BBQ Spit Rotisseries Rotisserie Motor Guide

Choosing the right rotisserie motor is one of the most important parts of setting up a reliable spit roast. The motor is what keeps your meat turning evenly over the fire, and when you are cooking lamb, pork, chickens, gyros or larger cuts, you want a motor that suits your skewer, your mounting setup and your load capacity.

At BBQ Spit Rotisseries, many of our motors are designed and sold to suit our Flaming Coals BBQs and spit roasters. Some of our motors can also work on other spits, provided the skewer size, mounting setup and load rating are compatible. There is no one universal skewer size across all spit roasters, which means the skewer fitting will often decide what motor you can use.

We do not custom size or custom order motors. The key is matching your existing spit to the correct motor category below.

Quick Answer: How Do You Choose The Right BBQ Spit Rotisseries Motor?

To choose the right BBQ Spit Rotisseries motor, start by checking your skewer size and shape. The most common options we have are 22mm round skewers, 19mm round skewers, 8mm square skewers, T Bar drive shafts and Cyprus style output shafts. Then check your mounting style, voltage and balanced load capacity. A motor may be strong enough on paper, but it still needs to physically fit your skewer and mount correctly to your spit.

The Main Things To Check Before Buying A Motor

Before choosing a rotisserie motor, check these five things.

Skewer Size & Shape

A 22mm round skewer motor will not suit every spit. Some BBQ rotisserie kits use 8mm square skewers, some Cyprus systems use 5mm, 6mm, 7mm or 8mm output shafts, and some setups require a specific mounting style.

Load Capacity

Motor ratings refer to balanced load capacity. The meat must be properly balanced on the skewer for the motor to perform correctly.

Voltage

Some motors run on 240V mains power, some run on 12V and 240V, some run on rechargeable batteries, some run on standard batteries, and some models are made specifically for 110V USA and Canada use.

Mounting Method

Some motors side mount, some use a U fork, some attach to a BBQ slide on mount, some use a T Bar drive shaft, and Cyprus motors clip onto rotating mechanisms.

What You Are Cooking

Small chickens, gyros and rolls of meat do not need the same motor as whole pigs, lambs or large beef cuts.

22mm Round Skewer Motors

These are the main motors for larger Flaming Coals spit roasters using round skewers. They are suited to traditional spit roasting, whole animals, gyros, chickens and rolls of meat, depending on capacity.

MO001, 30kg Stainless Steel Motor

The MO001 has been one of our long standing home user motors, with more than 12,000 sold in Australia over the last 14 years. It is designed for 30kg of balanced meat and suits a 22mm round skewer.

It uses direct drive, includes a large inbuilt cooling fan and turns at about 5 RPM. The detachable U mounting fork and quick release pin make it easier to attach and detach your skewer.

This is a strong choice for smaller lambs, piglets, chickens, rolls of meat and gyros.

MO017B, 30kg Side Mount Motor

The MO017B is also a 30kg motor, but the main difference is the side mounting bracket. It slides over a standard 50 x 25mm tube, making it a simple option for compatible side mount spit setups.

This model is useful when your spit frame is built around a side mount system rather than a U fork setup. It still suits a 22mm round skewer and turns at 5 RPM.

MO004, 60kg Heavy Duty Motor

The MO004 is made for larger cooks. It is rated to turn 60kg of balanced meat and is built for people cooking larger pigs, sheep, multiple chickens, gyros or big rolls of meat.

This motor was designed, built and tested by our in house engineer, with a focus on internal component quality. It includes direct drive, an inbuilt cooling fan, heavy duty gearbox, bearings on all gear drives, an oil seal on the main output shaft and a keyway connection rather than a pin through the shaft.

This is the motor to look at when you want more strength than the standard 30kg models.

MO120S, 120kg Commercial Grade Motor

The MO120S is the strongest 240V Flaming Coals direct drive motor in this group. It is rated to 120kg balanced load and is built for the largest pigs, sheep and beef cuts.

Compared with the 30kg and 60kg motors, this commercial grade model is bigger and stronger internally, with a bigger motor, bigger gears and bigger shafts.

If you are cooking the largest loads and want maximum motor strength, this is the top option in the 22mm round skewer category.

MO002, 12V And 240V 20kg Motor

The MO002 is built for flexibility. It runs on either 12V or 240V, making it a strong option for camping, hunting or situations where you want to cook away from standard mains power.

It can connect to a battery pack or car battery using alligator clips, and it also comes with a 240V transformer for standard power points. It fits a 22mm round skewer, has a 20kg balanced load capacity and runs at 5 RPM.

This is the best fit in the 22mm motor range when portability and dual power options matter.

19mm Round Skewer Motor

Some spit setups use a 19mm round skewer instead of a 22mm round skewer. This is why checking your skewer before buying matters.

The MO017_19BUSH is a 30kg stainless steel spit roaster motor made for setups using a 19mm round skewer. It uses direct drive, has a large inbuilt cooling fan, turns at 5 RPM and includes a bush and detachable U fork.

This is the one to consider if you need the performance of a 30kg home user motor but your skewer is 19mm rather than 22mm.

BBQ Replacement Motors For 8mm Square Skewers

These motors suit the standard slide on mounting design used by many traditional gas BBQs and some charcoal BBQ rotisserie kits. They are made for 8mm square skewers and slide on brackets between 71mm and 77mm wide.

MO016, 10kg 240V BBQ Motor

The MO016 is a direct replacement motor for many BBQs available in Australia. It runs on 240V power, suits 71mm to 77mm wide mounting brackets, fits an 8mm square skewer and is factory tested to turn a 10kg balanced load.

It is a good option when you need to replace a standard BBQ rotisserie motor and your setup matches the mount and skewer requirements.

MO013, 20kg Stainless Steel BBQ Motor

The MO013 is the stronger option in this BBQ replacement category. It is a 240V stainless steel motor rated to turn 20kg of balanced meat. It is much stronger than standard motors supplied with gas BBQs.

It suits up to 95 percent of 4 to 6 burner BBQs, fits 71mm to 77mm wide mounting brackets, uses an 8mm square skewer and has a 2 RPM output speed.

Choose this one when your existing BBQ motor has failed, or when you want a stronger replacement for a compatible BBQ rotisserie setup.

MO032, 20kg Rotisserie Motor With 8mm Input

The MO032 is another 20kg stainless steel rotisserie motor designed for 8mm square skewer setups. It is built to outperform the standard motors that come with most gas BBQs and is a practical choice when you are upgrading or replacing your current motor.

It runs on 240V power, suits slide on brackets between 71mm and 77mm wide, fits an 8mm square skewer and is factory tested to turn a 20kg balanced load. It also has a stainless steel casing, draws 15 watts and has a 2 RPM output speed.

This is a good option for compatible 4 to 6 burner BBQs where you want a stronger motor with a stainless steel casing and 20kg balanced load capacity.

MO012, 8kg Battery Motor

The MO012 is a battery operated motor rated to turn up to 8kg of meat. It runs on 2 D size batteries and can last up to 30 hours on one set of batteries according to the product description.

It suits 71mm to 77mm wide mounting brackets and uses an 8mm output driveshaft. It is a practical portable option for BBQs and smaller rotisserie setups.

Important note: If mounting this motor on a charcoal spit roaster, keep it at least 20cm away from the fuel source or use a heat deflector plate to protect the bottom of the motor.

T Bar Replacement Motor

The T Bar motor is a separate category because it is not the same as a standard 8mm square skewer motor. It is designed for spits that use a T Bar drive shaft, so checking the drive type on your existing spit is essential before buying.

MO019B, 20kg BBQ Spit Rotisserie Motor With T Bar Mount

The MO019B is designed as a direct replacement motor for compatible spit roasters that use a T Bar drive shaft. If your Bunnings, BBQs Galore or Gasmate spit motor has packed up, this is the motor to check if your spit matches the mounting and drive shaft requirements.

It runs on 240V power, suits 71mm to 77mm wide mounting brackets, is manufacturer rated to a 20kg balanced load and uses a T Bar drive shaft with a 7.5mm output shaft.

It draws 15 watts and has a 12 month warranty. It is suitable for compatible Bunnings, Masters, Aldi and Gasmate spits, but you must check your spit for compatibility because models can vary between manufacturers.

Choose this motor only if your existing setup requires a T Bar drive shaft rather than an 8mm square skewer drive.

Cyprus Spit And Cyprus Grill Motors

Cyprus motors are a different category because they suit Cyprus grill mechanisms, kebab skewers, gyros, chickens and rolls of meat. They are not chosen the same way as 22mm round skewer motors.

MO015, 9kg Cyprus Motor

The MO015 is a 240V mains powered Cyprus Spit Rotisserie Motor rated to 9kg. It includes a 7mm output shaft and is designed to suit most Flaming Coals Cyprus grill gear mechanisms.

This is a simple upgrade when you want to replace a cheap battery Cyprus motor with a mains powered option.

MO009, 13kg 12V And 240V Cyprus Motor

The MO009 is a more flexible Cyprus motor because it can run on either 12V or 240V. It can be powered using alligator clips connected to a battery, or by plugging the transformer into a power point.

It is factory tested to turn 13kg balanced load and includes a built in gearbox reducer with all metal gears. It is suitable for Flaming Coals Cyprus spit mechanisms, kebab skewers, gyros, chickens and rolls of meat.

MO011, 15kg Variable Speed Cyprus Motor

The MO011 is the choice when you want variable speed control. It can run on 12V or 240V and has a variable RPM range. Approximately 4 to 13.75 RPM on 12V and approximately 4 to 17.5 RPM on 240V.

It is rated to 15kg balanced load, uses a built in gearbox reducer with all metal gears and fits a 6mm output shaft.

If you want more control over how fast your Cyprus mechanism turns, this is the standout option in the Cyprus range.

MO014, 25kg Cyprus Motor

The MO014 is the strongest Cyprus motor listed here. It is a 240V motor rated to 25kg balanced load and is designed for Cyprus spit mechanisms.

It is strong enough to turn three fully loaded skewers and that internally it is the same motor used for large lamb spits, with the front mounting plate changed for Cyprus compatibility.

If you need maximum strength for a Cyprus setup, this is the heavy duty choice.

Outdoor Central Cyprus Motors

Outdoor Central Cyprus motors are listed separately because they are designed around Outdoor Central Cyprus setups, but in some cases can fit other Cyprus set ups. They are useful when you need a motor that suits an Outdoor Central Cyprus spit or when the shaft size and mounting setup match your existing Cyprus mechanism.

MO030, BBQ Motor To Suit The Outdoor Central Cyprus

The MO030 is designed to suit the Outdoor Central Cyprus setup. It is built for even cooking, easy installation and variable speed control, making it a practical replacement or upgrade motor for compatible Outdoor Central Cyprus spits.

It has a 15kg capacity, although the capacity will be reduced the slower the motor is turning. It runs on 12V or 240V through a transformer with a variable speed controller.

This motor is suitable for the Stainless Steel Cyprus Spit, Hooded Cyprus Spit Stainless Steel and Straight 3 Skewer in line Cyprus Spit Stainless Steel.

MO040, Variable Speed Battery Operated Cyprus Spit Motor

The MO040 is a rechargeable battery operated Cyprus spit motor designed for adjustable speed control. It is a good option when you want cordless motors working for Cyprus cooking with the ability to control the turning speed.

It is a 12V rechargeable battery motor with variable speed from 5 to 15 RPM. The maximum load is 6kg to 13kg, depending on the speed setting. It also comes with a bush to suit a 5mm output shaft and a bush to suit a 7mm output shaft, allowing it to fit many Cyprus spit mechanisms on the market.

It can suit Cyprus Original SP004 13E, Cyprus Deluxe SP010 13A and SP010 13DS, and Extra Large Cyprus SP005 setups where compatibility matches.

Auspit Battery Motors

These Auspit motors are listed in the provided specification sheet and are battery powered options with 8mm square skewer fittings.

The key difference between these two models is case material. Both are 8kg capacity, 3V, 8mm square skewer motors with Auspit Carrier Bracket mounting. The DM uses a mild steel case while the DMS uses a stainless steel case.

USA And Canada Motors

These motors are designed for 110V power supply and should be treated separately from Australian 240V models. They do not work in Australia.

MO005 110v, Heavy Duty USA And Canada Motor

The MO005 110v was created after enquiries from USA and Canada customers asking whether our Australian workhorse motors would work overseas. This model is made specifically for 110V use and is rated to turn up to 200lbs.

It fits a 0.866 inch skewer, which is 22mm, and includes a heavy duty gearbox, bearings on all gear drives, an oil seal on the main output shaft, direct drive and an inbuilt cooling fan.

This is the heavy duty 110V option for larger spit roasts.

MO110, 110V BBQ Grill Rotisserie Motor

The MO110 is a 110V BBQ grill rotisserie motor designed for the USA market. It is compatible with many over the counter charcoal and gas grill motor brackets, provided the slide on bracket is between 71mm and 77mm wide.

It fits an 8mm square skewer, has a stainless steel case, is water splash resistant and was factory tested to turn 10kg balanced load.

Important note: This motor will not work on 220V in Australia.

Which BBQ Spit Rotisseries Motor Should You Choose?

If you are cooking on a Flaming Coals spit with a 22mm round skewer, start with the MO001 for standard 30kg cooking, MO004 for heavier 60kg cooking, or MO120S for the largest 120kg commercial grade loads.

If you have a 19mm round skewer, look at the MO017_19BUSH.

If you are replacing a motor on a standard BBQ rotisserie kit with an 8mm square skewer, look at MO016, MO013, MO032 or MO012 depending on whether you need 240V power, more strength, stainless steel casing or battery operation.

If your spit uses a T Bar drive shaft, look at the MO019B, but only if your existing spit matches the T Bar output shaft and 71mm to 77mm mounting bracket requirements.

If you are using a Flaming Coals Cyprus grill, choose from MO015, MO009, MO011 or MO014 based on capacity, voltage and whether you want variable speed.

If you are using an Outdoor Central Cyprus setup, look at MO030 for a 12V or 240V variable speed option, or MO040 for a rechargeable battery operated variable speed Cyprus motor.

If you are using an Auspit carrier bracket setup, look at the DM or DMS battery motors depending on whether you prefer mild steel or stainless steel casing.

If you need a motor for the USA or Canada, only look at the 110V models, MO005 110v and MO110.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal rotisserie motor that fits every spit. Skewer size, mounting style, voltage and balanced load capacity all matter. BBQ Spit Rotisseries stocks a wide range of motors designed around practical spit roasting needs, from small BBQ replacement motors through to heavy duty commercial grade motors for large animals.

If your setup matches the skewer size and mounting style, some of these motors may work on other compatible spits. The most important thing is to choose the motor that matches your skewer, your mount, your voltage and your cooking load, and your spit roast will be in much safer hands.

by: Sasha Halabi