Caja China Box: Build or Buy?

Some of you might have the idea that building a Caja China is 1) easy, and 2) cheap. Truth is, building a China Box is not as inexpensive as it may seem. Here we will lay out the pros and cons of building a Roasting Box versus buying one:

1. Any professional size models are 4’ x 2’ with an interior depth of 8 ¾”-12 ¾”. These dimensions will require at least one sheet of 4’ x 8’ plywood (approximately $20-30.)

2. Your roaster, (in some areas known as a "Caja Asadora" or "Cajun Microwave") will require an interior metal lining. At 1/16” thick, each 4’ x 2’ sheet will run you at least $40 or so. When you include the interior, i.e. the drip pan (about 40” x 22”) and the top ash pan (48” x 24”) you are looking at a good 3 sheets.

So far your new pig roaster has cost you about $150 minimum, and we haven’t even gotten to the parts you’ll need: stainless steel racks, charcoal grid, wheels, or handles. Factor in the amount of time it will require to properly cut and shape these parts. One mistake and there goes that expensive piece of metal. Most would tell you that buying a La Caja China is a much better option.

The truth is, if you can find a China Box for under $220, the value is too good to pass up. The set-up process for one of our units should take you about 30 minutes with just a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Everything you need comes with the cooker, including the hardware to build the box and the items needed to roast your pig. All you will have to put together are the four walls, and add the wheels and the handles and you are ready to start cooking. So before you start buying supplies, make sure to take all these things into account. Here's to an amazing roasting season for you and yours.