Aluminum Ash Pan... Thoughts?

[txsmkmstr]

I'm considering using a half-size baking sheet for an ash pan in my offset smoker. One reason is weight - the standard 1/4" steel pan offered is too darn heavy. The other is cost - a non-coated baking sheet is pretty cheap.

Ideally, I'd make one out of mild steel (18 ga. or similar) but I already own sheet pan. So, any concerns I should have about aluminum in a firebox?

 

[pjtexas1]

i used a disposable aluminum pan in my old offset for years. now i buy the aluminum sheets and bend/cut/rivet to fit my cookers. in my shirley i had them make me a steel one and you are correct...really farkin heavy. i like to have one that fits as tight as possible to keep the ash off the bottom of the firebox.