FAQs
Flaxseed oil.
What is the best oil to keep cast iron seasoned? ›
All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
Is Crisco or vegetable oil better for seasoning cast iron? ›
Any cooking fat will work, but some make more sense than others. For example, there's absolutely no reason to waste extra-virgin olive oil or other expensive oils for your cast-iron seasoning. We use Crisco shortening because it's inexpensive and easy to apply.
Is avocado oil or olive oil better for seasoning cast iron? ›
You can still season your cast iron with olive oil, but it's not as ideal for high heat cooking and deep frying. The only downside to avocado oil is the price. It's quite expensive compared to other oils. But you only have to season your pan once or twice a year, so it's worth it!
Can I season cast iron with olive oil? ›
Since olive oil is such a pantry staple, many people naturally wonder if they can use olive oil to season cast iron. You can use olive oil to season cast iron, but you need to choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil, which should have a smoke point close to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
What oil should not be used on cast iron? ›
Unsaturated fats have a chemical makeup that is more optimal for polymerization, the process that needs to occur to develop the perfect cast iron seasoning. So steer clear of oils with a higher concentration of saturated fats, like coconut oil and palm oil.
What happens if you use too much oil when seasoning cast iron? ›
Sticky Surface
If the seasoning in your pan is sticky, this is a sign of excess oil built up on the cookware. The Fix: To remedy stickiness, place the cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool and repeat if necessary.
Which oil has the highest smoke point? ›
Ranging from 510 to 520 degrees Fahrenheit, avocado oil has the highest smoke point of plant-based cooking oils. It's made from fresh avocado pulp and contains over 50% monounsaturated fat which is less prone to oxidation.
How many times to season cast iron? ›
All in all, you'll want to do this oiling-and-heating process three to four times, to set down a good initial layer of your own seasoning. Once you're done, just let the pan cool down. It's now ready for cooking.
What is the secret to cooking with cast iron? ›
For one, cast iron pans aren't perfectly smooth and foods like eggs may get stuck. For the best results, make sure to keep your cast iron pan seasoned, and preheat the skillet for a few minutes before you add any food to it. This allows the pan to heat evenly and prevents most food from sticking. Add fat as needed.
Yes, you can season the pans for frying, sautéing, or baking in cast iron cookware like pans, pots, or skillets with butter, but it's not the right choice to season it for the first time. Butter immediately starts to smoke when added to a heated pan because cast iron can withstand a lot of heat.
Can you use bacon grease to season cast iron? ›
Lard and bacon are the best seasoning oils
Oils high in unsaturated fats—like flaxseed or vegetable oils—are more reactive, meaning they can oxidize and form the polymerized chains necessary for properly seasoning a cast-iron pan.
Do you put oil on cast iron after cleaning? ›
Dry thoroughly right after you clean—do not let your cast iron air dry. Set on the stove over medium heat to evaporate any remaining water. Rub with a thin coat of vegetable oil (about a ½ teaspoon for a 10 inch skillet) until evenly coated and shiny. Let cool completely and store in a dry place.
What's the best oil to season cast iron? ›
All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
Is Crisco good for seasoning cast iron? ›
The best oil to season your cast iron, according to Ross, is Crisco. It's not only versatile and easy to find, but it's also food safe. You need to reseason your cast iron only occasionally—the pans actually get better with age when cared for properly—but you should still apply a fine layer of oil after every use.
Can you use peanut oil to season cast iron? ›
One of the best oils to season your cast iron skillet is peanut oil. Grapeseed or avocado oil also work great because of their high smoke points.
How do you permanently season cast iron? ›
How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet
- Rub the Pan with a Thin Film of Neutral Oil.
- Bake the Pan for 1 Hour.
- Cool the Pan In the Oven.
- Repeat These Steps for an Unseasoned or Stripped Pan.
- They Can Be Used on Any Type of Heat Source.
- Avoid Acidic Foods.
- Season Your Skillet As You Cook.
Should I oil my cast iron after every use? ›
You should season a cast-iron skillet at least once a month, but seasoning it after each time you cook with it also works. You may not need to repeat the entire seasoning process as you did before initially using it, but after each use, rinse it and give your cast-iron skillet a quick season by oiling it.
What oils have a high smoke point? ›
Best High Smoke Point Oils
Refined Avocado Oil - The smoke point of refined avocado oil is between 480 to 520 degrees Fahrenheit. Canola Oil - All canola oil is refined and has a smoke point between 400 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Grapeseed Oil - Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit.