Griddle cooking demands oils that can handle serious heat without burning, smoking, or going sticky. Whether you’re running a Blackstone flat-top, a cast iron griddle pan, or a commercial-style flat grill, the right oil keeps food from sticking, builds up seasoning over time, and delivers that characteristic griddle-seared flavor. The best griddle oils have high smoke points, good polymerization for seasoning, and neutral enough flavors to let your proteins and vegetables shine. These five are the ones experienced griddle cooks swear by.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Chosen Foods Avocado Oil | All-purpose griddle cooking | 4.9/5 |
| LouAna Peanut Oil | Smash burgers, stir-fry | 4.7/5 |
| Barlean’s Organic Flaxseed Oil | Initial griddle seasoning | 4.7/5 |
| Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening | Seasoning & baking on griddle | 4.5/5 |
| Viva Naturals Refined Coconut Oil | Medium-high heat cooking | 4.4/5 |
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil — Best All-Round Griddle Cooking Oil
For everyday griddle cooking. from pancakes and eggs in the morning to steak and vegetables at dinner. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil is the standout choice. Its 500°F+ smoke point handles even a blazing hot flat top without billowing smoke, and its tasteless profile lets your food’s seasoning do the work. The refined, expeller-pressed production means no chemical residues on your griddle surface. It creates a beautiful sear on proteins, helps maintain existing seasoning, and leaves the griddle surface clean and easy to wipe down after cooking. The large format bottles are practical for regular griddle cooks.
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LouAna Pure Peanut Oil — Best for Smash Burgers and Griddle Stir-Fry
LouAna Peanut Oil is a favorite among flat-top burger enthusiasts for a reason: it creates a phenomenal crust on smash burgers and doesn’t impart any off-flavor to the beef. Its 450°F smoke point is more than adequate for the intense heat needed to properly flatten and sear a burger in seconds. The light, slightly nutty background flavor actually complements savory griddle foods rather than fighting them. For Asian-inspired griddle stir-fries, it’s ideal. matching perfectly with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame flavors. Affordable, widely available, and reliable across extended cooking sessions.
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Barlean’s Organic Flaxseed Oil — Best for Initial Griddle Seasoning
Flaxseed oil is the seasoning specialist’s top pick for building the initial polymer layer on a new cast iron or steel griddle. When applied in very thin coats and heated past its smoke point in repeated cycles, it polymerizes into an exceptionally hard, slick layer that forms the foundation of a great griddle seasoning. Barlean’s cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil is ideal because it’s pure, unrefined, and polymerizes predictably. Do not use it for cooking. its low smoke point makes it unsuitable. Instead, apply a paper-towel-thin layer, heat the griddle to 500°F, and repeat 4-6 times for a durable base season.
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Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening — Best for Ongoing Seasoning Maintenance
Once the initial seasoning is established with flaxseed oil, many experienced griddle owners switch to Crisco shortening for maintenance seasoning. applied at the end of each cook session. Crisco polymerizes into a smooth, consistent layer that builds griddle seasoning gradually without the flaking that pure flaxseed can develop over time. It has a moderately high smoke point and creates an even, protective coat on the griddle surface. The can format is practical for keeping next to the griddle. It’s also excellent for cooking pancakes, French toast, and griddle-fried sandwiches, adding a slight richness similar to butter.
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Viva Naturals Refined Coconut Oil — Best for Griddle Cooking at Medium-High Heat
Viva Naturals Refined Coconut Oil is a clean, odorless option with a 400°F smoke point that works well for medium-to-high heat griddle cooking. Its solid-at-room-temperature format means you can drop a knob directly onto the griddle surface and watch it melt and spread evenly. a satisfying, practical way to add fat to the cook surface. The refined version has no coconut taste, making it versatile for savory griddle applications. It produces a beautiful sheen on the griddle surface and helps proteins release cleanly. A dependable griddle companion for weekend cooks who want a clean-label alternative to vegetable oil.
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How to Choose Cooking Oil for a Griddle
Match the oil to the task. For initial seasoning, use flaxseed oil in ultra-thin coats at maximum heat. For maintenance seasoning after cooks, Crisco shortening or refined coconut oil work well. For daily cooking, choose an oil with a smoke point above 400°F and a neutral flavor. avocado and peanut oil are top tier. Avoid butter and unrefined oils for high-heat griddle cooking; they burn quickly and can leave bitter residue. Keep a squeeze bottle of your cooking oil near the griddle for easy application. Remember: thin, even oil application gives better results than drowning the surface.
For more griddle and kitchen gear insight, see our articles/best-cooking-oil-for-frying-food article, and learn about our testing standards at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best oil to season a griddle with?+
Flaxseed oil is often cited as the best oil for initial seasoning of cast iron and steel griddles due to its ability to polymerize into a hard, durable coating at high heat. However, for ongoing maintenance seasoning, many griddle enthusiasts prefer oils with a moderately high smoke point like avocado oil or Crisco shortening, which build up seasoning gradually without flaking.
What oil does Blackstone recommend for their griddles?+
Blackstone recommends vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, or their own branded conditioner for seasoning their griddle tops. For cooking, they suggest any high smoke point oil. Avocado oil, refined coconut oil, and peanut oil are all excellent for Blackstone griddles because they can handle the extreme surface temperatures (400-500°F+) these griddles generate.