Can I use aluminum directly on fire like on my BBQ concerned with it melting or giving off toxic ...

[G+_Rud Dog]

Can I use aluminum directly on fire like on my BBQ concerned with it melting or giving off toxic gases?

[G+_Rud Dog]

Thanks Wayne, yeah my crumbs catcher and lava rock holder rusted out but had enough to pop-rivet couple pieces of aluminum to the lava rock holder and some tin to the tray she is as good as new. Yuppers it get plenty hot here as well think it is 77 right now:)

[G+_610GARAGE]

I would use stainless over aluminum. I would worry that the aluminum would lose too much structural integrity at higher temps. I would also worry about the aluminum over oxidizing at those temps. If that happens, you may get a bunch of white dust on your food. Not too mention that unoxidized aluminum is flammable. Ask me how I know that ;)

[G+_Rud Dog]

So is my BBQ gonna burst into flames or explode now you got me real worried. Wonder what temp Aluminum oxidizes?  

[G+_610GARAGE]

Aluminum oxidizes at room temp. But if you throw on a fresh piece of aluminum that is covered in oil, it may be a problem. If you use aluminum, just wipe off any oil and spritz it with water to be safe. 

 

Sorry for the over alarm. I should have explained myself better.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Thanks Bob, now all I gotta do is climb into the recycling bin and get my wife's aluminum foil back.

[G+_610GARAGE]

Sorry. I thought you were making somthing that was constently siting directly in flames.

[G+_Rud Dog]

No worries and yes the aluminum will sit between the gas fire and the lava rocks and above that will be the grill surface. 

[G+_610GARAGE]

Rudy Trujillo I would still urge stainless if you can. Stainless steel has a melting point of around 1400°C vs aluminum's 660°C. My gut says that you will have problems with aluminum.

 

Wayne Hobbins Now that you mention it, it could have been magnesium. But it was an alternator bracket for a 94 jeep wrangler. I thought they had gotten rid of magnesium out of cars by that time due to out of controll car fires.

 

Although they both kind of frighten me when near flames. Metal fires can be difficult to put out.

 

P.S. It wouldn't be a misspent youth. You were learning the fundamentals of extreme exothermic reactions. :)

[G+_Rud Dog]

Well looks like another journey to the hardware store put the BBQ back together using my aluminum sheet with holes, placing lava rock on top and laying down the grills. Hooked up my propane tank and let is test run. With in 30 seconds was hearing a sound coming from the BBQ the laval rocks were falling through to the catch all tray below. The double up sheet of aluminum melted through.

Guessing the sheet of aluminum I purchased from Home Depot must have been something other then what I thought is was or my BBQ gets real hot. 

[G+_Rud Dog]

Agreed on all points.

[G+_Jason Marsh]

Wayne Hobbins I used to chastise people for using gas, then I got tired of my messy charcoal grill. I've never looked back.

 

Rudy Trujillo You can probably buy a replacement steel grate to lay your lava rock on, but a scrap of expanded steel works pretty well, also.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Marsh it took some time but finally found a lava rock grill that just about fits. My old one was 17 7/8" X 29" and found one at 17 1/2" X 28 1/2" will be able to extend the lip if need be but won't know till it gets here. So looking forward to tossing a side of cow on the grill.

[G+_Jason Marsh]

Wayne Hobbins I was referring to the charcoal dust and ash. The stone-age fire technology, charcoal, is fine for those who like it and are willing to put up with it. I'll take late 19th century tech and an automatic ignition source. Either way tastes great to most.

 

The real truth is that nothing beats campfire cooking, so all you backyard barbecuers with your stupid, man-made, metal grills with clock radio, LED lights, two side burners, sunscreen and hand sanitizer dispensers, and chromed plastic wheels can just go take a flying leap!