galvanized steel for dehydrator

[Syntaxvgm]

So I've seen a lot of meat smoker builds that are made from galvanized metal. It's often discouraged as people dont use it for high temp stuff- fire pits etc because the zinc is bad. But for smokers, I've seen the argument that the temps stay low enough (say 225 f) for it to not be a problem. Seems to be a lot of argument about this. 
I want to build a dehydrator from galvanized steel. The temps would range from 120f to 180f (it will be adjustable). 
Would that be safe as the walls? I don't think so for the racks as some of the things I'd be putting on there would be acidic fruits. 
Any reference for this anyone can point me to? 

[Trik'Stari]

I can't say that it would be safe or unsafe. I'd highly recommend getting some untreated cold or hot rolled sheet steel, paint the outside and season the inside with fat and something that will bring the internal temp to about 400 degrees (just for the seasoning process. prevents rusting)

 

I can say that whatever you do, make sure you use food safe stainless or cast iron for any part of this thing that actually comes into physical contact with the food. Ever.

 

Also, NEVER weld on galvanized metal.

[Imbellis]

Galvanized metals in extreme temperatures

You should be totally fine; however, I want to ask why are you doing this instead of buying one? They're actually quite annoying to build (specifically the racks).

 

Regarding racks, you want to make them out of mesh (usually plastic) to airflow can permeate it and dry stuff more quickly.

I'm guessing you're planning on drying pineapple or grapes? For me, pineapple becomes a bit too acidic to eat after dried.

 

On a tangent note, I've had the best success (taste-wise) with apples. You core 'em and then cut them on a mandoline, dip them in pineapple juice (to stop the browning), and then leave them on the racks until they're dry.

[Lord Mirdalan]

Another vote for stainless steel... Galvanized steel would never be used in a commercial kitchen for food-handling surfaces. Galvanization does tend to wear off of surfaces that are exposed to harsh environments (like acidic fruit juice, then scrubbed clean). Then comes rust. Then sadness.

 

So yeah... stainless.  It's good stuff.

[mr moose]

8 hours ago, Trik'Stari said:

Also, NEVER weld on galvanized metal.

YHW?  I awlys wled no glvnsed mtela and it hsa hda no eecefft on em...

 

 

Seriously though, small amounts in frequently with fresh air won't be a problem.  But it's better to avoid if you can. 

[Guest]

Galvanized steel is a bastard to weld... that is if you're welding.

 

Health wise? I don't know, I couldn't tell ya. Stainless steel would be the way to go imo.

 

I once saw someone make a dehydrator out of an old filing cabinet... Might be cheaper too?

[mr moose]

2 hours ago, Netivity said:

Galvanized steel is a bastard to weld... that is if you're welding.

 

 

Use Flux core wire or stick weld.   Gas shielded will not always penetrate the zinc layer.  And don't even bother trying to tig it.

[Nup]

That’s interesting, hard to guess tho isn’t it. 

Had a read here, was interesting. I would guess that fruit wouldn’t be too corrosive, as they’d likely still be mild acids in food quantities? Also if the nicked coating does corrode, where does it go? It likely won’t go volatile, so from that point of view I guess it’s relatively safe (like what you said on smoking vs non smoking temps)

 

One articel i read mentioned that air borne salt content had an effect on corrosion, so maybe the salty nature of food will have an effect on this. Also seems the type of glavanisation chnages tbings. https://www.gsa.gov/node/1100?Form_Load=88553%3FbypassAkamaiCache%3D1507917842

keep us posted. 

[Lord Mirdalan]

Here's a video about welding galvanized: 

 

And some general OSHA guidelines:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/shipbuildingrepair/welding.html

 

And some more specific information about welding galvanized:

https://galvanizeit.org/education-and-resources/resources/technical-faq-dr-galv/welding-galvanized-steel

 

Be safe.