When wrapping food in foil for the outside grill which side of the foil touches the food? shiny or dull?

Answer 1

it doesn't really matter... the shiny and dull side is a result of the manufacturing process.

Here's the myth of what's supposed to happen...

Foil shiny side out - the shiny side is supposed to reflect the heat since the package's outside is shiny.

Dull side out - is supposed to absorb more heat since the dull side is less reflective.

Here's my belief why it doesn't matter... You're placing on a grill that's probably 380F or higher. you're only going to see at most 5 or 10 degree difference (if even that much) whether it's shiny or dull. The food is going to cook at roughly the same amount of time whether it's 370F or 390F. I think based upon thickness, the real temperature difference is probably only a fraction of a degree.

However, if you're cooking and you believe it does make a difference then you want the food touching the shiny side (so the dull side is outside) that way the food heats up quicker. Also, when you take it off the grill, the food touching the shiny side will keep it warmer longer since the shiny side is reflecting the heat back into the food.

If you have cold stuff you want to wrap and keep cold, then the cold food touches the dull side. The shiny side is on the outside so it reflect heat away from the food, thus keeping it cold longer.

Answer 2

Actually, most foils don't have a shiny/dull side. The ones that do are simply to make the foil non-stick. If you bought the foil that has the non-stick side, then I would recommend putting the shiny side on the outside and the dull on the inside so that your food doesn't stick to it. The dull side is the non-stick side.

Answer 3

I watched a show on Nickelodeon one time about how they make tinfoil and it was said that it doesn't matter what side you use because the only reason you get the shiny side is from the way the foil is pressed through the machines. You can also use the non stick foil, so you'll know which side to put the meat on the foil so it doesn't stick.

Answer 4

just transporting food to the outside either side is OK but the chef is correct to grill with foil around the items use the shiny side as this acts as a conductor for heat

Answer 5

Technically No dif
The cooking area is so small
But if you are using it as a tent then consider the reflective quality
If you wrap an ear of corn the interior temp will reach 212F there may be some scorching if left unattended..

Answer 6

Dull is the one I usually put next to my food.

Answer 7

Dull side

Answer 8

We always put the dull side, but if that chef guy says the other side then maybe try that.

Answer 9

Which side touches the food makes no difference.

Answer 10

It doesn't matter acording to the alton brown's I am just here for the food cook book.
check it out. Or try the book "in food and cooking"

good luck to you