Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Paella Pan (Updated | Dec 11th)
Are you ready to create authentic paella at home? The secret isn’t just in the recipe—it’s in the pan. From perfectly crisped socarrat to even heat distribution, the right pan makes all the difference. We’ll explore their top recommendations, comparing traditional carbon steel with modern alternatives. Get ready to impress your dinner guests with restaurant-quality paella that transports them straight to Valencia’s sun-drenched plazas.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for authentic spanish choice: Garcima 16-Inch Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan
- Best for chef’s signature pan: GreenPan x Bobby Flay 15” Carbon Steel Paella Pan
- Best for complete outdoor kit: Garcima Tabarca Paella Pan Set with Burner
- Best for rust-free enamel: Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled
- Best for compact nonstick: IMUSA USA 10″ Carbon Steel Coated Nonstick Paella Pan
- Best for traditional dimpled bottom: Garcima 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan
- Best for large gathering pan: Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled
- Best for propane burner ready: Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled
- Best for induction socarrat master: 14 Inch Stainless Steel Paella Pan
- Best for tri-ply stainless steel: DELARLO Paella Pan 14 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Paella Pan with Lid Nonstick Frying Pan
Product Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Paella Pan
Authentic Spanish Choice
Garcima 16-Inch Pata Negra Restaurant Grade Paella Pan, 40cm
Garcima
- Authentic paella pan; Made in Spain
- Serves 4 to 6. Top rim-to-rim dimensions: 16.25 inches. With handles: 20.25 inches
- Included with pan is manual for use and care, plus a recipe and tips for perfect paella
- Professional grade carbon steel is extra thick and durable. Pan requires maintenance to prevent oxidation: dry immediately and rub with olive oil after use. It is normal for carbon steel to darken over time
- Can be used on the stovetop, grill, or oven. Not for induction cooktops. Pan is slightly convex
Chef’s Signature Pan
GreenPan x Bobby Flay 15” Carbon Steel Paella Pan, Pre-Seasoned, Nontoxic, PFAS-Free, Induction Compatible, Flat Bottom, Rice & Seafood Dishes, High Heat & Oven Safe Durable, Cast Iron Alternative
GreenPan
- THE ULTIMATE PAELLA PAN: Crafted for big gatherings, this 15” carbon steel paella pan is your go-to for golden, crispy-bottomed paella, roasted vegetables, sizzling seafood, and more.
- PREMIUM CARBON STEEL: Heats quickly, retains heat, and adapts to temperature changes for precise cooking.
- NATURAL NONSTICK PERFORMANCE: Pre-seasoned and designed to develop a nonstick patina that improves with every use.
- HIGH-HEAT COOKING: Oven safe up to 660˚F, perfect for searing, browning, and grilling on stovetops or over a campfire.
- IDEAL FOR OUTDOOR COOKING: Built to withstand open flames and grilling, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures.
- TOXIN-FREE COOKING: Made from naturally nonstick carbon steel, free of PFAS and other harmful chemicals, for safer, healthier meals with every use.
- DURABLE & METAL UTENSIL SAFE: Designed to withstand indoor and outdoor cooking, this pan handles metal utensils and tough conditions with ease.
- EASY TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN: Hand wash with hot water and a sponge to preserve seasoning—no soap needed.
- BOBBY FLAY X GREENPAN: Chef Bobby Flay, known for his love of carbon steel cooking, has teamed up with GreenPan to create an innovative collection for pro-level home cooking.
- ERGONOMIC STEEL HANDLE: Riveted for strength, offering a secure grip even at high heat.
Complete Outdoor Kit
Garcima Tabarca Paella Pan Set with Burner, 20 Inch Carbon Steel Outdoor Pan and Reinforced Legs Imported from Spain (14 Servings)
Garcima
- Includes: This kit includes the paella burner, the paella pan, and the supporting legs
- Usage: This popular pan is perfect for making authentic and delicious paella. It is shallow with sloping sides that help cook the rice evenly
- Durable: The pan is thin, durable and it distributes heat evenly
- Easy to Use: The handles are made of high-quality materials and are painted in red. The legs, also painted red gives great support to the burner and pan
- Benefits: This set is perfect for starters and is ideal for making paellas
Rust-Free Enamel
Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled, No-Rust Steel Skillet – Easy-to-Clean Pan for Propane & Gas Burners – Indoor & Outdoor Cooking Cacerola Paellera Sarten – 13 Inch, for 6 Servings
Paelluxe
- ENAMEL PAELLA PAN – NO RUST: This Enameled Paella Pan is made of thick 1.2mm carbon steel with anti rust, easy to clean enamel coating. It’s ideal for large gatherings up to 5 servings of your favorite Mediterranean recipes. Complimentary Silicone Hot Handle Holders are included for you to enjoy authentic paella experience.
- SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The pan’s thick bottom guarantees uniform cooking. Crafted with a robust 1.2mm steel thickness, our Paelluxe Paella Pan promises durability and exceptional heat conduction, perfect for consistent cooking results every time. Experience the magic of even heat distribution.
- EASY to CLEAN: Paelluxe Paella Pan is a true culinary game-changer. The premium enameled coating not only imparts a rust free quality but also transforms cleanup into a simple, swift task. Forget the days of laborious scrubbing and battling stubborn food residues. With our paella pan, you can focus on the art of cooking and the pleasure of eating, leaving the cleaning worries behind. Hassle-free kitchen experiences, every time.
- ULTIMATE COOKING VERSATILITY: More than just a paella pan, it’s a culinary powerhouse. Perfect for stove-top, grill, paella burner, and oven use, our Paelluxe Pan adapts to your diverse cooking needs. You can even use it directly over a outdoor fire if you like. Ideal for both indoor feasts and outdoor adventures. (Note: Not induction cooktop compatible.)
- ENDLESS COOKING POSSIBILITIES: From the sizzling sounds of meats to the fresh scents of vegetables, create an array of dishes up to 16 servings – rice, meats, seafood, and vegetarian delights await in your versatile paella pan.
Compact Nonstick
IMUSA USA 10″ Carbon Steel Coated Nonstick Paella Pan, Black, Red Handles
Imusa
- COOKING SURFACE: This paella pan boasts a 10 inch size, offering ample space for cooking delicious meals
- DURABLE AND STYLISH: This paella pan boasts a sturdy carbon steel construction, featuring a nonstick, black surface coating and eye-catching solid red handles, providing both reliability and aesthetic appeal
- QUICK HEATING STURDY DESIGN: This paella pan rapidly heats and cooks, is suitable for oven and open fire use and it boasts high walls and sturdy riveted red handles for a secure grip
- VERSATILE AND HANDY: Perfect for a variety of rice recipes like paella, as well as cooking a diverse range of meats and seafood dishes, this pan elevates your culinary repertoire with its multifunctional capabilities
- IDEAL FOR GATHERINGS: Perfect for individual portions, family, and gatherings, this pan’s design accommodates various portion sizes, making meal preparation effortless and efficient for any occasion
- This product contains Chromium Total, Chromium Compounds, Nickel & Nickel Compounds, Iron, Manganese and manganese compounds, Phosphorus, Copper, and Aluminum. For more information about the chemicals in this product visit:imusausa.com/commitment
Traditional Dimpled Bottom
Garcima 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan, 38cm
Garcima
- Authentic paella pan; Made in Spain
- Serves 3 to 5. Top rim-to-rim dimensions: 15.25 inches. With handles: 19.25 inches
- Included with pan is manual for use and care, plus a recipe and tips for perfect paella
- Carbon steel conducts heat efficiently. Requires maintenance to prevent oxidation: dry immediately and rub with olive oil after use. It is normal for carbon steel to darken over time
- Can be used on the stovetop, grill, or oven. Not for induction cooktops. Traditional hammered dimpled bottom. Pan is slightly convex
Large Gathering Pan
Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled, No-Rust Steel Skillet – Easy-to-Clean Pan for Propane & Gas Burners – Indoor & Outdoor Cooking Cacerola Paellera Sarten – 22 Inch, for 16 Servings
Paelluxe
- ENAMEL PAELLA PAN – NO RUST: This Enameled Paella Pan is made of thick 1.2mm carbon steel with anti rust, easy to clean enamel coating. It’s ideal for large gatherings up to 16 servings of your favorite Mediterranean recipes. Complimentary Silicone Hot Handle Holders are included for you to enjoy authentic paella experience.
- SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The pan’s thick bottom guarantees uniform cooking. Crafted with a robust 1.2mm steel thickness, our Paelluxe Paella Pan promises durability and exceptional heat conduction, perfect for consistent cooking results every time. Experience the magic of even heat distribution.
- EASY to CLEAN: Paelluxe Paella Pan is a true culinary game-changer. The premium enameled coating not only imparts a rust free quality but also transforms cleanup into a simple, swift task. Forget the days of laborious scrubbing and battling stubborn food residues. With our paella pan, you can focus on the art of cooking and the pleasure of eating, leaving the cleaning worries behind. Hassle-free kitchen experiences, every time.
- ULTIMATE COOKING VERSATILITY: More than just a paella pan, it’s a culinary powerhouse. Perfect for stove-top, grill, paella burner, and oven use, our Paelluxe Pan adapts to your diverse cooking needs. You can even use it directly over a outdoor fire if you like. Ideal for both indoor feasts and outdoor adventures. (Note: Not induction cooktop compatible.)
- ENDLESS COOKING POSSIBILITIES: From the sizzling sounds of meats to the fresh scents of vegetables, create an array of dishes up to 16 servings – rice, meats, seafood, and vegetarian delights await in your versatile paella pan.
Propane Burner Ready
Paelluxe Paella Pan – Enamelled, No-Rust Steel Skillet – Perfect for Propane & Gas Burners – Indoor & Outdoor Cooking Cacerola Paellera Sarten – 18 Inch, for 12 Servings
Paelluxe
- ENAMEL PAELLA PAN – NO RUST: This Enameled Paella Pan is made of thick 1.2mm carbon steel with anti rust, easy to clean enamel coating. It’s ideal for large gatherings up to 12 servings of your favorite Mediterranean recipes. Complimentary Silicone Hot Handle Holders are included for you to enjoy authentic paella experience.
- SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The pan’s thick bottom guarantees uniform cooking. Crafted with a robust 1.2mm steel thickness, our Paelluxe Paella Pan promises durability and exceptional heat conduction, perfect for consistent cooking results every time. Experience the magic of even heat distribution.
- EASY to CLEAN: Paelluxe Paella Pan is a true culinary game-changer. The premium enameled coating not only imparts a rust free quality but also transforms cleanup into a simple, swift task. Forget the days of laborious scrubbing and battling stubborn food residues. With our paella pan, you can focus on the art of cooking and the pleasure of eating, leaving the cleaning worries behind. Hassle-free kitchen experiences, every time.
- ULTIMATE COOKING VERSATILITY: More than just a paella pan, it’s a culinary powerhouse. Perfect for stove-top, grill, paella burner, and oven use, our Paelluxe Pan adapts to your diverse cooking needs. You can even use it directly over a outdoor fire if you like. Ideal for both indoor feasts and outdoor adventures. (Note: Not induction cooktop compatible.)
- ENDLESS COOKING POSSIBILITIES: From the sizzling sounds of meats to the fresh scents of vegetables, create an array of dishes up to 16 servings – rice, meats, seafood, and vegetarian delights await in your versatile paella pan.
Induction Socarrat Master
14 Inch Stainless Steel Paella Pan, Nonstick Ceramic Coating & Induction Compatible Large Skillet, Jumbo Cooker for Spanish Rice, Seafood Paella, Authentic Paella, Socarrat, Oven Safe, 5-8 Servings
Bzayeat
- 【Upgrade Non-Stick Ceramic Coating】 – Bzayeat Cookware is SGS-certified and completely free of PFOA/PFOS. Our ceramic coating ensures no harmful substances are released at high temperatures. It never reacts with food or alters its natural flavors, guaranteeing a healthier cooking experience.
- 【Perfect Socarrat, Every Time】 – Achieve the iconic, crispy bottom layer (socarrat) that defines an authentic paella. The pan’s 5-ply construction offers precise heat control for perfectly caramelized rice, impressing your guests with professional results every time.
- 【5-Ply Professional-Grade Construction】 – Engineered with 5 layers: a precision hybrid etching surface, ceramic coating, food-grade stainless steel, an aluminum core, and a magnetic stainless steel base. This superior build ensures fast, even heat distribution, reduces energy consumption by over 25%, and significantly shortens cooking time. Detachable handles.
- 【Induction Compatible & Versatile Use】 – Works on all stovetops, including induction, gas, electric, and halogen. Whether you’re cooking indoors on your induction cooktop or hosting a backyard party with a gas burner, this pan delivers consistent performance. (Oven safe up to 600°F).
- 【Authentic Paella Design】 – The classic 14-inch wide, shallow design is perfected for paella. It promotes optimal evaporation, which is essential for achieving the correct rice texture and the coveted socarrat, delivering a true taste of Spain.
- 【Effortless Cleaning & Dishwasher Safe】 – The advanced hybrid non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze. Most messes rinse away easily with warm water and a soft brush. For ultimate convenience, the pan is also dishwasher safe.
Tri-Ply Stainless Steel
DELARLO Paella Pan 14 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Paella Pan with Lid Nonstick Frying Pan, Hybird Induction Large Skillets,Great for Paella Parties Indoors Outdoors,Heavy Duty Style
DELARLO
- 【Your Reliable Cookware Partner】Each pan and pot form Delarlo heats quickly and spreads heat evenly because of our High-Control level of materials. We insist on upgrading the quality
- 【Maximum cooking performance】Delarlo Tri Ply full clad Stainless Steel Paella Pan is a combination of 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core and 18/0 Outer, heat to pass through the whole pan-along the bottom and up The sidewall, will spend 20% Gas or electricity less that you have spend in cooking before
- 【Large capacity cooking】Cook rice and meat to vegetables and seafood, our seafood paella pan does it all. It’s your go-to for family gatherings, garden parties, or camping trips, serving 4-8 people effortlessly. Even Heat Distribution: The Tri-Ply stainless steel construction of this pan ensures that heat is distributed evenly across the surface, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection
- 【USE IN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT】Delarlo Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 14inch Paella Pan is suitable for use with various cooking equipment, including Induction, grills, paella burners, open fire industrial stove-tops, and domestic ovens. You can use it on any stove that fits the base of the pan
- 【Family Approved】 Highly polished Food Grade cooking surface won’t react with food. Fully-clad, 3-layer metal construction delivers performance and durability for years to come
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What’s the most important material for a paella pan?
For authentic results, carbon steel is the top choice as it heats quickly and evenly, developing the prized crispy rice bottom called socarrat. Enameled steel is a great alternative, offering the same heating properties with the benefit of being non-reactive and rust-proof, which is ideal for acidic ingredients.
How do I choose the right pan size for my needs?
The size of your pan should match the number of servings and your stovetop’s burner size. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 5-6 inches of pan diameter per person, so a 15-inch pan serves 2-4 people, while a 22-inch pan is better for a crowd. Crucially, the pan must sit flat and make contact with the heat source across its entire bottom for even cooking.
Can I use a paella pan on my induction cooktop?
Only if the pan is specifically designed for induction, which means it must have a magnetic base. Most traditional carbon steel pans are not induction-compatible. Look for models with a bonded steel or aluminum base that is explicitly labeled for induction use to ensure it will work on your stove.
Why is the pan’s shape and shallow depth so important?
The wide, shallow shape is essential for achieving the ideal thin layer of rice, which allows the liquid to evaporate quickly and evenly. This design is what creates the socarrat, the crispy, caramelized bottom layer that is the hallmark of a great paella. A deep pan, like a skillet, will steam the rice instead of toasting it, preventing this desired texture.
What is the difference between a traditional pan and an enameled version?
The primary difference is maintenance and reactivity. Traditional carbon steel pans require seasoning and careful drying to prevent rust, but they offer superior heat responsiveness. Enameled pans are virtually maintenance-free and won’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or wine, making them more user-friendly for beginners.
Do I need special handles for a paella pan?
Traditional paella pans feature two bright red, looped handles that stay relatively cool during stovetop cooking, making them easy to manage. This design is intentional for moving the pan, especially when cooking outdoors over an open fire. For oven use, ensure the entire pan, including the handles, is oven-safe.
What makes a pan a ‘best value’ choice?
A best-value pan delivers the core function of even heating and proper socarrat formation without unnecessary features. Carbon steel pans often represent the best value because they are the traditional choice, perform exceptionally well, and are typically more affordable than high-end enameled or stainless steel options.
How do I clean and maintain my carbon steel paella pan?
After cooking, wash the pan with hot water and a soft sponge or brush, avoiding soap which can strip the seasoning. Immediately and thoroughly dry the pan over low heat on the stovetop to prevent any rust from forming. Finally, apply a very thin layer of neutral oil to the inside surface before storing it to protect the seasoned layer.