Questions you were afraid to ask...write them down

[slick]

When using tin foil does the shiny side go up or down? What's the difference between the shiny side and the dull side?

[Cinder & Smoke]

When using tin foil does the shiny side go up or down?
What's the difference between the shiny side and the dull side?

Durned if I know!

But Mr. Google found out ...
http://www.alcoa.com/reynoldskitchen...89&cat_id=1337

Which side of Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil should I use, the shiny or the dull side?
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. In the final rolling step, two layers of foil are passed through the rolling mill at the same time. The side coming in contact with the mill's highly polished steel rollers becomes shiny. The other side, not coming in contact with the heavy rollers, comes out with a dull or matte finish.

The exception is when using Reynolds Wrap® Release® Non-Stick Aluminum Foil. The non-stick coating is applied during manufacturing to the dull side of the foil. Always place the non-stick (dull) side toward the food.

Which is better for freezing, aluminum foil or plastic?
Aluminum foil has the lowest moisture-vapor transfer rate of all wrapping materials. This means that it is the most effective in preventing the loss of moisture and vapor from the food. This is the reason why foil is preferred over plastic wrap for long-term food storage or freezing.
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Good thing God invented the 'puter ...
or I'd never be able to boil water & cook Mac 'n Cheese!

[Catty1]

What's the difference between the shiny side and the dull side?

One side is shiny, and the other is not....

[cmayer31]

Can you safely microwave leftovers in styrofoam containers, or do you have to put them on a plate first?

[Cinder & Smoke]

Can you safely microwave leftovers in styrofoam containers ... ?

I guess I should be dead thanks to my nuke-it box!

Found this (and several other sites singing the same song) >>>

"In general, some plastics are reported safe for use in microwave cooking. If you use plastics in the microwave, identify the plastic and look for an indication that the particular container is microwave-safe. Do not use plastics which you have not identified and Do not use plastics which are not identified as "microwave-safe".
If it doesn't clearly say "microwave-safe", it probably isn't...



NSF, which certifies food-safe items, states:

• Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
• Never use plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers for cooking or reheating food in your microwave. These containers are not heat resistant and can melt, possibly leaching harmful chemicals into your food."
• This page copyright 2006, Stan Protigal
• 
• I've been nukin margarine tubs for YEARS!

Page Citation >>>
http://www.scn.org/~bk269/plastics.html



Type 6 - Polystyrene, styrene, polystyrene foam

Not heat stable. Do not use in microwave. Do not microwave food in a styrofoam container! In addition to not being heat stable, polystyrene is a potential human carcinogen and usually contains bisphenol A.

[moosmom]

Thanks Fire Marshall Phred!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

I guess I should be dead thanks to my nuke-it box!

Found this (and several other sites singing the same song) >>>

"In general, some plastics are reported safe for use in microwave cooking. If you use plastics in the microwave, identify the plastic and look for an indication that the particular container is microwave-safe. Do not use plastics which you have not identified and Do not use plastics which are not identified as "microwave-safe".
If it doesn't clearly say "microwave-safe", it probably isn't...



NSF, which certifies food-safe items, states:

• Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
• Never use plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers for cooking or reheating food in your microwave. These containers are not heat resistant and can melt, possibly leaching harmful chemicals into your food."
• This page copyright 2006, Stan Protigal
• 
• I've been nukin margarine tubs for YEARS!

Page Citation >>>
http://www.scn.org/~bk269/plastics.html



Type 6 - Polystyrene, styrene, polystyrene foam

Not heat stable. Do not use in microwave. Do not microwave food in a styrofoam container! In addition to not being heat stable, polystyrene is a potential human carcinogen and usually contains bisphenol A.

This is a huge part of what my job is!! Not for food containers, but for medical devices. We are constantently evaluting tubing, and stoppers, and containers, etc. to make sure the amount of plastic additives is minimal even when exposed to high temperatures, or aggressive chemicals. I would personally recommend avoiding plastic in the microwave when you can.

On a side note, based on toxicology data, a 150lb (70kg) person would have to consume 300-700 grams ( 1 to 1.5 lbs) of Bisphenol A before you have serious issues. Microwaving a few times, isn't going to hurt you!!!

[Miss Z]

When using tin foil does the shiny side go up or down? What's the difference between the shiny side and the dull side?

I always thought that the shiny side was so because it kept in heat radiation, but then again, I was never any good at physics!