What is a cold oil press? A detailed explanation of its working principle.

12 03,2026
Penguin Group
Tutorial Guide
A cold press is a device that extracts oil from oilseeds by pressing them under low-temperature conditions. Its working principle is mainly to separate the oil from the oilseeds through mechanical pressure, avoiding high temperatures, thereby better preserving the nutrients and natural flavor of the oil.

Explore cold-pressed oil presses: a modern solution for healthy cooking oil.

With the growing popularity of healthy eating concepts, people are demanding higher quality cooking oils. Have you ever wondered how the oils we consume daily are transformed from raw materials into a necessity on our tables? Traditional oil pressing methods, involving high-temperature processing, not only destroy the natural nutrients in the oil but may also produce substances harmful to health. The advent of cold-pressing machines offers a healthier and more nutritious oil extraction solution.

Industry data insights:

According to statistics from the Chinese Cereals and Oils Association, the market size of cold-pressed edible oil reached 18 billion yuan in 2023, with an annual growth rate of over 15%. More and more families and food companies are choosing cold-pressed oil because it retains more than 90% of the natural vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids in the raw materials, a figure 1.8 times that of traditional hot-pressing processes.

What is a cold oil press?

A cold-press oil press is a device that presses oilseeds at a low temperature (usually below 60°C). Unlike traditional hot-pressing processes, cold pressing does not involve high-temperature treatment, thus avoiding the loss of nutrients and the generation of harmful substances in the oil. This process is suitable not only for common oilseeds such as peanuts, soybeans, and rapeseed, but also for high-end oilseed crops such as walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds, meeting the needs of different consumers.

Cold presses have a wide range of applications, from small household appliances to large food processing plants. Household cold presses are typically compact and easy to operate, allowing ordinary families to easily produce fresh and healthy cooking oil; while industrial-grade cold presses have higher production efficiency and automation, processing several tons of raw materials per day to meet the large-scale production needs of food companies.

Diagram of the operating principle of a cold-press oil press

Working principle of cold oil press

The working principle of a cold-pressed oil machine may seem simple, but it actually integrates the wisdom of mechanical engineering and food processing. The entire process mainly includes the following key steps:

Analysis of the working process of a cold oil press

  1. Raw material pretreatment : The oilseeds undergo screening, washing, and drying to ensure that the raw materials are pure and dry, with the moisture content controlled between 6-8%, which is the key to ensuring the cold pressing effect.
  2. Low-temperature pressing : In an environment below 60℃, pressure is applied to the oilseeds using a screw press to separate the oil from the oilseed cells. This step requires precise control of pressure and rotation speed. Generally, the pressure is controlled at 30-50 MPa, and the rotation speed is adjusted between 20-50 rpm depending on the type of oilseed.
  3. Oil residue separation : The pressed mixed oil is separated from the oil residue by centrifugation or filtration to obtain virgin cold-pressed oil.
  4. Refining and Filtration : Depending on product requirements, virgin oil can undergo further refining processes such as degumming and decolorization. However, the refining process for cold-pressed oil is much less than that for traditional hot-pressed oil, thus preserving the natural flavor and nutrients of the oil to the greatest extent.

The core technology of cold oil presses lies in achieving efficient oil extraction under low-temperature conditions. Modern cold oil presses typically employ a screw-press structure, using gradually increasing pressure to break down oilseed cells while a special cooling system controls the temperature rise during the pressing process. This design not only increases the oil yield (reaching 75-85% of the raw material's oil content) but also ensures the quality of the oil.

Advantages and applications of cold oil presses

Compared to traditional hot-pressing processes, cold-pressed oil has significant advantages. First, cold-pressed oil retains more nutrients, such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and unsaturated fatty acids, all essential for human health. Second, cold-pressed oil has a more natural and pure flavor, better showcasing the original aroma of the raw materials. Furthermore, the cold-pressing process eliminates the need for chemical solvents, avoiding the risk of solvent residue and making it safer and more reliable.

Cold-pressed oil vs. hot-pressed oil: A comparison of key indicators

index Cold-pressed oil Hot pressed oil
Processing temperature <60℃ 120-180℃
Vitamin E retention rate More than 90% 40-60%
Unsaturated fatty acid content higher lower
Trans fatty acids Almost no May contain

Cold-pressed oil machines have a wide range of applications. In homes, small cold-pressed oil machines allow people to control the quality of the oilseeds and produce fresh, healthy cooking oil, making them especially suitable for families with elderly members and children. In the food processing industry, cold-pressed oil is widely used in the production of high-end edible oils, health products, and cosmetics. Furthermore, the oil residue after cold pressing can be used as high-quality animal feed or organic fertilizer, achieving comprehensive resource utilization.

As a professional food processing equipment supplier, QIE Group has always focused on the innovation and development of cold pressing technology. Our technical team conducts in-depth research on the characteristics of different oilseeds and continuously optimizes the design of cold pressing machines to meet the needs of different customers. Whether you are a home user or a large food enterprise, you can find a suitable cold pressing solution.

Are you ready to upgrade your oil extraction process?

Explore the QIE Group's cold-press oil press series and experience efficient, healthy, and environmentally friendly oil extraction solutions. Whether you are a home user or a business client, we can provide you with tailored solutions.

Learn about QIE Group's cold oil press products

Choosing a cold-press oil machine is not just about choosing a healthier way to extract oil, but also about pursuing a higher quality of life. With increasing health awareness and a growing preference for natural foods, the market prospects for cold-press oil machines are vast. Whether you want to improve your family's dietary health or expand your food processing business, a cold-press oil machine is a worthwhile investment option.

When choosing a cold press oil machine, it is recommended to consider factors such as pressing efficiency, oil yield, ease of operation, and after-sales service based on your needs and budget. A high-quality cold press oil machine not only provides you with healthy edible oil but also saves you costs and creates value in the long run.

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