A high-quality bottle of olive oil equipped with a spout is essential for various cooking tasks. However, an oil sprayer offers distinct advantages by evenly misting oil over your food, preventing wastage compared to pouring. It not only conserves oil but also enhances the countertop with its sleek, manageable, and aesthetically pleasing design.
Best Overall
Misto Oil Sprayer
Pros:
- Simple to operate
- Free from BPA
- Available in various styles
- Provides even sprays
Cons:
- Cleaning can pose challenges
The Misto sprayer offers a near-commercial aerosol sprayer experience without any potentially harmful propellants. Operating it is straightforward: Just pump the container and press the valve on the pressurized sprayer to release a fine mist. Its versatility extends beyond oils to include vinegars, citrus juice, sherry, or marsala wine. The main drawback is its cleaning process, which involves several parts but requires thorough cleaning only every six to eight weeks.
Misto also offers sprayers in materials such as brushed aluminum and tritan plastic, in addition to frosted glass.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2 x 7.75 inches
- Oil Volume: 7 ounces
- Spray Type: Hand pump for pressure; no aerosols
- Materials: Frosted glass bottle; also available in stainless steel and plastic
Best for Grilling
Evo 18-Ounce Reusable Oil Sprayer
Pros:
- Generous capacity
- Non-aerosol design
- Built to last
- Provides consistent sprays
Cons:
- May retain odors and flavors
When choosing an oil mister for grilling, durability is paramount—especially to avoid accidents on your patio. This spray bottle is crafted from sturdy plastic, ensuring safety without latex, BPA, or DEHP concerns.
Another standout feature is its substantial 18-ounce capacity, ideal for applying not just oil but also vinegar sprays on large cuts like pork butt. Evo’s design allows for both vertical and horizontal fan sprays, offering precise coverage and control over oil application.
“I can’t overstate how transformative the Evo Oil Sprayer has been,” praises Allison Wignall from The Spruce Eats. “A few pumps evenly coat pans, veggies, or baking sheets—no more oil overuse or burns.”
In testing, the Evo Oil Sprayer stood out for its reliability. The transparent plastic lets you monitor oil levels, though note that the plastic version isn’t dishwasher-safe—easy cleaning with soap and water is recommended.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 2.5 x 9 inches
- Oil Volume: 18 ounces
- Spray Type: Trigger spray nozzle
- Materials: BPA-free plastic
Best Budget
Wayeept Oil Spritzer
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Ergonomic and user-friendly
- Includes cleaning brushes
- Compact size
Cons:
- Spray consistency may vary
This sleek oil sprayer offers a lot to admire. It boasts a range of well-thought-out design elements at a wallet-friendly price: a slender, easy-to-grip glass bottle that’s food-grade, a stainless steel nozzle, and an anti-slip design.
No strenuous pumping is required; simply press the button gently to release a fine mist that evenly coats food, whether it’s olive oil, other cooking oils, vinegar, or soy sauce. As an added bonus, the sprayer comes with two cleaning brushes (small and large) and an extra tube to extend its lifespan.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 7 inches
- Oil Volume: 4 ounces
- Spray Type: Hand pump for pressure; no aerosols
- Materials: Glass bottle, stainless steel sprayer
Best Glass
Purelite Continuous Spray Olive Oil Mister
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Dark glass preserves freshness
- Easy to pour and clean
- UV light protection
Cons:
- Requires 30 pumps to operate
This glass bottle’s attractive blue hue serves more than just aesthetics—it effectively darkens the bottle to shield the oil from sunlight, extending its shelf life. The thick glass is reinforced with a safety coating to prevent accidental breakage.
Operated via a pump mechanism, the sprayer dispenses a fine, uniform mist ideal for coating foods or pans evenly. Simply pump the bottle about 30 times to build pressure; afterward, pressing the nozzle releases a precise layer of cooking oil.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 7 inches
- Oil Volume: 4 ounces
- Spray Type: Hand pump for pressure; no aerosols
- Materials: Glass bottle with light-blocking finish
Best Large
Evo Stainless Steel 16-Ounce Oil Sprayer
Pros:
- Comfortable ergonomic trigger
- Consistently dispenses the same amount of oil
- Spacious capacity
- Non-aerosol design
Cons:
- Higher price point
The Evo Stainless Steel Oil Mister is highly favored for its ability to evenly distribute cooking oil without the need for pre-pumping or propellants. Crafted from 18/8 stainless steel with a BPA-free plastic sprayer, it features an ergonomic trigger that’s easy to operate. With each pull, it dispenses a precise 1/4 teaspoon of oil, ensuring accurate application on food or cooking surfaces.
The nozzle is designed for uniform coverage, offering both vertical and horizontal fan spray patterns for enhanced control and precision. Additionally, the generous 16-ounce capacity reduces the need for frequent refills, catering well to avid cooks despite its higher price tag.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 7.75 inches
- Oil Volume: 16 ounces
- Spray Type: Trigger spray nozzle
- Materials: Stainless steel bottle; plastic sprayer
Best for Salads
NORBASE Olive Oil Sprayer
Pros:
- Excellent affordability
- Includes useful accessories
- Bottle features handy measurements
Cons:
- Slightly top-heavy
If you’re looking to evenly dress salads or veggies, this two-pack of oil sprayers is a fantastic choice. It allows you to use one bottle for oil and another for vinegar or a different cooking oil, providing versatility without the need for frequent cleaning or refilling.
We appreciate the convenience of having measurements on the side of the glass bottle, perfect for preparing your favorite dressings directly inside. The set offers great value and includes a basting brush, cleaning brush, and funnel for easy filling. Just be mindful that the bottles can tip over due to their slightly heavier tops.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2 x 7.5 inches
- Oil Volume: 3 ounces per bottle
- Spray Type: Trigger spray nozzle
- Materials: Glass bottle, stainless steel sprayer
Best for the Air Fryer
CHEFVANTAGE Olive Oil Mister
Pros:
- Does not use aerosols, preventing sticky cooking residue
- Constructed from stainless steel
- Simple to clean
Cons:
- Somewhat bulky for maneuvering
Choosing the right oil and applying it evenly is crucial for air fryer cooking. This stainless steel oil sprayer is highly recommended for achieving optimal results. Keeping it properly primed ensures it dispenses a fine, even layer of oil essential for achieving crispy textures in air-fried foods.
With two sprayers included, you can designate one for regular oil and the other for flavored varieties to suit your cooking preferences. These sprayers are slightly more rounded than others, which might pose a challenge for users with grip or mobility issues in their hands.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2 x 8 inches
- Oil Volume: 7 ounces
- Spray Type: Hand pump for pressure; no aerosols
- Materials: Stainless steel
Final Verdict
The top choice overall is the Misto Oil Sprayer, offering affordability, attractive design, and excellent functionality. However, for those seeking options in size, color, and material, the Evo Oil Sprayer provides a wide selection of models to choose from.
What to Look for in an Oil Sprayer
Material
Oil sprayers typically come in three main materials: glass, stainless steel, and plastic. Glass is popular for being chemical-free, odorless, flavor-neutral, and visually appealing. Stainless steel offers exceptional durability and features a protective interior that preserves oil quality. Plastic is lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and budget-friendly, but it can retain odors and flavors over time.
Size
Choose the size of your oil sprayer based on your cooking oil usage. Opt for a larger vessel if you use oil frequently to minimize refills. For occasional use, a smaller sprayer helps maintain oil freshness longer.
Spray Activation Mechanism
Oil sprayers vary in how their spray is activated. Non-aerosol sprayers are preferred as they avoid potentially harmful propellants. Activation methods include pressure valves, trigger mechanisms, or pumps, each offering effective oil distribution. The key is selecting a model known for its quality and reliability.
Style
While functionality is paramount, the style of an oil sprayer also matters, especially if it will be displayed on your kitchen counter. Choose from a variety of styles, shapes, colors, and materials that complement your kitchen decor and personal taste.
FAQs
What cooking oils can you put in an oil sprayer?
You can use any type of cooking oil in an oil sprayer. Ensure thorough cleaning of the container between oil changes, especially when switching between different types. Opting for a glass or stainless steel sprayer is advisable if you frequently switch oils, as plastic can retain odors and flavors.
Where should you store your oil sprayer?
To maintain your sprayer’s performance, wipe the nozzle after each use to prevent blockages. For glass or plastic oil sprayers, store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid premature degradation. Ideally, store your oil sprayer in a cool, dark environment, such as inside a kitchen cabinet.
How do you clean your oil sprayer and how often should you clean it?
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent nozzle clogs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines. Typically, fill the empty sprayer with warm, soapy water, shake well, and spray several times. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, spray again, then allow the sprayer to dry completely before refilling.
