The 5 Best Paella Pans Of 2024

The best paella pans have a traditional design that’s wide, shallow, round, and has two handles on each side. If you’re in the market for the perfect pan to prepare this dish with, check out this list of the best paella pans, including my favorite from Garcima.

My Top Picks:

Reviews of The Best Paella Pans

1. Best Overall Paella Pan: Garcima 16-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan

If you want a pan that’s as authentic as the dish you’re cooking, the Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan is a great pick. Made in a family-owned pan factory in Valencia, Spain, the carbon steel material and shallow makeup are the ingredients for a classic paella pan. Whether you’re cooking in your oven, on the stovetop, or the grill, your rice will cook evenly because the shallow design allows for the thin layer of liquid to absorb into the rice. Since the carbon steel design is great for conducting heat, you’ll get the sought-after crust everyone longs for in their favorite paella. While traditional paella is the obvious recipe to try out in this pan, I also recommend making my Shrimp Jambalaya in it! The Specs

Material: Carbon steel Stovetop Compatibility: Gas and electric Size: 16 inches Servings: Up to 6 large servings

The Pros:

Made in Spain Durable Oven safe Can be used in the oven and on the grill

The Cons:

Not dishwasher safe Can’t be used for induction Doesn’t have a nonstick coating

What Others Are Saying Food & Wine named the Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan the best carbon steel pan of 2024 and Good Housekeeping called it the best eye candy. Buy the Garcima 16-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan:

2. Best Carbon Steel Paella Pan: Machika Carbon Steel Paella Pan

The Machika Carbon Steel Paella Pan is one of my top picks for a smaller-sized carbon steel pan (its diameter is 3 inches less than the Garcima). Carbon steel tends to be the best material to cook paella in because of its optimal heat conduction, but there are other features I love about it too. The built-in handles on either side are super convenient, while the tiny dimples at the bottom of the hand make sure your paella cooks evenly every time. It can also be used with several different types of heat, including gas burners, open fire, and gas stovetops, however, it’s not oven-safe. The Specs

Material: Polished carbon steel Stovetop Compatibility: Gas Size: 13 inches Servings: Up to 6

The Pros:

Made with durable carbon steel Suitable for gas burners and open fires Inexpensive

The Cons:

Can’t be used for induction Hand wash only Not oven-safe

What Others Are Saying Buy the Machika Carbon Steel Paella Pan:

3. Best Paella Pan for Induction: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Weeknight Pan

All-Clad is often regarded as one of the top cookware brands on the market, and I agree. The stainless steel material and 4-quart size of this pan make it perfect for meals for a smaller family size. Its wide surface area and rounded sides allow you to make foods like paella that require a good amount of stirring without having to worry about spills. The pan is compatible with any stovetop (including induction!) and can be placed in an oven or broiler up to 600°F. It’s great for cooking more than just paella and can be used for other dishes like my green risotto recipe, too! The Specs

Material: Stainless steel Stovetop Compatibility: All cooktops, including induction Size: 12.75 inches Servings: Not stated, but best for smaller families

The Pros:

Induction capable Oven safe Can heat up to 600°F Stainless steel Handles are heat-resistant

The Cons:

Hand wash only Heavier than other pans (over 6 pounds) Smaller size

Buy the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Weeknight Pan:

4. Best Nonstick Paella Pan: Sol Carbon Steel Non-Stick Paella Pan

If you’re big into cooking but rely heavily on non-stick pans, this Sol Carbon Steel Non-Stick Paella Pan may be the best pick for you. Crafted with durable and resilient heavy-duty carbon steel, this pan is classic in makeup but has a modern twist, thanks to the PFOA-free non-stick coating. When you’re finished cooking, the coating allows your food to slide right off the pan and onto your plate. Then, you can throw it straight into the dishwasher for easy cleanup — no soaking required! It is also suitable for electric, gas, and induction cooktops and even stays safe up to 450 degrees F in the oven. The Specs

Material: Carbon steel Stovetop Compatibility: Gas, electric, induction Size: 16 inches Servings: Not stated, but I’d estimate about 6 servings

The Pros:

Non-stick coating Gas, electric, and induction compatible Dishwasher safe Very large size

The Cons:

There may be some spots that get warmer than others

Buy the Sol Carbon Steel Non-Stick Paella Pan:

5. Best Enamel Paella Pan: Machika Enamel Paella Pan

While this pick isn’t your classic carbon steel option, its sleek design, non-stick coating, and durable enamel steel make it a great choice for everything from braising to sauteing. The 22-inch size makes enough for a whopping 16 servings (so it’s great for get-togethers with friends and family), and it’s suitable to use on a variety of cooktops like grills, paella burners, open fires, stove tops, and ovens! Once you’re done, wash it gently with a sponge and lay it out to air dry. The Specs

Material: Enamel-coated Steel Stovetop Compatibility: All except induction Size: 22 inches Servings: Up to 16

The Pros:

Non-stick enamel coating Rust proof Huge capacity

The Cons:

Not dishwasher safe Not induction compatible

What Others Are Saying Food & Wine named the Machita pan the best enameled paella pan of all the ones they tested. Buy the Machika Enamel Paella Pan:

Other Paella Pans to Consider

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan

This Staub option is loved for its durability and is large enough to cook meals for the entire family. However, there are some major drawbacks to this pan: It can fade in the dishwasher, and the enamel construction means you probably won’t get the caramelized and crispy socarrat like you would with traditional paella. Plus, it’s heavy! Coupled with the expensive price point, as a paella pan, it just didn’t make the cut. The Staub Enameled Cast Iron Paella Pan is available at Williams Sonoma for $280.

Garcima Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan

Cuisinart Non-Stick Paella Pan

Why You Can Trust Me

Hi, I’m Sommer, and I’m the founder of A Spicy Perspective! I’m a professional food writer, photographer, food stylist, and recipe developer, and I adore making foods with a nostalgic twist that brings me back to past memories, including places I’ve traveled. I love trying out recipes from around the world and making traditional dishes my own. A few of my favorites include my Fluffy Yellow Rice and Easy Spanish Rice recipes! When I was creating my list, I looked at the options I love and what qualities made them unique to me. With this in mind, I researched beloved brands and highly-rated products, taking material, price, and ratings into account, along with features that are particularly helpful when cooking paella (like size, materials, and handle).

What to Know About Paella Pans

Things to Consider When Choosing a Paella Pans

Material Paella pans come in a variety of materials, particularly carbon steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. While some people claim the makeup doesn’t matter nearly as much as the rice you’re using and how you prepare the dish, I’ve found that traditional carbon steel creates the beautiful crust people love in their paella. However, some materials are dishwasher-safe while others require handwashing, so it’ll ultimately depend on your preferences. Also, it’s important to note that not all materials are compatible with all stovetops. The type of heat you use is really going to depend on each individual pan. While some options can be used on a gas or electric stove, as well as an outdoor grill, others are a little more fickle. Make sure you double-check the manufacturer’s instructions before using. Size and Capacity Similar to risotto in Italy, paella is made to feed a lot of mouths. Most recipes call for about two cups of rice, so you’ll need at least a 14-inch pan, if not bigger. Keep in mind that most standard ovens can’t fit anything larger than 17 or 18 inches, so if you need a bigger pan, make sure it’s safe to cook on an outdoor grill. Cleaning Traditional paella pans are made with carbon steel. Much like cast iron, carbon steel should never be cleaned with soap, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads and scrubbers. With this, you need to clean this material with warm water and a soft rag.

How to Season a Paella Pan

To season, follow these steps:

What is Special About a Paella Pan?

They were handcrafted with this dish in mind. They are shallow to allow for maximal surface area while the traditional carbon steel heats evenly so you can get the perfect crispy crust every time. Plus, since you can cook so much more than just paella in them, they should be a staple in every kitchen!

What is a Good Alternative to a Paella Pan?

A deep, wide, and shallow stainless steel option is a great alternative to traditional carbon steel. It heats evenly, just like a traditional pan, and the material allows for the caramelized crust (which is one of the best parts of the dish!).

Are Paella Pans Worth It?

If you regularly cook paella or dishes that require a large surface area and depth, one of these pieces is definitely worth the investment. However, if you plan to try the recipe once, you can get by with a deep or shallow stainless steel alternative (like this recipe that uses a sheet pan to make it!)

Why is it Important Not to Stir Paella?

Not stirring after the stock is added is the golden rule of paella. In my book, the crispy golden crust is the most delicious part of the entire dish. If you are constantly stirring it, you’ll lose out on the chance for it to form.