This study aimed to investigate the extraction of canola seed (Brassica napus) oil using supercritical carbon dioxide and compressed propane as solvents. The extractions were performed in a laboratory scale unit at temperatures and pressures of 40,50 and 60 degrees C and 20, 22.5 and 25 MPa for carbon dioxide and 30, 45 and 60 degrees C and 8, 10 and 12 MPa for propane extractions, respectively. The results indicated that pressure and temperature were important variables for the CO(2) extraction, while temperature is the most important variable for the extraction yield with propane. The extraction with propane was much faster than that with carbon dioxide. The characteristics of the extracted oil, that is, the oxidative stability determined by DSC and the chemical profile of fatty acids determined by gas chromatography, were similar for the two solvents. The overall extraction curves were well described by the Sovova model. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.