Gas Burners for Paella Pans

Paella is one of the symbols of Spanish cuisine – large, delicately balanced rice dishes with seafood, meat or vegetables, cooked in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame. To prepare authentic paella, equipment specifically designed for paella pans is required – a wide, shallow pan with a special surface treatment and a gas burner that provides even heat across the entire pan. BHS offers this specialized equipment to restaurants and dining establishments across Europe.

Paella pan – structural features

A paella pan differs from a standard frying pan in its shallow depth (usually 5–8 cm), large diameter (30–90 cm) and special surface treatment. Traditional Spanish paella pans are made from polished steel or cast iron – steel pans are lighter and heat up faster, while cast iron pans provide more even heat retention. Paella Pans in various sizes allow you to prepare portions for two people or large banquet paellas. The pan should be seasoned with vegetable oil before each use to prevent burning and to form a genuine socarrat base.

Gas burners for paella preparation

Special gas burners with a large-diameter heating zone, matching the pan’s width, are used for preparing paella. Standard kitchen burners are too small and do not provide even heat distribution for large pans. Professional paella burners with heat regulation allow precise control of the cooking temperature – high heat for the initial frying phase and lower heat for the prolonged simmering phase at the end. Mobile gas burners with a cylinder connection are convenient for outdoor events, while stationary burners with hard gas lines are suitable for restaurant kitchens. Burners are available in various power levels to match the pan size and food volume.

HACCP and safety

Gas equipment must comply with safety and sanitary regulations. Stationary gas burners in restaurants must be installed by a certified gas technician in accordance with building standards. For mobile gas burners with cylinders, a safe distance from flammable materials and ventilation requirements must be observed outdoors. In the context of HACCP, preparing paella over an open flame requires extra caution to avoid contamination from combustion products. BHS consultants help select a safe and practical gas burner solution for your specific application.

HoReCa usage scenarios

In Spanish and Mediterranean-style restaurants, a paella pan with a gas burner is both a cooking tool and an integrated part of the guest experience – an open kitchen where guests can see the paella preparation process. For banquet and corporate event catering, paella is a popular interactive dish, where the chef prepares it live in front of a large group. In outdoor restaurants and festivals, gas paella burners with large pans allow you to serve hundreds of guests. BHS helps you choose the most suitable pan and burner based on portion size and usage requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What size paella pan is needed for 10 portions? A pan with a diameter of approximately 40 cm is suitable for 8–10 portions. 50–55 cm – for 12–16 people. Pans of 60 cm and larger – for 20 people and more. Very large pans (80–90 cm) are used for banquets of 50+ people. Each size requires a gas burner of the corresponding diameter.

Can a paella pan be used on a standard stovetop? Small paella pans (30–38 cm) can be placed on a standard stovetop burner. Larger pans require a special paella burner with a wider heating zone. On induction stovetops, a paella pan can only be used if it is ferromagnetic (steel or cast iron).

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.