Is there anything better than a grill rotisserie? A tasty, spit-roasted dish is the perfect partner to any cookout with your friends and family, but what exactly is a grill rotisserie, and how can you set one up at your home?
We thought we would take a closer look at these questions and describe the most important parts you need to create the perfect gas grill rotisserie in your home.
What is grill rotisserie cooking?
Before we begin exploring the best methods for setting up a grill rotisserie in your back garden, it is first important to understand exactly what rotisserie cooking is. This is a unique method of cooking that incorporates a slowly revolving spit that is placed over a fire or grill, slowly roasting and barbecuing the meat that has been placed on it.
This spit is designed to rotate at a slow and consistent speed, which ensures that the meat is able to baste in its own juices and fat, creating an incredibly juicy and tender final product.
There are many methods of heat that you can use to cook your meat. Some grill masters like to do this over an open fire, but this is not always necessary, and it is also possible to transform your charcoal or gas BBQ grill so that it can also become a rotisserie.
Certain gas BBQs on the market are available with a special rotisserie infrared burner which is mounted on the back of the grill and allows chefs to cook up a versatile range of meats for guests.
A grill rotisserie can be used to cook a wide range of meats, but it is typically reserved for larger cuts such as whole chickens or turkeys and legs of lamb. However, these cooking appliances can also be used to cook a range of vegetables and other foods.
Five important grill rotisserie parts
Now you know how a grill rotisserie works, the next important information to know are the more important parts of your grill. The five most crucial elements of any grill include:
1) The Spit
This is arguably the most important part of your grill rotisserie and is effectively a long rod that you use to skewer your meat or food. Once you have placed your food on the spit, it is then placed on the brackets which are located on the sides of your grill, allowing your food to be suspended above the heat source.
2) Spit Forks
Another important part of your rotisserie is the spit forks. These attach to the spit using screws and are designed to hold your food in the correct position while you cook it. These forks will usually feature either two or four prongs.
3) Motor and Motor Mount
For the very best cooking results, your spit needs to be rotating at a constant slow speed. The motor is responsible for turning the spit, and the motor mount will be positioned at the point your rotisserie mounts to your grill.
4) Counterweight
Although this is not a necessity with every grill, a counterweight is a useful addition to prevent your motor from wearing out quicker. This additional weight can be added onto your spit to ensure a balanced weight, allowing the spit to rotate at a slow and steady speed.
Most modern grill rotisseries will be powerful enough to not need additional counterweights, but it is always wise to have one close to hand when cooking large or awkward shaped cuts of meat.
5) Rear Burner
The rear burner is not always necessary when it comes to rotisserie grilling, but certain models will feature this unique heat source as standard.
There is a range of different rotisserie kits available on the market, ensuring there is an option for everyone, no matter their budget or grilling plans. Each of these kits will come with all of the required accessories to quickly transform your BBQ into the perfect rotisserie.
However, it is important to remember the weight of the meat that you are planning on cooking when choosing the right rotisserie kits. If you are planning on simply cooking smaller meats, such as whole chickens, then a rotisserie that can carry up to 20lbs will be enough. If you are looking to cook larger alternatives, though, then you will need one that can carry 55lbs or more.
How to set up a gas grill rotisserie
With your knowledge all set and your parts assembled, it is now time to turn your attention to setting up your gas grill rotisserie.
This is a very simple process and can be done in a few minutes, but it is vital that you follow the instructions exactly to ensure the perfect cooking experience and minimize the risk of your grill or rotisserie becoming damaged.
Most rotisserie kits will come with a clear step-by-step guide to help you, but if you need further support, here are our five steps to help you:
1) Mount the motor
The first thing that you should do is attach the motor. To do this, you should first secure the mounting bracket to your grill before plugging the motor in and testing that it is working as designed.
2) Set your grill
The next step is to set your grill so that it is providing indirect heat. In order to do this, you should remove your cooking grates before turning the grill on and pre-heating it for around 15 minutes.
Once your grill has reached the required temperature, turn the middle burners off and leave the remaining outer burners on a medium setting. Place a drip pan below where your meat will be sitting, as this will not only catch any juices, but it will also protect your burners and heat plates.
If your grill is equipped with a rotisserie burner, then you can turn it on now – although for the best results, you should turn it off after 15 minutes to prevent the outside of your meat from burning.
3) Load your spit
The next step is to load your spit with your chosen meat and ensure that it is correctly balanced.
4) Turn on the motor
Once you have positioned your spit on the rotisserie and it is moving freely, turn on your motor and check it is working as designed.
5) Close the lid
Finally, you should close the lid and maintain a temperature of around 350°. Make sure you are regularly checking your meat to ensure that it is not overcooking.
When to replace your grill rotisserie parts
Keeping your rotisserie in the best condition is essential to creating delicious meals. That is why if you are noticing any signs of corrosion and rust, or your motor is no longer working, then it is time to replace them.
In the vast majority of cases, you will just be able to replace the faulty part rather than having to replace the entire grill rotisserie kit.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to creating delicious meals for your friends and family, a grill rotisserie is a fantastic addition to any backyard. These simple steps will help you transform your cookouts and cement your position as a grill master!