The Spanish culinary tradition of paella originates in Valencia.
It was a popular labourer’s meal which made use of whatever families and farmhands had going in the pantry mixed with freshly tilled rice from the surrounding lands. From classic additions like tomatoes and onions to snails, beans and small crustaceans, Valencians would cook the fragrant and wholesome meal outside over a woodfire.
While Valencia is the undisputed home of paella, to define an ‘authentic’ paella is impossible. True paella is putting whatever you already have in your fridge to good use, though popular paella recipes to this day often include ingredients such as green beans, chicken, prawns, rabbit and saffron.
A social meal, there’s nothing quite like tucking into a gigantic paella cooked outdoors among friends and family.
What to consider before buying a paella pan
- Host with the most: Do you regularly cook for between 20 and 30 people? If so, you’ll likely want to invest in a commercial-size paella pan for use outdoors. These extra-large options range between 60-90cm in diameter, with the latter often coming with additional handles for safety.
- Non-stick: Since paella is often left in the pan when served and is bound to continue cooking for a fair few minutes after the heat has been turned down, you’ll want to make sure the non-stick capability is up to scratch. Otherwise, you’ll be scraping burnt rice off the sides for days instead of enjoying a perfectly crispy base.
- Full burner: Some paella kits come with extremely handy stands and burner kits to make outdoor fiestas during the summertime an absolute breeze.
- Heat-proof handles: If you’re not planning on having your guests serve themselves, you’ll want the handles on your paella pan to be adequately heat proof to make transportation from burner to table swift and pain-free.
Best paella pans at a glance
- Best overall: Intignis Paella Pan With Lid 36cm - For All Hob Types - £46.99, Amazon
- Best for small homes: La Valenciana 20 cm Enameled Steel Paella Pan, Black - £16.99, Amazon
- Best for entertainers: Alises - Paella Cooking Set - £99, Amazon
- Best for BBQ enthusiasts: Kamado Joe KJ15124722 Karbon Carbon Steel Paella Pan, Black - £109, Amazon
- Best for hosts with the most: Garcima SL Carbon Steel Paella Pan 60cm - £55.18, Nisbets
- Best for non-stick: Hairy Bikers Lightweight 32cm Cast Iron Paella Pan - £26.83, Robert Dyas
- Best for sleek kitchen aesthetics: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Paella Pan, 32cm - £145, John Lewis
- Best for kit and caboodle: Brindisa Classic Paella Kit - £60, Brindisa
Below, we’ve curated a selection of the best paella pans on the market. Let’s get this fiesta started.
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Intignis Paella Pan With Lid 36cm - For All Hob Types
Best: overall
- Size: 36cm
A brilliant, multi-use, family-sized paella pan suitable for all hobs, the oven-safe Intignis pan is crafted from cast aluminium and has a durable non-stick granite coating. The sleek, chic design is complete with a pair of sturdy handles which make transporting from kitchen to table safe and fuss-free.
Buy now £46.99, Amazon
La Valenciana 20 cm Enameled Steel Paella Pan, Black
Best for: small homes
- Size: 20cm
For those with smaller kitchens who dream of throwing a paella party, look no further than this little non-stick pan. At 20cm in diameter, it’s perfect for hobs which wouldn’t usually have enough space for the family-sized Valencian dish. The enamelled steel pan is also complete with two ergonomic handles.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Alises - Paella Cooking Set
Best for: entertainers
- Size: 46cm
This premium kit and caboodle for summers spent outdoors comes with a 40cm gas burner, an impressive 46cm enamelled steel paella pan which is capable of holding up to 10 servings, and a stand with three square steel legs for sturdy support.
Buy now £99.00, Amazon
Kamado Joe KJ15124722 Karbon Carbon Steel Paella Pan, Black
Best for: BBQ enthusiasts
- Size: 40cm
A slightly pricier option made with high-grade carbon steel, Kamado Joe’s pre-seasoned non-stick pan is a fantastic choice for regular BBQ masters. Just like traditional paella pans, the base of the pan is completed with dimples to ensure the dish cooks evenly.
Buy now £109.00, Amazon
Garcima SL Carbon Steel Paella Pan 60cm
Best for: hosts with the most
- Size: 60cm
This massive 60cm paella pan from Garcima SL is fit for extra-large fiestas. It’s forged from thick, high-grade carbon steel and has those signature bright red, aesthetically pleasing handles. The base is dimpled for speedy, even cooking.
Buy now £55.18, Nisbets
Hairy Bikers Lightweight 32cm Cast Iron Paella Pan
Best for: non-stick
- Size: 32cm
Connoisseurs of powerful non-stick pans, Hairy Bikers is home to some of the toughest, affordable cookware on the market. This paella pan is no exception to the rule and is crafted from high-quality cast-iron. It’s also coated with premium non-stick and is equipped with stay-cool stainless-steel handles.
Buy now £26.83, Robert Dyas
Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Paella Pan, 32cm
Best for: sleek kitchen aesthetics
- Size: 32cm
If you’re a Le Creuset apologist who refuses to stray from your curated kitchen aesthetic, look no further than this toughened non-stick paella pan. Despite being from the iconic French cookware brand, this toughened, durable piece of kit was actually made in Spain. It’s dishwasher, grill and oven safe up to 260°C and is suitable for all hobs including induction.
Buy now £145.00, John Lewis
Brindisa Classic Paella Kit
Best for: kit and caboodle
- Size: 26cm
Brindisa’s Classic Paella Kit makes a brilliant gift for culinary enthusiasts. It comes with a four-person enamelled paella pan, Calasparra rice, smoked paprika, saffron flower stigmas and 1 litre of Arbequina XV Olive Oil.
Buy now £60.00, Brindisa
Verdict
When it comes to size, versatility and functionality, there’s no better paella pan on the market than the Intignis Paella Pan. We’re also big fans of Alises’ all-in-one outdoor paella party set.
