Reynolds Metals

Which side up when using Aluminium cooking foil?

Aluminium cooking foil has a shiny side and a dull side. Is here a difference as to which side you have up when using it? And why?

Public Comments

1. Use the dull side when cooking, think its more non-stick
2. If you put the shiny side on the inside [facing the food] whilst cooking in the oven/in a pan, it keeps the heat inside better and thus cooks more evenly/quicker. =)
3. 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.