DIY HOG ROAST
Brief:
Our hog roast was made using a packing crate and a heavy duty metal drip
tray. You will need to source similar items, a wooden box will do but try to
find one the same size as your metal tray as this will save you having to
make any additional modifications later on. You will also need a fine mesh
tray for your charcoal, although this is not essential it is beneficial in
maintaining a good fire. To build your own hog roast you will need;
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Wooden Packing crate or similar
Steel tray (we used a heavy duty oil drip tray)
Stainless steel mesh rack (we used a vintage bread tray)
Aluminium sheet or foil (we used .5mm)
Nails
Large wood Screws
Pan head tacks
Charcoal (between 40-50kg should be sufficient)
…and some DIY tools;
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Wire cutters
• Wood saw
• Drill
• Oven gloves
• Eye protection
These are optional;
• Weld mesh (for charcoal grate)
• Wheels
• Timber for handles
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Step 1: Line the inside of your packing crate with aluminium sheet or
tinfoil, secure edges with nails or industrial staples. This will help with
cooking and also provide an easier to clean surface.
Step 2: As an option, you may choose customise your hog roast or
make it mobile by adding wheels, legs, and handles.
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Step 3: Use two metal trays to create a cage for the meat. This will serve
multiple purposes, firstly keeping the meat from contacting the bottom
of the box and secondly to you allow you to turn it over. You attach them
together (forming a cage) using meat hooks or malleable wire.
Step 4: Cover the top of the hog roast with your drip tray. If available,
you can also use weld mesh as a grate for charcoal, this will ease
management of the fire.
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Step 5: Now your hog roast should resemble the setup shown in the diagram
below and you are ready to start cooking!
Cooking procedure;
• Secure your seasoned meat, of up to 50kg, between the two metal trays,
and place in the bottom of the hog roast.
• Replace the drip tray and mesh grate.
• Add about 10kg of charcoal on top of the mesh grate, light and begin
cooking!
• You will need to change the charcoal hourly or once it has burnt out and
remove the ash. The fire requires constant maintance to achieve the best
cooking temperature!
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End User Notice
You will require an assistant during certain procedures such as removing the
charcoal tray and turning over the meat, both you and your assistant must
be fully aware and in compliance with the following;
• The hog roast will become very hot when cooking, use all necessary
safety precautions and wear suitable oven gloves and fire proof clothing
protection at all times!
• Keep children and pets away from cooking area!
• The hog roast is strictly for outdoor use only!
• You will need to carry out any required risk assessments before using a
hog roast in a garden, public area or camp ground, and ensure it is legal
to do so!
• If you have fitted wheels, do not attempt to move the hog roast whilst it
is still hot!
• The hog roast must not to be used by, or in the vicinity of persons under
the influence of alcohol!
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