How long can grease sit out?

Fat doesn't spoil like other foods. No bacteria can live in fat. Going rancid is a chemical reaction in which the fat molecules break down. So "leaving out" is not a problem. The major factors in going rancid are light and air. The more light hits your fat, the sooner it goes rancid. read more

With liquid oils, you use a dark colored bottle. As bottles are impractical for solid fat, just strain your grease into a jar, close it, and put it in a cupboard. The shelf life should be many months, probably more than a year. Also, don't worry that you can get something nasty when the grease goes bad unnoticed. read more

Follow Neil's advice, keep it reasonably cool (cool enough to solidify) and it'll keep for a long time. My grandmother kept a grease cannister on the kitchen counter, along with the flour, sugar, coffee and tea cannisters. read more

If you wish to keep your bacon grease for several months, keep it in the refrigerator. It will solidify, but you can still scoop it out with a spoon, or just let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so to soften before using it. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to six months in a glass or ceramic jar with a tight lid. read more