aluminum foil?

Question

Does it make any difference "shiny side up, shiny side down" when it comes to cooking with aluminum foil?

Answer 1

According to the experts at www.reynoldskitchens.com

"Actually, it makes no difference which side of the aluminum foil you use—both sides do the same fine job of cooking, freezing and storing food. The difference in appearance between dull and shiny is due to the foil manufacturing process. "

The only difference is when you use their Release brand foil (an excellent product, didn't know how I managed without it!). There IS a right and wrong side to it.

To read more, see their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section:
http://www.alcoa.com/reynoldskitchens/en/faq_detail.asp?info_page_id=743&prod_id=1789&cat_id=1337

The dull/shiny question was on the top of their list!

Aren't you glad this answer is out in the open now??!

Answer 2

The shiny side is slightly better reflector of heat. Face that side of the foil in the
appropriate direction. To keep things cold, put the shiny side on the outside -- that
will reflect incoming heat. To keep things warm, face the shiny side inward toward the
hot food -- to reflect the heat that is trying to escape back into the food.

Note that people often bake potatoes with the shiny side out -- that is because it makes
for a better (prettier) presentation. In reality, baking them that way reflects the
incoming heat on the outside, slightly slowing the cooking process.

Of course, in reality, which side of the foil faces where makes little difference. It does
make for lively conversation, though.

Answer 3

I usually have the shiny side on the outside when I'm wrapping hot banana bread. I don't know why I do, I just do

Answer 4

With the shinny side up the heat is reflected away from the contents. With the Dull side out the heat is greater inside the pouch.