Can You Use Olive Oil to Season a Stainless Steel Pan?

Seasoning a pan helps create a natural non-stick surface and protects the metal from damage. While cast iron is the most common type of pan people season, you can also season stainless steel cookware. Olive oil is a good choice for seasoning stainless steel due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. With proper prep and technique, olive oil can help season stainless steel pans and create better non-stick properties.

What Does Seasoning a Pan Mean?

Seasoning is the process of treating a pan‘s surface to give it a natural non-stick coating. This is done by coating the pan with a layer of oil and heating it up so the oil bonds to the metal. The oil forms a polymerized layer that fills in pores and imperfections in the pan‘s surface.

Seasoning has a few benefits:

• Creates a natural non-stick surface so food doesn‘t stick as easily
• Protects the metal from damage like corrosion and rust
• Improves the pan‘s heat conductivity
• Gives the pan a nice patina over time

Cast iron and carbon steel are the most common pan materials people season, but you can also season stainless steel.

The Science Behind Seasoning Pans

On a molecular level, seasoning works through a process called polymerization. When the oiled pan is heated, the fatty acid chains in the oil start to break down. The heat causes the chains to bond back together randomly, forming polymer webs. These webs adhere tightly to the pan‘s microscopic pores and grooves.

As this polymerized layer builds up, it creates a smooth, plastic-like barrier. Food molecules have a harder time penetrating through the barrier and sticking to the pan. Polymerization also protects the metal by separating it from moisture, acids, and other corroding agents.

One study found cast iron pans seasoned with flaxseed oil reduced steak sticking by over 60% compared to unseasoned pans. The seasoning also improved the pan‘s heat conductivity by around 10%.

Why Seasoning Stainless Steel Can Be Tricky

Stainless steel is more challenging to season than other metals for a few reasons:

• Poor heat conductivity – Stainless steel doesn‘t conduct heat as efficiently as cast iron or carbon steel, so the oil doesn‘t absorb and bond as well. Stainless steel‘s conductivity coefficient is around 16 W/mK compared to iron‘s coefficient of 70-80 W/mK.

• Low porosity – The smooth surface has less pores for oil to seep into and polymerize. Stainless steel ranks at around 2-4% porosity compared to up to 15% for cast iron.

• Corrosion-resistant – Stainless steel already resists rust and stains due to its chromium content of at least 10.5%.

• Non-reactive – Stainless steel won‘t react with acidic foods, so seasoning isn‘t required for corrosion protection.

While it can be harder to season stainless steel, it‘s not impossible. Using the right oil and technique, you can still get some nice seasoning build-up.

Why Use Olive Oil for Seasoning?

Olive oil has a few properties that make it a good oil for seasoning stainless steel:

• High smoke point – With a smoke point around 400°F, olive oil can withstand the oven temperatures needed to bond oil to the pan‘s surface. This is higher than butter (350°F) or vegetable oil (400-450°F).

• Neutral flavor – Olive oil has a mild, neutral taste that won‘t interfere with cooking after seasoning. It is low in volatile compounds that could impart strong flavors.

• Common cooking oil – Since many people already have olive oil in their kitchen, it‘s convenient to use for seasoning. Based on surveys, around 69% of consumers have olive oil in their pantry.

• High unsaturated fat – Olive oil is mostly monounsaturated fat (73%) with some polyunsaturated fat (8%). These unsaturated fats help the seasoning polymerize properly.

Other oils like canola, grapeseed, and avocado oil also have high smoke points and neutral flavors that work for seasoning. Avoid low smoke point oils like flaxseed or sesame oil as they will burn off before sealing the pan.

Olive Oil Nutritional Profile

Here is a breakdown of olive oil‘s nutritional properties:

• Fat profile – 73% monounsaturated fats, 8% polyunsaturated, 13% saturated
• Vitamin E – 15 mg per 100g, an antioxidant that improves shelf life
• Vitamin K – 60μg per 100g, which helps with blood clotting
• Phenolic compounds – Contain various beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants

How to Season a Stainless Steel Pan With Olive Oil

Follow these simple steps for seasoning a stainless steel pan with olive oil:

1. Clean and dry the pan

• Remove any dirt, residue or protective coatings from manufacturing using a abrasive sponge or steel wool.
• Wash the pan with hot water and dish soap, then scrub to fully remove grease.
• Completely dry the pan with a clean towel. Ensure no moisture remains, as water can interfere with seasoning.

2. Apply a thin layer of olive oil

• Use a high quality, pure olive oil for the best results. EVOO or light olive oil both work well.
• Pour a small amount into the pan, around 1-2 tsp for a 10" pan.
• Use a paper towel or cooking brush to spread the oil over the entire interior surface.
• Wipe off any excess oil pooled in the pan. Only a micro-thin layer is needed.

3. Bake the pan in the oven

• Place the oiled pan upside down on the center or top rack of a preheated 350°F oven.
• Let the pan bake for at least 1 hour. One study found 2 hours optimal for cast iron.
• As the pan heats up, the oil will start to bond with the metal through the polymerization process.

4. Cool and repeat

• Once cooled to room temperature, apply another thin layer of olive oil to the pan.
• Bake again for 1 hour. This helps build up the seasoning layer.
• For a darker seasoning, repeat for a total of 3-5 thin coats of oil.

5. Final wipe down

• After the pan cools from the final coating, give it a wipe with a clean towel.
• This removes any excess oil residue while leaving the thin polymerized layer intact.
• The pan is now ready to use!

Benefits of a Seasoned Stainless Steel Pan

Though the seasoning may not be as sticky or dark as cast iron, seasoning a stainless steel pan with olive oil provides these advantages:

• Better non-stick ability – The seasoning fills in pores and creates a smooth cooking surface that keeps food from sticking. One study found around a 60% decrease in food sticking after seasoning.

• Prevents staining/corrosion – The oil bonds to the steel, protecting against rust and stains from acidic foods. Seasoning can reduce corrosion by up to 71% according to research.

• Improves pan longevity – Seasoning prevents damage that could scratch or ruin the pan over time. Well-cared for seasoned pans can last for many decades.

• Adds natural flavor – The seasoning imparts subtle, toasted notes to foods cooked in the pan.

• Boosts heat conductivity – Seasoning improves heat flow by up to 8-10%, helping food cook faster and more evenly.

Olive Oil vs. Other Oils for Seasoning

While olive oil can work well, other oils have properties that also make them good seasoning choices:

Grapeseed Oil

• Very lightweight oil that spreads easily
• Mild flavor profile
• High smoke point of approximately 420°F
• Made up of over 90% polyunsaturated fats, which help seasoning polymerize

Coconut Oil

• High smoke point around 350°F
• Largely saturated fat at nearly 90%
• Adds a slight coconut flavor
• Solid at room temperature makes application easier

Flaxseed Oil

• Creates a slick, dark seasoning layer quickly
• High omega-3 content over 50%
• Prone to rancidity – seasoning may need reapplication
• Strong nutty flavor could come through in cooking

Vegetable/Canola Oil

• Typically a blend of oils, often soybean, canola, etc.
• Affordable and accessible option
• High in unsaturated fats at around 85%
• Lower smoke points in the 400°F range

Lard/Tallow

• Rendered pig or beef fat creates superior seasoning
• Mostly monounsaturated fats aid polymerization
• Adds meaty flavor to cooking
• Some avoid for ethical/health reasons

Experiment to see which oils work best for your stainless steel pan. Try olive oil as an inexpensive, versatile place to start.

Troubleshooting Seasoning with Olive Oil

Seasoning stainless steel presents some challenges but a few tricks can help:

If food sticks:

• Heat the pan before adding oil or food. The hot pan helps prevent sticking.
• Try baking on 1-2 more thin layers of olive oil to build up seasoning.
• Use more cooking fat or oil to help food release easier.

If olive oil smokes:

• Lower oven temp to 300°F and bake for longer, around 1.5-2 hours.
• Ensure oil coats the pan in an extremely thin layer – wipe off any excess.

If pan discolors:

• Greying or brown spots are normal effects of seasoning but can be scrubbed clean with baking soda if desired before reseasoning.

If rust spots appear:

• Use steel wool or abrasive scrubber to remove any rust, then reseason that area.
• Ensure to fully dry pan after each wash to prevent rust formation.

If seasoning flakes off:

• Preheat pan at low heat before each use to better bond seasoning.
• Avoid very high heat cooking that could burn off seasoning layer.
• Recoat with a fresh layer of olive oil and reseason occasionally.

With some trial and error, you‘ll get the hang of maintaining the olive oil seasoning on stainless steel. Don‘t give up if the initial attempts are not perfect.

Tips for Cooking and Caring for a Seasoned Pan

Here are some tips for cooking and maintaining your seasoned stainless steel pan:

• Let a tablespoon of olive oil heat up before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.

• Use medium or medium-low heat settings while cooking to prevent burning off the seasoning layer.

• Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, vinegar or broth after cooking meats or sauces to help loosen residue.

• Avoid very abrasive scouring pads or metal scrubbies that could quickly scratch off seasoning.

• For pan maintenance, occasionally bake on a fresh thin coat of olive oil at 350°F for an hour.

• If flaking or sticking happens, simply scrub away any loose bits and reseason.

• Wash gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Make sure to fully dry to prevent rust.

• Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning to prevent warping the metal.

• Apply a light coat of oil after drying for storage to maintain the seasoning.

Get the Benefits of Seasoning With Olive Oil

While it can be a bit more effort than cast iron, seasoning stainless steel pans with olive oil is worth it for better non-stick ability and protection. Olive oil provides a neutral-flavored, inexpensive seasoning option.

With the proper seasoning and care, a stainless steel pan will provide many years of great cooking performance. The olive oil coating will improve the pan‘s functionality and preserve its optimal condition. Give it a try to boost your stainless steel cookware!