Choosing the right oil for cooking can be a minefield, but a private yacht chef has shared his top picks for use in home kitchensSophie Harris Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
06:02, 25 Jan 2026
These six cooking oils come chef recommended(Image: SimpleImages via Getty Images)
Whether you’re rustling up some crispy roasties or sizzling something on the hob, cooking oils are essential. Selecting the correct oil is one of the biggest head-scratchers in home kitchens, particularly when it comes to unlocking flavour and managing heat.
Barry D’Arcy, private yacht chef and founder of Ocean Earth Chefs, has revealed his approach to oils in the kitchen. He said: “Most people think oil is a simple ingredient, but it guides the entire cooking process. Every oil behaves differently under heat, and each one brings a different nutritional profile.
“When you match the right oil to the right task, food cooks cleaner, tastes richer and supports better everyday eating habits. These small decisions lift daily cooking to a higher standard and better nutritional values.”
Choosing the correct oil can make or break a meal(Image: Boogich via Getty Images)
Olive oil
According to the chef, olive oil serves various purposes depending on variety and when it’s added. Extra-virgin olive oil works brilliantly when flavour takes centre stage, typically drizzled over vegetables as a finishing flourish, whisked into salad dressings, or incorporated into gentle cooking.
For higher temperatures, Barry suggested opting for a lighter or refined olive oil as it maintains stability and prevents bitter notes. He added: “For cooks focused on balanced, everyday meals this new year, olive oil is a natural choice. It’s healthy fats fit easily into clean eating, and its minimal processing helps retain the olive’s natural flavour and nutrients.”
Avocado oil
Avocado oil handles scorching temperatures brilliantly, making it perfect for searing, roasting and barbecuing. Its subtle flavour lets your star ingredient shine, plus it’s packed with health benefits.
The expert explained: “Because it stays neutral in both flavour and feel, it lets cooks focus on technique and ingredients without compromise. For those looking for an oil that works hard behind the scenes while still aligning with thoughtful food choices, avocado oil is a dependable staple.”
Rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil crops up in loads of everyday cooking, with its understated flavour and silky consistency proving brilliant for frying, roasting, baking or blending into dressings. It doesn’t leave things feeling clogged or oily when used sensibly, though many households still overlook it.
Barry noted: “Rapeseed oil proves that consistency can be more valuable than drama. When you want meals to turn out reliably and feel light, it’s a steady and trustworthy choice.”
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil tackles various cooking methods, including rapid frying, delivering reliable outcomes every time. For home chefs pursuing healthier eating, sunflower often gets the nod for lighter dishes.
The expert added: “While it may not have the bold personality of other oils, its restraint is a strength, letting dishes feel crisp, balanced and straightforward. In busy kitchens or when you want meals that feel lighter and more focused on ingredients, sunflower oil is a dependable choice that keeps cooking easy and satisfying.”
Coconut oil
Coconut oil boasts a sweet, warming scent that makes it perfect for curries, stir-fries and baked goods. It’s typically chosen for its distinctive taste rather than health benefits, and can transform a dish into something punchy and full of character.
Mustard oil
Barry went on: “Mustard oil is a confident choice for home cooks looking to add flavour without relying on richness. Its sharp, warming taste brings instant depth to simple dishes, meaning a little goes a long way. Used for quick frying, vegetables or lentil-based meals, it adds interest without making food feel heavy.”
Dining and Cooking