The best way to season a new piece of cast iron is…
…with cast Iron seasoning, which can be purchased…
…at most hardware stores or online retailers. The easiest method…
…for applying it is by rubbing in some on both sides of the pan…
…using paper towels. You will need about 1/2 cup per side.
Let dry completely before cooking!
Before that, let’s hear from Grace!
Words from Grace…
So, what’s the point of using a cast-iron skillet? For starters…
…they’re quite long-lasting. They can endure high heat, so you may use…
…them both on the cooktop and in the oven. They’re also great for crispy…
…textures (think chicken skin or potatoes), seared meat (hello, steak…
…and pork chops), and baking lovely brownies and bread.
The cast-iron skillet is your best buddy for adding color, texture,…
…and flavor to just about anything. It is also simple to seasoning cast iron.
And if you maintain it properly and keep it in good condition…
…you can enjoy it for years and years without having to replace it.
The older you are, the better. Usually, I’m using olive oil…
…to seasoning cast iron. But, sometimes it’s pricey, I turned to…
…butter for seasoning cast iron.
Are you like Grace? Or maybe you are new in the cast-iron world?
Believe me, it is a great deal better to find cast-iron proof that you’re innocent than to languish in a cell hoping that the police who already think you’re guilty will find it for you.
DOUGLAS ADAMS, ENGLISH AUTHOR
Let’s get the show!
Effortless Way To Seasoning Cast Iron
Cast-iron cookware is a great investment because…
…it can last forever if cared for properly. However…
…there’s no way around the fact that cast iron needs…
…some TLC in order to maintain its performance over time.
The good news is that with proper care, your cast iron…
…will be able to withstand high temperatures without…
…losing any of its flavor or texture.
If you’re looking to seasoning cast iron pan before using it…
…for the first time, here are our top picks:
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil, Light, Subtle Flavor, Perfect for High-Heat Cooking, Deep Frying and Baking, Rich in Vitamin E, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 68 FL. OZ., Single Bottle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Peanut Oil, 128 Fl Oz | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 1 Gallon (128 Fl Oz) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Barlean's Fresh Flaxseed Oil from Cold Pressed Flax Seeds - 7,640mg ALA Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Improving Heart Health - Vegan, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten Free - 16-Ounce | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil, Refined Non-GMO Cooking Oil for Paleo and Keto, 500 Milliliters | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Nutiva Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil, 15 Fluid Ounce | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ. | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee Butter by 4th & Heart, 16 Ounce, Keto, Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose Free, Certified Paleo | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Get your best cast iron choices. So, now let’s break it down one by one.
Stay with me…
The Best Oil For Seasoning Cast Iron
Most Used By Professional Chef: Grapeseed Oil For Seasoning Cast Iron
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Grapeseed oil is almost entirely neutral in aroma and flavor…
…making it perfect for seasoning cast iron so that every dish…
…you cook up in it later will start fresh.
It is appealing for a number of reasons, including being…
…a healthy choice for oil and is moderately priced.
It has a smoke point that allows you to heat up the pan quickly…
…and create a bond between oil and pan.
Grapeseed oil is almost completely neutral in smell and flavor…
…making it perfect for seasoning your pan so that every dish…
…you cook up in it later will be fresh.
From Pompeian the Olive Oil People. Crafted with care and integrity…
…like their olive oils since 1906 and now made from grapeseed…
…imported from France for a rich flavor that adds depth to any dish.
The high smoke point for quick cooking methods such as stir-frying…
…deep frying or sautéing before baking at high temperatures without burning.
Again…
Most Affordable: Peanut Oil
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Peanut oil is a middle-of-the-road oil for…
…seasoning cast iron in practically every way. It isn’t prohibitively…
…expensive or difficult to locate, but it isn’t cheap either.
It has a mid-to-high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit…
…for refined oils, and it’s often used in cookery for deep frying…
…so you might already have some.
It’s not the healthiest oil because it’s refined, but it’s no worse…
…than vegetable oils and has a longer shelf life.
Amazon Brand peanut oil is the ideal cooking companion.
Great for frying chicken or vegetable stir-fry, it also satisfies…
…customers’ needs for quality food and a comfortable price tag.
With the guarantee of satisfaction, Amazon Brand proves to be an…
…excellent deal on your next shopping trip!
Be careful…
The biggest danger of using peanut oil to season your cast iron…
…is that you’ll have to be very cautious about ever using it…
…to cook food for someone with peanut allergies.
Do not use peanut oil to cook food for someone with a peanut allergy.
The next oil is…
Can Handle High Temperatures: Canola Oil
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
They’re incredibly refined, which is why they’re so cheap…
…and have such high smoke points. They are the least…
…healthful oil for cooking and seasoning cast iron skillets.
However, canola oil, soy oil, or another vegetable oil…
…should be used for seasoning rather than cooking.
Because the outside of your pan rarely comes into touch with food…
…it’s critical that it’s seasoned and well protected.
Happy Belly Canola Oil is your perfect kitchen companion…
…that can go with everything and anything. If you’re frying, cooking…
…or baking, this canola oil is a must-have! This light-tasting…
…Canola oil contains no cholesterol and has Trans fats.
It’s versatile to use in any way for a health-conscious lifestyle.
Are you there?
Very Low Smoke Point: Flaxseed Oil
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This oil has a very low smoke point, and to compensate for…
…not being able to season it at high temperatures…
…it was advised to the season for a minimum of 6 times for 1 hour…
…at a time at a low temperature of 225F.
Barlean’s Organic Flaxseed Oil is cold-pressed without…
…using heat or solvents and contains Omegas 3, 6, and 9 in perfect balance.
This powerful supplement can help rebuild damaged skin…
…issues as well as improve hair growth. Try it today for natural…
…relief from everyday symptoms like IBS and arthritis.
If you have the patience to go through numerous rounds of…
…seasoning cast iron over several hours, this is a fantastic oil to use…
…for the first seasoning of your pan. If you buy flaxseed oil that…
…hasn’t been blended with anything else, the smoke point will…
…be skewed and it won’t season well.
When used for seasoning cast iron, the flavor will be invisible…
…but because it’s a seed oil, it’s excellent for pans that get a lot of usages.
If you only use your cast iron once a year, the oil can get rancid and smell…
…like an oil painting in a cupboard. If this happens, wash your pan…
…thoroughly and lightly re-season it when you want to use it again.
Moreover…
High Smoke Point: Avocado Oil
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Like butter, this pure cooking oil is a versatile way to add flavor…
…to your favorite dishes. Compared to traditional frying oils…
…a key advantage of avocado oil is that it has only 10 g…
…of monounsaturated fat per serving. This light-flavored healthy…
…the alternative will enhance the flavors in fried foods and doesn’t have…
…as many calories as other oils because avocados are relatively…
…low in sugars and carbohydrates – unlike most types of fruit!
The disadvantage is that in order to use it to seasoning cast iron…
…you must first heat it to 520 degrees Fahrenheit…
…before adding the oil. Under any conditions, handling a pan…
…this hot is perilous. Putting oil in a hot pan raises the risk of a fire.
Keep reading…
Most Searched: Coconut Oil
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A pure all-natural cold press extraction process yields a light…
…nutrient-rich oil! Coconut is not just a delicious and sustainable food…
…it’s also one of nature’s best beauty treatments.
Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil is an ideal addition to any diet.
Coconut oil can be used to seasoning cast iron, however…
…it has a low smoke point, so be cautious while seasoning…
…it for the first time. Make sure your pan is at least…
…350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the coconut oil…
…and rubbing it in thoroughly. The temperature should be close to…
…but not quite at, the smoke point of the oil you’ve chosen.
Almost there…
Easy to Find: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Or Olive Oil
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ. | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Pompeian Classic Olive Oil, Mild Flavor, Perfect for Roasting and Sauteing, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 68 FL. OZ., Single Bottle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil is bold and flavorful.
Made using only the best, first cold-pressed olives, this olive oil…
…is perfect for adding flavor to pasta dishes, marinades…
…or salad dressings. Come take any dish from ho-hum to…
…extraordinary with Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil!
However, it has a low smoke point. If you want to seasoning cast iron…
…with olive oil, simply cook it at lower temperatures…
…for longer periods of time. To avoid burning your olive oil…
…adjust the temperature in the oven to a temperature…
…that is hot enough for the pan to receive the seasoning cast iron…
…but not so hot that it burns the oil.
The temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Finally!
Most Simple Seasoning Cast Iron: With Butter Or Ghee
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
That rich, buttery taste you crave and the Ghee perfect spreadability…
…is available for your favorite recipes with Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee.
This non-GMO and lactose-free ghee comes from pasture-raised…
…New Zealand cows in a family tradition of old-fashioned production.
Is lactose intolerant? Keto dieter? Paleo enthusiast? You’re sure to love it!
Seasoning cast iron with ghee is quite similar to butter, with…
…one major difference: ghee has a significantly higher smoke point.
Ghee can withstand heat up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, while butter…
…only reaches the high end of optimum cooking temperatures at roughly…
…300 degrees Fahrenheit. Even so, it won’t provide you…
…a perfectly even seasoning cast iron.
To Sum Up!
After we discuss the oil for seasoning cast iron…
…we have the best options for you.
Although flaxseed oil has become the most popular oil to discuss…
…and Canola oil is arguably the most usually utilized oil…
…due to its high smoke point, any of the oils mentioned above…
…will work just as well for carbon steel as they will for cast iron.
Conclusion
The first time you seasoning cast iron is the most important…
…and you want to be sure it’s properly seasoned…
…before using it — no questions asked. After that…
…only reseason when absolutely necessary. It will stay seasoned…
…if you use it on a regular basis.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
