WHy do people put aluminum foil on their stove tops?

Question

WHy do people put aluminum foil on their stove tops?

Answer 1

It;s easier to change the foil than to srub the element plate.

Answer 2

so they can just replace it when it is dirty!

Answer 3

To dissipate heat over a larger area. People think it cooks better that way. I think it ruins the heating element faster, though. I would never do it.

Answer 4

Its a simple way to clean up after cooking.  Instead of scrubbing the metal dish that sits inside the stove, the aluminum foil is easily ripped off and the dish is still clean.

Answer 5

To keep them clean.  Be careful on an electric stove though.  It is a good idea to line the grill pan/broiler pan with foil also so it is easier to wash.  Some people also put foil on the oven floor (not if there is an element there though).

Answer 6

So if a piece of food, or liquid (soup) spills over the top of the bowl or pan; all you have to do is pick up the aluminum foil.  It saves time so that you wont have to clean the stove top after you are done cooking.

Answer 7

The same reason you put a plastic sheet on your kid's bed if he/she isn't fully potty trained yet -- it's much easier to clean up than cleaning the bed itself.

It's easy to discard aluminum foil afterward.  And arguably it's better for the environment, since you don't have to use the harsh chemicals to scrub the stove with oven-cleaner, which is pretty toxic.  

Answer 8

because on electric stoves- pieces of food or boiled over liquids tend to smoke and cleaning them off after a spill is tough work- requires lots of elbow grease and steel wool- and foil covering is a quick way to end this problem- also a great idea for renters so you don't have to scrub before you move out- same thing goes for in the oven- on the very bottom- will keep all those boiled over casseroles and melty cheese pizzas from charring the bottom