Spit Roasters Buyers Guide: What to Look for (and What to Avoid)

The Right Spit Roaster Will Change Your BBQ Game

Choosing the right spit rotisserie can take you from basic backyard BBQs to epic feasts that have everyone talking, but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to get caught out by cheap knock-offs that look the part but fail halfway through your first cook.

This spit rotisserie buying guide cuts through the fluff. Here’s exactly what to look for and what to steer clear of when choosing the best spit roaster in Australia.

1. Size & Capacity

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• What will you be cooking? Chickens, roasts, or whole animals?
• How many people will you be feeding?

General guide:

• Small spits: Perfect for camping, small backyards, and cooking for fewer than 30 people. Ideal for chickens, lamb legs, or smaller cuts. See our Small Spits here.

• Medium to large spits: Great for whole lambs, pigs, or large cuts. Feed 30–60+ guests with ease. Browse our Large Spits here.

Avoid overbuying “just in case. If you’ll only cook small amounts go for a smaller spit so you don't waste fuel and space.

2. Materials & Build Quality

Your spit roaster is going to face high heat, grease, and the elements. Quality materials make all the difference.

Look for:

• Stainless steel frames and skewers that are rust-resistant and easy to clean
• Solid welds and sturdy legs (no wobble when loaded)
• Heat-resistant coatings on any painted surfaces

Avoid:

• Thin, flimsy metal frames
• Mild steel coated in cheap paint that will rust after a few wet weekends
• Spits with poor welding or parts that don’t fit snugly

3. Motor Strength

The motor is the heart of your rotisserie; get this wrong, and you’re in trouble mid-cook.

Motor guide:

• Standard motors: Good for small to medium loads (chickens, roasts, small cuts).
• Heavy-duty motors: Built for whole lambs, pigs, or regular large cooks, designed to run for hours without overheating.

Check the motor’s weight rating against the load you’ll be cooking. And always allow some headroom. If your lamb is 20kg, don’t get a 20kg motor; get a 30kg+ motor. See our Motor Range.

Avoid: No-name motors with no clear weight rating or warranty. Our Flaming Coals motors come with a 5-year warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind that your motor is built to last.

4. Portability

Think about where you’ll use it:

• Backyard only? Weight isn’t a big concern so go for stability and capacity.
• Camping or events? Look for folding legs, removable parts, and compact designs. See our Portable Spits here.

5. Fuel Options

• Charcoal: Traditional smoky flavour, great for authentic BBQ.
• Gas: Convenient and easy to control. (Gas modifications must be done by a licensed gas fitter.)
• Dual fuel: Gives you the best of both worlds.

Download our Spit Roast Buying Guide to help you weigh up your options.

6. Must-Have Features

• Adjustable skewer height for heat control
• Accessories for whole animals, gyros, and chickens
• Stainless steel skewer and accessories for durability and easy clean up

See our full range of Spit Accessories.

Real Talk: Why Cheap Knock-Offs Cost More in the Long Run

That bargain spit roaster you found online looks great for the price, but here's what you're really paying for:

• Weak motors that burn out in a single cook, that don’t have a warranty
• Frames that warp from normal amounts of heat
• No spare parts available
• Accessories that don’t fit or fall apart
• An overall negative experience of cooking with fire

When you’re halfway through roasting a lamb for a crowd, and your motor dies, you’ll wish you’d spent the extra cash on a proven, heavy-duty setup.

At BBQ Spit Rotisseries, every spit we sell is tested in Aussie backyards, built to handle real cooking conditions, not just look good in a catalogue.

Recommended Options

• Cyprus Spit: Multi-skewer system for souvla, kebabs, and grills. Versatile and great for entertaining. Shop Cyprus Spits.
• Small Spits: Perfect for camping and quick roasts. See Small Spits.
• Large Spits: Heavy-duty catering power for whole animals. Browse Large Spits.
• DIY Kits: Build your own with quality parts. DIY Spit Kits.
• BBQ Rotisserie Kits: Convert your BBQ into a rotisserie. See BBQ Rotisserie Kits.

Final Tip: Buy Once, Buy Right

The right spit roaster will last you for years and make every BBQ a winner. Choose quality materials, the right size for your cooking style, a motor with enough grunt, and features that make cooking easier.

by: Sasha Halabi