10 Best Cooking Oils (Chef-Reviewed)
“Coat the pan with oil” is a typical first step in many recipes. And yet choosing the right cooking oil can be confusing given the variety available. Derived from plants, seeds, or nuts, cooking oil is essential in kitchens worldwide. Cooking oils can be used across a variety of dishes from high-heat situations to making salad dressings and everything in between.
Nowadays, we have many oil options to choose from. From coconut oil to olive oil to sunflower oil to canola oil, each type has its own distinctive flavor and nutritional profile. However, understanding each oil's difference is not easy since you should consider things like smoke point and processing method, which can affect your cooking and how healthy the oil is.
We've created a buying guide reviewed by experienced chef Jim Quast to give you some tips about choosing a suitable cooking oil. To help you get started on your search, we selected some of the best-selling cooking oils from sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to include in our ranking for your reference.
Quick List - Top Cooking Oil
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Cooking Oil
- Choose a Smoke Point That Suits Your Cooking1
- Decide Between a Flavorful or Mild-Tasting Oil - Nut, Sesame, and Seed Oils2
- For Healthy Options, Check the Fat Content3
- Consider the Processing Method for Quality and Use4
- Check Budget-Friendly Options for General Use - Vegetable and Canola Oil5
- Stock Your Pantry With Healthy, Delicious Oils
- Amazon's Best Selling Cooking Oils
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
How to Choose Cooking Oil
In this buying guide, we provide you with some tips that you may want to consider when making a purchase.
Choose a Smoke Point That Suits Your Cooking
Each type of oil has its own smoke point, an important factor to consider when you cook so that you can avoid burning the oil. Burnt oil can give the food a bitter taste and release smoke and irritants that may be harmful to your body. Therefore, check the smoke point of a product to find out if it is suitable for your cooking purposes.
High Smoke Points for Deep-Frying or Stir-Frying
Oils that can withstand a heat of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit are often considered high-heat ones. They are great for deep-frying, stir-frying, sautéing, broiling, or baking.
Out of all types of oils, avocado oil has the highest smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit, thus making it suitable for deep-frying or browning. However, avocado oil is relatively expensive, so for cheaper options, you can choose canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil instead.
Choose Medium Smoke Points for Sautéing or Slow Cooking
Medium heat oils are perfect for slow cooking, sautéing, or making sauces and dressings. Typically, oils with a medium smoke point can tolerate heat ranging from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some medium heat oils that are frequently used include coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil. However, different types of olive oil can tolerate different levels of temperature.
For example, unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while the smoke point for olive oil ranges from 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit depending on how it's refined. Refined sesame oil can tolerate a temperature of up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oils With Low Smoke Points Are Good for Drizzling or Making Sauces
Oils with low heat tolerance are usually used as a finish or drizzle to add some extra flavor to the dish. They are great for making dips and sauces as well! You can use them to make bread dipping oil or hummus.
Typically, low heat oils can withstand a heat of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Some common low-heat oils include flaxseed oil, unrefined coconut oil, pistachio oil, and hemp seed oil. Low-heat oils can be used in baked goods. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and unrefined sesame oil also are excellent for drizzling or making dressings.
Decide Between a Flavorful or Mild-Tasting Oil - Nut, Sesame, and Seed Oils
Based on the ingredients they are made from, different types of oils have their own distinctive flavors that can help you add an extra kick to foods.
Oils that are made from nuts such as walnuts or peanuts tend to have a nutty flavor that complements dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or pastas very well. Sesame oil is also a great addition to Asian dishes like fried rice or noodles.
If you want oils with strong, savory flavors, then coconut oil or hemp seed oil are some great options for you. You should keep in mind that oils with rich tastes are suitable for low to medium-heat cooking only. They shouldn't be used for high-heat cooking like deep frying.
However, if you don't want the taste of oil to interfere with the flavors of your ingredients, you should choose neutral oils such as avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil. Neutral oils have light or no flavor and high smoke points, thus are suitable for frying or other high-heat cooking styles.
For Healthy Options, Check the Fat Content
All oils have fat, but not all fats are equal! Here are some healthy fats you can keep an eye out for.
Unsaturated Fats Help Support Your Health - Avocado, Olive, and Canola Oil
Not all fats are bad for you and in fact, unsaturated fats, which remain liquid at room temperature, are healthy fats that can reduce inflammation, support your blood cholesterol levels, and improve other aspects of your health.
Unsaturated fats are derived from plants, nuts, and seeds, and are the main components of typical cooking oils. There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated fats are found in avocado oil, olive oil, and canola oil, as well as other oils produced from nuts and seeds. They help reduce our bad cholesterol, improve heart health, and lower the risk of stroke. Meanwhile, polyunsaturated fats are highly concentrated in sunflower, safflower, walnut, canola, and soybean oil.
Similar to monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats can decrease the bad cholesterol levels in our body, but they also consist of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play an important role in improving our brain function and cell growth.
According to the American Heart Association, we should consume foods that contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in our daily diets. However, you should only get around 25 to 30 percent of your daily calories from fat.
Limit Saturated Fat to Reduce Health Risks
Saturated fats remain solid at room temperature, and are often found in animal sources. However, plant-based oils such as coconut oil that stay solid at room temperature also contain a high amount of saturated fats.
Even though saturated fat is not completely bad for you, a diet containing a high level of this fat can increase your total cholesterol and lead to the formation of blockages in arteries in the heart. Therefore, many nutritionists suggest reducing saturated fat to under 10 percent of our daily calories.
Avoid Trans Fats Completely to Help Prevent Heart Disease
Some brands add hydrogen in liquid oils to make them become more solid, which may result in the production of trans fat. Oils that contain trans fat often have a long shelf life, thick consistency, and high smoke point. Furthermore, they are cheap and frequently used in fast-food outlets.
However, trans fats can increase the bad (LDL) cholesterol and decrease the good (HDL) cholesterol levels in your body. Also, trans fat has been associated with increasing the possibility of heart disease and stroke as well as type-2 diabetes. Therefore, try to choose products containing zero grams of trans fat as a rule.
Consider the Processing Method for Quality and Use
Oils can be produced using various methods, such as cold-pressing, expeller-pressing, or refining. However, some methods actually use chemicals that are harmful to your body during the process. So, you should pay attention to how the oil is produced to avoid products of poor quality.
Unrefined or Low-Heat Processes Retain Flavor
Unrefined oils are produced from low-heat processes such as expeller-pressing or cold-pressing. Those processes involve no to low heat, so the raw flavor of the ingredients and their nutrients still remain.
Therefore, unrefined oils tend to have a stronger flavor and fragrance compared to refined oils. They are also more suited for low-heat sautéing or making dressings.
However, unrefined oils tend to have low smoke points and can be spoiled if they get in contact with sunlight. Therefore, you should store them in dark-colored bottles or in a cool place away from the sun.
Refined Oils Have a Neutral Flavor and High Smoke Point
Refined oils go through a distillation process, so they have neutral tastes and are a great choice if you're looking for a type of oil that doesn't interfere with your foods' flavors. They also have a long shelf life and a high smoke point that makes them great for frying.
Some refined oils are bleached or deodorized to remove any rancid smell. Some common refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) oils include soy, corn, canola, and palm oils.
Although RBD oils might have lower nutrients like essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins compared to refined oils, they are safe to consume and are much cheaper. RBD oils are usually used for deep-frying, when you need a large volume of oil.
Check Budget-Friendly Options for General Use - Vegetable and Canola Oil
If you’re just looking for an oil that covers most of your cooking needs, vegetable oil and canola oil are both budget-friendly. While unrefined avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil are great choices for many situations, they can be pretty expensive. Vegetable or canola oil is cost-effective and suitable for most things like roasting, deep-frying, and baking.
10 Best Cooking Oil Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Type | Recommended Use | Cold-pressed | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Trans Fat | Organic | Gluten-free | Paleo-Keto Friendly | Processing Method | |||||
1 | Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil | | First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 68 fl. oz. | Olive | Sautéing, sauces and stir-frying | 14g | 2g | 0g | unknown | |||||
2 | Viva Naturals Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil | | Best Pure Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil | 16 fl. oz. | Coconut | Cooking, Frying | 14g | 13g | 0g | Unrefined | |||||
3 | BetterBody Foods BetterBody Foods｜Avocado Oil | | Versatile Refined Avocado Oil | 16.9 fl. oz. | Avocado | Cook, bake, fry, or sauté | 14g | 1.5g | 0g | Refined | |||||
4 | Chosen Foods Chosen Foods｜100% Pure Avocado Oil | | Pure and Versatile Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil | 59.17 fl. oz. | Avocado | Cooking, baking, dressings, and marinades | 14g | 2g | 0g | Refined | |||||
5 | Crisco Crisco｜Pure Vegetable Oil | | Soybean Based Oil For Healthy Cooking | 40 fl. oz. | Soybean and a blend of Soybean Oil and Canola Oil | Cooking, frying, or baking, or in dressings and marinades. | 14g | 2g | 0g | unknown | |||||
6 | Crisco Crisco｜Pure Canola Oil | | Best Flavorless Oil | 40 fl. oz. | Canola | Cooking, frying, or baking, or in dressings and marinades | 14g | 1g | 0g | unknown | |||||
7 | La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil | | Best For Stir-Fry And Sautéing | 16.9fl. oz. | Grapeseed | Sauté, fry, grill | 14g | 1g | 0g | unknown | |||||
8 | Iberia Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend | | Great All-Purpose Cooking Oil | 68 fl. oz. | Olive, Sunflower | Cooking or frying | 14g | 2g | 0g | unknown | |||||
9 | La Tourangelle Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil | | Delicious Oil For Versatile Cooking | 16.9 fl. oz. | Sunflower | Sauté, fry, grill | 14g | 1g | 0g | unknown | |||||
10 | Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil | | Best For Asian Cuisine | 5.5 fl. oz. | Sesame | unknown | unknown | 14g | 2g | 0g | unknown | ||||
PompeianSmooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
| Amount | 68 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Olive |
- Recommended Use
- Sautéing, sauces and stir-frying
- Organic
First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Expertly crafted by The Olive Oil People, this extra virgin olive oil is made from first cold pressed olives, grown and nurtured by our family of farmers. Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oils are ideal for any meal that starts with a sauté and ends with a drizzle. With its smooth, delicate taste, Pompeian Smooth EVOO is perfect for sautéing and stir-frying!
Quality from The Olive Oil People since 1906, Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified for authenticity by the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA). Committed to quality, this olive oil is naturally gluten-free and non-allergenic, kosher, and Non-GMO verified by the Non-GMO Project.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
Viva NaturalsOrganic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
| Amount | 16 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Coconut |
- Recommended Use
- Cooking, Frying
- Organic
Best Pure Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Made from 100 percent fresh, organic coconuts using the cold-pressing method, this jar of coconut oil has a rich, enticing coconut-y flavor and aroma. Since the oil is cold-pressed, no nutrients are lost in the process, providing you with all of the goodness possible.
With a high smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use it for baking, frying, or sautéing, or even as a spread. This coconut oil is also USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Gluten-Free, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. This versatile oil can also be used to hydrate your skin and hair.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | Unrefined |
BetterBody FoodsBetterBody Foods ｜ Avocado Oil
| Amount | 16.9 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Avocado |
- Recommended Use
- Cook, bake, fry, or sauté
- Organic
Versatile Refined Avocado Oil
BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil is naturally refined and offers a subtle, smooth flavor, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. With a high smoke point, it's ideal for frying, sautéing, baking, and more, rivaling olive oil in versatility. This multipurpose oil enhances the flavors of dishes and serves as a great base for homemade salad dressings. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of additives, it's also well-suited for keto and paleo diets, delivering nourishing benefits from its clean ingredients.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | Refined |
Chosen FoodsChosen Foods ｜ 100% Pure Avocado Oil
| Amount | 59.17 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Avocado |
- Recommended Use
- Cooking, baking, dressings, and marinades
- Organic
Pure and Versatile Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil delivers a mild, neutral flavor, making it perfect for cooking, baking, dressings, and marinades. With a high smoke point of 500°F, it’s ideal for grilling, roasting, or sautéing at high heat. Naturally refined and packed with wholesome fats, this non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free oil supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great choice for Paleo and Keto diets. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, it enhances your dishes while providing nourishment with every use.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | Refined |
CriscoCrisco ｜ Pure Vegetable Oil
| Amount | 40 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Soybean and a blend of Soybean Oil and Canola Oil |
- Recommended Use
- Cooking, frying, or baking, or in dressings and marinades.
- Organic
Soybean Based Oil For Healthy Cooking
Made from soybeans, this oil has a light taste that lets the flavor of your food shine through. It is a cholesterol-free food and contains 0g trans fat per serving, making it a heart-healthy choice for your cooking needs.
With 1000mg of ALA per serving, this oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, it is gluten-free and kosher, ensuring it meets a variety of dietary preferences and requirements.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
CriscoCrisco ｜ Pure Canola Oil
| Amount | 40 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Canola |
- Recommended Use
- Cooking, frying, or baking, or in dressings and marinades
- Organic
Best Flavorless Oil
A flavorless, versatile oil with a light texture, perfect for cooking, frying, baking, or in dressings and marinades. It contains 0g trans fat per serving, making it a healthy choice for a variety of culinary needs.
Canola oil is a cholesterol-free food with 14g of total fat per serving. Additionally, it is kosher, catering to diverse dietary preferences and requirements.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
La TourangelleGrapeseed Oil
| Amount | 16.9fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Grapeseed |
- Recommended Use
- Sauté, fry, grill
- Organic
Best For Stir-Fry And Sautéing
Grapeseed Oil is at its best in stir-fries and sautés; it doesn't overwhelm other ingredients and lets fresh flavors shine. When grilling or frying, it is a must-have in the pantry. The mainstay of all La Tourangelle’s natural, artisanal oils is premium taste derived from the best quality ingredients, adding the flavor of La Tourangelle to any meal.
Expeller-pressed, non-GMO, and kosher, this oil works best in salads, pastas, meats, and more.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
IberiaExtra Virgin Olive Oil Blend
| Amount | 68 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Olive, Sunflower |
- Recommended Use
- Cooking or frying
- Organic
Great All-Purpose Cooking Oil
This oil features an 80% sunflower oil and 20% extra virgin olive oil composition, ensuring a versatile and non-GMO option for your kitchen. Its high smoke point and balanced flavor make it ideal for frying, baking, grilling, and preparing salads, sauces, or marinades.
Perfect for pan coating, crispy frying, and non-stick sautéing, this blend combines the high-heat durability of sunflower oil with the rich taste of extra virgin olive oil. Cholesterol-free and carbohydrate-free, it complements a variety of dishes, including salads, fish, meats, and cheeses.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
La TourangelleOrganic High Oleic Sunflower Oil
| Amount | 16.9 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Sunflower |
- Recommended Use
- Sauté, fry, grill
- Organic
Delicious Oil For Versatile Cooking
La Tourangelle brings artisan excellence to the kitchen with oils crafted from premium, all-natural ingredients. These oils enhance meals with exceptional taste, derived from carefully selected components. Ideal for sautéing, frying, and grilling, this cooking oil offers a superior flavor experience in every dish.
Perfect for both high-heat cooking and everyday use, this sunflower oil is a versatile choice for creating distinctive dishes. The neutral flavor makes it an excellent substitute for butter or canola oil. Expeller-pressed, Non-GMO, and Kosher, this cooking oil is crafted with sustainability in mind, ensuring a responsible choice for gourmet cooking.
| Cold-pressed | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
KadoyaPure Sesame Oil
| Amount | 5.5 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Type | Sesame |
- Recommended Use
- unknown
- Organic
Best For Asian Cuisine
Kadoya Sesame Oil is a premium choice for adding authentic flavor to your dishes. With a net content volume of 5.5 fluid ounces and a total liquid volume of 6 fluid ounces, this oil delivers high-quality, rich flavor in every drop. Sourced from Japan, it’s ideal for enhancing Korean recipes as well as traditional Japanese dishes like takoyaki.
The convenient packaging dimensions are 7.5 cm in length, 11.1 cm in width, and 21.7 cm in height, making it easy to store in your pantry. Known for its great consistency and superior quality, Kadoya sesame oil is a trusted staple for anyone looking to elevate their culinary creations.
| Cold-pressed | unknown |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Gluten-free | |
| Paleo-Keto Friendly | |
| Processing Method | unknown |
Stock Your Pantry With Healthy, Delicious Oils
If you are looking for more oils to elevate your dishes or get healthy fats into your diet, look no further! Check out the links below for our suggestions.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Cooking Oil
No. 1: Pompeian｜Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 2: Viva Naturals｜Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
No. 3: BetterBody Foods｜BetterBody Foods｜Avocado Oil
No. 4: Chosen Foods｜Chosen Foods｜100% Pure Avocado Oil
No. 5: Crisco｜Crisco｜Pure Vegetable Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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