Looking for the best oil to season Flat top grill? We have got you covered.
Seasoning a grill doesn’t involve sprinkling salt and pepper – it’s the process of creating a natural, non-stick coating on the grill’s surface.
The process involves applying a thin layer of oil to the grill’s surface and then heating it until it reaches its smoke point. This high-temperature treatment chemically alters the oil, bonding it with the metal, and thus, creating a non-stick layer.
This coating not only prevents food from sticking but also imparts a unique flavor to your dishes, akin to the distinct smokiness that a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can offer.
Understanding The Smoke Point
First and foremost, understanding the smoke point of an oil is key to choosing the right one. What’s a smoke point you ask?
Well, it’s precisely the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and produce smoke. This is a crucial parameter to consider when selecting an oil for seasoning your flat top grill.
Why? Because seasoning oil is subjected to relatively high temperatures. When you heat oil beyond its smoke point, it can turn rancid, emit unpleasant odors, and even produce harmful compounds that may compromise the flavor and safety of your food – something we’re sure you’d rather avoid.
“The better the oil can handle the heat, the better your food will taste. That’s why looking for oils with high smoke points is critical when seasoning your flat top grill.”
The significance of the smoke point in seasoning is that you want an oil that can endure the high heat required for the process without breaking down.
Oils with higher smoke points are ideal for seasoning because they can withstand the temperatures involved in creating that non-stick layer on your grill’s surface.
This helps to ensure that the seasoning process is not only effective but also safe and doesn’t impart off-putting flavors to your food.
Most flat top grills can reach temperatures as high as 600°F (315°C) or even more, especially in commercial settings.
Using an oil with a smoke point significantly higher than this temperature range ensures that it won’t break down, smoke, or become acrid during your cooking process.
Oils like vegetable, canola, peanut, and grapeseed oil are excellent choices for flat top grill seasoning due to their high smoke points.
These oils can handle the heat without reaching their smoke points, allowing for effective seasoning and enhancing the longevity of your grill’s non-stick surface.
Best Oil To Season Flat Top Grill
| Oil Type | Smoke Point (°F) | Smoke Point (°C) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Oil | 400-450 | 204-232 | Affordable |
| Canola Oil | 400 | 204 | Affordable |
| Peanut Oil | 440-450 | 227-232 | Reasonable |
| Grapeseed Oil | 420+ | 216+ | Moderate |
| Sunflower Oil | 440 | 232 | Moderate |
| Avocado Oil | 520 | 271 | Moderate-High |
A. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a reliable choice for seasoning your flat top griddle due to its smoke point, typically ranging from 400°F to 450°F (204°C to 232°C).
This high smoke point ensures that it can handle the intense heat of grilling without breaking down. One of the standout features of vegetable oil is its affordability; it’s often one of the most budget-friendly options available in most grocery stores. It is highly accessible and a common staple in most households, available in various quantities.
Its neutral flavor means it won’t introduce unwanted tastes to your dishes, making it an excellent choice for seasoning your flat top grill.
B. Canola Oil
Canola oil is another suitable option for seasoning your griddle. It boasts a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), ensuring it can handle high-heat seasoning without any issues.
Like vegetable oil, canola oil is reasonably priced and falls within a similar price range. It’s widely available in most grocery stores, making it an easy-to-find and purchase option.
With a mild flavor and a high smoke point, canola oil offers an economical and effective choice for creating a durable non-stick surface on your grill.
C. Peanut Oil
For a seasoning oil with an even higher smoke point, consider peanut oil. It features a smoke point typically around 440°F to 450°F (227°C to 232°C), making it ideal for seasoning applications where extreme heat is involved.
While it might be slightly more expensive than vegetable or canola oil, peanut oil is still reasonably priced. It’s also readily available in most supermarkets, so you won’t have trouble finding it.
The high smoke point, along with its subtle nutty flavor, makes peanut oil a preferred choice for seasoning.
It creates a durable non-stick layer on your flat top grill, and its availability in most stores makes it a convenient and reliable option.
D. Grapeseed Oil
If you’re seeking an oil with an exceptionally high smoke point, look no further than grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil’s smoke point typically exceeds 420°F (216°C), making it an excellent choice for seasoning a flat top grill, especially when grilling at extremely high temperatures.
While it may be considered moderately priced and a bit more expensive compared to vegetable or canola oil, it’s still within a reasonable range.
Grapeseed oil may not be as common as some other options, but it can usually be found in specialty or larger grocery stores. Its high smoke point, neutral taste, and light texture are well-suited for creating a long-lasting seasoning on your flat top grill. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for alternatives to more traditional choices.
E. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a dependable choice for seasoning your flat top grill. It boasts a smoke point of around 440°F (232°C), rendering it ideal for high-heat seasoning applications.
Cost-wise, it typically falls within the moderate price range, delivering excellent value considering its high smoke point. Sunflower oil is mostly available in most grocery stores.
What makes sunflower oil stand out is its high smoke point and neutral taste, which combine to create a versatile option for seasoning. It effectively imparts a non-stick surface to your grill without introducing any unwanted flavors to your culinary creations, ensuring that your dishes shine with their intended tastes.
F. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil stands out as an exceptional option for seasoning your flat top grill, thanks to its remarkable smoke point of 520°F (271°C).
Although it falls into the moderate to moderate-high price range, its unique properties justify the investment. While not as widely available as some other cooking oils, avocado oil can typically be found in larger grocery stores or specialty shops.
What makes avocado oil a top choice is its extraordinarily high smoke point, accompanied by its mild and slightly buttery flavor. These characteristics make it a perfect fit for seasoning your grill, ensuring the creation of a durable non-stick layer that can withstand even the highest grilling temperatures without breaking down.
How to Season Your Flat Top Grill
Seasoning your flat top grill is a crucial step in ensuring its longevity and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a backyard grilling enthusiast, understanding the process of seasoning is key to achieving that perfect sear and preventing food from sticking to the surface.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you season your flat top grill effectively:
1- Gather Your Supplies:
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary supplies, including your chosen oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil), paper towels, tongs, and a heat-resistant brush or cloth.
2- Clean the Grill:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the grill’s surface. Remove any dirt, debris, or rust using a grill brush. Once clean, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to ensure it’s spotless.
3- Heat the Grill:
Turn on your flat top grill and set it to high heat. As the grill heats up, you’ll notice the metal changing color, indicating it’s ready for the seasoning process.
4- Apply Oil:
Using a paper towel or heat-resistant brush, apply a thin layer of your chosen oil to the grill’s surface. Make sure to coat the entire cooking area, including the corners and edges.
5- Reach the Smoke Point:
The oil should start to smoke. This is a sign that the oil is bonding with the metal and creating a non-stick layer. Allow the grill to smoke for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Cool Down:
Turn off the grill and let it cool down. Once it’s cool enough to touch, wipe off any excess oil with paper towels. Your flat top grill is now seasoned and ready to use.
FAQ AND EXPERT TIPS
How often should I season my flat top grill?
You should season your flat top grill before its initial use, and then periodically thereafter, depending on how often you use the grill or notice stickiness.
Can I use butter or margarine for seasoning my grill?
No butter and margarine are not recommended for seasoning griddles as butter and margarine have low smoke points and can result in a sticky residue.
How long does the seasoning process take?
The entire process, from heating to cooling, usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
Related Articles
How to Get Rust Off Blackstone? (4 TIPS TO PREVENT RUST)
10 Blackstone Griddle Tips & Tricks (Hacks)
12 Best Must Have Griddle Accessories
10 Best Oil For Blackstone Griddle (SMOKE POINT, FLAVOR, HEALTH BENEFIT)
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!
