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 26-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan is an authentic, Spanish-made pan designed for making traditional paella. Its large size, with a 26-inch diameter, is ideal for serving 12 to 20 people, making it great for parties or large family gatherings. The carbon steel material is excellent for conducting heat efficiently, which is crucial for evenly cooking paella. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent rust, so it's important to dry the pan immediately after use and rub it with olive oil to keep it in good condition.

This pan will darken over time, which is normal for carbon steel. It is compatible with outdoor grills and specific paella burners, but it's too large for standard ovens and not suitable for induction cooktops. The pan's slightly convex shape helps in achieving the perfect socarrat, the crispy bottom layer of paella. Weighing 10.85 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to handle. Despite needing hand washing and not being dishwasher safe, this pan is oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you enjoy making paella and are willing to maintain the pan, the Garcima 26-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan is a reliable choice to consider.