The Best Oil Bottle

Buying Guide

Cooking oils are a required part of any kitchen. Not only do they come in handy while you’re cooking, but the right set can add to your décor, showing the world how serious you are about your culinary skills.

But there are many factors to consider in buying an oil bottle. If you’re going for the display, a set with a decorative holder will probably be worth considering. However, if you plan to store your oil bottle in a cabinet, you can prioritize function over form, choosing a bottle that best fits your own needs without worrying about appearance.

Whether decorative or not, the color of the bottle actually makes a difference. A darker-colored bottle will help keep sunlight out, protecting the liquid inside from light, which will quickly deteriorate the quality. You should also look for bottles with a stopper that keeps out air, dust and bugs.

It’s also important to consider what you’ll be storing in your bottle. Oil and vinegar are among the most common – in fact, an oil bottle is the best way to store olive oil, which many home chefs find they use almost every time they’re cooking. But you can also use oil bottles for oil-based or especially thin salad dressing and even some sauces.

• If you plan to store your oils out in the open, you’ll need to look for a darker-colored bottle. The dark color will protect your oil from degradation due to exposure to light. But clear bottles let you see how much oil remains, as well as how much you’re pouring, so they have their benefits, as well. If you go through oil quickly, clear may be a better option.
• If you’re concerned about chemicals leaching into your oils and sauces, look for a bottle that promises to be free of lead and BPA.
• Ideally, you should clean your oil bottles between refills. If you don’t use your oil often, you may want to dump it out and clean the bottle, then put fresh oil in at least every couple of months. Most oil bottles can be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher, but if you opt to hand wash yours, make sure you have a brush that can squeeze inside the opening.
• Refilling oil bottles can be a challenge, as the spout is usually small. Some bottles come with a funnel to make this easier. If you choose a bottle that doesn’t come with a funnel, you may want to purchase one before your first required refill.