Melbourne Cup BBQ Essentials: Must-Have BBQ Gear for Your Race Day Party

Family cooking together outdoors on a Flaming Coals Cyprus Spit, roasting meats and vegetables over charcoal.

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most exciting days on the Australian calendar, and nothing makes it more memorable than a BBQ feast with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a larger gathering, having the right BBQ gear is essential for making your Melbourne Cup party a success. From spit rotisseries to carving knives, the right tools ensure your BBQ runs smoothly, and the food tastes amazing.

In this post, we’ll highlight the must-have BBQ gear for your Melbourne Cup day and share tips on how to use each tool to cook up a winning spread. Let’s make sure your BBQ is as memorable as the race itself!

1. Spit Rotisseries: The Star of Your Melbourne Cup BBQ

A spit rotisserie is a must-have for any serious BBQ host, especially on Melbourne Cup day. Whether you're roasting a whole lamb, chicken, or even a large cut of beef, a spit rotisserie ensures even cooking with that irresistible smoky flavour. A rotisserie motor is essential for turning your meat effortlessly, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the race without worrying about constant flipping.

Whole lamb roasting on a stainless steel spit rotisserie, turning slowly for even cooking with perfectly golden, crispy skin.

Pro Tip: If you’re roasting a whole lamb, the rotisserie ensures juicy, tender meat with a crispy, golden exterior. Simply set it up, season your meat, and let the rotisserie do the hard work while you enjoy the festivities.

2. Meat Clamps: For Secure and Even Cooking

To make sure your meat stays securely on the rotisserie or grill, meat clamps are essential. These handy tools prevent your meat from slipping and ensure it cooks evenly, giving you that perfect BBQ result every time. Whether you're cooking a large roast or smaller cuts like chicken thighs or sausages, meat clamps help you get the best results with minimal effort.

Two seasoned whole chickens roasting on a spit rotisserie, secured with stainless steel meat prongs over glowing charcoal flames.

Pro Tip: Use meat clamps for smaller cuts or whole birds to keep them in place and ensure a stable, even cook. They’ll make turning the meat much easier, especially when it’s cooking on the spit.

3. Carving Knives: Slice with Precision

Once your BBQ feast is ready, you’ll need a sharp, reliable carving knife to slice and serve your perfectly cooked meats. A quality carving knife not only makes the carving process easier but also ensures each slice is precise and clean, allowing your guests to enjoy their meal to the fullest.

Carving knife slicing tender gyros meat directly from the rotisserie skewer over hot charcoal, capturing authentic flame-grilled flavour.

Pro Tip: Invest in a good quality carving knife with a comfortable handle for easy control. This will make slicing through even the toughest cuts of meat a breeze, allowing you to serve up the perfect portions every time.

4. BBQ Gloves: Protect Your Hands and Handle with Ease

Handling hot grills, spit rotisseries, and hot coals can be tricky, which is why a pair of BBQ gloves is a must. Heat-resistant BBQ gloves allow you to handle your cooking tools safely without burning your hands, so you can focus on perfecting your BBQ skills. They’re perfect for checking your roast, adjusting the grill, or flipping meat on the rotisserie.

Flaming Coals heat proof gloves adjusting burning firewood inside a pizza oven for safe high-temperature cooking.

Pro Tip: Opt for heat-resistant BBQ gloves like these ones here.They offer both heat resistance and a firm grip, giving you more control when handling your BBQ gear.

5. Quality Charcoal and Smoking Wood Chips: For That Authentic BBQ Flavour

No BBQ is complete without the right fuel. Quality charcoal and smoking wood chips are essential for bringing out the best in your BBQ meats. Charcoal provides the steady heat needed for roasting and grilling, while wood chips infuse your food with that signature smoky flavour. For a truly authentic Melbourne Cup BBQ, use a combination of both to create a rich, full-bodied taste.

Smoking wood Chips with different flavours

Pro Tip: Choose wood chips based on the flavour profile you want to achieve.Hickory and applewood are perfect for lamb, and beef. Just remember to soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes before placing them on the coals for the best results.

6. Bonus Tip: BBQ Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Meat

A BBQ thermometer is another essential for any BBQ host. Whether you’re roasting a large cut of meat or grilling smaller portions, a thermometer helps ensure your food is cooked to the perfect temperature every time. Avoid undercooking or overcooking your meats with this simple but effective tool.

Using a digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature on rotisserie-cooked meats for perfect doneness on a BBQ spit.

Pro Tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat for an accurate reading. This is especially helpful for larger cuts like roasts, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.

Final Thoughts:

With the right BBQ gear, your Melbourne Cup BBQ will be a hit, whether you’re cooking up a whole lamb on the spit or grilling up some delicious sides. From spit rotisseries to BBQ gloves, each essential tool plays a role in making your BBQ experience easy, enjoyable, and flavour-packed. So get your gear ready, fire up the barbecue, and get ready for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup celebration!