[1] The AllMusic review by Thom Jurek awarded the album 4 stars and stated "Snakeoil is unlike any recording in Berne's large catalog.

"[2] Writing in The Guardian, John Fordham commented "It's a terrific set, and an object lesson in balancing composition, improvisation and the tonal resources of an acoustic band.

"[3] The All About Jazz review by John Kelman said "That Berne and his group succeed in creating a context where freedom to coexist in such particularly seamless confluence makes Snakeoil a milestone in the saxophonist's career.

"[4] The JazzTimes review by Nate Chinen said "Snakeoil is a magnificent album, a standout not only in his lengthy discography but also in the recent outpouring of left-of-center jazz releases.

In its carefully shifting balance of finely wrought composition and open improvisation, it reflects both a longstanding priority for Berne and a current preoccupation in modern jazz.