Two kinetic models of Fischer-Tropsch product selectivity have been developed based on reaction networks from the literature. The models were fitted to experimental data obtained using commercial iron-based catalyst in a stirred tank slurry reactor and under a wide range of process conditions. Results showed that both of the rival models were able to provide a satisfactory prediction of the experimental product distribution for n-paraffin, 1- and 2-olefin. The simpler of the two models, a reaction network with a single type of active sites and solubility enhanced 1-olefin readsorption term, was chosen as more adequate for practical use. (c) 2015 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.