Prepara's Tabletop Oil Mister Product Reviews

A few months ago we mentioned that we were looking for a good oil mister. We wanted one to coat cooking pans and sliced vegetables with oil, and we also wanted to quit buying those cans of spray oil. We got rather discouraged by the bad reviews of a brand we were considering, though, so the hunt got pushed aside. But then we had an opportunity to try out Prepara's tabletop oil mister and it's been a dream so far! Here's what we like about it.

This mister works like most other misters in its category; you fill the base with oil and twist on the main cap. Then you use the cap to to pump it full of air. A few pumps of the cap and it's ready to spray. Remove the cap and it usually has enough air pressure to spray oil to cover a tray of vegetables or bread.

The reason that they call this a tabletop mister is because of its handsome construction and glass base. Unlike many other misters, this isn't blank stainless steel or thin plastic. It's a heavy, solid little glass bottle with a plastic spray nozzle and semi-transparent cover. It's quite pretty and I wouldn't feel ashamed to leave it out on the table, where it does come in handy for last-minute salad dressing, and spraying vegetables with oil before carrying them out to the grill.

That glass base is a bit of a drawback in the kitchen, though, since it is quite heavy. It almost takes two hands to hold; my hands, though, are quite small, so this may be unique to me! I may still look for a lighter can to keep in the kitchen cupboard for baking. But that glass base is also an advantage, since it can be sterilized — unlike plastic.

The mister does work very well, though, and it's been such a pleasure to use it. It is much easier to coat vegetables with oil, or to spray bread with herbed olive oil. It also feels healthier to use a spray mister on such occasions; you end up using a lot less than when you slop the oil on with a brush or spoon.

Two thumbs up from us for Prepara's Tabletop Mister; if you're looking for a mister for the table or to leave out on the kitchen counter, this is a great one to consider.

• Find it: Prepara Oil Mister, $17.50 at Amazon

Oh, and PS: This mister is included in one of the prize packages for September's Quick Weeknight Meals contest! So go ahead and enter; you might win one!

I got the misto when you first posted about looking for an oil mister. I actually have had no problems with it but I have also religiously followed the care instructions provided as well as tips from reviews such as only put in 1/4 cup oil at a time (which with a delicate spray lasts quite awhile, and I use it daily to coat pans, toast bread, meats etc) I also release the pressure after each use (twist cap open just enough to let it out and closed again, takes 2 seconds).

I would highly recommend getting one to anyone, not only can you put a better quality oil than PAM probably uses but you can buy it in bulk, it really actually saves money in the long run vrs buying the cans of PAM. We use to go through those things one a week easily.

posted by adamwa on September 10th 2009 at 4:18pm
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Why do you need to release the pressure for storage? Just wondering.

I had purchased the plastic ones in the past and found they always ended up clogging after awhile. I couldn't figure out how to clean it so that it became unclogged, and finally gave up on the thing. (Is this why you would de-pressurize it?)

I used both canola oil and tried olive oil (ooh, it's been awhile, don't actually remember..) But it definitely got a gunky residue using the canola oil.

Anyway, this Prepara does look very sweet. Much nicer looking than the plastic version. I'm hoping someone will be able to shed some light into why mine always clogged up. I want one again!

posted by SoSue on September 10th 2009 at 5:09pm
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I've read quite a few reviews on these and I've gathered that the consensus on not clogging is what adamwa said: unscrewing the cap after use to release the pressure. Even though some of the misters come with screen filters to prevent clogging.

I was also surprised to find out that a lot of (curly haired) people have these in their bathrooms as well for misting oil on their hair!

I definitely want to get one for my kitchen. It beats buying the aerosol !

posted by morganong on September 10th 2009 at 5:46pm
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i have no idea what removing the pressure does to help actually. Wish I could tell you, now I'm kind of curious myself. I had just seen it recommended in reviews. I've just made it a habit to do before putting the lid back on and so far no problems. It is very possible that its actually doing nothing to keep it unclogged, im just not willing to try and find out and have to buy another!

Thats really strange about using these on curly hair, I have never heard such a thing!

posted by adamwa on September 10th 2009 at 6:21pm
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Thank you! I've been on the hunt for a good mister like this, and I may just have to spring for this one.

Also, good to know about the clogging solution!

ABreadADay.com

posted by eprewitt on September 10th 2009 at 6:30pm
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Hmm, I tried doing research on this years ago, when they kept clogging up. Maybe I'll try again...

Thanks for the tip!

posted by SoSue on September 11th 2009 at 9:18am
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I've happily used my Misto for years with no issues, but this looks like a nice pretty addition.

posted by frzndaqiri on September 11th 2009 at 4:41pm
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Just fyi regarding the clogging, it's the oxygen in the air that makes oils 'thicken-up' or become rancid over time. That is the reason depressurizing the oil mister works since a pressurized container means more air/oxygen inside, in contact with the oil, ergo faster oxidation/polymerization of the oil (especially unsaturated ones like canola). In fact, olive oil (which contains more saturated molecules than other vegetable oils), will take longer to clog under similar conditions. Just my 2 cents.

posted by manjari on September 13th 2009 at 10:09pm
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