Paella Pan For Large Groups

If you're cooking paella for 20 people, you'll need a pan with a diameter of at least 26 inches. This is the minimum size that will ensure your paella turns out tasting delicious—a larger pan means a thinner layer of rice, which is key to a good paella.

A 26-inch pan is also the largest size that will work on a large outdoor grill. If you're cooking on a stovetop, the maximum size is usually 20 or 22 inches, and in an oven, it's 17 or 18 inches. If you're looking for more flexibility, a gas paella burner can accommodate any size pan up to 40 inches.

It's worth noting that paella pans can get very large—up to 60 inches—and can be used to cook for hundreds of people during town festivals in Valencia and Catalonia.

A 26-inch pan is suitable for 12-20 servings

A 26-inch paella pan is suitable for cooking for a large group of people. This size of pan can serve 12 to 20 people, making it ideal for dinner parties or gatherings with friends and family.

When choosing a paella pan, it is important to consider the number of people you will be serving. The size of the pan will determine the number of servings you can get out of it. A 26-inch pan is a popular choice for those who regularly cook for larger groups.

In addition to the size of the pan, other factors to consider include the type of heat source you will be using and the material of the pan. For a 26-inch pan, you will likely need an outdoor grill or a specially designed propane-powered paella burner. As for the material, carbon steel, enameled steel, and stainless steel are all popular options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and heat conduction.

It is worth noting that paella pans are designed to be wide and shallow, maximising the surface area to allow for the evaporation of liquids and the formation of a crispy golden crust, known as "socarrat," at the bottom of the pan. This unique shape and size of the pan are essential for cooking authentic, delicious paella.

When choosing a 26-inch pan for 12 to 20 servings, be sure to measure your heat source to ensure the pan will fit, and consider the maintenance and care instructions for the different materials to make an informed decision.

A 32-inch pan can serve 20-40 people

A 32-inch paella pan is ideal for serving large groups of people. While a 26-inch pan can serve up to 20 people, a 32-inch pan can serve anywhere from 20 to 40 people. This makes it a perfect choice for hosting large gatherings or events.

When selecting a paella pan, it is important to consider the number of guests you plan to serve. The size of the pan directly impacts the thickness of the rice layer, which is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness. A larger pan allows for a thinner layer of rice, resulting in a more delicious paella.

Additionally, the choice of heat source may influence the size of the pan you can use. For instance, a home stovetop typically accommodates a maximum pan size of 20 to 22 inches, while an oven usually fits a pan up to 17 or 18 inches. If you require more flexibility and precise heat control, a gas paella burner is a worthwhile investment as it can be used with pans up to 40 inches in diameter.

It is worth noting that some people prefer to purchase two smaller pans instead of one large one. This approach offers the advantage of cooking different types of paella simultaneously, accommodating varied preferences or dietary restrictions.

When deciding on the size of your paella pan, it is recommended to opt for the largest size that is compatible with your heat source. This ensures that your paella will have the ideal rice layer thickness and maximizes the number of servings.

A 32-inch paella pan is an excellent choice for those who frequently cook for larger groups or wish to explore the option of cooking multiple varieties. Remember to measure your heat source and choose a pan that fits comfortably within the dimensions to ensure even cooking and the best possible paella experience.

For 20 servings, a propane-powered burner is an option

The Garcima G700 Paella Propane Gas Burner, for example, has three rings of flame and three independent control knobs, allowing you to adjust the heat as needed. It fits 36-inch pans and smaller, with an outer ring diameter of 26.5 inches. The burner is made of enamel-coated steel and is manufactured in Spain by a family-owned company. It's easy to set up and only requires a propane tank and a standard low-pressure regulator and hose to get started.

When choosing a propane-powered burner, consider the size of your paella pan. Burners typically come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, accommodating pans from 12 to 36 inches in diameter. Additionally, you may want to invest in a burner tripod for added stability, especially if you're using larger pans.

Using a propane-powered burner for your paella cooking provides several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to cook outdoors, which is ideal for parties or gatherings. Secondly, it gives you greater flexibility in terms of pan size, as you're not limited by the size of your stove or oven. Finally, the independent control knobs let you adjust the heat to suit your cooking needs, ensuring that your paella turns out perfectly every time.

A 20-22 inch pan is the maximum size for a home stovetop

When choosing a paella pan, it's important to consider the number of people you'll be serving and your heat source. For a home stovetop, a 20-22 inch pan is the maximum size. This size pan is ideal for cooking for a large group of people, such as 8 to 12 servings.

The size of the pan is important because paella is traditionally cooked in a wide and shallow pan, which allows for maximum surface area. This helps the liquid to evaporate and form a crispy golden crust, called socarrat, on the bottom of the pan. The large surface area also ensures that the rice cooks evenly, which is essential for an authentic paella.

If you're looking to cook for a smaller group of people, you might want to consider a smaller pan. A 16-inch pan is perfect for 4 to 6 servings, while an 18-inch pan can serve 6 to 8 people. These smaller pans are also a good option if you have limited storage space or if your stovetop can't accommodate a larger pan.

It's worth noting that paella pans can come in a wide range of sizes, from a small 8-inch pan for a single serving to massive 60-inch pans that can feed 300 people. So, if you're planning on cooking for a large group, you may want to consider investing in a larger pan or even a specially designed propane-powered paella burner for outdoor use.

In addition to the size of the pan, it's also important to consider the material. Traditional paella pans are made from carbon steel, which is affordable, lightweight, and conducts heat efficiently. However, they do require seasoning and maintenance between uses. Alternatively, you could choose a stainless steel or enameled steel pan, which may be more durable and require less upkeep.

A paella pan should be shallow to allow for even cooking

To cook paella for 20 people, you'll need a pan with a diameter of 26 inches or more. This is based on the general rule that a paella pan should be able to accommodate 100 grams of rice per person.

Now, a paella pan should be shallow to allow for even cooking. Paella pans are wide and shallow to maximise the surface area, allowing the rice to cook evenly. This shape allows for the quick evaporation of liquid, which is essential for creating an authentic paella. The thin layer of rice cooks in extension, rather than height, and this is what makes paella unique from other rice recipes. The shallow design also helps form the socarrat, a delicious, sweetish, brown crust that gently sticks to the bottom of the pan.

The shallow design of a paella pan is also intended to maximise the amount of rice touching the bottom of the pan. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and quickly, and it is this contact with the heat source that gives the paella its distinctive golden-brown crust. The shape of the pan also means that the oil accumulates in the centre, helping to distribute the heat evenly.

The size of the pan is important, too. The larger the pan, the thinner the layer of rice, and the more delicious the paella will be. A thin layer of rice is ideal for paella, but it does mean fewer servings. If you need to serve more people, you can simply add more rice and meat, vegetable or seafood garnishes. However, if you fill the pan too much, the rice at the top will be soggy, the middle will be undercooked, and the bottom will be burnt.

Paella pans are traditionally made from carbon steel, which conducts heat very efficiently but requires seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust. You can also buy stainless steel or enameled steel pans, which are more expensive but require less upkeep.

Frequently asked questions