Though a common question, there really is no definitive answer. With several oils on the market, we certainly are spoiled for choice.  The fact is, all oils are created differently, making them suitable for different cooking styles. For example, some oils are best for sautéing, while others work better in deep frying. You also have oils that work as flavour enhancers but aren’t necessarily great to cook with.

Don’t worry too much however, no one is suggesting that you need a multitude of oils on hand; 2 – 3 will do. The most important thing to consider when choosing your cooking oil is the burning point. This refers to the temperature at which the oil starts to break down, causing it to lose nutritional value and in some cases, become harmful and toxic.

Therefore, when deciding what oil to use, it is best to determine what you plan on doing with it first.  Below is a list of some of the best oils and what to use them for:

• Olive Oil; undoubtedly the healthiest oil on the market. This oil, however, has a low smoke point, especially if you are using Extra Virgin Olive Oil, making it ideal for light cooking and as a base for most salad dressings.
• Grapeseed Oil; my personal favourite when it comes to cooking, as it is quite neutral and won’t overpower a dish like olive oil. It also has a higher smoke point, making it great for sautéing and stir frying, but it is not recommended for deep frying. An alternative to this oil that many people prefer is avocado oil, which is also quite mild and has a higher smoke point than olive oil.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil; both with even higher smoke points, making them the preferred choice for deep frying, the latter being more favourable as it is lower in saturated fats. Both are also great options for baking.
• Peanut Oil; my personal favourite for deep frying, especially French fries! It is budget friendly, has a high smoke point and exudes a very mild, but delicious flavour and aroma. It is also a great oil for grilling meats, roasting vegetables, and sautéing stir fries.

So, what is your favourite oil? Please share in the comments!

To learn more about the other essential items to have in your pantry, be sure to check out our blog post on “Things To Always Have In Your Pantry“.