Will a foil cover help keep foods on the table hot or cold?

“Aluminum foil is not the best insulator, but it’s better than no insulator at all. Aluminum foil insulates best when it traps a dead air space above (or around) the food product,” explains food processing engineer Timothy Bowser.  “One of my favorite tricks is to cover a hot (or cold) dish with aluminum foil and then add a dish towel on top of that to increase the insulation value.  This works really well if you want to keep an item at a constant temperature while it’s on the counter, just before serving.”

Source(s):

Timothy J. Bowser, P.E, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

General Guidelines for Wrapping Foods

What’s better for wrapping food—plastic or aluminum foil?

What produce needs to be wrapped before refrigerating?

Should I wrap raw vegetables loosely or tightly before refrigerating?

How should fruits be wrapped before refrigeration?

Can I refrigerate meat and poultry in its store wrapping?

How should food be handled and wrapped for freezing?

Using Plastic Wraps, Bags, and Containers

Are some plastic wraps more effective than others?

Can chemicals leach unto food from plastic wrap or containers?

Are any plastic wraps or containers really “microwave safe”?

Can I use plastic freezer bags to store produce in the fridge?

Do coated plastic bags really help produce last longer?

Using Aluminum Foil Properly

What are some advantages and disadvantages of aluminum foil?

Does exposure to aluminum cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Does aluminum foil give foods a metallic taste?

Why does foil sometimes darken, discolor, and leave black specks on food?

Is it safe to use aluminum foil in a microwave oven?