Fats and Oils....
Smoke points
This table shows and compares the smoke points of various fats and oils; i.e. the temperature the oil will reach without burning.
While you will always want to heat your oil to smoking point, do not add the food straight away. Remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds first. Remember, the higher the cooking temperature the less fat absorbed and the crisper the finish.
| Smoke Point of Various Oils and Fats |
| Type of Oil or Fat - Refined |
Smoke Point |
Cooking Methods |
| Avocado Oil |
520ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil |
| Safflower Oil |
510ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Almond Oil |
495ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Soybean Oil |
450ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Corn Oil |
450ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Sunflower Oil |
450ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Peanut Oil |
450ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Cottonseed Oil |
420ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil |
| Sesame Seed Oil (Light) |
410ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Olive Oil |
410ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Grape Seed Oil |
400ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Canola Oil |
400ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Deep-fry, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Walnut Oil |
400ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil |
| Lard |
375ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Baking |
| Vegetable Shortening |
325ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Baking |
| Butter |
300ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Type of Oil or Fat - Unrefined |
Smoke Point |
Cooking Methods |
| Sesame Seed Oil |
350ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Olive Oil (Extra Virgin or Virgin) |
320ºF |
Sauté, Pan-fry, Sear, Stir-fry, Grill, Broil, Baking |
| Peanut Oil |
320ºF |
Light sauté, Low-heat grilling, Low-heat baking |
| Soybean Oil |
320ºF |
Light sauté, Low-heat grilling, Low-heat baking |
| Corn Oil |
320ºF |
Light sauté, Low-heat grilling, Low-heat baking |
| Walnut Oil |
320ºF |
Light sauté, Low-heat grilling, Low-heat baking |
| Sunflower Oil |
225ºF |
Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking |
| Canola Oil |
225ºF |
Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking |
| Safflower Oil |
225ºF |
Blend it with oils with higher smoke points for low heat cooking | |
