What Is The UK’s Best Paella Pan?
In this guide we’ll look at the best paella pans.
We’ve compared material, design, weight and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Paella Pan Reviews
Paella Pan Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to an authentic paella, the pan can make a huge difference. If you want to impress family and friends with your traditional Spanish cooking, you’ll need the perfect pan.
Paella pans come in a range of materials, designs and sizes to suit any kitchen. Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best type of paella pan? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
Carbon steel pans are the most traditional thanks to their fantastic thermal conductivity. Carbon steel pans need seasoning before the first use and will require some maintenance, but the overall result is well worth the extra effort. Heating is fast and even.
Cast iron has great heat retaining properly, keeping food hotter for longer. If you’re planning on placing your paella pan on the table for a relaxed dinner, a cast iron pan is a great option as the food will stay warm.
Enamelled steel is another popular choice. Enamelled steel pans won’t rust thanks to their protective enamel coating. While they are slower to heat than carbon steel, enamelled steel pans are easy to clean and maintain. They are also slightly more affordable and the best pan for gas hobs.
Finally, there is stainless steel. Stainless steel pans won’t rust and require virtually no maintenance, plus they’re very durable. With a polished surface, these pans look great on your dining table, although they lack the heat conductivity of carbon steel.
Design
Paella pans boast a similar shallow design with a flat bottomed base. While traditional paella pans are slightly convex, this is less effective on some heat sources, as the heat will be directed to the middle of the pan. Flat bottomed pans allow for even heating across the entire base.
Your paella pan should also come with handles. These should be sturdy and durable, especially if your pan is large and heavy.
Weight
When filled to the brim with piping hot paella, your paella pan will of course be very heavy. You should look for sturdy and strong handles, and if you’re concerned about the weight, opt for a lightweight pan.
Capacity
The capacity is commonly measured in litres, or in portion sizes. If you’re after a large pan for parties, look for capacity of 2L or more. Ensure this size pan can fit on your heat source. 1L usually contains enough room for around 6 portions.
Durability
Your paella pan should last for years, and the material should make a big difference. Provided it’s well maintained, carbon steel is a great choice. This won’t rust, although it will require seasoning before the first use.
Most paella pans come with a non stick layer. While this makes them easy to clean, you should never use abrasive washing up brushes or scrubbers, as these will damage the non stick.