Aluminum Foil Thickness - 18 Microns is Just Right
When shopping for rolls of aluminum foil, the thickness is an important specification to consider. Foils that are too thin may tear or puncture easily during use. On the other hand, foil that is overly thick loses some of its soft flexibility.
At 18 microns (μm), aluminum foil rolls provide an ideal balance between strength and pliability. This common household-grade thickness is robust enough to protect and wrap foods without compromising the foil's handling qualities. The ultra-smooth texture also releases foods easily without sticking or shredding.
So whether you need to line baking sheets, wrap leftovers or create improvised containers, 18-micron foil delivers superb performance across a variety of culinary applications. It is durable for multi-use but remains thin and supple for convenient shaping and folding.
Aluminum Alloy 8011 - Superior Resistance to Heat and Oxidation
Aluminum foil is composed primarily of the lightweight metal aluminum. However, pure aluminum is fairly soft and reactive, making it prone to corrosion if exposed to air, moisture or certain foods.
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To imbue aluminum foil with greater strength and resistance to degradation, manufacturers incorporate small amounts of other elements into the alloy. The most common variation is 8011 alloy, which contains approximately 91.5% aluminum, 7.5% manganese and 1% magnesium.
The addition of manganese and magnesium dramatically improves the foil's ability to withstand heat without burning, pitting or discoloring. It also makes 8011 alloy highly resistant to oxidation over long exposure periods. This stability allows the foil to maintain its integrity for wrapping multiple uses in the pantry or freezer.
Compared to other alloys like 3003 or 1050, 8011 provides unmatched protection from the damaging effects of heat, oxygen and acids both while cooking and in long-term food storage. It truly stands up to rigorous kitchen conditions while retaining a lustrous and pleasing appearance.
Jumbo Rolls - Increased Efficiency and Less Waste
Rather than buying smaller rolls of aluminum foil, investing in an extra-large format delivers substantial practical benefits. Jumbo rolls containing 150-300 feet of foil maximize value by significantly reducing how often you need to replace your supply. They also promote less environmental waste from discarded packaging material over time.
The expanded real estate of a jumbo roll allows for more efficient food wrapping. Larger sheets mean fewer seems to seal and less crimping of overlaps. You'll spend less time tearing, folding and forming the foil into the shapes you need.
Extra-wide foil is also well-suited to covering large casserole dishes, baking sheets, cutting boards and work surfaces. No more piecing together smaller pieces - just lay down a broad length of foil and let it drape over the edges. Plus, the remaining spare foil tucks neatly back into the box to stay clean and ready for next time.
Jumbo rolls are also cost-effective, offering more footage per dollar than smaller options. In the long run, their expanded capability and decreased frequency of purchase make them an outstanding value.
Uses of Aluminum Foil in the Kitchen
Now that we've explored the ideal characteristics foil should have, let's dive into some truly ingenious ways to leverage 18-micron 8011 aluminum foil jumbo rolls throughout food preparation and storage.
Baking Sheet Liners
Crumpled balls of aluminum foil create inexpensive, reusable non-stick surfaces for baking cookies, roasting vegetables and more. Just lay the crinkled foil smoothly inside rimmed baking sheets before adding your ingredients. It prevents baked goods from sticking and facilitates easy cleanup.
You can also cut foil into sheets that fit the pan precisely. Layered on top of standard baking surfaces, this "disposable pan liner" protects against oven spatters and mess while prolonging the non-stick coating underneath.
Pan Shields and Roasting Rack Protectors
Cover the bottom of your roasting pan with a large piece of foil before searing meats or cooking vegetables with drippings. It prevents carbonization buildup that's difficult to scrub away later.
Similarly, loosely crimp foil around the legs of your oven racks prior to high-heat tasks. This helps direct rendered fats downwards instead of allowing them to smoke and polymerize onto rack surfaces over time. Both methods save elbow grease on post-cooking cleaning.
Food Wrapping and Freezer Storage
Aluminum foil is perfect for covering bowls of leftovers, individual meal portions, baked goods and more before they go in the fridge or deep freeze. The airtight barrier shields against unwanted odors, moisture and freezer burn to preserve freshness longer.
You can also roll foil into cylinders, fashion pouches or form loose wraps to fully enclose three-dimensional foods with minimal creases or folds for neat organization in the freezer. Just be sure to label packages with contents and dates.
Bagel and Bread Storage
A sheet of foil tucked inside your bread bag or box prevents drying out during storage. The reflective interior surface mirrors moisture back into the crumbs. Foil bags are ideal for keeping bagels soft, chewy and unspoiled right up until your next toast.
Improvised Baking and Cooking Dishes
Form aluminum foil into makeshift baking pans, pie shells, ramekins or mini muffin tin liners. Simply shape the foil smoothly into the appropriate mold and bake or cook directly on the oven rack or stovetop surface. Discard after a single use.
You can bake fish, small pastries, individual bread puddings, frittatas or other single-serving foods with ease using aluminum foil stand-ins for traditional bakeware. Cleanup is effortless since the "dishes" get tossed straight into the trash.
Grilling and Barbecuing
Pre-cut sheets of heavy-duty foil come in handy for grilling veggies, seafood and more delicate items over direct heat. Just lay protein or produce directly on top of the foil and fold up the edges to contain juices.
The foil forms a barrier against sticking or burning while allowing smoke and char-broiling flavor to penetrate. Yet it frees you from having to turn or maneuver food on the grill surface itself. Cleanup takes seconds versus labouring over soiled grates.
Handling Raw Meats
Place packages of ground beef, chicken or other raw proteins on a sheet of foil before forming patties or shaping into cutlets. You'll keep your countertops hygienic by containing any juices or spillage.
Finished burgers can then travel straight from foil to the grillplate without cross-contaminating surfaces in between. Butcher paper is also an eco-friendly alternative if seeking to minimize aluminum usage.
Wrapping Spilled or Crumbled Ingredients
A spill from an open bag of flour, breadcrumbs or nesting measuring cups is no problem with a sheet of foil at the ready. Just slide the foil underneath to corral crumbs, then funnel everything back into storage.
In summary, an 18mic 8011 aluminum foil roll is a versatile and indispensable tool for protecting surfaces, wrapping foods, improvising kitchen tools, and solving cooking problems with just one flexible material.
