Aluminum

[Badhabit]

Is all aluminum food safe? I was given a piece of aluminum plate 1/2" thick that I was thinking of making a griddle out of for my pellet grill. I just not sure if I would poison myself by grilling food on it. I have no history on the plate. Thanks in advance

H

 

[cvairwerks]

It can be, but Al conducts heat so fast that you can't get a pellet grill hot enough for long enough to be effective. Pellet grills are not designed for a lot of heat, rather low, stable heat for long cooking periods.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Aluminum would not make a good griddle. It will have a hot spot over the heat source.

 

[htmdude57]

The aluminum might melt. Melting point is 1220 degrees F.

 

[PCustoms]

The aluminum might melt. Melting point is 1220 degrees F.

If his pellet grill is that hot I'm impressed

 

[jack stand]

I've had some old Wagner (like the very collectable cast iron Wagner)
aluminum stew pots and the like from my aunts estate and she would have been over 100 by now.
I gave them to my daughter and she had the similar question on safety. I told her that both Aunt Eunie and uncle Harry were well into their 90's when they passed..... from old age!
I mentioned that if she's concerned, only stirr the pot with wood or what you'd use on "Teflon" or other similar non stick that folks aren't freaking out over. Something are worth worrying about and others, not so much.
I guess it's possible that a different alloy aluminum might possibly make a difference where it's possible to mechanically introduce little bits of aluminum into your food from scraping a skillet, and as mentioned it's probably a poor choice to make a "hot top/flat top" out of with its heating properties.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'll add that aluminum doesn't take a season like CI or steel does--it will never be naturally non-stick. I hate aluminum skillets.

I made this one from cold-rolled steel a while back:



It takes a very nice season and heats evenly. I do wish it had a grease gutter as I use it a lot for bacon. I made another for a friend's daughter and she loves it.

 

[Badhabit]

Thank you for all your replies. I was looking on Amazon and for the price of their griddles, I think this aluminum plate will become something else. I have no idea what. Does anyone have an idea for a piece of aluminum 18"x36"x.5". Thanks again

H

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Use it to thaw your steaks or other frozen stuff.

And I love my old aluminum fry pan. Pretty close to 1/4" thick and properly cleaned and oiled its awesome for eggs, omelette, grilled breads, pancakes. It doesnt like sugars or acids tho, those remove the "nonstick" from the oil.

 

[Beerhippie]

Thank you for all your replies. I was looking on Amazon and for the price of their griddles, I think this aluminum plate will become something else. I have no idea what. Does anyone have an idea for a piece of aluminum 18"x36"x.5". Thanks again

H

You imagination is the only limit. I use aluminum plate for projects on a regular basis--it can be cut with carbide circular saw blades, easily filed and ground and takes threads very well. I just wish I had the right welder for it--everything I have is DC.