Replied by Michael (New Zealand) on 07/29/2016
For everyday cooking or the barbie you will usually want a neutral-tasting oil which doesn't mask the flavor of your food. Regular olive oil and canola oil are good choices. Cold-pressed oils may be too strong in flavor, and are usually more expensive.
For frying, you will need oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature to which oil can be heated before it smokes and discolors. Blended vegetable oils and canola, grape seed and peanut oil have high smoke points. Butter and table spreads have low smoke points, so they suit light sauteing rather than frying.
For salads, pasta and stir-fries you may want an oil with a distinctive flavor and most cold-pressed oils (extra-virgin olive oil, almond and avocado) are good choices. They are also great drizzled on meat, fish and vegetables, or for dipping bread.
Replied by Michael (New Zealand) on 07/29/2016
For frying, you'll need oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature to which oil can be heated before it smokes and discolors. Blended vegetable oils and canola, grape-seed and peanut oil have high smoke points. Butter and table spreads have low smoke points, so they suit light sauteing rather than frying.
