The Texas BBQ Forum

Looking to build a Stainless steel offset. What are the pro's and con's using Stainless steel over carbon steel.

You’ll go blind!

Looking at building a 24"X60"X1/4" 304 stainless. Some people I have talked with say that SS holds in to much heat and could have warpage.

I have a buddy that has one, and he has had it forever and it will last forever.

The only cons I see with stainless is you'll go blind as SlowNative said (if it's bare metal), and yes, stainless does heat warp easier than other steel. You could try going thicker on the metal to offset that. I'm sure some of the veteran builders here could give you an idea where the sweet spot is for warpage vs becoming a heat sink. I have stainless a stainless side shelf and folding front table on my Rec Tec though, and man those surfaces just soak up heat from the sun on a warm afternoon.

Sun reflection won't be an issue. The stainless steel is mill finish (not shiny).

What are y'alls opinion on warmer box 24"X24"X36"over the firebox and a direct fire smoker box 24"X24"X36" on the opposite end?