Q&A for How to Use Aluminum Foil

It really doesn't matter! The shinier side of the foil is just something that happens during manufacture and has nothing to do with how it should or shouldn't be used in cooking.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It's best to look in your steamer's manual for instructions about using aluminum foil.

I wouldn't. Aluminum conducts heat too well. That's why you use something like a thick, quilted cloth or even felted knitted potholder made from wool that will shrink.

From the picture, this looks like a standard cotton ball.