It's warm, the smell of delicious grilled food fills the air, and the crackling fire promises tasty treats. But before the steaks and vegetable skewers hit the grill, we want to talk about an important topic: aluminum foil . High temperatures can release harmful substances that leach into the food. But there are also environmentally friendly solutions! For example, our reusable SKOTTI stainless steel grills, which allow you to grill sustainably and safely . Without aluminum foil in your luggage, you can enjoy juicy grilled food with your gas grill whenever you want.

Why aluminum foil can be harmful when grilling

Whether for grilling juicy steaks , wrapping fresh vegetables, or protecting grill grates from dirt, aluminum foil is frequently used. The metal has also been detected in the form of residues in cosmetics, tea, chocolate, and spices. However, at particularly high grill temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius, aluminum particles can migrate into the food and thus enter the body even more easily. Since the 200-degree limit is quickly reached during grilling, this can lead to long-term health problems .

Particularly insidious : You might want to use aluminum foil to keep your grilled food tastier for longer, but a chemical reaction with the foil alters the flavor of vegetables, fish, meat, and other foods. The tiny particles are even suspected of releasing carcinogenic substances and can impair kidney function. Therefore, you should not consume more than 1 milligram of aluminum per kilogram of body weight per week to avoid acute aluminum toxicity.

The advantages and disadvantages of aluminum foil when grilling at a glance

Grilling with aluminum foil is widespread, and who wouldn't want to know its many advantages and disadvantages? After all, you also want to know what could ruin your grilled delicacies. ;) Here are the most important points you should know:

Advantages

• catches dripping fat and keeps the grill clean
• protects food from direct flame and excessive heat
• keeps food moist and prevents it from drying out
• makes it easier to wrap and prepare delicate or small ingredients

Disadvantages

• can release aluminum particles into food at high temperatures, which can be harmful to health
• Aluminum foil is difficult to recycle and contributes to environmental pollution
• can affect the taste of food if chemical reactions occur with certain ingredients
• Regular use of aluminum foil incurs costs.

The better alternative: Grilling without aluminum foil

Why mess around with aluminum foil when there's a much cooler and more environmentally friendly way to do it? You can store juicy steaks and crispy vegetable skewers in no time at all in SKOTTI's stainless steel box. Simply twist the skewer off the grill and store it safely in the box. This all-rounder completely replaces aluminum foil ; as a lunch box, pot, or pan, you can use it sustainably wherever you go. The gripping tongs allow you to securely grip the warm lid and container without burning your fingers. You also don't need to worry about leaking fat or unwanted chemical reactions.

Conclusion: Aluminum foil – a double-edged sword

While aluminum foil can absorb grease and keep food moist when grilling, it releases harmful aluminum particles at high temperatures , which pose long-term health risks. It's also harmful to the environment and impairs the flavor of the food. The SKOTTI stainless steel box offers a sustainable alternative. Use it as a lunch box, pot, or pan—your food and your taste will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I even use aluminum foil when grilling?

You should never use aluminum foil for acidic or salty foods, as aluminum salts can form and release harmful substances. We also advise against using aluminum foil for other grilled foods. As a safe alternative, we recommend our environmentally friendly SKOTTI boxes.

Does the side of the aluminum foil affect the food when grilling?

Whether glossy or matte – the glossy foil reflects heat better, while the matte surface absorbs it better, but both sides will result in an extra portion of aluminum particles on your plate. So, forget about choosing a side and banish aluminum foil from your grill altogether.