Comparison: Best Oil For Carbon Steel Pan (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When it comes to seasoning and maintaining a carbon steel pan, choosing the right oil is essential for creating a durable, nonstick surface while preserving the pan’s performance. This comparison explores top oils suited for high-heat seasoning and everyday use, highlighting factors like smoke point, stability, and ease of application. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to carbon steel, understanding which oils work best can help you achieve a well-seasoned pan that lasts. From flaxseed to sunflower, we break down the pros and cons to guide your decision without overpromising results.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for easy upkeep:
Made In Cookware – Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax (6 Oz) – Crafted in Canada – Rice Bran Wax -
Best for lightweight workhorse:
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet -
Best for natural ingredients:
Knapp Made Cast Iron Seasoning Wax and Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax – 2 Oz Unique Blend of Natural Oils and Beeswax – Restore Cast Iron -
Best for budget pick:
Crisbee Stik® Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning – Family Made in USA – The Cast Iron Seasoning Oil & Conditioner Preferred by Experts – Maintain a Cleaner Non-Stick Skillet -
Best for cast iron alternative:
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12” Frying Pan Skillet -
Best for best value:
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet – Use in the Oven -
Best for editors choice:
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel -
Best for premium build:
Made In Cookware – Seasoned 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan – (Like Cast Iron -
Best for not applicable:
Premium Knife Blade Oil & Honing Oil – 8 Oz – Custom Formulated Food Safe Oil Protects Carbon Steel Knives & Sharpening Stone Ready… -
Best for daily maintenance:
Crisbee Rub Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning – Family Made in USA – The Cast Iron Seasoning Oil & Conditioner Preferred by Experts – Maintain a Cleaner Non-Stick Skillet
Product Comparison: Best Oil For Carbon Steel Pan
Easy upkeep
Made In Cookware – Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax (6 Oz) – Crafted in Canada – Rice Bran Wax, Canola Oil and Grapeseed Oil
Made In
- Contains: Rice Bran Wax | Canola Oil | Grapeseed Oil
- Simplified Seasoning – Made In Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax simplifies seasoning for Carbon Steel and Cast Iron Cookware
- Perfect Blend – This Seasoning Wax combines canola, grapeseed oils, and Rice Bran Wax for easy sealing
- Easy Upkeep – Use for daily upkeep to prevent rust and keep your cookware in top shape
- High Smoke Point – Canola at 400F and grapeseed oils at 450F ensure even polymerization, no sticking or rust
- Promotes Non Stick Surface – Regular use of our Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax helps build a natural non-stick surface, making cooking and cleaning a breeze
Lightweight workhorse
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet, Use on Induction, Stove and Grill, Durable, Even-Heating, for Searing, Grilling, Oven Use, and Campfire, Indoor/Outdoor
Merten & Storck
- NEW YORK MAGAZINE’S The Strategist: Selected as the top budget-friendly carbon steel option, noted for being “a no-nonsense kitchen workhorse with a humble price to match.”
- TRUSTED CARBON STEEL ESSENTIAL: Lightweight, pre-seasoned carbon steel pan with excellent heat control, natural nonstick performance, oven- and induction-safe, and ready to cook right out of the box.
- PRE-SEASONED & READY TO COOK: Arrives pre-seasoned with natural oils for immediate nonstick performance—no additional seasoning or extra prep needed.
- CAST IRON ALTERNATIVE: Delivers the same high-heat searing, browning, and durability as cast iron—but in a lighter, more agile form with faster heating and easier handling.
- OPTIMIZED FOR HIGH-HEAT COOKING: Perfect for searing, grilling, and frying—this pan delivers intense heat for crisp edges, rich flavor, and pro-level results on steaks, eggs, fish, and more.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL COOKTOPS: Works seamlessly with induction, gas, electric, ceramic stovetops—and also performs great in ovens, grills, and campfires.
- ERGONOMIC TRIPLE-RIVETED HANDLE: Sturdy steel handle is riveted for maximum strength, giving you a secure, comfortable grip—even when cooking over open flame or lifting heavy meals.
- SAFE FOR METAL UTENSILS: Tough surface resists scratches from spatulas, tongs, and other cooking tools.
Natural ingredients
Knapp Made Cast Iron Seasoning Wax and Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax – 2 Oz Unique Blend of Natural Oils and Beeswax – Restore Cast Iron, Steel, Cutting Board, Kitchenware.Wood Furniture
CM SCRUBBER
- Perfect Seasoning and Conditioning: Cast Iron Seasoning Blend of Oil and Beeswax. Perfectly Seasons and Conditions Cast Iron Pans, Skillets, and Other Cookware. Our Formula Protects and Maintains Your Cast Iron Better Than Any Other Product on the Market.
- All Natural Ingredients: Our Beeswax and Oils Are Sourced From Local Farms and Suppliers in the USA. Our Team Handpicks the Best Batches of Beeswax For Use in Our Wax Blend. The Ingredients of Our Cast Iron Seasoning Wax are Simply Grapeseed Oil, Canola Oil, and Beeswax; We Developed a Recipe For the Perfect Ratio of Each Ingredient.
- Multiple Uses: Our Seasoning Wax for carbon steel pans Can Be Applied to Old and New Cast Iron Products, In Addition to Carbon Steel, Wood, Dutch Ovens, Grills, and Other Kitchenware.
- Number One Cast Iron Brand: Knapp Made Products Are the World’s Number One Cast Iron Brand. Our Diverse Collection of Products Include Scrubbers, Dish Cloths, Pan Handles, carbon steel wax seasoning and More.
- Make your Cast Iron Last Longer: Restore even the worst Cast Iron back to new. Knapp by BBQ-AID cast iron oil will help to ensure that your family's Cast Iron can be passed down through generations.
Budget pick
Crisbee Stik® Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning – Family Made in USA – The Cast Iron Seasoning Oil & Conditioner Preferred by Experts – Maintain a Cleaner Non-Stick Skillet
Crisbee
- Made with Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil and Beeswax. A little goes a long way. Very economical compared to seasoning cast iron cookware with oil.
Cast iron alternative
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12” Frying Pan Skillet, Use on Induction, Stove and Grill, Durable, Even-Heating, for Searing, Grilling, Oven Use, and Campfire, Indoor/Outdoor
Merten & Storck
- NEW YORK MAGAZINE’S The Strategist: Selected as the top budget-friendly carbon steel option, noted for being “a no-nonsense kitchen workhorse with a humble price to match.”
- TRUSTED CARBON STEEL ESSENTIAL: Lightweight, pre-seasoned carbon steel pan with excellent heat control, natural nonstick performance, oven- and induction-safe, and ready to cook right out of the box.
- PRE-SEASONED & READY TO COOK: Arrives pre-seasoned with natural oils for immediate nonstick performance—no additional seasoning or extra prep needed.
- CAST IRON ALTERNATIVE: Delivers the same high-heat searing, browning, and durability as cast iron—but in a lighter, more agile form with faster heating and easier handling.
- OPTIMIZED FOR HIGH-HEAT COOKING: Perfect for searing, grilling, and frying—this pan delivers intense heat for crisp edges, rich flavor, and pro-level results on steaks, eggs, fish, and more.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL COOKTOPS: Works seamlessly with induction, gas, electric, ceramic stovetops—and also performs great in ovens, grills, and campfires.
- ERGONOMIC TRIPLE-RIVETED HANDLE: Sturdy steel handle is riveted for maximum strength, giving you a secure, comfortable grip—even when cooking over open flame or lifting heavy meals.
- SAFE FOR METAL UTENSILS: Tough surface resists scratches from spatulas, tongs, and other cooking tools.
Best value
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – 10 Inch
Lodge
- YOUR GO TO CARBON STEEL PAN: The Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet can handle the heat from any kitchen. The lightweight design paired with a long comfortable handle, make it easy to use in your kitchen, over a campfire or even on the grill. This skillet transforms ordinary cooking into a delightful experience
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all carbon steel cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil: no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
- EASY TO COOK AND CLEAN: The carbon steel interior has a smoother finish that makes this pan ideal for sauteing vegetables, preparing fish, and more. To clean your carbon steel pan it’s recommended to hand wash with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush, dry off completely, and last rub with oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Carbon steel cookware is fast to heat up and cool down which makes carbon steel ideal for cooking delicate foods such as flash frying, sautéing, etc.
- 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.
Editors choice
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 10" Frying Pan Skillet with Removable Silicone Handle Holder, Induction, Oven Safe, Black
OXO
- WIRECUTTER’S 2025 BEST PICK: OXO Obsidian won for its nonstick-like ease, lightweight feel, top-tier searing, and value—the closest thing to a holy-grail pan.
- PRE-SEASONED FOR CONVENIENCE: Start cooking immediately—no seasoning required. The carbon steel frypan naturally develops a non-stick patina over time with use.
- DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION: Heats quickly and evenly, perfect for frying, searing, and stir-frying. Built to last with professional-grade performance.
- OVEN SAFE UP TO 660°F: Versatile design allows for high-heat cooking, ideal for stovetop or grill use. Safe for use in the oven up to 660°F/350°C.
- COMFORTABLE, REMOVABLE SILICONE SLEEVE: Includes a removable silicone handle sleeve for comfortable, safe handling while cooking.
- METAL UTENSIL SAFE: Built to withstand metal utensils without damage, offering worry-free cooking and effortless cleanup.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL STOVETOPS: Works on all stovetops, including induction, providing excellent heat distribution for perfect results every time.
- EASY CARE: Hand wash only to preserve the natural patina and performance of the carbon steel surface.
Premium build
Made In Cookware – Seasoned 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan – (Like Cast Iron, but Better) – Professional Cookware – Crafted in Sweden – Induction Compatible
Made In
- Total Diameter: 10.25” | Cooking Surface Diameter: 7.5” | Height (with handle): 4.5” | Depth: 2” | Length (with handle): 19”
- The Ultimate Hybrid – Combining cast iron's heat retention and slick properties with Stainless Steel's heat control, lightness, and cooking speed
- Incredibly Durable – Handles heat up to 1200F, enduring decades of use
- Ready for Anything – From stovetop to grill to open flame, this induction compatible pan is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
- Loved by Chefs Worldwide – Made In Carbon Steel delivers restaurant-quality sears on proteins and veggies while developing a mesmerizing non-stick surface with proper seasoning and regular use
- Made in Sweden – Proudly crafted by artisans in Sweden from premium metals to ensure you receive the highest-quality, professional-grade cookware
Not applicable
Premium Knife Blade Oil & Honing Oil – 8 Oz – Custom Formulated Food Safe Oil Protects Carbon Steel Knives & Sharpening Stone Ready…
UniKitchen
- NATURAL & SAFE: Our Knife Blade oil is composed of 100% natural food-safe ingredients to provide worry-free use. While also providing superior protection for kitchen knives, pocket knives, and more
- PRESERVES BLADE: Using our knife blade oil will help create a barrier between your knife and the harmful elements of its environment that cause rust to form through oxidation.
- SPECIFICALLY ENGINEERED: Engineered and designed with premium protection in mind for your knife blades. The twist cap makes applying this knife lubricating oil effortless
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE: Works wonders on any blade type including kitchen knives, pocket knives, swords, axes and more. Use it with your favorite knife sharpening steel or other sharpener stones
- USA MADE: Every bottle you buy is proudly made in the USA to provide the utmost quality and a great addition to any knife maintenance kit as both a blade cleaner and knife lube
Daily maintenance
Crisbee Rub Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning – Family Made in USA – The Cast Iron Seasoning Oil & Conditioner Preferred by Experts – Maintain a Cleaner Non-Stick Skillet
Crisbee
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which product is best for initial seasoning of a new carbon steel pan?
Made In Cookware – Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax (B09SBPKYQ2) is crafted for seasoning carbon steel.
Which product offers a pre-seasoned carbon steel pan?
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan (B08CZYS4FJ) is ready to use.
What seasoning wax is suitable for both cast iron and carbon steel?
Knapp Made Cast Iron Seasoning Wax (B07V1K8475) works for both materials.
Which seasoning product is made in the USA?
Crisbee Stik® Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Seasoning (B01E2SFV9A) is family-made in the USA.
Which pan has a larger pre-seasoned size option?
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12” Frying Pan (B08CZWT4XD) offers a bigger size.
Which pan is oven-safe and pre-seasoned?
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet (B005U93RYC) is oven-safe and ready to use.
Which pan includes a removable handle?
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10"Frying Pan (B09LL9M63H) has a removable handle.
Which pan is already seasoned and ready to use?
Made In Cookware – Seasoned 10"Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan (B09LL9M63H) comes pre-seasoned.
