The main difference between aluminum foil on the walls of a microwave oven and aluminum foil used in food preparation lies in their intended purpose and functionality.
Microwave oven walls: Some microwave ovens have a reflective metal lining on the walls to help distribute the microwaves evenly and efficiently during cooking. This metal lining is usually made of aluminum. Its purpose is to reflect the microwaves back into the food, promoting even cooking and reducing the chances of hotspots. The aluminum foil used in microwave oven walls is typically thicker and sturdier than the foil used for food preparation.
Aluminum foil in food: Aluminum foil used in food preparation serves various purposes, such as wrapping, covering, or lining food items during cooking or storage. It is typically thin and flexible, designed to create a barrier that protects food from air, moisture, and light. Aluminum foil is heat-conductive, allowing it to aid in the even cooking or baking of food items. However, it does not reflect microwaves as efficiently as the thicker aluminum foil used in microwave oven walls.
It is important to note that while aluminum foil can be used in microwave ovens for certain applications, such as shielding delicate areas of food, it is generally not recommended to completely cover the walls of a microwave oven with aluminum foil. This is because the foil can disrupt the distribution of microwaves and potentially cause damage to the oven. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines provided with your microwave oven regarding the use of aluminum foil.