9 Best Oil to Season Cast Iron (2023 Buyers Guide)

Cast iron is a durable and good-for-you cooking material. Using the best oil to season cast iron pans will keep your pan as ‘non-stick’ as any of the teflon variety. Whether you use a coconut oil, flax oil, olive oil or options, will also give your pan that shiny black patina we love to look at. We’ve researched and discovered the nine top-rated oils to season cast iron, as well as one to avoid.

Reviews of the 9 Best Oils to Season Cast Iron, Plus 1 to Avoid

1. Cast Iron Seasoning and Conditioning Ultimate Bundle by Caron Doucet Cuisine Review

We will start of by saying this is the best oil to season cast iron of 2022. If you are looking to take really good care of your cast iron pans you should get this bundle. The set comes with cast iron soap, cast iron scrub and cast iron oil to do your seasoning with.

The Cast Iron Seasoning and Conditioning Ultimate Bundle by Caron Doucet Cuisine is made from coconut oil fused with food grade essential oils. The soap is formulated using 100% plant-based ingredients which help preserve the surface of seasoned pans during cleaning. The cast iron scrub removes food residues and ensures you don’t scratch your cast iron pans when washing.

With the cast iron seasoning and conditioning ultimate bundle, your cookware will last for years. Simply use this product to season your cast iron and maintain the seasoning through regular use of the oil, soap, and scrub.

To watch the Cast Iron Seasoning and Conditioning Ultimate Bundle by Caron Doucet Cuisine Review on YouTube, click here.

2. Organic Cast Iron Oil and Cast Iron Conditioner Review

This product is made in the US using flaxseed oil grown and pressed pure there. The oil is great for seasoning all your cast iron from pans, ovens, pots etc.  Using flaxseed oil to season your cast iron cookware will prevent it from ever been sticky. The organic cast iron oil will add some flavor to your food. Don’t worry flaxseed oil is edible.

The  Organic Cast Iron Oil and Cast Iron Conditioner will also keep your cast iron pans shiny and smooth for a long time. When it comes to cleaning it will become so much easier now that nothing sticks on your pans.

Should you buy this product it will come with instructions on how to use it for seasoning. They also give a detailed guideline on how to clean your cast iron cookware to maintain its seasoning. In our opinion this one of the best flaxseed oil to season cast iron.

To watch the Organic Cast Iron Oil and Cast Iron Conditioner Review on YouTube, click here.

3. Crisbee Swipe Cast Iron Plant Based Oils with Beeswax Review

If you’re looking for an oil that you can use to season and maintain your cast iron cookware for a long time this is the perfect product for you. The Crisbee swipe cast iron plant-based oils can season a 10-inch skillet more than 500 times. That amazing news right?

With the Crisbee Swipe Cast Iron Plant Based Oils with Beeswax, you can happily give your cookware daily or regular maintenance leaving them with a beautiful finish. And all this comes at an affordable cost.

The price of one tin won’t put a hole in your pocket and buying this product might just be more economical than using other cast iron oils.

To watch the Crisbee Swipe Cast Iron Plant Based Oils with Beeswax Review on YouTube, click here.

4. Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner Review

You can use this product for your cast iron Dutch ovens, griddles, skillets or other cast iron products. If you regularly use it you can be sure that your cast iron cookware will last for generations.

The Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner comes in a small tube, 6 oz. But don’t imagine that you will only use it once and it’s over. To season your cast iron products you only need to use a small amount of it and your pans will be restored to as good as new.

To use it first get hot water and a scrubber to clean your cast iron. After that place it on the stove to dry and open up its pore. Once the heat opens the pores rub the conditioner on the surface of the cast iron using a paper towel.

This product is made from 100% natural ingredients and is highly recommended by world champion Dutch oven chefs.

To watch the Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner Review on YouTube, click here.

5. Natural Cast Iron Flax Oil by KitCast Review

This oil is also made from 100% natural ingredients. When used regularly Cast Iron Flax Oil will bond with skillets and pans creating a stick-resistant veneer. It will also make surfaces smooth and repair any rust spots on your cast iron. With this product, you can season or re-season your cast iron cookware. Once you do that you can use it to clean your items to make them remain in top shape.

The Natural Cast Iron Flax Oil by KitCast comes in a 150ml leak resistant aluminum bottle. For it to last a long time after you buy it use only half or a full teaspoon every time. Clear instructions on its use are on the bottle. For more detailed information on how to take care of cast iron be sure to read the eBook that will be emailed to you once you place an order.

To watch the Natural Cast Iron Flax Oil by KitCast Review on YouTube, click here.

6. Barleans Organic Lignan Flax Oil Review

When you use this oil to re-season your cast iron pans you will notice the difference immediately. By the time you are using it for the 4-5 time, your cast iron products will have been restored. That smooth and shiny look you want on your cast iron will have been achieved. To maintain this new look ensure you use the flax oil regularly.

The Barleans Organic Lignan Flax Oil comes in 8, 12, 16 or 32-ounce bottles. It’s up to you to decide how much you need to take good care of your cast iron products.

The unfiltered organic flax oil is freshly pressed in the Pacific Northwest. When you’re not using it on your cast iron pan you can take a spoon or two of the oil to help revitalize your skin.

To watch the Barleans Organic Lignan Flax Oil Review on YouTube, click here.

7. Cast Iron Coconut Oil by TWOL Review

This product is made from pure fractionated coconut oil. It has no added essential oils, scents or preservatives. When used on cast iron skillets, pots, pans, woks, and grills it prevents rusting and damaging.

The Cast Iron Coconut Oil by TWOL is approved by the FDA that is good news because you want to be careful what you put on your cookware. You don’t have to use this product only on cast iron. You can also use it as seasoning oil for wooden cookware.

It also does a great job of removing makeup and as a leather conditioner. There is so much you can do with it! The oil comes in a 14.9 ounces bottle and if kept in a cool dark place has an indefinite shelf-life.

To keep it fresh you don’t have to refrigerate it just keep it away from sunlight. This is the best coconut oil to season cast iron.

To watch the Cast Iron Coconut Oil by TWOL Review on YouTube, click here.

8. Roasted Almond Oil by La Tourangelle Review

The Roasted Almond Oil by La Tourangelle is awesome when used to prepare dishes.  It can be used on salad, pasta, grilled meat and more to create memorable family meals.

When used on cast iron it makes it smooth, rust free and clean. Regular use with will guarantee your cast iron has a long lifespan. The oil is available in 3 sizes and to season, re-season or maintain your cast iron you only need a small amount to do the job.

And like other oils, you can use it to keep your hair shiny and your skin looking beautiful.

To watch the Roasted Almond Oil by La Tourangelle Review on YouTube, click here.

9. Organic Flaxseed Oil Cold Pressed by Puritans Pride Review

This flaxseed oil will give your cast iron a nice shiny coating if you use it for seasoning. To do that you just need to use a few drops of the oil and you can restore any cast iron cookware in your kitchen.  The product will not only make your cast iron cookware look good it will make it non-stick.

Using the product to take care and prolong the life of your cast iron is simple. Clean and dry your cast iron pan, for example, heat it and then use the oil.

The Organic Flaxseed Oil Cold Pressed by Puritans Pride is pure, unrefined and vegetarian. It also contains no gluten, soy, artificial coloring or flavors. Once you open it is recommended that you keep it refrigerated.

To watch the Organic Flaxseed Oil Cold Pressed by Puritans Pride Review on YouTube, click here.

Avoid – Crisco All Vegetable Shortening Review

The Crisco All Vegetable Shortening will not give you the desired results if you use it for seasoning. You’re better of using it for baking when you run out of margarine or butter.

If you choose to use it for cast iron seasoning you better be extra cautious. The shortening may catch fire when overheated and cause you serious burns or damage. The shortening also produces smoke when heated. Based largely on the safety concerns while using the Crisco All Vegetable Shortening we rate this as the worst oil to season cast iron. If you want to get value for money avoid this product.

To watch the Crisco All Vegetable Shortening Review on YouTube, click here.

2022 Buyers Guide to the Best Oil to Season Cast Iron

Before you buy oil to season your cast iron they are some things you must consider. Purchasing the wrong oil might damage your cast iron cookware instead of seasoning or maintain it. To avoid that ask yourself the following questions. How much is the oil? We all love a bargain. However, if the price of the oil doesn’t match what it says it will do to your cast iron, think twice before you buy it. They are many companies trying to beat the competition by offering lowly priced products. The problem is not the low price it is the low quality of products offered at this price. So be careful cheap may be expensive. You may buy a cheap product that causes your cast iron to rust.

3 Main Points to Consider

• Does the oil require refrigeration? Flaxseed oil usually requires to be kept in the fridge or it will turn fast. For your oil to be good for seasoning you have to know how best to store it before you buy it. Seasoning oil must be well kept am sure that didn’t cross your mind will considering oil options for seasoning your cast iron.

• Will the oil be enough? Oils to season cast irons come in different sizes. When buying your oil you need to consider how much oil will be enough to season your cast iron cookware. You need to know how many oil coatings your cast iron pan, for example, will require so you can buy enough. Your seasoning process may fail terribly if you have to stop halfway because oil run out.

• What is the best oil to use for seasoning cast iron? The jury is still out on this one. However, peanut, coconut, almond and flaxseed oil are often mentioned as the best oils to use for seasoning cast iron. Consensus also seems to be growing for flaxseed oil being the best. If you are doing a major re-seasoning flaxseed oil may give you the best results. Flaxseed oil is the food equivalent of linseed oil which is used by painters to create a protective and tough layer on their work. When you use flaxseed oil on your cast iron it will make the surface, even, smooth and hard. Shortening and vegetable oils usually make the cast iron soft and easy to scratch. Probably that’s the reason why flaxseed oil is gaining popularity as the best oil for seasoning cast iron. Given the wide variety of oils available to season, it can get confusing. One key thing that should inform your choice of oil is if it is all natural. Using all natural oil will ensure you don’t contaminate your cast iron with toxic chemicals used in some oils.

How to Season Cast Iron: Instructions

1. To start the seasoning process first thoroughly cleaning your cast iron pan. Get some steel wool and soap and then scrub the entire pan. When doing this try to scrub off any undesirable elements such as rust. Since you are seasoning the pan it’s ok to use soap.
2. As you clean the pan you can preheat your oven to about 180°C.
3. When done scrubbing your cast iron pan rinse it and dry it completely. Once done take your seasoning oil and using a paper towel rub a thin coat of oil on the pan’s surface. Be sure to remove any excess oil.
4. After applying the thin layer of oil place you cast iron pan inside the preheated oven. Note the pan should be placed upside down. Once in the oven let it bake for an hour.
5. Once the hour is up turn off the oven and let the oven and the cast iron cool with the oven door closed. This might take some time so don’t rush it. Once cooled take out your cast iron pan and you should see a difference.
6. If you have time repeat steps 3-5 roughly two more times. At the end of it, your cast iron pan should be well seasoned with a non-stick surface and glossy shine.
7. To ensure you pan remains in good shape always clean it when it’s still warm after every use. Also, ensure it is completely dry before storing it this will prevent rust.

Best Oil to Season Cast Iron (2022 Buyers Guide):

Final Thoughts on Buying the Best Oil to Season Cast Iron

The best oil to season cast iron of 2022 will maintain your cast iron cookware well. The oils will make your cast iron last for generations and make your meals tastier. If you have old rusty pan get it out and with the help of some of the oils reviewed give it a new breath of life. Am sure you will enjoy making your veggies or steak once the cast iron is seasoned.