Hot vs. cold pressing: which Method is better?

Home production of vegetable oils has evolved from a rare and almost exotic hobby into a profitable and increasingly popular practice. Many people strive not only to save money but also to ensure the quality, freshness, and natural purity of the oils they consume. This is why more and more enthusiasts prefer home oil extraction instead of purchasing ready-made products.

There are two primary methods for producing raw oils: hot pressing and cold pressing. The first method requires a screw (auger) oil press, while the second uses a channel-type, sheet-metal, or hydraulic cold-press oil press.

Beginners who want to start producing oils often struggle to choose the right machine because they are unsure of the fundamental differences between these two pressing methods. Both the screw press and the cold-press hydraulic press can extract oils from nuts, grains, seeds, and even the pulp of certain fruits. However, the final products differ significantly in quality and nutritional value.

Hot oil pressing: description and key features

Industrial hot pressing — also known as extrusion — requires the raw material to be preheated to temperatures between 60°C and 120°C. This significantly increases oil yield and boosts production efficiency. After extraction, the oil usually undergoes refining and deodorization, processes that remove chemical impurities but also destroy fat-soluble vitamins, most minerals, and omega fatty acids.

At home, hot-pressed oils are produced using a screw press. Its operation is based on the continuous movement of an auger that forces grains or nuts into the press chamber. The auger rotates at about 60 RPM, heating itself and the raw material. Additional heat is generated through friction between the screw and the chamber walls.

Oils extracted this way can reach temperatures of 90°C or more—well above the smoke point of many plant oils. As a result, the product offers limited nutritional benefits. Moreover, elevated temperatures can lead to the formation of trans fats, which have altered molecular structures, promote inflammation, increase «bad» cholesterol, and ultimately raise cardiovascular risk.

How cold-pressed oils are made

Cold pressing requires a special cold-press oil press and a barrel (press mold). The selected seeds, nuts, or grains are placed in a dedicated pressing bag, which is inserted into the press mold. Once activated, the press gradually increases pressure — often reaching several dozen tons — forcing the oil out. The extracted oil rarely exceeds 35–40°C, allowing it to retain maximum nutritional value.

Because this type of equipment does not generate heat, the temperature of both the raw material and the oil remains low throughout the process. As a result, thermolabile vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenols, and the natural structure of omega fatty acids are preserved.

Cold pressing also maintains the authentic aroma and flavor of the plant material, producing what many refer to as «living oil» — extremely beneficial for overall health due to its purity and high concentration of bioactive compounds.

Certified presses and press barrels by CraftOil — everything you need for Hhme oil making

CraftOil offers a high-quality and continually expanding selection of equipment for hot and cold oil extraction. On our website, customers can choose from oil presses with capacities ranging from 20 to 75 tons, as well as dual (paired) presses designed for extracting two different oils simultaneously.

Our 20-ton channel-type and sheet-metal presses, the 30-ton modular hydraulic press, as well as 30-ton channel-type and sheet-metal models — including the dual 30/30-ton press — are ideal for home or small-scale production. These units are compact, easy to operate, and require no special working conditions.

More powerful machines such as the 70-ton «Austrian» press, the 50-ton hydraulic «Italian» press, and other industrial models are designed for commercial use. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to produce oil not only for personal consumption but also for retail.

All presses can be equipped with wooden or caprolon press barrels, depending on customer preference. We provide a one-year warranty and full technical support for every unit.

To learn more about the benefits of home oil production and the advantages of CraftOil equipment, simply submit a request on our website.