Aluminum screen for smoking malts?

[huskerbrew]

Is aluminum window screen suitable for smoking malts at home? I've read Smoked Beers by Daniels/Larson and they suggest using stainless or copper screen but that seems expensive. Would there be any reason not to use aluminum?

[TunaCan]

Aside from the fact that aluminum has been possibly linked to Alzheimer's? Sounds like a bad idea to me, melts at a really low temp, probably will throw off some strange fumes. You should be able to get brass screen at the hardware store, few bucks a foot.

[Dirk McLargeHuge]

. . .melts at a really low temp. . .

How hot do you smoke your malt?

[bcmaui]

. . .melts at a really low temp. . .

How hot do you smoke your malt?

I use alumimum foil on the grill all the time (usually to catch grease). And for cookie sheets in the oven. Never melted. I would stay away from plastic screening.

Stay away from alumimum if you are worried about the health concerns, but I would not worry about the heat in a smoker.

[TunaCan]

Hmm, maybe I just have an aversion to it because I used to make window screens at a hardware store. . .

[Dirk McLargeHuge]

. . .melts at a really low temp. . .

How hot do you smoke your malt?

I use alumimum foil on the grill all the time (usually to catch grease). And for cookie sheets in the oven. Never melted. I would stay away from plastic screening.

Stay away from alumimum if you are worried about the health concerns, but I would not worry about the heat in a smoker.

FYI, the melting point of aluminum is 1220.666F, according to Wikipedia. If you smoked that hot, your grain would burst into flame.

Also, according to the Alzheimers Society in the UK reports that there is no proof that aluminum causes Alzheimer's. http://alzheimers.org.uk/factsheet/406 There is some circumstantial evidence, but no direct link has ever been proven scientifically. But if you sleep better at night, by all means use bronze. I would stay away from anything galvanized.

Here's how I smoked my grain. I did, however, forget to wet the grains.

[huskerbrew]

I figured it was probably OK to use. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I think I'll just use the aluminum, unless the local hardware store carries bronze for a reasonable price. Thanks all!!