The Best Paelleras – Buying Guide

Almost all of us, at some time in our life, have been able to enjoy a paella : seafood, chicken, etc. And almost all of us know that paella is cooked in large surface containers, especially at important events: the paella pans. But what do you have to take into account when buying a paella pan ?

To make the best choice for your purchase, here are a few characteristics and information about paella pans.

WHAT IS A PAELLERA?

Does anyone still not know what a paella pan is? In case someone from a very distant country reads us, a paella pan is a large kitchen utensil where paella rice is cooked. They are usually circular, flat utensils with handles. With this form, heat is better transmitted, allowing all the rice to cook equally.

TYPES OF PAELLERAS

To buy a paella pan, you need to know what type it is. Paella pans are differentiated by the material they are designed for, and also by their size or the number of diners for which they are intended (large, smaller for domestic use …).

• Polished steel paella pans . In this type of paella pan, it is where the traditional Valencian paellas are usually cooked . They are characterized by being of great resistance, and are suitable for fire, wood and gas.
• Stainless steel paella pans . If polished steel is strong, stainless steel is even stronger and more durable. If you are looking to buy a paella pan for life, we recommend that you choose this type of material. They are suitable for firewood, gas and fire.
• Enameled paella pans This type of paella pans, in addition to being made of steel, are covered with black enamel. This helps make them easier to clean, and more resistant. They are suitable for firewood, fire and gas.
• Paella pans suitable for induction and glass ceramic. Although steel is the strongest material, it is not suitable for induction. That is why paella pans suitable for this type of kitchen have been designed, in order to cook from the comfort of your home.

Within all these materials, you can buy paella pans of different sizes, which adapt to your kitchen.

THE BEST PAELLERAS

In this section, we are going to talk about some of the best options when buying a paella pan. Here, we leave you in detail, the characteristics and advantages of each model of paella pans.

PAELLERA MONIX SOLID +

If you are looking to buy a paella pan for day to day, this is one of the most recommended options . It is made by Monix, the great kitchen expert. Made of cast aluminum, and has capacity for 7 servings. In addition, this paella pan has a traditional design and resistant finishes that, with minimal care, will be very durable .

FEATURES

• Made of cast aluminum. Handles made of stainless steel.
• Non-stick coating free of toxic and chemicals.
• Diameter of 36 centimeters, with a capacity for 7 servings.
• Suitable for all types of cookers, induction included.

PAELLERA BRA PRIOR

This BRA paella pan has a capacity of 7 servings, making it a medium paella pan. It comes from the hand of a Spanish brand already known to all and with a long history in our country. This is already, in itself, a guarantee of quality.

It is made of cast aluminum, which makes it a resistant paella pan as well as light. A striking feature of this paella pan are the removable silicone handles that it includes, so that the heat is not transmitted to the handles of the container.

FEATURES

• Made of cast aluminum.
• Toxic-free two- layer non-stick coating .
• Available size 36 cm.
• Suitable for all types of cookers, including induction ones.

GARCIMA PAELLERAS

This is one of the best paella pans (if not the best), and how could it be otherwise, a Valencian brand. The main characteristic of this paella pan is the firm’s long paella tradition and the wide variety of sizes it offers. And it is that the Valencian brand knows how to meet the needs of each consumer. It is made of enameled steel, so it is not compatible with induction cookers. The Valencian Paella Pan par excellence .

FEATURES

• Manufactured in enameled steel.
• Toxic-free non-stick coating .
• Available in various sizes: 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 50, 55, 60 and 65 cm.
• Suitable for all types of cookers, except induction

ALZA CLASSIC PAELLERA

This type of paella pan is the best option for cooking in a medium-sized family. The brand allows you to choose between several size models, but the largest of them is 36 cm. It is designed for no more than 4 or 5 diners . Therefore, it is a manageable paella pan, even for those who have no experience in the kitchen. In addition, the handles are made of Bakelite, which is a heat resistant material. This ensures that the heat from the paella pan is not transmitted to the grip.

FEATURES

• Made of steel. Bakelite coated handles.
• Three- layer non-stick coating .
• Available in various sizes: 26 cm, 28 cm, 30 cm, 32 cm, 34 cm and 36 cm.
• Heat diffuser bottom , ensuring perfect heat distribution.
• Suitable for all types of cookers, including induction ones.

METALTEX PAELRAS

This paella pan is positioned as an excellent option in relation to quality / price. Why? Well, very simple: it is made in Valencia, how could it be otherwise. Metaltex is one of those companies that has always been an expert in steel utensils, and thus, this pallera is made with the best cold rolled steel. Its durability and resistance is more than guaranteed. Another great advantage is that it is available in a multitude of sizes, really, many! With a paella pan like this one made in Valencia by an iconic company, you’ve got half the job done!

FEATURES

• Made in Valencia
• High quality materials: cold rolled steel
• ** NOTE ** Only suitable for cooking on fire
• Available from 2 to 20 servings
• One layer anti-acid enamel coating

LACOR PAELLERAS

This paella pan has a capacity of 9 servings, making it the best option if you are looking for a paella pan for family meals. It is made of enameled steel, and covered both on the inside and outside of the container. As we have already mentioned, buying a steel paella pan guarantees great durability and resistance for years.

FEATURES

• Manufactured in enameled steel. Handles made of steel.
• Non-stick coating.
• Available in various sizes: 40, 50 and 60 cm.
• Suitable for all types of kitchens. Unfortunately, it does not include induction ones, due to its external enamel finish.

TEFAL AROMA PAELLERAS

This Tefal paella pan combines numerous characteristics that make it an outstanding quality paella pan . We put it on this list, but it is a step above, we talk about the RollsRoyce of the palleras. One of them is that it is made of cast aluminum. In this way, the paella pan becomes a resistant utensil , as well as light and handy. This, combined with the heat diffuser bottom, makes it a great candidate if you want to buy a quality paella pan within the reach of consumers. It is reinforced in titanium, so its resistance is more than proven. And of course, it is compatible with all types of cookers, including induction ones. It is absolutely non-stick, easy to handle due to its light weight, resistant due to its titanium reinforcement, compatible with all types of kitchens, guaranteed free from PFOAS… It has a high price, but it is the definitive paella pan. 

FEATURES

• Made of cast aluminum.
• Non – stick titanium coating , toxic free.
• Available in 32 cm diameter.
• Background diffuser heat for equal cooking rice.
• Suitable for all types of cookers, including induction ones.