A roll of the plastic wrap is essential in any household. You can use it to seal foodstuff, decork wine, protect surfaces from dust, as well as cover fridge shelves.
You can also use the wraps as a lid to prevent drinks from spilling and a protective cover for kitchenware that is prone to rust.
Nonetheless, while these plastic films seem essential, finding the right wrap from the stores’ options is a challenging tribulation.
Join me as I unveil the wonders of plastic wrap, exploring its science, types, applications, benefits, and even some creative uses beyond the kitchen.
Table of Contents
- What is Plastic Wrap?
- How Plastic Wrap Works?
- The Plastic Wrap Family: Types and Varieties
- Ideas to Help Buy the Right Plastic Wrap
- What’s The Right Size of Plastic Wrap?
- What Are They Made Of?
- Can Plastic Wrap Leach Harmful Compounds To Food?
- Are Plastic Wraps Safe For The Environment?
- Comparison with Other Food Storage Options
- What Other Factors Should Be Considered?
- Can I Use Plastic Wrap In A Microwave?
- What Are The Advantages Of Plastic Wraps?
- Final Thought
What is Plastic Wrap?
Before I dive in, let’s understand the basics. Plastic wrap, also known as cling film or food wrap, is a thin, transparent sheet made from materials like polyethylene.
It’s designed to cover and protect food, creating a barrier that helps keep it fresh.
How Plastic Wrap Works?
Ever marveled at how your sandwiches stay fresh or your leftovers don’t turn into a science experiment overnight?
That’s the magic of plastic wrap at play! It creates a tight seal around your food, shielding it from the evils of air and moisture. Think of it as a food guardian, ensuring your culinary creations stay as delightful as when you first made them.
The Plastic Wrap Family: Types and Varieties
Now, not all plastic wraps are identical twins. There’s a whole family out there with different personalities – I mean, types. Let’s break it down:
- Standard Plastic Wrap: Your everyday, all-purpose wrap for covering leftovers.
- Heavy-Duty Wrap: When you mean business, and you need something tougher.
- Clear Wrap: For those who like to see what’s cooking without unwrapping the mystery.
Ideas to Help Buy the Right Plastic Wrap
As can be seen, plastic wraps aren’t alike. They come in varying sizes, designs, safety standards, and prices.
For that reason, if you want the best, you will need to take your time analyzing each brand carefully, just before you check out.
If you are a first-time buyer who lacks the knowledge required to choose the best cling film from the choices in stores, here are a few tips to streamline your buying experience.
What’s The Right Size of Plastic Wrap?
Plastic wraps come in varying sizes, and each is suitable for every unique person out there. Some rolls are long enough to cover several items, while others are meant to let you seal a few items.
So what’s the right size for you? When looking for an ideal size, two factors come into play—length, and width. A broader and longer plastic wrap will cover several items before you consider buying another roll. They are suitable for people who wrap several items frequently.
On the other hand, thin and short rolls will help you cover a few items before they run out. They are an ideal pick for people who want a wrap for one-time use or those who rarely need seal items.
The thin and short rolls wouldn’t be ideal if you are that person who wraps large quantities of items regularly.
What Are They Made Of?
Many plastic wraps are made of food-grade PVC film. Manufacturers prefer this material since it has superb cling properties. As well the PVC plastic wraps have excellent resistance to tearing or puncturing.
Therefore, it is an ideal film for wrapping fish, bony meat, and other foodstuffs that are likely to puncture wraps. You can use them to seal trays or bowls with a lot of liquid since they cling to form an airtight, leak-free seal.
Today, leading manufacturers have begun using food-grade polyethylene as an alternative to PVC. Like food-grade PVC, polyethylene will not leach harmful substances into your food. However, its cling ability is not as strong as that offered by its PVC counterparts.
Can Plastic Wrap Leach Harmful Compounds To Food?
Frankly, a plastic wrap’s safety depends on the material used to make the wrap and the manufacturer’s reputation.
Those wraps made from food-grade materials and manufactured by respectable companies would be safer to use than those from less reputable companies.
Reputable manufacturers make their plastic wraps from food-safe materials as a way to foster good customer relationships, as well as maintain their good reputation.
Their wraps are always labeled FDA-compliant or BPA and Phthalate-free.
Are Plastic Wraps Safe For The Environment?
Frankly, plastic wraps aren’t entirely safe for the environment. However, unlike ordinary plastic, these single-use wraps will not leach dangerous plasticizers and other harmful chemicals into the environment.
Some eco-conscious manufacturers have resorted to making decomposable plastic wraps that are highly environmentally friendly. Thus, if you don’t want to harm your surroundings, go for the decomposable cling films.
Comparison with Other Food Storage Options
How does plastic wrap fare against other contenders in the food storage arena? Let’s compare:
| Storage Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Wrap | Lightweight, versatile, easy to use. | Not suitable for all applications. |
| Containers | Durable, reusable, provides a rigid structure. | Takes up more space. |
| Foil | Excellent for heat retention and cooking. | Not suitable for all foods. |
What Other Factors Should Be Considered?
Airtight and Leak-Proof
The last thing you would wish to deal with is your food absorbing odor while in your fridge or soup leaking through the plastic wrap. If you don’t want to handle these issues, look around for a certified leak-proof and airtight wrap.
Ease of Cutting
Since plastic wraps come as rolls, you will need to cut them to the desired length without wasting or tearing them. If you usually struggle to cut, get one that comes in a pack with an integrated slide cutter.
Price
While many people think that overpriced items are always the best, plastic wraps aren’t the case. Their prices depend on their quality and quantity. So, it wouldn’t be prudent to gauge a wrap’s quality using price.
Can I Use Plastic Wrap In A Microwave?
While plastic wraps seem too thin to withstand high temperatures, you can use them to warm your food in a microwave. They will not melt or leach harmful chemicals to your food even when subjected to a microwave’s high temperatures.
Apart from the microwave, some chefs claim that you can use plastic wraps to steam your food or bake snacks in an oven. But, before you resort to using a wrap in a microwave or oven, make sure it is certified microwave or oven-safe. Not all wraps are ideal for use in an oven or microwave.
When using plastic wrap in the microwave or oven, don’t let the wrap touch your food. That way, wraps won’t contaminate your food with any harmful compound, even if they are falsely advertised as food-safe.
What Are The Advantages Of Plastic Wraps?
Plastic wraps are essential for homeowners, fast food outlets, catering businesses, and virtually any other household. Some of the reasons to keep a plastic wrap roll within reach include:
- Helping you cover valuables that are prone to water damage
- Extending your foodstuff’s shelf life
- Protecting surfaces from abrasion
- Waterproofing food packaging boxes
- Preventing spills when transporting beverages or open bowls with soup
Final Thought
In conclusion, the practical magic of plastic wrap goes far beyond its humble appearance. It’s a versatile, indispensable tool in the kitchen, offering benefits that contribute to fresher, more sustainable living.
So, the next time you unroll that clingy friend, remember the magic it brings to your culinary escapades.
Happy Wrapping!
