smoke point
noun
variants
or smoking point
plural smoke points or smoking points
: the temperature at which an oil or fat (especially one used for cooking) begins to emit smoke
When choosing an oil, you want one with a higher smoke point than your cooking temperature … since surpassing the smoke point "can cause undesirable burnt aroma and flavors," says [Jason] Ginsberg, in addition to filling your kitchen with smoke.—
Laurel Randolph
Laurel RandolphCold-pressed oils have a smoking point of less than 300°F and should not be used for high-heat cooking.—Jane Salzgass Freiman
Jane Salzgass FreimanFilm the pan with peanut oil or canola oil (which have higher smoke points than other vegetable oils).—Harvey Steiman
Harvey SteimanExamples of smoke point in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Flax oil is highly nutritious but also has a low smoke point, which can lead to oxidation and bitterness when heated.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024
There are a variety of smoke points for these oils, which makes some better for cooking than others.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Therefore, a high smoke point is more desirable for frying.26
Processing method: Processing methods also affect oil stability by changing antioxidant content.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024
Oil smoke points Any trip to the grocery store will tell you there’s a huge variety of cooking oils.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and makes an excellent choice for sautéing, frying, and baking.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Avocado oil’s smoke point varies depending on the type.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Wang explained to me that good extra virgin olive oil actually has a high smoke point (around 200 degrees Celsius).
—Marshall Bright, refinery29.com, 24 May 2024
Unrefined avocado oil has a smoke point of about 482℉, while refined avocado oil has a smoke point of 520℉.21
Because of its high smoke point, avocado oil can be used for higher-heat cooking methods, such as frying.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024
There are a variety of smoke points for these oils, which makes some better for cooking than others.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Therefore, a high smoke point is more desirable for frying.26
Processing method: Processing methods also affect oil stability by changing antioxidant content.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024
Oil smoke points Any trip to the grocery store will tell you there’s a huge variety of cooking oils.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and makes an excellent choice for sautéing, frying, and baking.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Avocado oil’s smoke point varies depending on the type.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Wang explained to me that good extra virgin olive oil actually has a high smoke point (around 200 degrees Celsius).
—Marshall Bright, refinery29.com, 24 May 2024
Unrefined avocado oil has a smoke point of about 482℉, while refined avocado oil has a smoke point of 520℉.21
Because of its high smoke point, avocado oil can be used for higher-heat cooking methods, such as frying.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 July 2024
Dictionary Entries Near smoke point
Cite this Entry
“Smoke point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoke%20point. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share