Have you ever wondered what makes a cast iron skillet truly non-stick? It’s not magic; it’s the seasoning! A well-seasoned skillet cooks better, lasts longer, and gives your food that classic, delicious sear. But choosing the right oil for this crucial first step can feel like a guessing game. Should you use flaxseed, vegetable, or maybe even bacon fat? The wrong oil can lead to sticky spots, uneven cooking, or a seasoning layer that flakes off too soon.
This confusion stops right now. We are diving deep into the best oils to use when you first season your cast iron. You will learn exactly why certain oils create a durable, hard, non-stick surface, and which ones you should avoid completely. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to pick the perfect oil, season your pan like a pro, and enjoy cooking on cast iron for years to come.
Top Oil To Season Cast Iron Skillet Recommendations
- HOW TO USE: The key to naturally nonstick cast iron cookware? Cook often, and apply Seasoning Oil every time you clean your pan. Clean your cast iron with soap and a brush, then use a chain mail scrubber to smooth out existing seasoning layers. Apply a dab of Seasoning Oil and spread it thinly over the surface with a paper towel or clean rag. Wipe away excess oil to leave a dry, matte finish.
- HOW IT WORKS: We use organic oils high in polyunsaturated fats because these oils polymerize easily—creating a hard, durable, nonstick layer that improves with every use. Each time you heat your cast iron, the oil bonds to the surface, strengthening your seasoning over time.
- WHY IT MATTERS: Our cast iron seasoning oil and conditioner blend naturally restores, protects, and maintains your cookware. It builds a smooth, nonstick surface without synthetic coatings—so your cast iron performs beautifully for decades..
- INGREDIENTS: Organic grapeseed oil, organic sunflower oil, and beeswax. For best results, use within one year or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
- YOUR NEW GO-TO SEASONING SPRAY: The Lodge Seasoning Spray is the perfect seasoning spray to maintain your cast iron cookware. It is made of 100% canola oil - no additives or propellants, to protect your cookware and enhance its finish.
- HOW TO CLEAN CAST IRON COOKWARE: Step 1. Wash your cast iron cookware by hand, using a small amount of soap (for stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer water for 3-5 minutes. Use a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. Step 2. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Step 3. Rub a light layer of Seasoning Spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
- FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge is more than just a business; it is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
- Food Grade Cast Iron Seasoning Oil – Organic & Coconut Derived : Premium food-grade oil made from organic fractionated coconut oil. Designed specifically to season and condition cast iron skillets, pans, grills, griddles and Dutch ovens.
- Seasons, Conditions & Helps Prevent Rust : Builds and maintains a smooth, protective seasoning layer that improves non-stick performance and helps guard cast iron against moisture and rust.
- Plant-Based, No Mineral Oil or Petroleum: A clean, coconut-derived alternative to traditional mineral oil. Odorless, tasteless and safe for cookware used to prepare food.
- Ideal for Skillet, Pan, Grill, Griddle & Flat Top : Use on cast iron skillets, frying pans, grill grates, flat top griddles, camp cookware and more—great after cleaning as the final seasoning step.
- Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO & Bottled in USA : Certified Organic, Kosher and Non-GMO for customers who care about what touches their cookware. Bottled in the USA under strict quality standards.
- A little goes a long way. Very economical compared to seasoning cast iron cookware with oil.
- WHY CRISBEE CAST IRON SEASONING? Because the leaders in cast iron swear by the Crisbee brand to season their cast iron. From new cast iron skillets, to vintage cast iron skillets, they trust Crisbee to season their pans to perfection every time.
- WHAT IS A CAST IRON SEASONING? A substantial cast iron seasoning keeps food from sticking to the cast iron, and protects the cast iron cookware.
- Maintain a cleaner non-stick skillet. Excellent for initial seasoning and daily maintenance of cast iron. Protects cast iron cookware.
- Very High Smoke Point (450-500°F)
- Restores and Maintains Cast Iron Cookware
- 100% Natural and Plant-Based
- NSF Certified, 100% Food-Contact Safe
- Bottled in USA
- Made with Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil and Beeswax. A little goes a long way. Very economical compared to seasoning cast iron cookware with oil.
- Important information about the spray applicator: The optional spray top (the product may be applied without spraying) has an off/on button on the neck of the trigger sprayer, some do not realize this and think the sprayer doesn't work. It works well but you need to make sure the button is in position that allows it to spray and you pump vigorously a few times at first to initialize the sprayer.
- Exceptional Value: Offering 25% more per bottle than leading brands, our cast iron oil delivers unmatched value. At Creation Farm, we believe in giving you more, because we know you deserve the best!Creation Farm Cast Iron Seasoning Oil is a premium blend designed to enhance and preserve your cast iron cookware. Crafted from high-quality flaxseed, sesame, and MCT oils, this seasoning oil ensures a smooth, hardened, and long-lasting seasoning layer, providing a superior non-stick cooking surface
- Regular use of this seasoning oil not only maintains the non-stick properties of your cast iron but also protects it from rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of your cookware. Its high smoke point and excellent polymerization make it ideal for creating a durable seasoning layer that withstands high-temperature cooking.
- Incorporating Creation Farm Cast Iron Seasoning Oil into your cookware maintenance routine ensures that your cast iron remains in top condition, ready to deliver exceptional cooking performance for years to comeHigh-Temperature Efficiency: Our oil polymerizes quickly even at high temperatures, enhancing your cooking experience while making clean-up a breeze. It's all about making your time in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.
- Preserve, Protect, Perfect: Follow up with our Foodieville Cast Iron Oil for the perfect pairing. Keep your cookware in pristine condition, ensuring a superior non-stick finish every time you cook. It's not just about maintaining your gear - it's about perfecting it.
- Prevents Rusting: Formulated to help protect your cookware from moisture and rust. This vegan cast iron seasoning oil is an excellent alternative to mineral oil, ensuring long-lasting seasoning for your cast iron care routine.
- Cast Iron Conditioner for a Smooth Finish: Helps enhance the natural non-stick surface of your cookware. CLARK’S cast iron conditioner and griddle oil improve the griddle seasoning process, delivering a smooth finish for all your cookware.
- Premium Food-Grade Coconut Oil: CLARK’S uses refined coconut oil, a plant-based, food-grade oil, to help maintain the cast iron seasoning on cast iron skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, and more.
- Resists Going Rancid: Made from fractionated coconut oil, our product is formulated to resist rancidity, making it a reliable choice for regular maintenance and cast iron cleaning.
- No Oven Required for Cast Iron Care: Simply apply CLARK’S cast iron oil seasoning after each use—no need for oven seasoning. Save time and effort while maintaining the seasoning and care of your cookware.
Choosing the Right Oil to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are kitchen workhorses. They last forever if you treat them right. Seasoning is the secret to non-stick cooking and rust prevention. This magic layer comes from heating oil until it hardens onto the metal. Picking the best oil matters a lot. This guide helps you choose wisely.
Key Features to Look For in Seasoning Oils
What makes an oil good for seasoning? Look for these main things:
- High Smoke Point: This is the most important feature. The smoke point is the temperature where the oil starts to burn and smoke heavily. You need an oil that can handle the high heat used during seasoning without breaking down too fast.
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content: Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats polymerize (harden) better. This creates a strong, durable seasoning layer. Monounsaturated and saturated fats are less ideal for building a tough base coat.
- Neutral Flavor/Odor: You do not want your food to taste like old oil. Choose oils that have little to no smell or taste when heated.
Important Materials: Understanding Oil Types
Different oils come from different sources. Some work better than others for cast iron.
Oils Highly Recommended for Seasoning
These oils polymerize well and create a strong bond with the iron:
- Grapeseed Oil: It has a very high smoke point and great polyunsaturated fat content. Many experts call this the best choice.
- Flaxseed Oil (Linseed Oil): This oil polymerizes incredibly fast and hard. However, some cooks find that flaxseed seasoning can sometimes flake off if applied too thickly. Use it sparingly.
- Canola Oil: Affordable and easy to find. It has a good balance of fats for polymerization and a relatively high smoke point.
Oils to Use with Caution
These oils can work, but they might have drawbacks:
- Vegetable Shortening (like Crisco): Traditional, but it has a lower smoke point. It can leave a slightly stickier finish if you don’t wipe off the excess well.
- Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): Avoid this for initial seasoning. It has a very low smoke point. It will smoke too much and might not form a hard layer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Seasoning Quality
The oil you choose is only half the battle. How you use it changes the result significantly.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Thin Application: Always wipe off almost all the oil before heating. A thick layer of oil bakes into a sticky mess. A microscopically thin layer hardens into a smooth, tough surface.
- High, Consistent Heat: Bake the skillet at a temperature well above the oil’s smoke point (usually 450°F to 500°F) for at least one hour. This ensures full polymerization.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Using Too Much Oil: This is the number one mistake. Excess oil drips and pools, creating uneven, gummy spots that stick when you cook.
- Low Heat Baking: If the oven temperature is too low, the oil will just soak into the iron or turn gummy instead of forming a hard, protective shell.
User Experience and Use Cases
Choosing the right oil affects how your skillet performs immediately.
For **new skillets or fully stripped old ones**, use a high smoke point oil like Grapeseed. This creates the best foundation layer. You want that first seasoning to be rock hard.
For **routine maintenance seasoning** (after washing and drying), you can use a very small amount of almost any neutral cooking oil you have on hand, like Canola. This just adds a light protective coat.
The goal of good seasoning is a smooth, dark surface. If your seasoning is patchy or feels sticky after baking, you used too much oil or the heat was too low. Start over with a thinner coat next time.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Seasoning Oils
Q: What is the absolute best oil for the first seasoning coat?
A: Most experts agree that Grapeseed Oil provides the best balance of high smoke point and strong polymerization for a durable first layer.
Q: Can I use coconut oil?
A: Virgin coconut oil has a relatively low smoke point and is not ideal for the initial, high-heat seasoning process. Refined coconut oil is better but still not as good as Grapeseed.
Q: How much oil should I use?
A: You need very little. Apply a teaspoon, rub it everywhere, and then wipe it off until the pan looks dry. If you think you wiped off too much, wipe it off one more time.
Q: Why did my seasoning feel sticky after baking?
A: Stickiness means the oil did not fully polymerize. You likely used too much oil, or your oven temperature was too low. Bake it longer at a higher temperature next time.
Q: Does the oil need to be organic?
A: No. For seasoning, the chemical structure (fat content) is what matters, not whether it is organic. Choose the most cost-effective oil that meets the high smoke point requirement.
Q: What is polymerization?
A: Polymerization is when the oil heats up and chemically changes. It links together into a hard, plastic-like coating that bonds to the metal. This is the seasoning.
Q: Should I use the same oil for cooking that I use for seasoning?
A: You can. Many people cook with vegetable or canola oil. Just remember that cooking oils often break down faster than a dedicated, baked-on seasoning coat.
Q: Can I use animal fats like lard or bacon grease?
A: Yes, these traditional fats work well because they contain fats that polymerize. However, they can sometimes leave a stronger odor or flavor residue than neutral vegetable oils.
Q: How often do I need to re-season with oil?
A: If you cook regularly and clean your pan gently (avoiding harsh soap), you might only need to add a light maintenance coat every few months.
Q: Does the brand of oil matter if the type is the same (e.g., two different brands of Grapeseed)?
A: Generally, no. As long as the oil is pure Grapeseed oil and not a blend, the brand usually does not affect the seasoning quality.