Pans are one of the most familiar and necessary items in every family’s daily cooking. It can be said that it is a close friend of a housewife, and it is not wrong.
A Paella pan, have you heard of it? It is used to make Spanish rice dishes and is also used to make baked goods because of its convenience.
So, is it fun to bake food on a Paella pan? Is it easy, does it help the food taste better? Or why would you need to choose a Paella pan among so many other pans on the market, right? All the information you need Apronese.com will list all in the article below.
Don’t ignore it, because this is the convenience, versatility, and durability you need in a daily cooking pan.
Find out with us about it.
What Is a Paella Pan?
“Paella” is Valencian word derived from the Latin term for “pan”, “patella”. The paella pan is wide and shallow to create maximum surface area, allowing the liquid to evaporate and form a crispy golden crust on the bottom as much as possible. The edges are sloping and slightly facing out.
There are two side handles on the paella pan, instead of a handle, providing the convenience of handling the pan from the side.
There are different diameters that can be chosen so that depending on how many servings you need to prepare, you can prepare the food accordingly. On the inside and sometimes on the outside, it is usually coated with a non-stick material.
In most cases, it is a necessary tool during the preparation of traditional paella.
How Big is a Paella Pan?
Paella pans come in a variety of sizes (4 inches to 60 inches), so they can be used by individuals, families or large groups.
The size of a small paella pan varies from 4 inches to 14 inches; it serves two to four people.
The most common pan sizes are between 15 and 18 inches, and all of them serve 5 to 8 people. If you normally serve 6 people, then either a 15 or 16 inch pan will do. I suggest getting the 16 inch pan because you will want leftovers.
For large crowds, you may want to consider a large paella pan. Just be sure the pan fits your cook top or purchase an outdoor tripod.
A guide to choosing the size of a paella pan:
- up to 6 servings: 16 inch pan
- 6 to 8 servings: 18 inch pan
- 8 to 12 servings: 22 inch pan
- 12 to 20 servings: 26 inch pan
- 20 to 40 servings: 32 inch pan
Depending on the amount you want to cook, or based on your stove to choose a suitable pan.
Can paella pan go on grill?
Of course yes, it can be used to grill food very easily, because of the convenience, thin base to help food cook faster. The base is wide and the sides are slightly outward, making it easier to turn the food over and the heat will be distributed evenly, helping to prevent the food from being scorched or unevenly cooked.
Paella pans can also be used to prepare many other dishes:
- Use it for searing steaks, chicken cutlets, fish fillets, and roasts
- As a griddle for pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast treats
- For stir-frying in place of a wok
- As a stand-in for a roasting pan; and even for cooking over a campfire
What Is the Best Material for Paella Pan?
Paella pans are traditionally used in Valencia, which is considered to be the heartland of paella. There are many different materials used to make paella pans. There are a lot of pans like that available on the market, so how do you choose one?
Carbon steel: Lightweight, inexpensive, highly efficient at conducting heat and good for making socarrat, but needs proper care to avoid rusting.
Stainless steel: Palle pans made of stainless steel are thick, heavy, and good at resisting oxidation. They are easy to maintain and durable, but are more expensive.
Compared to carbon steel pans, the stainless steel pan is more expensive, but it is very durable and can easily last a lifetime with good care.
Enameled steel: Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, enameled steel pans are more affordable than stainless steel pans.
Non-stick: Low maintenance but no socarrat, Manso warns, easy to clean.
Each type of pan has many different materials, there is no best or only material, but depending on the purpose, needs and preferences of use to choose the right pan.
What Makes a Paella Pan Different from Other Pans?
Referring to this, it must be mentioned that Paella is also a special dish of the Spanish people.
Referring to this, it must be mentioned that Paella is also a special dish of the Spanish people
Paella pans have a shallow and wide design, which allows them to be used to cook Paella by adjusting the evaporation time. This is the major reason why they are used to cook Paella.
Pans such as this one were designed with a specific function in mind, and they were born with it.
Moreover, because it is thin and distributes heat well, this is a favorite pan for baking, because it heats up quickly and is convenient.
The Best Paella Pans for Grill
Best Overall: Garcima 16-Inch Pata Negra Double Gauge Steel Paella Pan
This Garcima pan is expertly crafted with extra-thick carbon steel in Valencia’s hometown of Paella, and has a shallow, wide cooking surface that is ideal for slicing and sautéing meats and vegetables ahead of time when adding rice.
With its dimples at the base, the pan heats evenly on all surfaces and mimics the indentations of a traditional paella pan.
The size of the pans ranges from 13 inches to 36 inches.
With slanted sides, you won’t have to worry about spills when turning food. Serving can be done from the kitchen to the table with ease thanks to the large round handle. This pan is ideal for use on any type of stove, which makes it so versatile.
Suitable for gas, electric, induction, grills, and ovens.
Best Choice: Garcima 15-inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan
This is an authentic Paella pan made in Spain. Ideal for serving 3 to 5 people.
For paella, carbon steel pans (also known as polished steel or polished steel) are the best because they conduct heat evenly and quickly.
There is a concave groove at the bottom of the pan, which makes it quite durable and hard. Steel and red paint are used to make the handle.
Safe for stove, oven or grill.
Best Seller: Machika Polished Steel Paella Pan 15 Inch
Designed with high-quality carbon steel, these pans conduct heat quickly and evenly to ensure the perfect rice result. Durable and reliable, this pan is made of thin, light material.
As soon as you are finished using the pan, simply rinse it with a little water and detergent. Dry the pan immediately with a soft cloth to maintain its beautiful shine.
15 inch (38 cm) paella pan serves 8 people.
Spanish paella pan with authentic Valencian design. To bring you these superb paella pans, Machika teamed up with Spanish paella maker Garcima since the 1920s.
FAQs about Paella Pans
Can You Put Paella Pan in the Oven
There is a pan for every occasion. These pans are suitable for use on gas and charcoal stoves, in the oven, on an indoor stove or over a direct flame.
Can I Use a Paella Pan like a Wok?
A perfect presentation platter, roasting pan, griddle, wok, baking dish and more can all be used with this versatile pan. Choose a pan that is at least 15 inches long made from carbon steel to get the most out of your paella pan.
Does a Paella Pan Need a Lid
No, it doesn’t need a lid because paella is cooked in the traditional way without a lid (until the final break turns off the stove).
Is Stainless Steel Good for Paella Pan?
A stainless steel paella pan is one of the most popular pans because it doesn’t rust, does not require seasoning before use, is easy to maintain, and does not chipping.
Why Is There a Ranger in the Number of Serving for Each Pan Size ?
Depending on how much rice you use and, of course, how many dishes you serve along with the paella, you’ll get roughly how many servings from the pan.
The ideal way to prepare rice is to spread it thinly over a surface. In doing this, you will get the best flavor from the paella, but you will also be able to serve it less frequently.
There is nothing wrong with serving more people, if that is what you need to do. Once the rice has been cooked, add the meat, vegetables, or seafood garnish to the pan along with the rice.
Paella dishes or a Paella pan will help your family have a new dish to change the wind for daily meals. And of course, if you are bored with the microwave or oven, using a Paella pan to bake food is not a bad idea.
Apronese.com thinks that the price to buy a pan is quite cheap, convenient for daily use, if not too necessary, it is a smart choice.
Try baking food on a paella pan right now to experience it.
