Choosing the Deep Fryer Oil that's Best for You

The deep fryer oil you will choose will determine the success or failure of your cooking project. Because deep frying is heavily reliant on the deep fryer oil (you will need to submerge the food completely in oil to deep fry it), you will need to choose the best deep fryer oil in order to get the results that you're looking for.

How to Choose the Best Deep Fryer Oil

The key to choosing the best deep fryer oil is its smoking point. Smoking point refers to the temperature that is needed to make the oil smoke, before it bursts into flames. You will want to choose a deep fryer oil that has a high smoking point, otherwise, your food will end up getting burned and you run the risk of uncontrolled fires if you choose the kind of oil that has a low smoking point, which is why we highly recommend reading the article on proper storage and disposal of deep fryer oil. All oils have different smoking points, so you will need to make sure that the oil you choose has a high smoking point prior to buying it.

It is important to note that there are actually factors that can influence the smoking point of the oil. This includes:

• The presence of food particles
• The temperature used to heat the oil
• The presence of salt
• The number of times the oil has already been used
• The length of time that is used to heat the oil
• The condition of the oil while it was in storage (such as exposure to light or oxygen)

Different Kinds of Deep Fryer Oil

Even with the elimination of oils that have low smoking points, you still have a variety to choose from. These include:

• Cottonseed oil. Cotton seed oil has a high smoking point (450 F) and can be kept longer compared to most of the other kinds of oil. Furthermore, it has a neutral flavor, so its taste will not affect the taste of the food that you're cooking.
   
• Safflower oil. Safflower oil has one of the highest smoking points at 509 F. Aside from deep frying, it can also be used as a salad dressing. It is known to help treat diabetes and obesity, as well as prevent acne breakouts and asthma attacks.
   
• Peanut oil. Peanut oil is a personal favorite of those who love making French fries. It gives off a nutty smell, especially when cooked with balsamic vinegar. Its smoking point is 448 F.
   
• Corn oil. Corn oil doesn't change color, tastes, good, and is cheap compared to the other kinds of oil used in deep frying. It has a smoking point of 450 F.
   
• Rice bran oil. Rice bran oil is widely considered as one of the healthiest choices you can make when it comes to deep fryer oil because it contains a lot of nutrients, including Vitamin E, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. It is known to be hypoallergenic, helps boost memory, and aids in the prevention of diseases like diabetes and cancer. It is also trans fat-free, so it's healthier than most oils. The smoking point of rice bran oil is 489 F.

If you are new to deep frying click here to read about things you need for deep frying

Which is the Best Deep Fryer Oil?

There is no single choice when it comes to deep fryer oil. Instead, you will need to consider all factors to make the choice. Are you more concerned about price or quality? Do you want something that's great tasting or healthy? Ultimately, the deep fryer oil you choose will have to be based on your personal preferences.