Which side of aluminium foil should you use?
Quick Answer
Either side works. The shiny and dull sides come from manufacturing, and the difference in how they reflect heat is too small to matter in normal cooking. The only exception is non-stick foil, where the coated side should face the food.
The Full Story
Kitchen foil is rolled thinner and thinner between heavy steel rollers. In the final pass the foil is so thin it would tear, so two sheets are rolled together. The faces that touch the polished rollers come out shiny, while the faces that press against each other come out matt. Because both sides are the same metal, they cook the same way. The shiny side reflects slightly more radiant heat, but tests show the effect is tiny and makes no practical difference to cooking times. Manufacturers say to use either side, unless the foil is labelled non-stick: then one side has a coating and should go towards the food.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Shiny side or dull side? The answer comes from the factory"
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