Here's the Truth About Which Side of Aluminum Foil Is the Right Side (2024)

FAQs

Here's the Truth About Which Side of Aluminum Foil Is the Right Side? ›

The performance of the foil is the same, whichever side you use." One quick caveat though: If you are using non-stick foil, you definitely want to make sure to use the dull side, since only one side has the non-stick coating applied.

Foil has a shiny side and a dull side because of how it is manufactured. Unless you are using foil that's labeled non-stick, which does have a non-stick side, it does not matter what side you use. Both the shiny and dull sides can be used the same way to cook, freeze, and store food.

Does the Shiny Side of Aluminum Foil Reflect More Heat? Aluminum foil reflects heat from both its dull and shiny sides equally. While aluminum foil has a dull and shiny side, there is no difference in how either side reflects heat.

In short, science says it makes no difference at all, and there is no correct or incorrect way to use aluminium foil, as confirmed by Robert L. Wolke in What Einstein Told His Cook and America's Test Kitchen. You can place either side in either direction whether cooking or freezing food with aluminium foil.

With standard and heavy duty foil, it's perfectly fine to place your food on either side so you can decide if you prefer to have the shiny or dull side facing out. For Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, you'll want to have the dull side facing up.

So, now that you know the reason behind the different appearance of the two sides, you're probably wondering if you should use aluminum foil with the shiny side up or down. Quite simply, it doesn't matter. Since both sides are made of the exact same material, they will perform exactly the same way.

Don't use aluminum foil to store leftovers.

This allows bacteria to grow faster. Instead, store leftovers in airtight storage containers or food storage bags.

Tin foil is stiffer than aluminium foil. It tends to give a slight tin taste to food wrapped in it, which is a major reason it has largely been replaced by aluminium and other materials for wrapping food.

Both sides of aluminum foil have the same level of conductivity. The shiny side is created during the manufacturing process and does not affect the foil's conductivity in any way.

Aluminum foil is a thinly rolled sheet of aluminum that's claimed its place as a common kitchen staple. Not only is it safe to cook with aluminum foil in the oven, but cooking with aluminum foil can help transmit heat readily and make cleanup easier.

Should you wrap leftovers in aluminum foil? ›

WASHINGTON -- You better not wrap your leftovers in foil. According to the Washington State Department of Health, wrapping food in aluminum foil and sticking it in the fridge could be putting your health at risk. The problem? Foil does not completely seal the food from air, which allows bacteria to grow faster.

While cling film may be suitable for short-term storage or covering food in the refrigerator, aluminum foil is the clear winner in terms of long-term food preservation. When it comes to cooking and heating, aluminum foil shines.

More About Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil

As the name implies, this type of foil is thicker and sturdier than regular aluminum foil. It's tough enough to stand up to high heat, heavy food items, and long-term storage in the freezer. Because of the extra thickness, it's also a better choice for campfire packets.

Why does household aluminium foil have one dull side and one shiny side? SO THAT the shiny side can reflect the heat on to the item to be cooked, using a long-established scientific principle that shiny surfaces reflect heat and light.

The non-stick side is the side with the dull or flat finish. To help indicate which side is non-stick the foil has been imprinted with the words "NON-STICK Side."

To use aluminum foil in the oven safely, follow these tips: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil that's designed for cooking and baking in high heat. Use a piece of aluminum foil that's large enough to cover the entire baking dish or baking sheet. Don't let the aluminum foil touch the sides of the oven or the heating element.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Only put a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the air fryer itself. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly.