DIY Backyard Rotisserie Set Up: Charcoal vs Gas vs Wood

Thinking about building your own spit roaster?

If you’ve been dreaming of loading up a lamb, flicking the switch, and letting it slowly turn while the backyard fills with the smell of smoky goodness, this guide’s for you.

A proper backyard spit roaster setup doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right DIY rotisserie kit and a few smart choices on fuel, height control, and accessories, you can build something that’ll handle everything from weekend chooks to full-on event catering.

But first, let’s make one thing clear: if you’re thinking about building a gas-powered spit roaster from scratch, it’s dangerous and illegal to DIY the gas components yourself. Always use a licensed gas fitter to build or install any gas system. It’s not worth the risk to your property, or your family. .

Choosing your fuel: Charcoal vs Gas vs Wood

Your fuel is the heart of your spit roast—it determines the flavour, heat, and cooking style.

Charcoal

• Flavour: Rich, smoky, authentic BBQ taste
• Heat control: Medium learning curve; once you get it, you’ll nail consistent temps
• Considerations: Takes longer to light than gas, but our Flaming Coals Charcoal Starter make it easier to light the charcoal in around 5 minutes. Alternatively, use a charcoal chimney starter to be up and running in just 25 minutes.
   

Gas (with licensed installation only)

• Flavour: Clean heat, milder flavour. Similar flavour as cooking inside your kitchen oven
• Heat control: Easy; turn the knob and you’re away
• Best for: Quick weeknight roasts or when you want no-fuss cooking
• Safety note: Never attempt to DIY a gas system always get a licensed gas fitter to install or modify it for you.
   

Wood

• Flavour: Next-level aroma especially with Aussie hardwoods like ironbark or fruitwoods.
• Heat control: Most challenging; needs regular tending and experience
• Best for: Special occasions, slow cooks, and when you want to impress
• Considerations: You’ll need to factor in wood size, storage, and seasoning

Height control: Why it matters

Being able to adjust the height of your spit roast over the heat source is key to perfect cooking. Unless you have a gas rotisserie, your only way of controlling the temperature is by either moving the fire, or by raising/lowering the meat closer or further away from the heat source.

• Fixed height: Simple and sturdy, but you’ll adjust temperature by moving coals or tweaking the fire which can be limiting.
• Height adjustment: Lets you raise or lower your meat mid-cook usually. Ideal for avoiding flare ups.

Our DIY Spit Rotisserie Kits are height adjustable so you can design a setup that suits your cooking style.

Must-have accessories for your DIY rotisserie

Building your own spit roaster? Don’t forget these essentials:

• Rotisserie motor: Choose a motor that matches your cooking load our Flaming Coals Motors range from 8kg to 120kg capacity.
• Spit shaft: Stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning. Always consider what you may like to cook down the track so that you buy a spit shaft that is long enough. Once you get a spit shaft that is over 1m long, we highly recommend getting a thicker 22mm round rod so that it won’t bend and flex over the span of the fire. Keep in mind though, once you go to a thicker shaft, you’ll also need a more powerful motor.
• Prongs or brackets: To secure your meat evenly on the shaft. These will vary depending on what you’re planning on cooking. Chicken prongs work for any cut of meat aside from whole animals. Keep in mind the thickness of the spit shaft you’re going with so that the accessories are large enough to fit
• Charcoal, wood or gas burners: Depending on your fuel choice (gas installs by licensed fitters only)
• Optional add-ons: Basket cages for chickens or veggies, gyros discs for souvlaki, counter balance weights for cooking whole animals etc

Why start with a DIY kit?

Designing a spit from scratch can be a headache. Wrong shaft size, underpowered motor, or mismatched parts can ruin your cook.

That’s why our DIY Rotisserie Kits take the guesswork out of it.
They include the key components motor, shaft, brackets, prongs ready to be mounted to your own frame, fire pit, or BBQ base.

You bring the creativity, we provide the heavy-duty parts that make it work (and we’ll help you match the right parts to whatever you’re planning on cooking). 

Over the years, we’ve seen it all. Spits made from beer kegs, 44 gallon drums, hot water heaters generally make cost-effective options. 

Final thoughts: Build it your way. Safely

Whether you choose charcoal for flavour, gas for convenience, or wood for tradition, the right DIY rotisserie setup will give you years of epic backyard feasts.

Just remember, if you go with gas, get a licensed gas fitter involved. It’s the law, it’s safer, and it means you can enjoy your cook-up without worry.

Check out our DIY Spit Rotisserie Kits here and start building a spit that’s uniquely yours.

Quick FAQs

Q: Can I use a fire pit as the base for my DIY rotisserie?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s heat-safe and the shaft is balanced over the coals.

Q: What’s the best motor size for a whole lamb?
A: Go for at least a 30kg-rated motor to ensure smooth rotation and no stalling mid-cook.

Q: Can I build a rotisserie into my existing outdoor kitchen?
A: Certainly. Just keep in mind that anything around your rotisserie is going to get hot, so keep it away from PVC blinds, timber panelling and anything else that is at risk of burning. We’d suggest speaking to a builder if you’re integrating a new rotisserie into your outdoor kitchen.

by: Caleb Barker