Is it safe to use rapeseed oil in the deep fat fryer?
When you fry with oils it’s best to choose an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point for oils is the temperature at which the oil starts to give off smoke and burn. Refined rapeseed oil, sometimes labelled vegetable oil, is a good choice of oil for deep frying, as it has a high smoke (or burn) point. See our infographic to compare the smoke points of different cooking oils. Typically refined oils have a higher smoke point than unrefined (e.g. extra virgin or cold pressed), making refined oils more suitable for frying.
NOTE – cooking oil is a highly flammable liquid:
- When deep fat frying never leave the pan unattended.
- Never pour water on a fryer that has caught alight.
- Each time oils are heated, the smoke point is reduced. It’s best to change your oil regularly, otherwise there’s a risk the oil will catch fire during cooking.

Popular FAQS

What is the difference between Canola and Rapeseed Oil?
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Can I be allergic to rapeseed oil? If I have an allergy to pollen will I be allergic to rapeseed oil?
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Are nutrients destroyed, or altered in a harmful way, during the heating process for refined oils?
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Can I use cold pressed rapeseed oil for baking? Or will useful nutrients be destroyed / altered in a harmful way during the heating process?
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Nutritionist vs dietician – what’s the difference?
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Is heating rapeseed oil bad for you? Can it be toxic or poisonous?
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Is rapeseed oil free from trans fat?
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I take cod liver oil but can I take cold-pressed rapeseed oil to get the same benefits?
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Can you buy rapeseed oil that has simply been made using presses?
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How does coconut oil compare with rapeseed oil?
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Are rapeseed oil crops (known as oilseed rape) highly allergenic?
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Has there been an increase in the amount of oilseed rape being grown?
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What if I don’t like the flavour of rapeseed oil?
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I can’t find rapeseed oil in my local shop – where can I buy it?
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Which cooking oils are the healthiest to use?
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Is it beneficial for health to take a sip of rapeseed oil each day?
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Is it unhealthy to have more omega 6 than omega 3 in an oil?
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Is rapeseed oil bad for you?
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How many calories are in rapeseed oil?
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Is it safe to use rapeseed oil in the deep fat fryer?
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Frying with rapeseed oil – is it suitable?
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Is olive oil healthier than rapeseed oil?
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Why is rapeseed oil a healthier choice for cooking?
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Is rapeseed oil GM (Genetically Modified)?
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Is rapeseed oil produced in the UK?
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Is rapeseed oil a whole grain?
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Is vegetable oil rapeseed oil?
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Why do you promote the Eatwell Guide view on healthy eating?
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Why should we trust the nutrition information on this website?
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Who are Rapeseed Oil Benefits?
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The Essentials
Rapeseed oil basics
Find out more about the healthy cooking oil, known in the US as canola oil.
Find out moreRead this AHDB guide to help make healthier choices in your diet and lifestyle.
Find out moreDiscover the health benefits of rapeseed oil with our handy guide.
Find out moreRead our guide to the nutrients contained in rapeseed oil. Minerals, vitamins and more.
Find out more