I use a commercial grade 16 quart pot as my steamer. I believe it is aluminum. The pot has developed some metalic beads on the lower surface and there are a dozen or so powdery spots in the same area. I clean them off and they reappear. Only thing other than water in the pot is white vinegar once in a while. What gives?
Vinegar is acidic, maybe some type of corrosion? Could some type of electrolysis be happening? Post a picture.
I used an aluminum pot last year like that and got the same thing. Probably just the water and what's in it. Also the aluminum got thin probably from continues heat developed a few pin holes and had to replace it this year. The pot I used was from my turkey fryer, so I won't be using that again.
That is Calcium and mineral deposit's creating a basic electrolysis. The iron and minerals in your water is beginning to "EAT" the aluminum, the softest metal. Nothing you can do will stop it, just slow it down, and note, the more you clean it off, the more it will appear! It's like cleaning the green off of a copper pipe, "don't do it" thats the materials way of protection itself. Vinegar will only make it worse, it's an acid! Clean it good with soap and water, leave it alone. "trust me" metals are what I do for a living.
We have hard water here, so you are probably dead on Dave. Will this pot be ruined if I continue to use it as a steamer?
Ya, I use cast iron and it gets white flaky crusty stuff all over it, to the point that I can scrape a quarter cup of it off the bottom and sides every now and then. Interesting though adding vinegar. Any of you guys/gals know a way to keep that cast iron pot looking good?
The only thing I do to any of my cast iron is use hot water and a brillo pad then a light coating of olive oil on the inside. As far as something like your talking for the stove top im not sure if you would want to oil it but I could be wrong.
Not really, Cast iron, or any metal, steel, cast, aluminum etc… wants to return to its natural form, "hence oxidation". Rust never sleeps! cast will rust/oxidize very quickly unless you keep it filled with water "all" the time. Those cast steam pots look nastalgic but they won't last very long. If you want to have something that won't rust or oxidize, use stainless steel and even that will corrode in time.
I agree the acid and minerals will attack the aluminum pot. I use a porcelain coated 6 qt. cast iron dutch oven sans cover and this works and looks great. They are on sale at Walmart right now. Be careful not to damage the porcelain coating, clean with baking soda to prevent scratches and this should last for a very long time. You can see this pot in my picture on the left <<<<<< Ray
Agree, porcelain is "super" for a steamer! My problem is, I can't keep from beating one up or chipping it .
Yup you have to be careful for sure! I've had this pot a few years now and it still looks great Think we paid 30-40 dollars for it at Walmart. It is heavy and they are also great for cooking.
