Garcima: the No. 1 paella pan manufacturer since 1920
Garcima S.L. is a family-run Valencian company founded in 1920 by Antonio García Montoro, a blacksmith who started out making agricultural tools, trivets and forged paddles in a small artisan workshop. More than a century on, Garcima has established itself as the world's leading manufacturer of paella pans, with a factory of over 10,000 m² and a commercial presence in more than 30 countries.
Four generations of Valencian craftsmanship
The story of Garcima is the story of a family bound to metal and fire:
- 1920 – Antonio García Montoro founds the artisan forge workshop in Valencia.
- 1940s – Enrique A. García Martí (second generation) inherits the business and makes the first handcrafted paella pans. His wife, Encarnación Campos, sells them at Valencia's Central Market.
- 1960s – Antonio García Campos (third generation) takes over the running of the company at just 20 years old, modernises production, builds a sales network and begins the expansion into Latin America.
- 1975 – Construction of the new factory in the El Bobalar industrial estate.
- 1979 – Formal incorporation of GARCIMA, S.L.
- 1990s – Nieves and Antonio García Martínez (fourth generation) drive international exports. In 1992, Garcima took part in the world record: a paella 20 metres in diameter cooked in Valencia.
- Since 2010 – An established presence at the AMBIENTE trade fair in Frankfurt and active distribution in more than 30 countries.
Garcima catalogue: paella pans, paella burners and accessories
Garcima's catalogue covers everything you need to cook paella —and much more— for both home and professional use:
Valencian paella pans
- Polished paella pan – Traditional polished carbon steel. The classic choice that preserves 100% of the original flavour. It needs seasoning and a minimum of care.
- Enamelled paella pan – Acid-resistant vitrified enamel coating. Easier to clean and maintain, ideal for frequent use.
- Pata Negra paella pan – Professional range with the thickest steel on the market and a reinforced flat base. Available in polished and enamelled versions. Compatible with induction, ceramic hobs, gas, oven and wood fire.
- Stainless steel paella pan – 18/10 stainless steel for those who want maximum durability with no maintenance.
Gas paella burners
- Round tube – The classic burner. The gas comes out of the top of the tube. Suitable for standard-sized paella pans.
- Flat tube (high output) – The gas comes out of the sides of the tube, producing greater heat output and a more even flame distribution. For the same burner diameter, you can use larger paella pans than with a round tube.
- With safety thermocouple – A valve that automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out, essential for professional use.
Add-ons and accessories
Paella burner stands, gas hoses and regulators, wind guards, barbecues, grill racks, griddles, roasting pans, casserole dishes, stockpots, sauté pans, kitchen utensils (turners, paddles, tongs) and garden sets.
Frequently asked questions about Garcima
Where does Garcima make its products?
Garcima manufactures at its plant of more than 10,000 m² in the Valencia region (Spain), combining state-of-the-art machinery with the artisan processes it has maintained since 1920. All production is Made in Spain.
What is the difference between the enamelled, polished and Pata Negra paella pans?
The polished pan is uncoated carbon steel: the most traditional, it needs seasoning and drying after each use. The enamelled pan has an acid-resistant vitrified enamel that makes cleaning easier and extends its working life. The Pata Negra range uses the thickest steel on the market with a reinforced flat base, and is available in both polished and enamelled finishes. Pata Negra is the professional choice for its resistance to warping and its compatibility with every type of heat source.
Are Garcima paella pans suitable for induction?
Only the Pata Negra range (polished or enamelled) and the specific models marked "induction". These pans have a reinforced flat base that optimises contact with the hob. Traditional paella pans with a concave base (standard polished or enamelled) are designed for gas, wood fire or oven, and are not compatible with induction or ceramic hobs.
What is the difference between a flat-tube and a round-tube paella burner?
The round tube is the classic burner: reliable and economical, with the gas outlet at the top. The flat tube (high output) releases the gas at the sides, which generates more heat output and a more even flame. In practice, with a 40 cm flat-tube burner you can comfortably cook a 65 cm paella, whereas with a round tube of the same diameter a 50 cm pan is the recommended maximum.
Where can I buy Garcima products?
At Hiperchef we are Garcima distributors with a wide range of paella pans, paella burners and accessories. If you can't find a specific product code on our website, we can order any product from the Garcima catalogue for you. Get in touch and we'll give you a price and lead time.