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
The oil is also anti-inflammatory, features a high amount of omega-3s and has a high smoke point of 535 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Emily Burns, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Avocado oil has a smoke point that ranges from 482 to 520 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type, with refined avocado oil having the highest smoke point.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Use a neutral oil, like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil; fats with a high smoke point work better than something more delicate, like olive oil or flaxseed oil.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025
Its high smoke point is ideal for frying, sautéing, and other high-heat cooking methods.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2025
This increases the smoke point and will fortify the butter to keep it from burning.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Refined olive oil can sometimes work, but avoid extra-virgin, which usually has a lower smoke point.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 6 Aug. 2025
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Emily Burns, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Avocado oil has a smoke point that ranges from 482 to 520 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type, with refined avocado oil having the highest smoke point.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Use a neutral oil, like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil; fats with a high smoke point work better than something more delicate, like olive oil or flaxseed oil.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025
Its high smoke point is ideal for frying, sautéing, and other high-heat cooking methods.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2025
This increases the smoke point and will fortify the butter to keep it from burning.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Refined olive oil can sometimes work, but avoid extra-virgin, which usually has a lower smoke point.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smoke point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoke%20point. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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