The Best Oil to Season Cast Iron, and the Worst

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Why Seasoning Matters

You may wonder, “Why go through the trouble?” There are several compelling reasons to ensure your pan is well-seasoned. Only by using the best oil to season cast iron skillets, pans, or griddles, are you assured of getting great results.

First and foremost, seasoning creates a naturally non-stick surface. This means that you can flip pancakes effortlessly, or cook an egg without it sticking to the pan. This makes your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Secondly, seasoning acts as a protective layer, safeguarding your cast iron from rust. This added layer of protection ensures your pan remains in excellent condition for years (or even generations) to come.

Finally, seasoning can subtly enhance the flavor of your food. Cast iron is pourous, and when used for many years proper seasoning adds a slight depth that can elevate the taste of your dishes. This gives your dishes that homemade flavor that grandma used to make!

However, not all oils are suitable for seasoning cast iron. The best oil to season cast iron will have a high smoke point and polymerize effectively to create a durable, non-stick surface. Here’s a look the best oil to season cast iron, and worst oils to use when seasoning cast iron:

Best Oil to Season Cast Iron

Flaxseed Oil (Clear Winner)

• Why it’s great: Flaxseed oil is often considered the gold standard for seasoning cast iron because it polymerizes into a hard, durable coating. It has a high smoke point (around 450°F) and creates a strong, smooth surface with repeated use.
• Drawback: It’s more expensive than other oils, and some people find that it can flake off if not applied carefully. It’s also not readily available in my area, so I am forced to order it online. My goto move has been to order my flaxseed oil from Amazon, and have had great results!

2nd Best Oil to Season Cast Iron

Grapeseed Oil

• Why it’s great: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point (around 420°F) and is relatively affordable. It creates a solid layer of seasoning that is smooth and durable over time.
• Drawback: It can be harder to find in some areas (like mine lol). The good news is that grapeseed oil is also available on Amazon, and a small bottle costs less that $10! While it is available in larger quantites, this small bottle should last you years.

Honorable Mention For The Best Oil to Season Cast Iron…

Refined Coconut Oil

• Why it’s great: Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point (around 450°F), making it more suitable for seasoning than unrefined (virgin) coconut oil. The removal of long-chain fatty acids improves the oil’s heat stability, creating a better bond to the cast iron and forming a solid layer of seasoning.
• Drawback: It may not be as durable as other oils like flaxseed or grapeseed oil. If you choose to use refined coconut oil, make sure to apply thin layers and bake the skillet at a high enough temperature to ensure proper polymerization.

Other Worthy Contenders

Vegetable Oil

• Why it’s great: Easily accessible and affordable, vegetable oil has a decent smoke point (around 400-450°F) and works well for seasoning. It’s commonly used because of its wide availability.
• Drawback: It may not create as hard a surface as flaxseed or grapeseed oil but is still effective with multiple layers. And it’s probably the cheapest on this list.

Canola Oil

• Why it’s great: Canola oil is another widely available and affordable option, with a smoke point of around 400°F. It’s a good all-around oil for seasoning cast iron and is commonly used by many cooks.
• Drawback: Similar to vegetable oil, it doesn’t create the hardest surface, but it’s still a reliable choice.

Crisco (Vegetable Shortening)

• Why it’s great: Crisco or other vegetable shortening works well because of its high smoke point and ease of use. It creates a smooth, even layer of seasoning with good durability.
• Drawback: Some people find that the best oil to season cast iron is a toss-up between flaxseed, refined coconut, or grapeseed. Each of these generally lead to a longer-lasting finish than crisco.

Worst Oils for Seasoning Cast Iron

Olive Oil (Worst Choice for Seasoning)

• Why it’s not great: Olive oil has a relatively low smoke point (375°F to 400°F), making it prone to smoking and leaving a sticky residue when seasoning. It doesn’t polymerize well and can also go rancid over time.

Coconut Oil

• Why it’s not great: Although coconut oil has moderate popularity, its lower smoke point (around 350°F) means it can leave a sticky or uneven seasoning. It can also become rancid if the pan isn’t used frequently.

Butter or Margarine

• Why it’s not great: Butter and margarine contain milk solids, which can burn during seasoning. They have low smoke points and will not create a durable layer of seasoning on cast iron. These fats will also go rancid, which never results in good eats.

Lard (For Long-Term Storage)

• Why it’s not great: While lard can be used for seasoning, it is not ideal for long-term storage, especially if you don’t use your cast iron frequently. Lard can go rancid, which will give your pan an unpleasant smell.

Corn Oil

• Why it’s not great: Corn oil definitely is not the best oil to season cast iron as it has a lower smoke point (around 400°F), and tends to leave a sticky residue on the pan after seasoning. This can attract food particles and become problematic over time.

Summary of the Best Oil to Season Cast Iron (and the worst)

• Best oil to season cast iron (in order): Flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, refined coconut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• Worst oil to season cast iron (in order): Olive oil, coconut oil, butter or margarine, lard (for long-term storage), corn oil

Choosing the best oil to season cast iron can make all the difference in creating a smooth, durable, and non-stick surface. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, and avoid those that leave sticky residues or may turn rancid.

Final Thoughts

The best oil to season cast iron is clearly flaxseed oil, but there are plenty of other great options too. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Cast iron can be fairly forgiving….if you mess it up, all you have to do is strip it down and start over.

Below is a summary of our top three picks

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