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Making a food oven from Electro-Galvanized or Galvanneal Steels

I am considering using "E.G." or possibly "galv-anneal" coated sheet steel in the design and fabrication of an oven used for preparation of food items. Peak temperatures the steel would see are 650 degrees. Are there any issues I need to be concerned with regarding potential out-gassing of hazardous constituents? If yes, is this a one-time occurrence that can be countered by going through a "seasoning phase" (oven operation at peak temperature for some period of time) prior to cooking?

Thank you,

Greg

Greg Sample
Designer - Newberg, Oregon, USA
September 25, 2010

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Hi, Greg.

I think I'd pick a different finish, like perhaps a high temperature paint. Zinc is not considered a food-safe material, plus there could be chromate passivation coatings on electrogalvanized sheet, and the melting point is under 800 deg F.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.

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The zinc will delaminate (peel) from the steel well below 650 degrees! The different coefficients of thermal expansion will cause them to separate below 400.

Stick with porcelain, friend!

Mike Burnson
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
October 9, 2010

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