Cooking on black iron?

jsperk · 02-09-2013, 08:19 AM

A friend works in a steel shop and asked me if I wanted a piece of 16 gauge black iron. Is it safe to cook food on black iron? I was going to use as a griddle.

Thanks.

HankB · 02-09-2013, 09:56 AM

Black iron? That sounds like hot rolled steel that still has the scale on it. The scale is just iron oxide that forms when oxygen binds with the surface of the hot metal. Sheet metal that has a shiny finish as been cold rolled. I don't recall if the scale is removed mechanically during cold rolling or if it is removed chemically (pickling.) But I digress.

I would put one of those flap grinder/sanders on my angle grinder and use it to remove the scale from the cooking surface. Then season it as you would cast iron. Or just season the scale if it looks like it is solid - e.g. not flaking off. If it comes off on the food it is more a cosmetic than health issue.

Hoss · 02-09-2013, 10:07 AM

It would be awesome as a griddle in my opinion.

jsperk · 02-09-2013, 10:11 AM

Thanks. I was also going to try it for some pizza. I like cast iron for pizza but my pan is to small.
Maybe I'll check at local shop and buy a piece of a36.

Smoothsmoke · 02-09-2013, 10:15 AM

I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done.

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 02-09-2013, 10:34 AM

I can't find a material called black iron plate. I wonder if he is referring to rolled steel plate?

Yellowhair42 · 02-09-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeSmellsLikeSmoke

I can't find a material called black iron plate. I wonder if he is referring to rolled steel plate?

Because there isn't.I would bet it's HRS (aka Hot Rolled Steel)

dadsr4 · 02-09-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoothsmoke

I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done.

He said BLACK iron

jsperk · 02-09-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeSmellsLikeSmoke

I can't find a material called black iron plate. I wonder if he is referring to rolled steel plate?

He thought it was cold rolled but he is not a 100% sure. He is going to get it to me on Monday. So I will check it out then.
Thanks everyone.

02-09-2013, 08:19 AM	#1
jsperk Babbling Farker Join Date: 09-27-08 Location: Pittsburgh PA	Cooking on black iron? A friend works in a steel shop and asked me if I wanted a piece of 16 gauge black iron. Is it safe to cook food on black iron? I was going to use as a griddle. Thanks.

02-09-2013, 09:56 AM	#2
HankB is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-16-12 Location: Winfield, IL	Black iron? That sounds like hot rolled steel that still has the scale on it. The scale is just iron oxide that forms when oxygen binds with the surface of the hot metal. Sheet metal that has a shiny finish as been cold rolled. I don't recall if the scale is removed mechanically during cold rolling or if it is removed chemically (pickling.) But I digress. I would put one of those flap grinder/sanders on my angle grinder and use it to remove the scale from the cooking surface. Then season it as you would cast iron. Or just season the scale if it looks like it is solid - e.g. not flaking off. If it comes off on the food it is more a cosmetic than health issue. __________________ Weber Crazy

02-09-2013, 10:15 AM	#5
Smoothsmoke Babbling Farker Join Date: 01-20-10 Location: Monterey, CA	I wouldn't recommend it, but it can be done. __________________ Kamado Big Joe [COLOR=Red]Kamado Classic Joe Kamado Joe Jr. [/COLOR] A bunch of Webers

02-09-2013, 10:34 AM	#6
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	I can't find a material called black iron plate. I wonder if he is referring to rolled steel plate? __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle

02-09-2013, 10:07 AM	#3
Hoss Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 12-31-09 Location: Hernando,MS	It would be awesome as a griddle in my opinion.

02-09-2013, 10:11 AM	#4
jsperk Babbling Farker Join Date: 09-27-08 Location: Pittsburgh PA	Thanks. I was also going to try it for some pizza. I like cast iron for pizza but my pan is to small. Maybe I'll check at local shop and buy a piece of a36.