Custom Smoker Racks

[STGRule]

We are retrofitting an old fridge into a smoker. I am having trouble with material for the racks. I will put aluminum angle on the interior to hold the racks. The problem is the racks themselves. I need a food-grade material. I have tried for cookie racks, barbecue racks, oven racks that might fit. Nothing that comes close. Any suggestions? Anything that might be modified with non-metal working tools (I don't have a metal break). Help?

[Pyramid]

I have always used oven racks, but my smokers have been made out of smaller refrigerators. I wonder if you could use expanded metal and build them to suit. Just a thought.

[1pump]

I've seen expanded metal used for grills at campsites, but I don't know if they're coated for food use.
Anybody make expanded stainless?

[Gun Rod Bow]

I used flat sided (there is a difference)expanded metal in stainless steel. Sheared to size with on edge folded down about 1 1/2". Most of the smaller steel yards should be able to produce.

Try Eastside Steel 503-760-6787

Be carefull, egdes will be sharp. I've used mine in a converted fridge for 4 years. They clean up real easy.

If you can't find any, give me your dimensions and I'll get you a price.

Toss the fridg and build something that fits an oven rack and doesn't look so much like trash.

[SureSet]

I built a smoker and needed 15 - 24x18" racks. I went with 9 gauge 3/4 expanded steel. I looked at the flattened, but I wanted the least amount of contact with my fish so I went with normal expanded. You can get it at the "Steelyard" in Portland for about $50 a 4'x8' sheet. It cost me another $25 to have them shear it to the right sizes, but they work great. If you really don't like the sharp edges, you can get edging (although I'm not sure where) that goes along the edges. If you clean them well with a good degreaser after you buy them, then grease and season them just like a cast iron pan, they don't rust too bad and there shouldn't be any more residue than a bbq grill or a cast pot. I don't wash mine, just turn up the smoker to 250 or so for an hour to dry up any goo and then use a bbq brush and PAM on them.

Good Luck

BTW, I initially did look at SS expanded and it was 5-6 times as expensive.

SureSet

[ 11-28-2003, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: SureSet ]