General Oven Questions

[52fordpickup]

I am going to use the mineral wool insulation to insulate the inside of my "freezer oven". Will covering that with heavy duty aluminum foil and covering the seams with aluminum tape work or should I cover it with galvanized steel? How many elements should I use (4'x4'x8')? Thanks in advance!

[pickleboy]

it will definatly cost more but i would recommend the galvanized sheet or aluminum sheet over the foil. it will last much longer. as for the elements i cant say but the oven will net around 128 sq ft inside so you can call some element makers and ask for the recommended amount for that size.

[52fordpickup]

I have actually decided to use the high-temp insulation blankets from McMaster Carr Item #9356K12 if anyone is interested in insulating thier oven. Anyone have any help with the number of elements I need to use?

[jrow]

52fordpickup,

If you are using a freezer, and making an oven out of it you won't need any insulation. UNLESS the insulation has been taken out of the freezer! The freezer had to keep the cold in just as it will keep the heat in.

If you are using a home electric stove now, see what size elements are in it and figure the cubic feet of the oven and size you freezer oven elements from that!
IE: If your existing oven uses two 3100 watt elements and is 2 x 2 X 2. Thats 8 cubic feet. If the freezer is 2 X 2 X 5, thats 20 cubic feet and would need three 3100 watt elements!

John

[52fordpickup]

The insulation that is used in freezers is made to trap the cold air in, won't it burn if it is subjected to high temperatures?

[52fordpickup]

If anyone is looking at building an oven my Freezer oven plans as of now are:

4 - 3000W elements $25
buy.com Item #90142973

High Temp Insulation Blanket 1.5"
McMaster Carr Item #9356K12

Door Seals
McMaster Carr Item #8813K31

Electric Motor
Grainger Item #3M534

6" Fan Blade
Grainger Item #4C469

Definite Purpose Contactor
Grainger Item #4DD09

If anyone has any suggestions or doesn't think that some of these items are what I should be looking for please let me know. Thanks.

[jrow]

Originally Posted by 52fordpickup

The insulation that is used in freezers is made to trap the cold air in, won't it burn if it is subjected to high temperatures?

As long as the insulation is covered by the metal that was originally in the freezer, no it shouldn't burn! I believe the insulation is probably fiberglass. What I would be most concerned with is the rubber seal that goes around the door. It will turn crisp and possibly burn.

John

[52fordpickup]

Originally Posted by jrow

What I would be most concerned with is the rubber seal that goes around the door. It will turn crisp and possibly burn.

John

That is why I am ordering door seals from McMaster Carr, that stand up to the high temperatures. Part #8813K31.