Can Use Cling Film Instead Of Greaseproof Paper? Pros & Cons

Are you trying to decide if cling film can replace greaseproof paper in your kitchen? Maybe you’ve heard it works as a good alternative or maybe you’re worried about potential health risks.

Whether you want to improve your cooking results, reduce waste save money or keep harmful chemicals away from food products, understanding the differences between cling film and greaseproof paper is key.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what they are used for and compare their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision on when each should be used instead of the other.

Get ready to finally settle the debate let’s find out if using clingfilm is a viable substitute for greaseproof paper!

Cling Film vs Greaseproof Paper

Here’s a comparison of cling film and greaseproof paper in table format:

Aspect	Cling film	Greaseproof paper
Material	Thin, transparent plastic film	Lightweight, non-stick paper
Function	Clings to food surfaces to seal	Used as a non-stick barrier
Transparency	Transparent, see-through	Semi-transparent or opaque
Use in cooking	Generally not used in cooking	Often used for baking and roasting
Heat resistance	Melts at high temperatures	Can withstand moderate oven temperatures
Food preservation	Excellent for wrapping leftovers	Not as effective for sealing containers
Eco-friendliness	Often not biodegradable	Can be eco-friendly, depending on the type
Non-stick properties	Not non-stick	Provides a non-stick surface
Freezer use	Suitable for freezing	Suitable for freezing
Microwave use	Can be used in microwave	Should not be used in microwave
Environmental impact	Often considered less eco-friendly	Can be more eco-friendly, especially if unbleached

Can you use cling film instead of greaseproof paper?

Using cling film instead of greaseproof paper is not typically recommended. This is because cling film does not provide the same level of protection or safety that greaseproof paper does.

Greaseproof paper has a higher heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 420°F (210°C). Cling film, on the other hand, has a low melting point and can start to melt at temperatures as low as 120°F (48°C).

Furthermore, custom made greaseproof paper is non-stick and provides an easy way to line baking trays or wrap food for storage. Cling film does not have the same non-stick properties which makes it more likely that your food will stick to the bottom of your baking tray or container.

Finally, it’s important to note that cling film is made from plastic which can leach into foods when heated. Greaseproof paper is a safer option as it does not contain any chemicals and is food-safe. For these reasons, using cling film instead of greaseproof paper is not recommended.

Advantages and disadvantages of using cling film instead of greaseproof paper

The main difference between cling film and greaseproof paper is the level of protection and safety they provide when used in the kitchen.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using cling film instead of greaseproof paper:

Advantages

Cling film is generally cheaper than greaseproof paper.
It is easier to store as it takes up less space.

Disadvantages

Cling film does not provide the same level of protection or safety that greaseproof paper does.
It has a lower heat resistance and can start to melt at temperatures as low as 120°F (48°C).
It does not have the same non-stick properties as greaseproof paper, making it more likely that your food will stick to the bottom of your baking tray or container.
Cling film is made from plastic which can leach into foods when heated. Greaseproof paper is a safer option as it does not contain any chemicals and is food-safe.

Overall, greaseproof paper is the better choice when it comes to safety and protecting your food from heat and moisture. It also provides a non-stick surface for easy cleaning.

Cling film can be used in certain circumstances where maximum protection isn’t necessary but it should always be kept away from direct heat sources.

Also Read: Can you put greaseproof paper under the grill?

Offering creative alternatives to using cling film and greaseproof paper

Cling film and greaseproof paper are essential kitchen staples but they aren’t the only way to keep food safe while cooking.

Here are some alternative options that can be used in certain situations:

Reusable silicone food covers: These are great for keeping food fresh and preventing spills when storing leftovers in a bowl.
Traditional pottery dishes: These are handy for baking food that needs a tighter seal and more insulation than greaseproof paper can offer.
Wax paper: Similar to greaseproof paper but not as good at resisting fats and oils. It’s best used when wrapping up cold foods, such as sandwiches or cheese, rather than hot dishes.
Bamboo steamers: Great for healthy steaming of vegetables and fish, without needing any oils or fats to grease the steamer.
Baking paper: This has a higher heat resistance than greaseproof paper, so it’s better suited to high-temperature cooking.
Non-stick pans: No cling film or greaseproof paper is needed to prevent food from sticking just use a non-stick pan and some oil or butter for added flavour.

By exploring these alternative options you can reduce your reliance on cling film and greaseproof paper while still enjoying delicious meals without compromising on safety.

Final Thoughts

While cling film and greaseproof paper serve important purposes in the kitchen, they are not always interchangeable. Cling film is best used for storing leftovers and preventing spills but it doesn’t have the heat resistance required for baking or high-temperature cooking like greaseproof paper.

Conversely, greaseproof paper is ideal for lining baking trays and wrapping food items for cooking but it’s not as adaptable or convenient for covering leftovers.

Therefore, it’s advisable to use these items for their intended purposes and explore other kitchen staples or innovative alternatives for different cooking techniques.