How to Microwave Coconut Oil

Many common oils, such as olive oil, canola oil and vegetable oil, are liquid at room temperature. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is a snowy white paste-like solid at cooler room temperatures. It does not melt and become liquid until it reaches at least 73 degrees F. This may not be a problem in many uses; you can incorporate solid coconut oil into warm recipes, where it will melt on its own, or melt it between your hands to apply it to your hair. If you need to liquefy coconut oil, however, you may do so in the microwave. This may affect its molecular structure, but it is a quick and easy way to melt the oil if you do not care about this fact.

Things You'll Need

• Microwave-safe container
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Put your coconut oil into a microwave-safe container.

2. Place the container in the microwave and heat it on high for 15 seconds. Remove the container from the microwave and stir well. You should notice the coconut oil beginning to melt.

3. Return the container to the microwave and heat it for another 15 seconds, then remove it and stir it again. Repeat this process until the coconut oil is almost completely melted. At that point, you can simply stir the oil to melt any remaining solid parts.

Tips & Warnings

• Melt your coconut oil more gently by submerging a sealed container of it in warm water.

• Oil in the microwave, or the dish containing it, can become quite hot -- exercise caution in taking it in and out.

References

• Asian and Pacific Coconut Community: The Plain Truth About Coconut Oil
• Chef Teton: Cooking With Coconut Oil

Resources

• Coconut Connections: Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Oil