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Paella Pan Questions
What size paella pan do I need?
As you have seen from the web site paella pans come in many sizes !. But what size paella pan do you need ? The first thing is to decide on the number of people you want to feed - remembering that people will want to come back for seconds of your lovely paella !. Your don't want to overfill the pan as the rice will go mushy. We have produced a guide along with pan sizing tables to enable you to choose the right sizes. All paella pans in Spain have a number of "raciones" displayed on the pan label - As this represents rather small serving, we call this number "tapas" servings with an estimated lower number for the number of main course portions the pan is likely to serve. You can access the guide by viewing our pan sizing guide
How is a paella pan measured?
The Paella Pan dimensions that are given on the web site are the pan's diameter taken from rim to rim (excluding the handles). On each paella pan product page we have a detailed the various dimensions of the pan, or you can view the complete list of dimensions by viewing our pan sizing guide
Can I use my Paella Pan on a normal domestic gas hob?
All paella pans up to about 36cm (or sometimes 38cm) can be used on a normal domestic gas cooker. After that the heat from the burner ring is not suffucient to heat evenly to the edge of the pan. Some people have managed to use larger pans on a gas hob (46cm to 55cm), but that involves orientating the pan over multiple gas rings and turning the pan to ensure everything is cooking evenly. One trick if you want to try this, is to practise by boiling just water in the pan to see how evenly you can get it to boil.
Polished Steel or Enamelled Paella Pans - Which is better?
Both polished and enamelled paella pans have their unique features:
- Polished Steel Pans: These are traditional and very popular in Spain. They require oiling after use to prevent rust. The only thing you need to remember is to dry the pan after it has been washed and then wipe it over with a little cooking oil. They offer excellent heat distribution for authentic paella cooking.
- Enamelled Steel Pans: These are easier to clean and do not require oiling after use, making them more convenient. They are also oven-proof if the size permits. Their only downside, is like all enamelware, is they are susceptible to being chipped if dropped or bashed.
The choice between the two depends on your preference for maintenance and cooking style. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, enamelled might be better. For a more traditional approach, polished steel is ideal.
The other materials are either Stainless Steel or non-stick
How do I care for my Polished Steel Paella Pan?
Using the Paella for the first time
The paella pans have been coated with a protective lacquer from the factory. This has be to cleaned off before it is used for cooking. First remove the label by heating the pan slightly. It will then easily peal off. Then to prepare your new pan for cooking first fill the pan with water & bring bring to a boil. Follow this by washing the pan in warm water and washing-up liquid. Immediately dry the pan with a soft cloth. Never allow the pan to air dry. Your pan is now ready for use. Next, rub a small amount of cooking oil on the inside surface of the pan. You are ready to cook.
Care Instructions
Please note that these pans are not coated with a non stick suface and therefore food may stick. However cleaning is really easy !. Simply soak the pan in warm water and mild dishwashing soap for one hour, this will loosen any stuck food matter. Then the pan can be thoroughly cleaned in warm water and mild soap with a pan scourer pad . Once cleaned, it is important to dry the pan immediately. Never allow the pan to air dry only. Once it is dry it should be rubbed with cooking oil on a piece of kitchen roll. If you feel you have put too much oil on just rub it over again with a fresh piece of kitchen roll.
What cooking safety instructions do you recommend?
Never put the pan on the heat when empty.
Avoid overheating the pan.
Monitor the heat intensity at all times.
If using in the oven, do not exceed a temperature of 250ºC for more than 10 minutes. For oven use, we recommend our enamelled products.
Never use in a microwave oven.
Wooden and stainless steel implements may be used. Plastic implements are not recommended, as when using this kind of product, higher temperatures than usual tend to be reached.
When in use, every part of the pan will become very hot - including the handles.
Please take great care and never leave the pan cooking without responsible adult supervision.
