Types of Oven Inner Tank Materials: Pros and Cons

Overview of Oven Inner Tanks

The inner tank of an electric oven is made from different materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum-plated steel, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings. Some tanks also feature rough porcelain enamel, which has a clay-like texture. These materials are generally non-toxic and safe to use, as long as the appliance meets national quality standards.

Common Materials for Oven Inner Tanks

In the domestic market, oven inner tanks are typically made from the following materials:

Galvanized Steel
Aluminum-Plated Steel
Stainless Steel
Non-Stick Coating

From a cost perspective, stainless steel is the most expensive, followed by non-stick coating, aluminum-plated steel, and galvanized steel. But how do these materials perform in real-world use? Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is widely used in the domestic oven market but is being gradually replaced by aluminum-plated steel.

Advantages: Low cost, can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, and offers decent corrosion resistance. It generally meets the requirements for household ovens, where the maximum temperature is typically 250°C.
Disadvantages: Under high heat, the lifespan is shorter. After a few years, surface oxidation can occur, which may impact health.

Aluminum-Plated Steel

This material is becoming the mainstream choice for household ovens.

Advantages: Can withstand temperatures up to 600°C, offers strong oxidation and corrosion resistance, and has a lifespan at least 60% longer than galvanized steel. With heat reflectivity of 80-90%, it also serves as good insulation. It is widely used in foreign-made ovens and has been tested as a safe and eco-friendly material for food processing.
Disadvantages: Low hardness and a high friction coefficient can make the baking tray and grill difficult to slide in and out.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is often used in high-end, large embedded, and commercial ovens.

Advantages: Higher resistance to heat and oxidation than aluminum-plated steel. It has a longer lifespan, making it suitable for commercial use where ovens are frequently used.
Disadvantages: Expensive, easily gets dirty, and is not easy to clean.

Non-Stick Coating

A non-stick coating is typically applied over galvanized or aluminum-plated steel to make cleaning easier.

Advantages: The base material is the same as galvanized or aluminum-plated steel, and the non-stick coating simplifies cleaning.
Disadvantages: The safety of the coating varies by manufacturer. Prolonged exposure to high heat may release harmful substances.

Recommendations

For Occasional Use: If you don’t often bake greasy foods, the non-stick coating may not be necessary. Traditional galvanized steel is being phased out, so aluminum-plated steel is a good choice for home use.
For Frequent Use: If you bake regularly or professionally, consider using a stainless steel inner tank for better durability and performance.