Butter’s natural smoke point is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct heat over this temperature will result in burnt butter. Whereas, clarified butter can be heated to 450 degrees without risk of burning, making it a more suitable option for searing proteins or making sauces.
Chart: Smoke Point Index
Heres a handy chart of the smoke points of common fats; its the list I was handed when I was in culinary school, courtesy of the latest edition of the Culinary Institute of America bible, The Professional Chef at Amazon, with some gaps filled in by my personal bible, Modernist Cuisine at Amazon.
Type of Fat | Smoke Point | Neutral?* |
Safflower Oil | 510°F/265°C | Yes |
Rice Bran Oil | 490°F/260°C | Yes |
Light/Refined Olive Oil | 465°F/240°C | Yes |
Soybean Oil | 450°F/230°C | Yes |
Peanut Oil | 450°F/230°C | Yes |
Clarified Butter | 450°F/230°C | No |
Corn Oil | 450°F/230°C | Yes |
Sunflower Oil | 440°F/225°C | Yes |
Vegetable Oil | 400-450°F/205-230°C | Yes |
Beef Tallow | 400°F/205°C | No |
Canola Oil | 400°F/205°C | Yes |
Grapeseed Oil | 390°F/195°C | Yes |
Lard | 370°F/185°C | No |
Avocado Oil (Virgin) | 375-400°F/190-205°C | No |
Chicken Fat (Schmaltz) | 375°F/190°C | No |
Duck Fat | 375°F/190°C | No |
Vegetable Shortening | 360°F/180°C | Yes |
Sesame Oil | 350-410°F/175-210°C | No |
Butter | 350°F/175°C | No |
Coconut Oil | 350°F/175°C | No |
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | 325-375°F/165-190°C | No |
*All neutral oils listed on this chart are refined; though unrefined versions of them do exist, these are the varieties most common to a home cooks repertoire. Meanwhile, the majority of flavorful oils are expeller-pressed and, though available refined, are often quite costly and uncommon.
Beginning Cooks Quick Tip: Don’t Burn Your Butter
FAQ
Will butter burn in 400 degree oven?
At what temp does butter burn?
Will butter burn at 375 in the oven?
How much heat can butter handle?
Fats and Oils
|
Max. Cooking Heat
|
Smoke Points
|
Butter
|
Medium
|
350°F
|
Butter, clarified (Ghee)
|
Medium-High
|
375 – 485°F (Depending on Purity)
|
Canola Oil (Rapeseed oil)
|
High
|
400°F
|
Coconut Oil
|
Medium
|
350°F
|
What temperature does butter burn?
Your run-of-the-mill butter will burn at any temperature higher than 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while clarified butter can go up to 450 degrees. To avoid burning your butter, make sure to have on hand a bit of lemon juice, perhaps in a little bowl on the side or even from a squirt bottle, for easy access.
Is butter difficult to digest?
Butter, as other dairy products, contains lactose and saturated fats which can be difficult to digest. It is better to prefer olive, avocado or coconut oil in your meals.
Can clarified butter be heated to 450 degrees?
Whereas, clarified butter can be heated to 450 degrees without risk of burning, making it a more suitable option for searing proteins or making sauces. Nowadays, clarified butter can be purchased in most grocery stores, but it is easy to make at home by melting butter, simmering off the water and skimming off all the milk solids with a spoon.
Does butter burn when baking?
In contrast, when baking, butter is less likely to burn as it’s exposed to a more indirect heat source. Additionally, the pan’s material can also affect the butter’s burning temperature. A non-stick pan may allow butter to burn at a lower temperature than a stainless steel pan.