Aluminum foil can safely withstand temperatures ranging from -40° F up to 650° F.
Based on information from Reynolds Wrap, standard aluminum foil products are designed to be safe for use across a broad temperature spectrum, suitable for everything from freezing to high-heat cooking.
Safe Temperature Range for Aluminum Foil
According to the provided reference, aluminum foil maintains its integrity and safety within a specific temperature window.
- Minimum Safe Temperature: -40° F (-40° C)
- Maximum Safe Temperature: 650° F (343° C)
This wide range makes it versatile for various cooking and food storage methods.
| Safe Minimum Temperature | Safe Maximum Temperature |
|---|---|
| -40° F (-40° C) | 650° F (343° C) |
Using aluminum foil within these temperatures ensures it performs as expected without melting, degrading, or releasing harmful substances. While aluminum melts at a much higher temperature (around 1,220°F or 660°C), the 650°F limit is the established safe maximum for consumer use in cooking environments.
Practical Heat Applications
This heat resistance makes aluminum foil useful in many cooking scenarios:
- Baking and Roasting: Commonly used in ovens which typically operate below 650°F.
- Grilling: As the reference notes, aluminum foil, including non-stick varieties like Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, is a versatile tool for grilling. It's safe to use directly on the grill grates, but it's recommended to always use medium to medium-high heat. Remember to preheat the grill first before adding the foil or food wrapped in foil.
- Freezing: The low end of the safe range (-40° F) confirms its suitability for wrapping food for long-term freezer storage.
Always ensure the foil does not come into direct contact with heating elements in ovens or grills, as these can exceed the 650°F limit.
