316 grade stainless steel for smoker build

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

pepseamani

Fire Starter
Original poster
Mar 7, 2009
44
10
PEI, Canada
Hi folks.

I was wondering if someone could clear this up for me. I am building a stainless steel smoker. I plan to use a 316 grade stainless steel. From what I have read this is the most preffered for cooking utensils. Or would I be better off using a 304 grade?

Thanks
 
304 is the most common form of SS. 316 is a higher grade SS "food grade" "marine grade" and even "surgical grade."

I wouldnt think you need more than 304 for the smoker personally...and it should save you some $$. Im no metal experts, just in the metal importing biz.
 
I am also looking at a smoker build and stainless sheet steel sure isn't cheap. Any reason I can't use regular old steel, as long as it's not galvanized?
 
Heat Resistance

Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C. Continuous use of 316 in the 425-860°C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important. Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range. Grade 316H has higher strength at elevated temperatures and is sometimes used for structural and pressure-containing applications at temperatures above about 500°C.
 
You should be good with just about any grade of stainless steel, but the price will vary greatly as you go up in grades. As for using plain ol' carbon steel - simple answer is rust.

If you do use carbon steel make sure you paint all exterior exposed surfaces with a good quality heat resistant paint - don't skimp! Then make sure to season the inside realy well to keep the inside from rusting. Carbon steel would be much cheaper than SS, and it wont rust as bad a cast iron, but it will want to surface rust if you don't protect it.
 
So If I understand this ...if you go with the cheaper plain steel then you will probably end up spending the money you saved on good quality paint??? Sounds like if you have the money that SS is the better choice in the long run!
SOB
 
icon_question.gif
What kinda smoker do you want? Stainless is painless until you pay the bill.

beard
 
Yeah if you can afford the SS then definately worth it, but that stuff is not cheap, and mistakes can get very expensive very fast... lol. My company uses a ton of manufactured parts made out of 316 s.s. and we throw a huge Christmas Party every year just on the scrap value we get from our repair department... heh-heh.
 
There are alot of different grades of stainless, an some has a higher iron content and will rust, and or stain.

I use alot of surplus stainless, some you can drill and machine with ease and then there is some that you cant work with no matter what you use.

Be prepared to burn up drills and hole saws if you are working with stainless.
 
What he said... if you do use stainless don't go higher than 316 SS, unless you own a machine shop with milling tools... lol. Once you start getting to 416 SS and up it starts getting really hard to work with.
 
304 is fine for what you are doing. 316 is more expensive and has better pitting resistance (3% Mo) in aqueous corrosion apppications, which is not a concern to you with a smoker.
 
And what about superaustenitic stainless steel, or duplex steel?

Nitronic 50 Stainless is more corrosion resistant than 316l with twice the durability.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky