Types of Cooking Oil

Whether you're creating the perfect stir fry or concocting a marinade, cooking oil is a necessary staple to any kitchen. Here, you can find liquid cooking and fryer oils in various sizes and types so you can bake bread and saute any dish to perfection.

Use the following links to navigate and learn more about oils and how to use them:

Types of Oil for Deep Frying
Types of Oil for Light Frying / Sauteing
Types of Oils for Sauces and Dressings
Multi-Purpose Oils
Shortening Oils

Considerations When Choosing Cooking Oil

When choosing between different types of cooking oil, there are two things you want to consider:

1. Smoke Point

A cooking oil's smoke point indicates the temperature at which an oil breaks down and ceases to be useful. For instance, deep frying requires oil with a high smoke point.

2. Application

Oils have three basic uses:

deep frying
light frying / sauteing
creating sauces

Some even work as multi-purpose oils, and can be adequately used in all applications. Keeping the application and smoke point in mind, use this guide to find the cooking oil that is best for you.

Our Favorites

Here are some quick, popular picks for every frying application.

Deep Frying Oil

Healthy Brand 100% Peanut Oil

Ingredients: Peanut oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, deep frying

Added Advantage: Doesn't transfer flavors

Light Frying / Sauteing Oil

Lira Olive Pomace Oil

Ingredients: Olive pomace oil

Smoke Point: 460 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, sauteing

Added Advantage: Light flavor won’t detract from natural flavors of food

Oil for Sauces and Dressings

Pure Vegetable Salad Oil

Ingredients: 90% soybean oil, 10% vegetable oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings and frying non-breaded items

Added Advantage: Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids

Multi-Purpose Oil

Coconut Oil

Ingredients: Coconut oil

Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, frying, or making popcorn

Added Advantage: Exceptionally versatile and all-natural

Shortening Oil

Zero Trans Fat All Purpose Shortening

Ingredients: Palm oil and cottonseed oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying dough, baking, and making icing

Added Advantage: Versatile product with zero trans fat

Types of Oil for Deep Fryers

If you're looking to deep fry chicken, vegetables, and other comfort food, check out these types of frying oils with features that range from economic, healthy, or non-transferable with flavors.

Creamy Fryer Oil

Ingredients: Canola oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying

Added Advantage: Healthy alternative to high-fat frying, retains excellent fryer life if filtered daily

Expeller Pressed Premium Creamy Liquid Shortening

Ingredients: Canola and soybean oils

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying

Added Advantage: No flavor transfer and contains contains zero trans fat

Magic Fry Clear Liquid Shortening

Ingredients: Soybean oil and special anti-foaming additives

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying

Added Advantage: Buttery taste without added cholesterol

Admiration Pro Fry Liquid Shortening

Ingredients: High oleic soybean oil and special anti-foaming additives

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Heavy-duty frying applications

Added Advantage: Healthier alternative to other frying oils

Peanut Oil

Ingredients: 100% peanut oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Deep frying and stir fry

Added Advantage: Doesn't absorb or transfer flavors

Peanut Oil Blend

Ingredients: 50% peanut oil, 50% soya oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: All-purpose deep frying and stir fry

Added Advantage: Economical substitute for peanut-oil

Healthy Brand 100% Peanut Oil

Ingredients: Peanut oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, deep frying

Added Advantage: Doesn't transfer flavors

Cottonseed Oil

Ingredients: Winterized cottonseed oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: All-purpose deep frying and stir fry

Added Advantage: Economical substitute for peanut oil with a high smoke point

Admiration Canola Frying Oil

Ingredients: Canola oil, TBHQ, Dimethyl Polysilixone (anti-foaming agent)

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying

Added Advantage: Healthier alternative to other frying oils

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Types of Oil for Light Frying / Sauteing

Whether you're searing, sauteing, lightly frying, or even creating signature infused flavor oils, these types of oils have various smoke points, flavors, and multiple different uses.

Pan Whiz Butter Alternative

Ingredients: Soybean oil, salt, vegetable lecithin, artificial buttery flavor, colored with beta-carotene. TBHQ added to protect flavor, and Dimethyl Polysiloxane (anti-foaming agent)

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, sauteing

Added Advantage: Ready-to-use formula resists burning, scorching, and spattering

Soya Oil

Ingredients: Soybean oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Inexpensive and healthy

Pure Vegetable Salad Oil

Ingredients: 90% soybean oil, 10% vegetable oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings and frying non-breaded items

Added Advantage: Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids

100% Pure Olive Oil

Ingredients: Refined olive oil

Smoke Point: 460 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: High-heat cooking, vinaigrettes, signature infused flavor oils

Added Advantage: High-quality, versatile oil that is a product of Italy

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ingredients: 100% cold pressed olives

Smoke Point: 405 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Finishing oil on salads, marinades

Added Advantage: High-quality oil with pronounced and smooth flavor

Box of 100% Atlantic Organic organic sunflower oil

100% Organic Sunflower Oil

Ingredients: Organic sunflower oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Searing and sauteing

Added Advantage: Healthier alternative to other traditional frying oils

Oasis Corn Oil

Ingredients: Corn oil

Smoke Point: 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, cooking, baking

Added Advantage: High-quality oil with pronounced and smooth flavor

Corn Oil

Ingredients: 100% corn oil

Smoke Point: 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, cooking, baking

Added Advantage: Versatile in application and naturally resistant to breakdown

Pan & Grill Cooking Oil

Ingredients: Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, lecithin, artificial butter flavor, beta carotene (color) TBHQ and Citric Acid (to protect flavor), Dimethyl Polysiloxane (anti-foaming agent)

Smoke Point: 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, pan or griddle frying

Added Advantage: Features a buttery flavor

Lira Olive Pomace Oil

Ingredients: Olive pomace oil

Smoke Point: 460 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying, sauteing

Added Advantage: Light flavor won’t detract from natural flavors of food

Salute Brand Premium Blend Soy Salad Oil

Ingredients: 75% soybean oil, 25% olive oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Dressings, sauteing, baking, light frying

Added Advantage: Contains healthy antioxidants

Non-GMO Soybean Oil

Ingredients: Non-GMO soybean oil

Smoke Point: 440 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Non-GMO recipe

Soya Bean Salad Oil

Ingredients: Soybean oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Inexpensive and healthier than other oils

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Types of Oils for Sauces and Dressings

A house-made dressing or vinaigrette can take a simple salad or protein-heavy dish to the next level, creating a one-of-a-kind and exclusive menu item in your restaurant.

Soya Oil

Ingredients: Soybean oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Inexpensive and healthy

Pure Vegetable Salad Oil

Ingredients: 90% soybean oil, 10% vegetable oil

Smoke Point: 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings and frying non-breaded items

Added Advantage: Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids

Salute Brand Premium Blend Soy Salad Oil

Ingredients: 75% soybean oil, 25% olive oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Dressings, sautéing, baking, light frying

Added Advantage: Contains healthy antioxidants

Non-GMO Soybean Oil

Ingredients: Non-GMO soybean oil

Smoke Point: 440 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Non-GMO recipe

Soya Bean Salad Oil

Ingredients: Soybean oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Light frying, baking, and making dressings

Added Advantage: Inexpensive and healthier than other oils

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Multi-Purpose Oils

From baking or frying to making popcorn or vinaigrette, these multi-purpose oils are perfect for all different types of cooking applications that need oil.

Canola Oil

Ingredients: Canola oil

Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying breaded items, sauteing, and making salad dressings

Added Advantage: Versatile in application with a neutral flavor that won't overpower dishes

100% Pure Organic Canola Oil

Ingredients: Organic canola oil

Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying breaded items, sauteing, and making salad dressings

Added Advantage: Versatile in application with a neutral flavor that won't overpower dishes

Organic Soybean Oil

Ingredients: Organic soybean oil

Smoke Point: 460 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Cooking, baking, frying, and making salad dressings

Added Advantage: Low in saturated fats and high in beneficial fatty acids

Jug of Salute Premium Blend soya olive oil

Soya Olive Blend Oil

Ingredients: 90% soybean oil, 10% olive oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings, cooking, baking, sauteing, and light frying

Added Advantage: Versatile, all-purpose oil

99:1 Soy / Olive Oil Blend

Ingredients: 99% soybean oil, 1% olive oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings, cooking, baking, sauteing, and light frying

Added Advantage: Versatile, all-purpose oil with olive oil flavor

75:25 Soya / Olive Oil Blend

Ingredients: 75% pure vegetable soya oil, 25% imported olive oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Making dressings, cooking, baking, sauteing, and light frying

Added Advantage: Versatile, all-purpose oil with olive oil flavor

Admiration Canola Oil

Ingredients: Canola oil

Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Cooking, frying, and making salad dressings

Added Advantage: Healthier alternative to other oils

Non-GMO Expeller Pressed Canola Oil

Ingredients: Non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Cooking, frying, and making salad dressings

Added Advantage: Non-GMO and expeller pressed (no chemicals)

Avocado Oil

Ingredients: Avocado oil

Smoke Point: 570 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, frying, or making vinaigrettes

Added Advantage: Exceptionally versatile and contains heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory properties; great for health-conscious cooking

Coconut Oil

Ingredients: Coconut oil

Smoke Point: 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, frying, or making popcorn

Added Advantage: Exceptionally versatile and all-natural

100% Grape Seed Oil

Ingredients: Refined grape seed oil

Smoke Point: 420 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, frying, or enhancing salad dressings and marinades

Added Advantage: Exceptionally versatile as well as preservative and cholesterol free

Healthy Brand Canola Fry Oil

Ingredients: Canola oil, TBHQ and citric acid (to protect flavor), Dimethyl Polysiloxane (anti-foaming agent)

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Baking, cooking, frying, or sauteing

Added Advantage: Most nutritious oil

100% Pure Sesame Oil

Ingredients: 100% pure sesame seed oil

Smoke Point: 420 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: High-heat cooking, stir-frying, sauces, and marinades

Added Advantage: Imparts dishes with rich, nutty flavor

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Shortening Oils

Shortening oil is best for all of your baking purposes, such as frying donuts, making frosting, cutting into pie dough, and using as the fat in baked goods.

Box of AAK Foodserve Donut Fry Shortening

Oasis Donut Fry Shortening

Ingredients: Partially hydrogenated soybean oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Donut frying

Added Advantage: Ensures superior glaze retention

Zero Trans Fat All Purpose Shortening

Ingredients: Palm oil and cottonseed oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Frying dough, baking, and making icing

Added Advantage: Versatile product with zero trans fat

Zero Trans Fat Donut Fry Shortening

Ingredients: Palm oil

Smoke Point: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Ideal For: Donut frying

Added Advantage: Zero trans fat

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How to Clean Fryer Oil

When using cooking oil for deep frying applications, it's an economical decision to continuously filter and stabilize your fryer oil in order to prolong the life of your oil, ultimately cutting down costs. Watch the video below to learn how to get the most use out of your fryer oil!

How to Prolong the Life of Your Fryer Oil

Although you may want to prolong the life of your oil as long as possible, it's very important to continuously test the quality of your oil. As your fryer oil breaks down over time, polar substances build up, increasing the your risk of serving undercooked food. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions to test the quality of your fryer oil!

MirOil FQA Frying Oil Test Strips

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