This is a question that bugs me too. I fry my fried pies in peanut oil, which doesn’t smoke until it hits 450 degrees or so (and THAT was an oops moment![:I]) and it doesn’t get very dark. I only use it 30 minutes or so a day but don’t change it until it’s icky looking. Am I being disgustingly frugal (or just disgusting?!) Should I use those strips?