10 Best Paella Pans 2025 in the United States

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 Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Paella Pan, measuring 15 3/4 inches, is a versatile kitchen tool designed primarily for making Spanish paella. Made from black carbon steel, this pan offers a natural nonstick surface once properly seasoned, and it is free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA, meaning it can provide a safer cooking experience.

The material ensures the pan can withstand high temperatures, up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, making it oven-safe and suitable for various cooking methods, including sautéing, shallow frying, and grilling. The broad surface and sloped walls are particularly beneficial for cooking paella, as they facilitate even heat distribution and easy stirring of ingredients. Additionally, the high-quality welded steel handle is rivet-free, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in crevices, which improves durability and hygiene.

Maintenance is a bit more demanding, as the pan requires hand washing and proper seasoning to maintain its nonstick properties and prevent rusting. It's not dishwasher safe, which might be inconvenient for some users. Weighing only 1 pound, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, but this might make it less stable on the stovetop, especially when cooking larger quantities.

The Garcima Tabarca Paella Pan Set is designed for those who love cooking authentic paella. Made from carbon steel, the 20-inch pan has a good heat distribution which is essential for even cooking. Its shallow design with sloping sides makes it perfect for cooking rice evenly, a key aspect of making great paella.

The set includes a sturdy burner and supporting legs, painted in a vibrant red, providing solid support and ease of use. This set is ideal for beginners and can serve up to 14 people, making it great for gatherings. However, the pan is not dishwasher safe and lacks a nonstick coating, meaning you will need to invest some time in cleaning and seasoning the pan to maintain its quality. The pan is also exclusive to gas burners, so it may not be suitable for all kitchens.

Being a carbon steel pan, it’s durable but requires regular upkeep to prevent rust. Weighing around 23 grams, it’s relatively light, making it easy to handle. If you’re passionate about making traditional paella and don’t mind the extra care required, this set could be a great addition to your kitchen.