How To Keep Coconut Oil From Melting

Keeping coconut oil from melting starts with controlling the temperature around it.

Coconut oil melts at around 76°F (24°C), so the secret to keeping it solid is keeping it cool, stable, and away from heat sources.

If you’ve been wondering how to keep coconut oil from melting in your kitchen or pantry, you’re in the right place.

Whether it’s a heat wave, a warm cabinet, or just a stuffy room, melted coconut oil can be annoying, especially when you want that nice solid scoop for cooking or skincare.

In this post, we’ll go over practical ways to keep coconut oil from melting, how to store it properly, and what to do when it does turn liquid.

Why Coconut Oil Melts So Easily

Coconut oil melts so easily because of its unique fat composition, and understanding this is the first step to keeping coconut oil from melting.

1. Coconut Oil Has a Low Melting Point

The main reason coconut oil melts fast is its low melting point of about 76°F.

That’s barely warmer than a comfortable room.

So on a warm day, or in a kitchen where you’re cooking, your coconut oil can turn to liquid without you doing anything at all.

This low melting point is exactly why keeping coconut oil from melting requires temperature control.

2. It’s High in Saturated Fats

Coconut oil is packed with saturated fats, which is why it stays solid at cooler temperatures.

But those same fats start to liquefy quickly once the temperature creeps up.

Even a small rise in heat can be enough to get your coconut oil melting, which is why you can’t just leave it anywhere.

3. Heat Sources Nearby Speed Things Up

Storing coconut oil near the stove, oven, or a sunny window is a sure way to get it melting.

These spots radiate heat even when you’re not actively cooking.

If you want to keep coconut oil from melting, keeping it away from heat sources is a must.

How to Keep Coconut Oil From Melting

Here’s how to keep coconut oil from melting with a few simple habits.

1. Store It in a Cool, Dark Place

The simplest way to keep coconut oil from melting is to store it somewhere cool and dark.

A pantry shelf away from the stove, a lower cabinet, or a basement shelf all work well.

Aim for a spot that stays below 76°F, and you’ll find your coconut oil holds its solid form much longer.

2. Use the Fridge in Hot Weather

When summer heat makes it nearly impossible to keep coconut oil from melting at room temp, the fridge becomes your best friend.

Pop your jar in the refrigerator and it’ll stay solid and firm.

The only catch is it gets quite hard, so you may need to scoop with a little more effort or let it soften slightly before use.

3. Choose Glass Jars With Tight Lids

Storing coconut oil in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid helps keep it from melting by protecting it from warm air and humidity.

Glass also doesn’t hold onto heat the way some plastics can.

A good lid keeps moisture out and helps maintain a stable environment so you can keep coconut oil from melting for longer.

4. Keep It Away From Appliances

Appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, and microwave give off heat.

If your coconut oil sits right next to any of them, it’ll melt faster than you’d expect.

Move it a few feet away and you’ll notice a real difference when trying to keep coconut oil from melting.

5. Use Smaller Containers

If you buy coconut oil in bulk, consider splitting it into smaller jars.

Smaller containers are easier to tuck into cool spots, and you only bring out what you need.

Less exposure to warm air means more success when you’re trying to keep coconut oil from melting.

6. Insulate During Heat Waves

During a serious heat wave, you can keep coconut oil from melting by wrapping the jar in a towel or storing it in a cooler area of the house.

Some folks even keep it in a small cooler with an ice pack nearby, just don’t let the oil get too cold or it’ll turn rock hard.

What to Do If Your Coconut Oil Melts

If your coconut oil does melt, don’t panic, because melted coconut oil is still perfectly usable.

1. Let It Resolidify Naturally

Just move the jar to a cooler spot and let it cool down on its own.

As the temperature drops below 76°F, your coconut oil will start to solidify again.

Avoid putting it in the freezer to speed things up, since rapid cooling can affect the texture.

2. Stir It Before It Sets

If you want an even consistency once it resolidifies, give it a good stir while it’s still liquid.

This helps distribute the fats evenly so your coconut oil sets smoothly instead of in uneven chunks.

3. Melted Oil Is Still Good to Use

Melted coconut oil works great for cooking, baking, and skincare.

You can even pour it into molds and let it set into handy portions.

So even if you couldn’t keep coconut oil from melting, nothing is wasted.

So, How to Keep Coconut Oil From Melting?

Keeping coconut oil from melting starts with controlling the temperature around it.

Coconut oil melts at around 76°F (24°C), so the key to keeping it solid is storing it in a cool, dark spot away from heat sources, using the fridge in hot weather, and choosing the right containers.

Hope this post has helped you with practical ways to keep coconut oil from melting and what to do when it turns liquid.

With these tips, you can keep coconut oil from melting and enjoy it solid and ready whenever you need it.