First of all, we were attracted to La Tienda's selection of paella pans because they're crafted in Spain. Then came the big decision—to get the traditional steel or the Pata Negra double-gauge steel paella pan. We liked the fact that the traditional pan is the authentic style. But we wondered if the double-gauge pan would do a better job due to the thickness of the metal. So we did the logical thing and got one of each! After having made an average of two pans of paella a week since purchasing the pans, we are delighted to report that both cook paella to equal perfection. True, the double-guage pan has a little bit thicker steel, but both do an amazing job of making socarrate, the toasted rice that forms on the bottom layer of the pan. In fact, both pans perform equally well in all tasks, including ease of cleaning. We got the 13-inch size, which has been perfect on our four-burner stove; we wouldn't recommend getting a bigger pan size for stovetop use—it would be better, instead, to cook your paella in two separate pans at once. Each pan makes about four to six good-sized servings. And for those who are wondering is a paella pan really worth it? In a word, absolutely! For one thing, you'll have enough space in which to sauté all your non-rice ingredients in a single layer. The pan's dimensions enable the rice to cook more evenly, plus the pan's design makes it easier to rotate to achieve that extra evenness in cooking. And you have more surface on which to develop socarrate! Regarding how the pans clean up, both will get a natural cooking patina, the traditional pan a little more so, which is just fine, as it shows you've been cooking—and enjoying—paella. And you won't even see this patina when your pan is full of paella, nor do you see it on the bottom of the pan when it's hanging up in between use. In conclusion, these pans are just great and just what we were looking for!

M - Clovis, NM

April 2023

Paella was delicious

Diana lauria - Walworth, NY

August 2022

greg swanson - appleton, WI

April 2014

I recently took a cooking class in Barcelona and was anxious to try out my skill at home with friends. I wanted a pan that could

Joan - Setauket, NY

October 2013

better and larger then I expected

MIGDALIA LOPEZ - LEHIGH ACRES, FL

February 2013

Decent pan, seasoned it before and after cooking but heavy sticking will always be an issue. Oil coating required to head off rust, but this was expected.

Danielle - Countryside, Illinois

January 2013

Exceeded my expectations!

cristina bello - west palm beach, Florida

August 2012

Very disappointed with this pan...it rusts instantly if not dried completely and rubbed with oil. A piece of junk...buy something else!

goldrsh - Keosauqua, Iowa

July 2012

Donaldn

September 2011

A superior pan for paella, and not just for beginners.

Thomas Ryan Nelson

September 2011

I bought this pan for regular use in the kitchen, and have a restaurant grade 22" for outdoor parties/directly over a fire. I have only cooked with the small pan once, but the paella turned out great. I made the usual gringo mistake of not enough salt, but other than that it was great. The pan worked a charm, with a lovely light crust on the bottom of the rice. The saffron and sweet paprika gave it just the right zing. Thanks to La Tienda for the right tools, and thanks to the staff at "Cook and Taste" in Barcelona for an awesome cooking class. I can't wait to use the 22" pan for a party now!

Ramesh

July 2011

I give this pan a four star rating for it's durability and functionality. My only complaint is that the pan has two handles and one was missing a screw. I took it out of the box like that. A little upsetting but it works great.

Tanya

July 2011