BGE vs La Caja China box

[bonkboo]

Anyone know how these differ? It seems that they are both capable of similar things. My neighbor got a BGE that I've coveted. Then I've seen the China Box on Bobby Flay and other things and it seems intriguing as an alternative. Thoughts?

[Martin Fisher]

It's difficult to compare them since they're quite a bit different!

~Martin

[bonkboo]

I would love to know the pros and cons of each. Can you explain, Martin? I've never used either but would like to expand from the propane grill to do other heat sources outdoors.

[HungryC]

Very different items....the Caja China (aka Cajun microwave) is designed for long, slow cooking only. It's essentially a box that mimics the earthen pit cooking found in various parts of the world. The BGE is more versatile, allowing you to precisely adjust airflow for good temp control---super hot or super low. Plus, the BGE can be outfitted with a slew of accessories, making it easy to use as a wok stove, baking oven, smoker, direct or indirect grill, etc. For example, I can grill kebabs on one side of the grill while cooking naan on a half moon baking stone on the other side.

A Caja is way way cheaper than a BGE, though. So if you want to play around with low and slow, it might be a good entry point.

[Martin Fisher]

Very different items....the Caja China (aka Cajun microwave) is designed for long, slow cooking only. It's essentially a box that mimics the earthen pit cooking found in various parts of the world. The BGE is more versatile, allowing you to precisely adjust airflow for good temp control---super hot or super low. Plus, the BGE can be outfitted with a slew of accessories, making it easy to use as a wok stove, baking oven, smoker, direct or indirect grill, etc. For example, I can grill kebabs on one side of the grill while cooking naan on a half moon baking stone on the other side.

A Caja is way way cheaper than a BGE, though. So if you want to play around with low and slow, it might be a good entry point.

X2

Bonkboo,

Check out some of the videos on youtube.

~Martin

Edited February 16, 2013 by DiggingDogFarm (log)

[bonkboo]

Thanks for the quick help. I'm now going to have to think about what I want to really do and which one best fits both needs and budget.

[scamhi]

the BGE is much more versatile. I have used both.

You do not get a BBQ/Smoked taste from the Caja China. the coals stay on top of the box.

I do not think the Caja China is for low and slow cooking. It is for fast primal cooking, whole pig, lamb etc..

With the BGE you can set it up as a smoker low and slow and also use it as a very efficient hi temp grill.

[Jason Perlow]

the BGE is much more versatile. I have used both.

You do not get a BBQ/Smoked taste from the Caja China. the coals stay on top of the box.

I do not think the Caja China is for low and slow cooking. It is for fast primal cooking, whole pig, lamb etc..

With the BGE you can set it up as a smoker low and slow and also use it as a very efficient hi temp grill.

It is indeed mostly intended for fast primal cooking. That's why they call it a Cuban Microwave.