Wood Pressed vs Cold Pressed Oil: The Real Difference (2026 Guide)
Share
By the Arkka Oils team. Last updated: June 2026.
Quick answer: Wood pressed oil is a type of cold pressed oil made in a wooden ghani at very low temperature. Both are chemical-free and far healthier than refined oil. Wood pressing keeps temperatures slightly lower, so it can retain marginally more aroma and nutrients, but a fresh, genuinely unrefined cold pressed oil is an excellent choice either way.
If that answers your question, the detail below explains exactly why, and how to pick the right oil for your kitchen.
What do wood pressed and cold pressed oil have in common?
Both are extracted without chemicals and without high heat. That is what makes them healthier than refined oil, which is pulled from seeds using solvents like hexane, then bleached and deodorized at high temperature. That refining strips out most of the natural aroma, antioxidants, and flavour.
So if your choice is between either of these and refined oil, you have already picked the better option.
How is cold pressed oil made?
Cold pressed oil is extracted at a low temperature, usually kept below 49°C, with no external heat added. Most modern cold pressing uses stainless steel machines that mechanically press the seeds. The low temperature preserves most natural nutrients and flavour, though metal presses can create a little friction heat.
How is wood pressed oil made?
Wood pressed oil, also called lakdi ghana, kachi ghani, kolhu, or chekku oil, is a specific kind of cold pressing that uses a wooden churner instead of steel. The wood creates almost no friction heat and absorbs what little builds up, keeping the temperature even lower. This is the traditional method Indian households used for generations.
Wood pressed vs cold pressed: side-by-side
| Factor | Wood Pressed (Lakdi Ghana) | Cold Pressed (Steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Wooden ghani / kolhu | Stainless steel press |
| Temperature | Lowest (wood absorbs heat) | Low, below 49°C |
| Chemicals | None | None |
| Aroma & flavour | Richest, most traditional | Clean, slightly milder |
| Nutrient retention | Slightly higher | High |
| Best for | Sesame, coconut, traditional cooking | Everyday cooking, all-round use |
So which one is actually healthier?
The honest answer most brands avoid: the gap between good wood pressed and good cold pressed oil is small. Both keep far more nutrients than refined oil, both are chemical-free, and both retain their natural fatty acids and antioxidants. Wood pressing has a slight temperature edge, which can matter for delicate oils like sesame and coconut. But freshness and purity matter far more than which of the two labels is on the bottle.
What actually matters when you buy
- Freshness. Oil is a fresh product that oxidizes over time. Ask how recently it was pressed. At Arkka we press in small batches and ship within 8 days for exactly this reason.
- One ingredient. The label should list only the oil. No preservatives, no palm oil blended in.
- Real aroma. Genuine groundnut oil smells nutty and real coconut oil smells like coconut. No smell often means over-processing.
- A source you can verify. Look for quality testing and transparency about seeds and method.
Key takeaways
- Wood pressed oil is a traditional, lower-temperature form of cold pressed oil.
- Both are chemical-free and much healthier than refined oil.
- The health difference between the two is small; freshness and purity matter more.
- For frying, choose high-smoke-point oils like groundnut; keep flaxseed oil for raw use.
Frequently asked questions
Is wood pressed oil better than cold pressed oil?
Wood pressed oil is pressed at a slightly lower temperature than steel cold pressing, so it can retain marginally more aroma and nutrients, especially for sesame and coconut. For most everyday cooking, both are excellent and far better than refined oil.
Is wood pressed oil the same as cold pressed oil?
Wood pressed oil is a specific type of cold pressed oil. All wood pressed oil is cold pressed, but not all cold pressed oil is wood pressed. The difference is the wooden ghani versus a steel press.
Which is better, wood pressed oil or refined oil?
Wood pressed oil is healthier than refined oil. Refined oil is extracted with chemicals and high heat, which removes most nutrients and natural flavour, while wood pressed oil is simply crushed at low temperature with nothing added or removed.
Can I use wood pressed oil for deep frying?
Yes, if you choose an oil with a high smoke point such as groundnut or coconut. These handle Indian frying well. Avoid frying with flaxseed oil, which has a low smoke point and is best used raw.
Why is wood pressed oil more expensive?
Wood pressing is slower and produces less oil per batch than refined methods, and it uses better-quality seeds without chemical processing. You pay more per litre but get a fresher, more nutritious oil.
Want oil that is genuinely fresh, traditionally pressed, and delivered quickly? Explore Arkka's cold pressed and wood pressed oils.