Specimens of magnesium aluminate spinel castable and calcium aluminate cement bonded bauxite based castable were prepared using special bauxite (particle size ≤8 mm) and sintered magnesia as aggregates, SiO2 micropowder, α-alumina micropowder and calcium aluminate cement as binders, drying, firing at 1 350 ℃ and 1 500 ℃ for 3 h, respectively. The bulk density, cold modulus of rupture, cold crushing strength, permanent change in dimensions on heating, thermal shock resistance and slag resistance were determined. The results show that compared with calcium aluminate cement bonded bauxite based castable, the magnesium aluminate spinel castable has higher cold crushing strength after drying, better slag resistance but worse thermal shock resistance. Magnesium aluminate spinel based roof of EAF with high molten iron charging ratio has a longer service life.