Difference Between Aluminum and Tin Foil
We recently published information on the many uses of aluminum foil in the home and quickly discovered that the mention of “tin foil” was scientifically incorrect (and I am always willing to admit my mistakes). Depending on where you come from, the word tin foil can be a natural reflex when wrapping leftovers or grilling food – aluminum foil is tricky and you might not realize there is a difference. But there is a difference between tin foil and aluminum foil.
What’s wrong with the foil?
Until 1926 , Americans used real tin foil. The metal sheet was produced for industrial use and has been popular in the early 1900 and x ‘s, as packaging material and insulation and used for alignment of the cigarette packs . Foil is less durable and more expensive than aluminum, and tin foil of any kind is rarely found these days. When the cheaper aluminum alternative came along, tin foil was not used.
When did aluminum foil replace?
The foil roll in your kitchen is 99% aluminum alloy, with a dull silver tint on one side and shiny on the other. In fact, in 1910, a Swiss inventor created a continuous rolling aluminum process that changed foil production. In 1926, Americans started using aluminum foil for packaging material in the United States , and then it became the industry standard.
However, the new foil did not become a household item until a Reynolds employee faced a Thanksgiving dilemma with nothing to keep the turkey in check. Thinking quickly on his feet, he grabbed some aluminum foil that was lying around, it worked wonders, and the rest is history.
Can you tell aluminum from tin foil?
It is quite difficult to tell them apart, given that foil is no longer widely used. Their appearance is similar enough that most people won’t recognize unless they physically use both for comparison. However, in general, tin foil is “less durable and harsh than aluminum and can also leave a bitter taste in food.”
Real tin foil is used more for things like electrical capacitors these days than for cooking or storage. It can still be used for packaging materials and the like, but since it’s not the most popular or economical choice, you’ll rarely find real tin foil at your local grocery store. Most often, you can assume that the foil covering the fried vegetables is made of aluminum.