A cooking oil applicator comprises a body, including: a tank capable of holding cooking oil; a sponge capable of absorbing some of the cooking oil; a flow control valve situated between the tank and the sponge for controlling an amount of the cooking oil flowing from the tank to the sponge; and a fire-retardant pad below the sponge capable of receiving cooking oil from the sponge and facilitating application of the cooking oil to a hot grill. The tank includes a level window so that the user can determine the degree to which the tank is full. Additionally, the cooking oil applicator includes a handle attached to the body for holding the cooking oil applicator during usage. The cooking oil applicator also includes a cradle attachable to the body allowing the cooking oil applicator to be placed safely on a flat surface while not in use.