Foiled Again!
Every Pesach a meme goes around with an entire home covered in silver foil, we laugh but then avert our eyes, because our homes don’t look much better. Whether it’s for our counters, for our 9x13s or for our ovens (and the million other things we use silver foil for) it’s a necessity not just of Pesach, but frum life. Get the wrong one though, and you’re left with crinkly, smushed up balls and some knicks in your knuckles.
I’ve tested the ones you have easiest access to – Reynolds of course, Glad, who tries hard, Target and Amazon – cuz they’re cheap and basic, and one other one for those of you on the green end of things. Results were both exactly as expected, and surprising in some ways. Read on to see which one is best for you.
Testing, Testing
1. I pulled off a cover-a-9×13 size piece to see how easily it tore off.
2. I tried tearing it from an edge to see how sturdy it was.
3. I poked it with a knife to see how much exertion was needed to make a hole (cuz there’s always something poking out).
4. I pulled off a LARGE sheet, counter length to see how well it stayed straight, or crumpled when manipulated like that.
Reynolds – Non Stick
Price: $4.79
Notes: 50 feet Cool concept, it indicates which side is which (cuz you know you’d get confused. Only downside is that is tears easily
Stars: 3.75
Reynolds – Every Day
Price: $4.79
Notes: 75 feet – This is the silver foil your mother and grandmother used, the first one used to ever cover a counter. And it’s good. Not mind blowing, but it’s on the top end of average on all tests.
Stars: 4
Amazon Basics
Price: $12.99
Notes: 250 feet – Cheap, does the job decently enough. Two downsides, it gets super crinkly very fast, and it breaks easily when poked
Stars: 3.5
Glad Standard
Price: $5.99
Notes: 60 feet – It almost won easily, but it has the sharp removal edge on the lid and it’s incredibly awkward and difficult to tear off a proper piece
Stars: 3.75
If You Care
Price: $5.99
Notes: 50 feet – It’s super shiny, feels thin, but it’s MUCH stronger than it looks. It’s more difficult to cut than others because it doesn’t have a metal edge but a serrated cardboard.
Stars: 4
Up & Up
Price: $4.49
Notes: 85 feet Good price, mediocre product. Scrunches easily.
Stars: 3.5
Overall Winner: Reynolds Everyday
It’s a classic for a reason. Use it gezunterheit. Cover your counters with confidence that you’re following Mesorah.
Tip: Watch your knuckles, those metal edges are sharp! I don’t know how I manage to knick mine every other day (to the point that my 4-year old tells me to watch my fingers). Be sure to close the box, and face it away from you that you don’t graze your fingers along it accidentally.
I’m surprised that Heavy Duty Foil | Reynolds Brands wasnt part of the test… this is what we use. It’s really heavy duty and does a fantastic job.