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10 Best Paella Pans 2025 in the United States

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#1

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Garcima 22-inch Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan, 55cm, Large, Silver

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,390
Size
Maintenance

Most important from
785 reviews

Size
Easy to cook with, the perfect size for creating wonderful paella dishes.
Maintenance
Cleans easily after use, simplifying the maintenance process.

The Pata Negra Double-Gauge Steel Paella Pan is crafted from professional-grade carbon steel, making it durable and suitable for cooking authentic paella. Its 22-inch size is ideal for serving 9 to 12 people, perfect for family gatherings or parties. The pan is slightly convex, which helps to distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your paella cooks consistently.

Its large size may be cumbersome and too big for a standard oven, limiting its indoor use to stovetops and outdoor grills. Additionally, it is not compatible with induction cooktops. Maintenance is crucial for this pan; it must be dried immediately after washing and rubbed with olive oil to prevent rusting. Expect the pan to darken over time, which is a natural characteristic of carbon steel.

While it is not dishwasher safe and lacks a nonstick coating, these factors contribute to its authentic cooking experience. The inclusion of a manual for use and care, along with a recipe and tips for perfect paella, is a useful bonus for newcomers. Despite requiring some extra care, this paella pan is a solid choice for dedicated home cooks looking to recreate traditional Spanish dishes.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,390
Size
Maintenance

Most important from
785 reviews

Size
Easy to cook with, the perfect size for creating wonderful paella dishes.
Maintenance
Cleans easily after use, simplifying the maintenance process.

Buying Guide for the Best Paella Pans

Choosing the right paella pan is essential for making an authentic and delicious paella. The right pan will ensure even cooking, proper rice texture, and the development of the socarrat, the crispy bottom layer that is a hallmark of great paella. When selecting a paella pan, consider the material, size, shape, and maintenance requirements to find the best fit for your cooking needs and preferences.
MaterialThe material of the paella pan affects heat distribution and cooking performance. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and enameled steel. Carbon steel is traditional and offers excellent heat conduction, but it requires seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain but may not heat as evenly. Enameled steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean but may not develop the same flavors as carbon steel. Choose carbon steel for authenticity and performance, stainless steel for ease of use, or enameled steel for low maintenance.
SizeThe size of the paella pan determines how many servings you can make at once. Paella pans are typically measured by their diameter in inches or centimeters. Smaller pans (10-12 inches) are suitable for 2-4 servings, medium pans (13-16 inches) for 4-6 servings, and larger pans (17 inches and above) for 6 or more servings. Consider the number of people you usually cook for and the size of your stovetop or grill when choosing the pan size. A larger pan allows for more even cooking and a better socarrat, but it requires more space and may be harder to handle.
ShapePaella pans are typically wide and shallow, which allows for even cooking and the development of the socarrat. The shape ensures that the rice cooks in a thin layer, which is essential for achieving the right texture. Some pans have slightly sloped sides, while others are more flat. The choice between these shapes is mostly a matter of personal preference, but flat pans may provide a more even cooking surface. Choose a shape that fits your cooking style and the type of heat source you will be using.
MaintenanceDifferent materials require different levels of maintenance. Carbon steel pans need to be seasoned before use and regularly maintained to prevent rust. This involves coating the pan with oil and heating it to create a protective layer. Stainless steel and enameled steel pans are easier to maintain, as they do not require seasoning and are generally dishwasher safe. However, they may not develop the same flavors as a well-seasoned carbon steel pan. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintaining your paella pan when making your choice.

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