

Electric, Gas, Outdoor Grill, Oven (up to 500°F)

Diameter

15"

Height

2”

Capacity

~4.5 Qt

Convenience

Large loop handles (double riveted), Dimples in the base, Pouring edges, Pamphlet with recipes included

Warranty

2 years (registration required)

PROS

Cool-touch lid handle saves you the trouble of using oven mitts.

CONS

The maximum temperature this pan withstands is 400°F. 

OUR VERDICT

With Cuisinart pan in your kitchen, you'll be able to cook delicious paella as well as many other dishes. 

detailed parameters
Material

Stainless steel with enameled finish

Heat Source

Electric, Gas, Oven (up to 400°F)

Diameter

15"

Height

2”

Capacity

~4.5 Qt

Convenience

Glass lid with cool-touch handle, Large loop handles (double riveted), Dimples in the base, Pouring edges

Warranty

Lifetime limited

Le Creuset: Strength and Durability Since 1925

Le Creuset company has considerable experience in manufacturing kitchen appliances, and when you choose its paella pan, you can be sure you'll get a high-quality model. Made of cast iron, this 3.25-Quart pan can be used with almost any heat source, be it a ceramic, electric, gas, halogen, or induction oven. Why, it’s even possible to cook dishes in this pan on gas or charcoal grill – you’ll probably appreciate this feature if you can’t imagine your summer without BBQ parties. In addition to the finest material, this piece of cookware boasts thick walls and flat bottom for even heat distribution and retention so even novice cooks will be able to make ideal paella. Finally, the cherry red enamel-covered pan will look great on the table. The only thing to keep in mind is that handles heat up so don’t forget to use oven mitts. Choose Le Creuset pan, and it will become your reliable kitchen assistant for years to come.

Chef knives are irreplaceable kitchen tools at any household, they help you cut any food product in equal pieces effortlessly.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00F34PRLK

Tri-ply Design for Perfectly Cooked Paella

Looking for a high-quality pan to cook the best Spanish paella? If so, the All-Clad pan will come to your liking. An outstanding feature of this model is definitely its tri-ply design. Interior material of the pan is stainless steel and consists of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This very composition ensures non-stick properties of this piece of cookware so your dish won’t be burnt even if you cook without oil. Moreover, the inner layer is polished and it means your meals won’t have an unpleasant metal aftertaste. Aluminum core of the pan provides super-fast heat up, thus saving you the trouble of waiting for several minutes before you can start creating your culinary masterpiece. Exterior material is stainless steel that makes the pan compatible with a variety of heat sources including gas and electric stoves. You can even put the pan in an oven thanks to its ability to withstand high temperatures of up to 500°F. All in all, the materials All-Clad pan is made of guarantee its reliable performance and attractive look even after years of regular use.

If you often cook several dishes in one go, a good cookware set will come in handy.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B004T6J7OG

Cook for a Big Company

If you have a big family or invite guests often, you probably want your cookware to be capacious to contain enough food for everyone sitting at your dining table, and Garcima pan is like that. Being 22” in diameter and 2.25” in height, it boasts 9-Quart capacity that allows you to cook from 2 to 3 pounds of paella in one go. With Garcima pan in your kitchen, you have a chance not only to cook a lot but also to cook effortlessly. It has become possible due to dimples in the base that help distribute heat evenly and prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom. The material of the pan is worth your attention too – carbon steel looks attractive and it is scratch-resistant so you can be sure it will last you a lifetime. Moreover, the material is quite easy to clean. Although it might be impossible to wash the pan in a dishwasher because of its large size, hand wash in warm water right after use will make Garcima appliance look as good as new.

It’s not always easy to mix ingredients for a dish in necessary proportion, especially when you cook for a big company. Buy one of the kitchen and food scales, and be sure any dish you cook will taste perfect.
Last updated price $57.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B000QYNSS6

As Easy as Anything

If you want to cook delicious paella but time is an issue, consider buying Magefesa pan. Its 15-inch diameter coupled with the ability to withstand high temperatures up to 500°F will make the process of cooking really fast. Besides, the latter feature enables you to use the pan with the majority of heat sources including electric and gas stoves, ovens, and outdoor grills. The pan’s dimpled bottom provides better heat distribution. One more function dimples serve is helping the rice get specific texture peculiar to the traditional Spanish dish. Don’t overlook the pan’s material, too — carbon steel is sturdy enough to be used with both wooden and metal utensils. By the way, the handles are also made of steel and are dual riveted, so they will easily withstand not only the 3.35-pound pan but also its contents. Lastly, you’ll be pleased with a hassle-free maintenance of the Magefesa pan. To prolong its service life, you only need to wash it with warm water and soft detergent and wipe it dry. 

With a juicer in your kitchen, you’ll have a chance to make your favorite fresh and healthy drinks on your own.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $38.67
Stock In stock
ASIN B007XTRHRK

Experiment With Cuisinart Pan

Although this piece of cookware from Cuisinart is called a paella pan, it actually can help you cook a lot of other dishes for unlike traditional paella pans, this one is sold with a glass lid. This very accessory offers you an opportunity to stew meat, fish, and vegetables or bring to life other culinary ideas. By the way, the lid is equipped with a cool-touch handle so you can remove it even without an oven mitt. Speaking of the pan itself, it is stainless steel with enameled finish and offers great non-stick properties as well as durability. However, we feel the need to draw your attention to the maximum temperature the pan withstands. If you are going to cook without the lid, feel free to use a heat source with up to 400°F while the glass lid shouldn’t be heated up to more than 350°F. Take notice of the pan’s base too — it has tiny dimples that aid you in cooking fluffy paella. Another advantage of this model is pouring edges that make it possible to pour the liquid in/out of the pan without spilling a drop. On top of that, two convenient double riveted handles simplify paella serving.

A glass of good wine can complete the taste of home-made paella, and a wine aerator will improve the taste and aroma of any wine.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.08
Stock In stock
ASIN B00W5WOT0I

What is a Paella Pan

Paella is a Spanish national dish that has undergone a lot of modifications during its history. Nowadays, you can find dozens of recipes including vegetarian, seafood, mixed paella, etc. If you are eager to try cooking one of these recipes yourself, you’ll need a paella pan. This round pan can be of varying diameters (from 12” to 20”), it has a flat bottom for even ingredients’ stewing and two handles so that you could carry it from a stove/oven to the dining table with the maximum convenience. Have a look at 5 best-selling models reviewed below, and choose the one to cook and serve paella in the best traditions of Spanish cuisine.

If rice is an essential part of your diet, you might also be interested in rice cookers. These multifunctional devices can help you make perfect fluffy rice. And healthy eaters will definitely appreciate one of the food steamers reviewed by our team.

FAQ:

Q: Do paella pans come with lids?
A: As a rule, they are sold without lids as the traditional Spanish paella is cooked uncovered. Yet, if you want your paella pan to have a lid, you’ll definitely be able to find such a pan among the variety of options represented on the market. Even if the pan you want to buy doesn’t have a lid, it’s possible to buy one additionally from the same or another manufacturer.

Q: I can’t remove a sticker from my pan. What should I do?

A: The best way to remove a sticker from your pan is to soak it in warm water for some time. Then, its removal won’t cause any difficulties. If simple soaking doesn’t help, try to heat up the pan with water and scrub the sticker a bit harder. 

Q: What are dimples on the pan’s bottom for? 

A: Dimples are believed to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom during the cooking process. Plus, they give the rice a texture it should have as the main ingredient of paella. 

Q: Can I use dimpled pans on an induction stove?

A: Dimpled pans aren’t recommended to be used on induction cooktops because of two main reasons. Firstly, dimples can cause uneven heat-up on induction stoves. Secondly, textured surface of the pan’s bottom might leave scratches on the stove surface.

Q: Is pan’s diameter measured with or without handles? 

A: The diameter of a pan is measured from rim to rim and doesn’t include handles. However, keep in mind that the diameter of the bottom is usually a bit smaller than the one indicated in specifications.

Q: How do I maintain a paella pan in a good condition?

A: In general, taking care of a pan doesn’t require much effort. All you need to do to ensure its reliable service life is avoid using it with incompatible heat sources and under the temperature exceeding the one specified by the manufacturer. However, if your pan is made of carbon steel, it’s important to pay closer attention to its maintenance. The material is prone to rust, so to keep it as good as new, it’s advised to dry it right after washing. 

Q: What is a paella kit?
A: Paella kit is everything you need to cook this traditional Spanish dish at home. Usually, the kit contains a pan and all paella ingredients including rice, saffron, paprika, and olive oil.

Sources:

1. The Ultimate Guide To Buying Pans, Lakeland.

2. How to Cook Seafood Paella, wikiHow.

3. Easy Paella, Allrecipes.

4. Paella, Wikipedia. May 17, 2017.

5. Jennifer Armentrout Buying and Caring for a Paella Pan, Fine Cooking.

Other reviews