SS freezer Smoker build- aluminium interior question

tobertuzzi · Post by **tobertuzzi** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 19:23

So Im starting this build. I know there is talk of not using aluminium in smokers because of the possibility of emitting gasses at higher temps.

This is from the spec sheet of my freezer

Interior - attractive, NSF approved, white
aluminum liner. 300 series stainless floor
with coved corners.

Here is a pic of the freezer, sorry I dont have an interior photo at the moment

I only plan on having a max temp of around 250 f . Does anyone think this aluminium will cause any problems?

Thanks
Toby

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 19:30

Where did that question concerning aluminum come from? I have several aluminum baking sheets that get used to bake bread at 425°F and I used to weld aluminum with no concern about any fumes. Aluminum foil is a standard for about a hundred cooking uses. Some people even use aluminum foil to wrap around wood chips for making smoke on a BBQ grill.
Jut use it and relax it will never cause you any harm.

tobertuzzi · Post by **tobertuzzi** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 19:40

Hi Ross

I am a chef by trade so I use a tonne of it. And yeah I was thinking the same as you, we cook with it on much higher heats than a smoker will ever get to.

I read it on a forum somewhere, it may have been from Australia or NZ I think.

I just thought Id throw it out there and see what everyone think.

I agree with you tho.

Thanks
Toby

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 19:47

I think the origin of the statement was somebody that didn't have a clue.

Baconologist · Post by **Baconologist** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 00:25

Aluminum is safe in a smoker.

I think that aluminum has been confused with zinc galvanizing which is potentially unsafe a very high temperatures.

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 02:01

Zinc starts to melt shortly after the carbon left from the burned meat vaporizes. Zinc burns with a pretty green flame and makes white smoke called zinc oxide.

CrankyBuzzard · Post by **CrankyBuzzard** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 02:30

ssorllih wrote:Where did that question concerning aluminum come from? I have several aluminum baking sheets that get used to bake bread at 425°F and I used to weld aluminum with no concern about any fumes. Aluminum foil is a standard for about a hundred cooking uses. Some people even use aluminum foil to wrap around wood chips for making smoke on a BBQ grill.
Jut use it and relax it will never cause you any harm.

Yep!

I have aluminum skins in 2 of my hot smokers that exceed 300° on a regular basis.

My cold smoker that is in works will also have an aluminum skin on the inside to cover the insulation...

If you get it hot enough to melt the stuff, your meat is gonna suck anyway!

Go forward, you're good.

Charlie

Walleye1 · Post by **Walleye1** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 04:08

Toby

I agree with the other guys. One of my big smokers is 100 % aluminum on the interior and has never been a problem. In fact it started life as a commercial proofer so I certainly don't think its a problem at all.

Mike

ssorllih · Post by **ssorllih** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 05:01

There are tons of aluminum cookware sold and used everyday. It has been proven for at least a lifetime.

tobertuzzi · Post by **tobertuzzi** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 04:31

Thanks for the replies guys, the answers were just as expected.

Cheers

DYI Steve · Post by **DYI Steve** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 05:16

when in doubt .... heat it up higher than you'll ever smoke .... then get a good coating of smoke on the inside ..... no shortage of lil'cheif smokers out there , never heard of anyone having a problem .... better safe than sorry..

* the only dumb question is the one that don't get asked *