Types of paella pans or gas burners

What Types of Paella Burners Are There?

Hello rice lovers, today we’re going to explore the different types of gas burners available for cooking paella. While the most common name is paellero, they’re also known as gas burners, and other popular names include rosco, gas ring, ring, paella ring, or even paella stove.

We’ll focus on the three main types of paella burners, all compatible with butane or propane gas cylinders. These burners come with 12mm nozzles or fittings that allow for an easy and secure connection to the gas supply.

Connecting the burner to the gas is simple: place the hose in position and secure the clamps on both the burner and the gas regulator. The connection is the same on both ends: one end of the hose connects to the burner, the other to the regulator. Tighten both ends securely and connect to the cylinder.

To make them easier to use, we’ll also explain how to light them. In the video accompanying this content, you’ll see a practical demonstration of how to ignite each type of burner:

• The traditional round tube burner
• The high-power flat or round tube burner
• The professional flat tube burner with safety valves (thermocouple)

Especially for the third type, it’s important to understand what a thermocouple is: it’s a safety valve that automatically cuts off the gas supply if it detects a sudden drop in temperature (such as from accidental flame-out or a gas leak). This safety feature prevents dangerous gas build-up, making this type of burner approved for indoor use. The other two types, lacking this safety, are approved for outdoor use only.

1. Traditional Round Tube Burner

Features of the Round Tube Burner

This is the most well-known and affordable model among paella burners. Commonly referred to as the traditional burner, it runs on butane or propane gas. It offers up to 9.75 kW of power and is available in various sizes from 30 to 90 cm in diameter. A 40 cm model is used in the demonstration video.

This burner has two independently controlled concentric rings. This allows you to cook anything from small paellas using just the inner ring to larger dishes by activating both rings.

Advantages and Recommended Uses

One of this burner’s main advantages is its versatility. It’s ideal for those looking for a cost-effective yet efficient outdoor cooking solution. Thanks to its dual controls, it can easily be adjusted to the size of the paella being prepared.

For safe ignition, it’s recommended to light the inner ring first. This helps avoid burns when handling the outer ring afterward. A handy tip is to visually follow the metal line connecting each knob to its ring to know which knob controls which part. Labels on the knobs also help identify their functions.

Ignition is simple: open the gas valve for the inner ring and bring a lighter or igniter close, adding some air if needed. Repeat for the outer ring. To adjust the flame, turn the knob halfway for minimum and a full turn for maximum power. To turn it off, turn the knobs in the opposite direction until the gas is fully shut off.

In short, this burner is an excellent choice for outdoor home use, perfect for family gatherings, outdoor events, or any occasion where you want to make an authentic paella safely and easily.

2. Flat or High-Power Burner

Differences from the Round Burner

The second type of burner we’ll discuss is the flat tube burner, also known as a high-power burner. The main difference from the traditional round tube burner is the placement of the holes: instead of being on the top, they’re on the sides. This allows the flame to spread outward, providing more even and efficient heat distribution across the paella pan.

Another key difference is that this model has three concentric rings (one more than the traditional version), increasing its adaptability and heat control. Its power is also greater, reaching up to 15 kW.

When to Use a Flat Burner

The high-power burner is especially recommended for dishes requiring more consistent and intense heat, making it ideal for larger paellas or when precise heat control is needed. It’s perfect for outdoor use in gardens, terraces, or open-air events.

To ignite it properly, start with the inner ring for safety, then light the outer ring. A useful tip to know which knob controls which ring is to follow the metal line from the knob to the ring. Each knob also has a label for easier identification.

The ignition process is simple: open the gas for the inner ring and light it with a lighter or igniter, then repeat for the outer ring. To adjust the flame, turn the knobs—half a turn for minimum flame, full turn for maximum. To turn it off, simply return the knobs to their original position.

3. Professional Flat Tube Burner

Types of Professional Burners for Indoor Use

The professional flat tube burner is designed specifically for professional kitchens or indoor spaces where greater safety and control are needed. Visually, it’s distinguishable by its wider gas chamber and zigzag-shaped holes positioned at a 45-degree angle. This intermediate angle helps prevent blockage during use, maintaining flame efficiency.

Safety and Efficiency in Professional Kitchens

One of the key features of this burner is the inclusion of a thermocouple safety valve. This valve detects a temperature drop (e.g., from flame-out or gas leak) and automatically shuts off the gas supply to prevent dangerous build-up. This safety feature makes it approved for indoor use, unlike the other two models that are for outdoor use only.

Igniting this professional burner requires an additional step due to its safety system. First, press the red safety button next to the gas knob while turning it to release gas to the inner ring. Then light it, and keep the red button pressed for 8–10 seconds so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the gas flowing. Repeat for the outer ring.

Flame control is the same as the other models: half a turn for minimum, full turn for maximum. To turn off, just return the knobs to their original position.

This burner is ideal for restaurants, industrial kitchens, or any professional environment where high performance, maximum safety, and indoor compatibility are essential.

4. Mimcook: The Smart Paella Burner

How the Mimcook Digital Burner Works

Among the most revolutionary advances in paella technology is the Mimcook smart burner, a true kitchen robot designed specifically to automate the paella cooking process.

This device features temperature, humidity, and level sensors, allowing it to detect whether the pan is level and adjust cooking precisely. For instance, it can automatically switch stages when a certain temperature is reached—perfect for timing ingredient additions or ensuring the rice cooks at the optimal temperature.

The Mimcook ignites electronically, and from its digital console, you can select the number of servings—suitable for cooking paella for 2 to 12 people. Once set, the system automatically ignites the burners and regulates each ring’s power without manual intervention.

Advantages Over Other Burners

The main advantage of the Mimcook is its automation and precision. From the console, users can choose from preset recipes (standard paellas) or upload custom ones via an Excel sheet using a USB. This lets you adapt it to your own recipes or specific menus.

During cooking, the screen guides you step-by-step—from toasting the rice, to timing and temperatures, to the end of cooking. It even provides exact ingredient amounts, like grams of rice or liters of broth.

The demonstration video shows how, after selecting the number of servings and confirming the recipe, the system starts automatically. Each step is monitored on screen, ensuring professional results with no margin for error—ideal for commercial kitchens or chefs seeking consistent precision.

Comparison of the Different Types of Burners

We’ve looked at four main types of paella burners, each with specific features that make them ideal for different contexts:

• Traditional round tube burner: Affordable, versatile, ideal for outdoor use and various paella sizes.
• High-power or flat tube burner: Higher performance and better heat distribution thanks to side holes and a third ring.
• Professional flat tube burner: With thermocouple safety valve, approved for indoor use and suited for professional environments.
• Mimcook, the smart burner: Fully automated, digital control, smart sensors, and customizable recipe programming.

Which Gas Burner Should You Choose for Your Paella?

The best burner for you depends on your needs:

• If you're looking for an affordable, practical option for outdoor cooking, the traditional burner is a great choice.
• If you need more power and more even heating, go with the high-power burner.
• If you plan to cook indoors and need maximum safety, choose the professional burner with thermocouple.
• If you want precision, automation, and professional-grade cooking, the Mimcook is definitely the best investment.

We hope this guide answered your questions about the different types of paella burners available. Now you're ready to cook a perfect paella like a true master!

Want to keep learning more about the world of paella? Visit our blog for recipes, tips, and much more.