55 Gallon Drum for Kettle?? Material?

[freds521]

I recently received a free 55 gallon drum, which I am hoping is steel. It is from "Coombs Family Farms" and contained organic maple syrup so one can assume it is ok for food. My only question is I can't seem to figure out what it is actually made of. It looks like it could be steel or carbon steel. Any other ideas? Just don't want to risk a big batch on it if it's not ok at high temps. Any other potential uses? Thanks everyone

 

[GrantH]

Possibly Stainless, or Aluminum. Are they rusting at all, painted, tarnished?

 

[outside92129]

can you post a pic?

 

[Bobby_M]

If a magnet sticks really well, it's plain steel and I'd pass.

 

[audger]

if its painted/coated on the outside (and also probably the inside, but not always), its most likely carbon steel. no good to use for brewing.

you want stainless steel, which almost never has a coating because its not necessary.

^^ also the magnet trick

 

[smellycarp]

If you cant brew with it, turn it into a BBQ or fire pit

 

[Huaco]

If you cant brew with it, turn it into a BBQ or fire pit

Look up "UDS Smoker" on google... I built one out of a carbon steel drum. BEST smoker I have ever smoked on! CHEAP TOO!!!