Foil vs. parchment vs. wax paper vs. freezer paper: Here's when to use them (2024)

FAQs

Foil vs. parchment vs. wax paper vs. freezer paper: Here's when to use them? ›

While both are kitchen must-haves, parchment paper is better for high heat cooking like baking, while wax paper is better for storing meat and desserts in the freezer.

While both are kitchen must-haves, parchment paper is better for high heat cooking like baking, while wax paper is better for storing meat and desserts in the freezer.

If you don't have a vacuum sealer or freezer paper, wrapping your meats in wax paper can help prevent freezer burn, as well.

Both freezer paper and heavy-duty foil are used to wrap meat and other items for the freezer, but which is best? Well, it's close to a tie. Both are moisture resistant and help prevent freezer burn. The biggest difference, like with wax paper, is that aluminum foil can be cleaned and reused.

Can aluminum foil be used as a freezer wrap? Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used as a freezer wrap. Because it can be torn or punctured easily it is wise to use an overwrap. Light weight (household) aluminum foil is not satisfactory for home freezing.

When Not to Use Parchment Paper. Parchment paper is not designed for high-heat cooking. Avoid using it in your oven or on the grill if temperature will exceed 400 degrees, says Michelle Weaver, chef at Charleston Grill in South Carolina, as there's a chance it could catch fire.

Most parchment paper is rated for use at temperatures no higher than 420 to 450 degrees.

Wrap Your Meat When Freezing

The most important thing is to avoid exposing frozen meat to outside air. While a vacuum-sealer is ideal for ensuring that meats are packaged correctly, you can get by just fine with double wrapping cuts of meat with freezer paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil or airtight zip-loc bags.

Wax freezer paper and butcher paper are more effective than conventional plastic wrap. "Wrapping your item tightly in waxed freezer paper can act as a barrier against the harsh air inside the freezer and can also prevent water from evaporating," says Pace.

Wax Paper vs Freezer Paper

The difference between wax paper and freezer paper is that wax paper is typically coated in wax on both sides while freezer paper is usually only coated on one side. Freezer paper is used to keep the juices of a cut of meat contained during the freezing and defrosting process.

What is the best paper for freezing food? ›

Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is thin and lets air in.

Foil Wrapping Sheets & Sandwich Bags

Unlike butcher paper, foil food wrap creates a total barrier to moisture, bacteria, oxygen and light. Because food does best when not exposed to these elements, foil is a popular food wrapping material.

If your glass containers are not durable enough for the freezer, they may not be able to withstand the low temperature that a freezer should be. Never put a glass container in the freezer if it's not specifically labeled freezer safe—you may wind up with a mess on your hands.

Reynolds Kitchens® Freezer Paper and Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Paper are very different products. Freezer paper should not be used in an oven because it has a plastic coating that will melt in the oven.

First, if you really want a tight seal on something, aluminum foil will not do the trick. It just won't. So whether you're dealing with smelly leftovers in the refrigerator or pastry dough that you're sticking in the freezer for later use, plastic wrap is superior.

Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices.

Alternatives to freezer paper in the kitchen include aluminum foil, butcher paper, freezer bags and plastic wrap. For a better option with no waste, use plastic containers that you can wash and reuse for years to come. Any option that keeps the dry air of the freezer away from your food will work as an alternative.

The biggest difference between parchment paper and wax paper is that wax paper is not heat-resistant. This means you cannot use it for baking, or even use it in the oven at all because the wax could melt and even catch fire inside your oven.

Simply freeze the cake in individual servings to pull out and eat anytime a craving strikes. Here's how to do it. Keep your layer cake fresh by using a technique involving parchment paper or waxed paper. You're going to want to press the paper directly onto the cut sides of the cake.