Small paella pan – Mini paella pans for tapas by Garcima

These mini paella pans for tapas by Garcima are small paella pans made of enamelled steel and manufactured in Valencia, available in four diameters: 10, 12, 15 and 20 cm (measured across the rim). They can be used over a direct gas flame and in the oven, and work equally well for cooking individual portions and for presenting tapas, montaditos and pinchos straight to the table.

What these mini paella pans are used for

They suit an endless list of presentations: from something as simple as bringing out almonds or olives with a drink, through to serving tapas, montaditos or pinchos of every kind. In catering they are widely used as the container for a single portion — a creamy rice, garlic prawns, huevos rotos, a hot tapa that reaches the table in the very dish it was cooked in — and at home they work just as well for nibbles, sauces, pickles or nuts. Because they are enamelled steel, they take the heat of the oven and the hob, so cooking and serving happen in the same piece.

Which size to choose

The 10 and 12 cm diameters are the nibbles format: olives, nuts, pickles, dipping sauces or a single-bite tapa. The 15 cm is the most versatile for a hot tapa and a small portion. The 20 cm is already enough to serve a full individual portion or a starter to share between two. Bear in mind that the measurement is taken across the top rim: the usable base is always somewhat smaller, as on any paella pan, because the walls slope outwards. If you need larger sizes, the paella pans category has the big diameters for a paella for several people.

Made in Valencia by Garcima

These small enamelled paella pans are made in Valencia by Garcima, with every guarantee required by the European Community and using the same vitrified steel technique as the brand's large paella pans: a steel sheet coated in vitrified enamel, a hard finish that does not react with food and that keeps cleaning simple. The manufacturer's data sheet states 3 years of guarantee and suitability for professional catering use.

Which hobs they can be used on

They are designed for gas flame and oven. Because they have a thin base with the curved profile typical of a paella pan, they are not suitable for induction, ceramic hobs or electric hotplates: on those hobs the contact with the surface is not sufficient and the heat does not spread. If you are looking for a paella pan for induction, have a look at the Garcima enamelled paella pan for induction and ceramic hobs, which has a base made specifically for those hobs.

Sizes available

Looking after the enamel

The enamel makes cleaning very easy: hot water and a mild washing-up liquid are enough, with no metal scourers or abrasive products that could scratch the vitrified coating. The best way to make the enamel last is to dry the pans as soon as you have washed them and to avoid sudden changes in temperature (never take the pan from the flame straight into cold water). It is also better not to cut inside them with a knife. With that care the finish stays intact for years, just as on the large enamelled Valencian paella pan.

Frequently asked questions about the mini paella pans

What sizes of mini paella pan are there?

There are four diameters: 10, 12, 15 and 20 cm, measured across the rim. The 10 and 12 cm are for nibbles, the 15 cm for a hot tapa and the 20 cm for an individual portion.

Can they be used on induction or ceramic hobs?

No. These mini paella pans are suitable for a gas flame and for the oven, but not for induction, ceramic hobs or electric hotplates.

Can they go in the oven?

Yes. As they are enamelled steel they go in the oven without any problem, so you can grill or finish the dish inside them and serve it in the same pan.

What material are they made of?

Steel coated in vitrified enamel, made in Valencia by Garcima with 3 years of guarantee according to the manufacturer's data sheet.

Are they suitable for serving at the table?

Yes, that is their most common use: you cook and present in the same piece, set on a plate or a trivet because they come off the hob or out of the oven very hot.

How are they cleaned?

With hot water and a mild washing-up liquid, no metal scourers or abrasives, drying them straight away to preserve the enamel.

You can see more pieces for presentation in serving utensils and, if you are putting together a complete paella set-up, our guide to choosing a paella burner and pan kit will help.