10 Best Paella Pans 2025 in the United States

The Victoria 13-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a sturdy, versatile pan made from high-quality cast iron, known for excellent heat retention—an important feature for cooking dishes like paella. Its size (13 inches) is modest but suitable for small to medium portions. The pan’s deep sides and thick edges provide enough space for sauces or larger ingredients, though it lacks the wide, flat shape and shallow depth typical of traditional paella pans, which may affect the even, quick cooking of rice.

The pre-seasoned surface, treated with flaxseed oil, helps create a natural non-stick layer that improves with use, making maintenance easier if regularly cared for by drying and oiling. Dual loop handles assist with stability and handling, but the pan’s 5-pound weight means it can be heavy to lift, especially when full of food. Being compatible with various heat sources—including gas, electric, induction, oven, grill, and even campfires—adds to its flexibility. However, cast iron requires more maintenance than some other materials to prevent rusting and preserve seasoning.

Though not a classic paella pan, this skillet is a good all-around choice for those wanting a durable, multi-use cast iron option that can handle a variety of cooking styles, including smaller paella servings.

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.

The Paelluxe Paella Pan is a great choice if you're looking for a large, durable pan to serve up to 12 people. Made from 1.2mm thick carbon steel with a smooth enamel coating, it resists rust and cleans up easily after cooking, which is a big plus if you want less hassle maintaining your cookware. Its round shape and extra thick bottom help spread heat evenly, so your paella cooks uniformly without hot spots.

At 18 inches across, it's roomy enough for big gatherings and versatile enough to use on gas stoves, grills, ovens, and even open fires, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cooking. However, it doesn’t work with induction cooktops, so keep that in mind if you have one. The pan comes with silicone handle holders, which help when moving it around since the metal handles will get hot. While it isn’t nonstick, the enamel surface is scratch resistant and dishwasher safe, easing cleanup. Weighing just over 5 pounds, it’s manageable to handle despite its size.

This pan is ideal for anyone wanting an authentic paella cooking experience with easy maintenance and good versatility, though it may not fit households relying on induction cooktops.