When you hear that first drop of grease sizzling on hot coals, you can be damn sure your pork roast is going to be out of this world. Slowly rotating for hours and hours on a spit roaster, every piece of crispy skin will be golden brown and cooked to perfection. Basted with butter, spices and seasoning, you’ll be the undisputed BBQ king of your neighborhood. The only question is which spit roaster will get the job done right?
The quick answer is whichever can hold the weight of your planned spit roast. We’ve summarized our top choices below so you can quickly see their weight limits at a glance.
Up to 20 lbs: Grizzly Spit Rotisserie
Up to 75 lbs: OneGrill Premium 53 Inch Open Fire Tripod Rotisserie System
Up to 88 lbs: Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill
Up to 125 lbs: Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel Campfire Rotisserie System Tripod
Up to 200 lbs: Charotis 62″ Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster
Best Spit Roaster – Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel 125 lb Capacity Campfire Rotisserie System
- GREAT FOR COOKING MEAT: There’s something special about roasting meat outdoors. Just imagine it: juicy, succulent meat lightly smoked by an open fire. With this rotisserie roaster, you can make just...
- MADE OF STRONG, DURABLE STEEL: At Titan, we use only high-quality materials to create our products. Our rotisserie grill showcases our superior craftsmanship because it is made from heavy-duty...
The Titan Outdoors 125lb Campfire Rotisserie has the best price to performance ratio of all of our top picks. It is built from solid heavy duty stainless steel for incredible durability. The 25W motor can power through a huge hog with ease, keeping it rotating a 4 rpm all day long. With four different height adjustments you’ll have that crispy skin and juicy insides every time. Finally, weighing in at only 28 lbs you can easily pack it up and bring it to a campground or friends place. If you want the best, this is a solid, well designed choice.
Spit Roaster Buyers Guide
Whether you’ve decided to grab a lightweight manual spit roaster for chicken and sausages or a heavy duty unit for full sized pigs, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind before making a purchase. When it comes to a spit roaster, the end goal is a juicy, tender and fully cooked piece of meat. As such, you’ll need to factor in weight limits, motorized options, material choices and longevity. Each of our curated selections will work amazing well, so read on to see why they made the cut.
Average weights of commonly spit roasted meats
One of the big decisions you’ll need to make is what you intended to cook on your new spit roaster. If you’re just into smaller chickens and some sausages you won’t need a big ole’ roaster when a small manual one will do just fine. On the other hand, if you’re planning a full on hog roast, the bigger the better.
Below we’ve broken out the average weights of some commonly cooked up items. Remember, you can always cook a chicken on a big spit roaster, but you can’t cook a pig on a small one. Simply choose the biggest thing you’re likely to ever cook and get a spit roaster that has a weight capacity exceeding that number.
Sausages: 0.1 lbs.
Chicken: 5 to 7 lbs.
Turkey: 15 to 20 lbs.
Lamb: 40 to 50 lbs.
Goat: 50 to 100 lbs.
White Tail Deer: 100 to 150 lbs.
Whole Hog: 75 to 200 lbs.
Manual Spit Roaster Vs. Motorized Spit Roaster
When it comes to manual vs motorized spit roasters, it all boils down to convenience. Do you want to spend all day tending the fire and carefully turning your roast by hand? Or do you like to sit back with a beer and take a more hands off approach? There really isn’t a right answer. However, if you want a budget spit roaster, get a manual one. They are much cheaper and of course, more reliable.
A motor, no matter how good, will eventually fail. That might be because of dead batteries, too much weight or corrosion, but it will happen. On the other hand, if you’re cooking up a 200 pound hog, a hefty 60W motor will save your back and arms from an excruciating day of work. Plus, no matter how diligent you are at timing your rotations, you’ll never be a good as an always-on motor.
Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel Spit Roaster
Go with a stainless steel spit roaster every time. Since you’ll almost always be using these in the outdoors, carbon steel would rust far too fast. Stainless steel is much more weather resistant, won’t rust and won’t leave any strange flavors on your food. It is overall, a much superior material, bar none.
How long does my spit roaster need to be?
If you’re looking at a smaller unit you’ll want to get a spit that is a minimum of 36” long. This will give you enough length to span a fire, and not get burned when your rotating it. Plus you’ll have enough room for multiple chickens and perhaps some sausages at the same time.
If instead you want a pig spit roaster, a 50”+ spit is best. This will enable you to slip larger game animals on it with ease. Due to the bigger animal, you’ll need more coals or charcoal. As such, you’ll want to keep your hand well away from all that heat. The longer the better in our opinion.
Do I need adjustable height settings?
Absolutely. Spit roasting is half art and half science. You’ll need to be able to adjust your meat to the perfect distance away from the coals. This will keep it from getting burned, but still cook it throughout. Nearly every spit roaster has this feature. Except for maybe the bottom of the barrel budget options. The only exception is if you’ve got a propane spit roaster. In that case you can adjust the flame itself and don’t need to worry about the distance of the meat.
Best Spit Roaster Detailed Reviews
You’ve got your charcoal hot, meat marinated and you’re ready to go. All that’s left to do is set up your new spit roaster. Below we’ve rounded up a selection of the best. We’ve chosen them based on price to performance ratios, weight limits and durability. All you need to do is decide which one is best for your specific tastes. If you’re unsure, go with our overall best pick as it’ll work with anything from chickens to large hogs.
#1 Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel 125 lb Capacity Campfire Rotisserie System
- GREAT FOR COOKING MEAT: There’s something special about roasting meat outdoors. Just imagine it: juicy, succulent meat lightly smoked by an open fire. With this rotisserie roaster, you can make just...
- MADE OF STRONG, DURABLE STEEL: At Titan, we use only high-quality materials to create our products. Our rotisserie grill showcases our superior craftsmanship because it is made from heavy-duty...
From chicken, whole hogs, turkeys and more, the Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel Campfire Rotisserie System can cook them all. With a powerful 25W motor capable of rotating up to 125 pounds, it seriously means business. When coupled with the extremely robust construction, height adjustments and included anchors, you can see why it nabbed our top spot.
If you don’t mind spending a bit extra to future proof your investment, this is a wonderful choice. While it isn’t as cheap as the Grizzly Spit Rotisserie it can handle a lot more weight and will last for years to come. Plus, it’s got a much longer 51” spit so space won’t be at a premium when you need it most.
The Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel 125 lb Capacity Campfire Rotisserie System is specifically designed to withstand hot coals, outdoor elements and look great while doing it. With a high quality stainless steel frame and 1” thick spit are rust resistant, super strong and built to last. The spit and motor have a max capacity of 125 pounds. This allows you to roast all but the biggest of hogs. Folks have complained that at max load the rod can bend, which of course is to be expected. So we recommend you only try 110 pounds or so to prevent any risk of breaking.
You’ll find that this unit has got four different cooking tiers to get the heat just right. You’ll be able to adjust it to 5″, 19″, 23″, and 27″ high. So if you want to go low and slow or increase the heat for a final sear, you’ll have a ton of options.
In addition to the different height tiers, you definitely want to make sure this pig spit roaster doesn’t fall over. As such, it ships with durable ground anchors to hold even the largest of roasts in place. These sink into the ground to provide exceptional support in any cooking conditions.
The spit is also a generous 51” long. This gives you more than enough room for a turkey, chicken, some sausage and still have some room to spare. If space is a concern for you, you’ll always want to err on the side of caution and go with a longer spit. Plus, weighing in at only 28 pounds, the Titan Outdoors Spit Roaster is very easy to pack up and can be stored in any closet or RV storage box.
The heavy duty motor is much more robust than even the spit. It’s is seriously well built. This 25W beast is powered by typical 110V wall power. That means it’ll be consistent and doesn’t rely on batteries than can fail. However, you’ll need to run an extension cord to it or keep it closer to your RV inverter. As with most spit roasters, this motor is designed to run at 4 rpm in a single direction. This will give you an evenly cooked pig every time.
Overall, this is a superb spit roaster. It’s got the power, size and price to put it at the top of our list. So long as you aren’t planning to roast a 200+ pound hog, this will work like a charm. It’s portable, easy to set up and, once running, takes basically no effort on your part to create a mouthwater culinary creation.
#2 Best Charcoal Spit Roaster – Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill
- High quality stainless steel - Strong 13W electric motor for medium to large roasts
- Heavy duty spit rod holds entire animal for roasting - Locking caster included for portability
If you don’t have the backyard space for a straight up bonfire, a charcoal spit roaster like the Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill is your best bet. These all-in one units are mounted on locking casters and are perfect for the patio, driveway or garage. You won’t need to risk having an open fire and you’ll be better able to control your temperatures.
With solid stainless steel construction, the components of this unit will resist rust and degradation. So, if you live in the humid south, you’ll be good to go. While this can’t handle anything over a small hog, for its size it is still quite mobile. And honestly, if you need to cook something that weighs over 88 pounds you won’t need to move your spit roaster anyway.
Cooking on the Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill is, simply put, a dream. The unique stainless steel charcoal cooker is designed such that heat is directed at the meat. The prevents wasted energy and can seriously save on charcoal in the long run. You’ll also find this helps the meat cook much more evenly than on coals.
The strong 13W motor is also quite capable. It, along with the spit, is rated to hold and rotate up to an 88 pound hunk of meat. The dual prongs and leg rack further help to secure it in place. After all, nobody wants their spit roasted turkey to fall directly on the charcoal. The heavy duty rod is also well up to the task. It is nice and thick and only has a slight bend in it even with the max load.
Once you’ve got your lamb spinning away it’s super easy to adjust the height as well. This unit has three dedicated height adjustments for the perfect cooking temperature. If you want more heat, just lower the spit and you’ll be good to go. Even better, if you have this unit outdoors you can quickly roll it under cover with the included caster wheels. These are also great for moving the unit out of the way after the party is over.
You’ll find the locking casters are especially effective due to the rather heavy nature of the Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill. Weighing in at 71 pounds it is hardly considered portable. Sometimes though, that is a good thing. A slight breeze won’t knock it over and it’s extra thick stainless steel design is much longer lasting than some of its thinner competitors.
As with most of the spit roasters rated for heavy duty work, this will need standard 110V wall power to operate. This enables the motor to keep turning effortlessly and prevents any unexpected stoppage due to dying batteries.
Overall, the Titan Great Outdoors 13W Stainless Steel Rotisserie Grill is a top notch charcoal spit roaster that can handle fairly large game with ease. While it is a bit on the more expensive side, the all stainless steel design more than justifies the cost. If you want an all-in-one spit roaster that’ll produce mouthwatering BBQ, look no further.
#3 Best Portable Pit Roaster – OneGrill Premium 53 Inch Open Fire Tripod Rotisserie System
- Ideal for well balanced loads up to 75 lbs. See Description for imbalanced load ratings
- 16 fully adjustable height settings without the use of tools
When it comes to portability, nothing beats the OneGrill Premium 53 Inch Open Fire Tripod Rotisserie System. This portable pit roaster is mounted on foldable tripod stands that make for a lightweight and packable system. You’ll also find the motor is quite lightweight and the adjustable spit can be packed down easily for travel.
With you throw in the steel supports and quad pronged forks this unit just gets better and better. While it may not be as stable as some of the larger units, if you’ve got an RV or a dedicated camp this would make for a great choice. Plus, for its size it is still quite cost effective. If you just want something that works and has a no-nonsense design, this will be perfect.
While the OneGrill Premium 53 Inch Open Fire Tripod Rotisserie System may be extremely portable, that doesn’t mean it’s light duty. With the ability to roast hunks of lamb, pork and beef up to 75 pounds, it’s a solid middleweight contender. However if you opt to roast an imbalanced load such as a whole hog or lamb, you’ll only want to go up to 60 pounds. Any more and you risk overloading the motor or toppling the tripod stands.
Depending on your heat preferences you’ll have a ton of different height adjustment options. Of all of the best spit roasters, this is by far the most adjustable. It has 16 independent height settings. Even better, to make the adjustments, no tools are required, just yours hands and some common sense.
Once you’ve got the height dialed in you can be sure the heavy duty 110 volt motor to work. It is able to rotate at a constant 4 revolutions per minute for evenly cooked meat. We were pleased to note that it is made from 304 stainless steel. This makes it extremely weather resistant and much less prone to damage. You will need wall power for it to operate though, so keep that in mind.
During setup you’ll be able to see just how study the ¾” thick support posts and tripod stands are. Both are made from extremely thick steel that are built to stand the test of time. Even the carbon steel brackets (which may rust over time) are built like little tanks. This ensures you’ll have a wonderful meal instead of a costly accident.
Users were also quick to point out that the spit rod was a sizable ⅝” thick and made entirely from stainless steel. This allows for very little bending and great outdoor usability. It also has a unique hexagon design. This keeps it nice and centered on the support when using the manual handle. Otherwise it would always rotate with the heaviest part of the roast pointing down. A counterbalance system helps the motor keep up with those types of loads as well.
Overall, the OneGrill Premium 53 Inch Open Fire Tripod Rotisserie System is the best portable spit roaster available. It’s got an incredible 1 year factory warranty and many of the components are 100% American made. If you want to take pride in your spit roaster, while at the same time creating mouthwatering leg of lamb, this is the tool for the job.
#4 Best Pig Spit Roaster – Charotis 62″ Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster
- 50W 200 lbs/in motor with LIFETIME WARRANTY.
- Oversized - 62" long Propane/Charcoal pig roaster
Go big or go home. This age old adage perfectly describes the Charotis 62” Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster. With the highest weight limit of any spit roaster on this list, it can easily cook even the largest of hogs (or two) without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s the first option that has dual fuel options. You can run it on propane or using charcoal depending on your preference.
Whether you’re roasting a whole pig for a wedding or simply like hosting huge outdoor events for friends and relatives, we can guarantee you they won’t go hungry. When you throw in the grilling grates, locking casters, leg brackets and more, this is feature packed to the max. Keep in mind however, it won’t come cheap. This is by far the most expensive pig spit roaster on our list, mainly because of its sheer size.
Once you see that prized 200 pound hog all golden brown and dripping with fat, you’ll know it was 100% worth it. With a 60W 304 stainless steel motor, the Charotis 62″ Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster will have no issues turning such a load. The motor is also fully insulated to prevent heat stress. Furthermore, it’s got a cooling fan that’ll kick on when the charcoal or propane burners get just a bit too hot. If you are interested in longevity, this has the best design for it. Oh, and did we mention, the motor has a lifetime warranty.
The 1” thick 304 stainless steel spit measures an impressive 62 inches. Making it an incredible 21 percent longer than its nearest competitor. This fits perfectly with the oversized XL unit and is great for multiple smaller roasts or a single huge one. You’ll also find this system has a built in thermometer to keep things at just the right temperature. After all, nobody wants dry stringy meat, especially when spending this amount of money.
Great spit roaster. Easy to put together. I added some firebricks to the floor to retain some heat, cooked a 38lb lamb in 3 hours. Lid closed used about 15 pounds of charcoal and smoking chips. After the lamb we popped on the grill grates and cooked some chicken legs. Highly recommended!
User Review
Most folks, us included, don’t store our cooking equipment outdoors permanently. Thankfully, the Charotis 62″ Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster has locking rubber casters. This allows you to roll it around your patio with ease. You won’t have to worry about your new propane spit roaster rusting or blowing over in the next storm.
Speaking of the propane, this unit features two 20,000 BTU propane burners for a nice and even heat profile. You won’t need to worry about fumes or cleaning up charcoal ash ever again. Propane is fast, clean and efficient. Just turn the knob, wait and enjoy.
Authors Note: This model can be safely used under a covered patio or an outdoor patio sunroom.
We specifically mentioned clean because this spit roaster comes with a stainless steel charcoal pan and drip pan. If you line them both with aluminum foil, cleanup will be a snap. Even if you don’t, you can quickly wash them out with a hose. The Charotis 62″ Propane/Charcoal Spit Roaster also comes with a protective cover and some BBQ gloves for the complete package.
If you need the biggest, baddest spit roaster around, don’t even consider the smaller options. None can handle a 200 pound pig like this beast can. While it is quite a pricy investment, once you’ve got a few full roasts under your belt, it’ll all be worth it.
#5 Best Chicken Spit Roaster – Grizzly Spit Rotisserie
The Grizzly Spit Rotisserie is ultra portable, perfect for camping and very budget friendly. It runs on batteries, meaning it requires no outside power and can be used anywhere. Plus with it’s 36” long spit, you’ll easily be able to place it over a fire without risking your hands getting singed. The only limitation to this amazing chicken spit roaster is it’s rather lightweight design.
To play it safe, we’d recommend you don’t load it up with more than 17 pounds of meat. The motor just isn’t powerful enough to handle it. However a few chickens or a turkey are all fair game. Plus, if you’re planning to take it out into the bush, chances are you won’t be carrying a big hog with you anyway.
After camp is all set up nothing beats a hot meal. Even if camp is just a tent and a small fire in your own backyard. The Grizzly Spit Rotisserie is perfect for small game, chickens and even some larger turkeys. You’ll find the 36” steel spit to be quite capable and very sturdy and low weights.
Both sides of the spit are supported by two 26” support rods. These anchor into the ground to provide a nice and stable base. While they aren’t stainless steel, they are thick enough that even a coating of rust won’t really affect them much.
Once you’ve got the anchors and spit rod in place, you can use the two included spit forks to secure your meal. These are quite well designed and do a great job of keeping everything together. While we would have liked a leg spreader, on a small unit such as this, it really wouldn’t get much use.
Worked absolutely perfect for cooking out in the open.
User Review
The heart of the Grizzly Spit Rotisserie is a battery powered gear reduction motor. The gear reduction allows it to rotate at very low RPMs for a nice and even cooking session. You’ll find that the 2 D-cell batteries it requires last around 20 hours. These means you’ll have enough juice for many, many roasts. Particularly because of the small hunks of meat you’ll be cooking.
When you’re finally ready to pack up for the day, this chicken spit roaster comes with a handy canvas storage bag. You can easily disassembly all the components and stuff them in without worrying about getting your car dirty. Plus, it makes transporting them from one location to another a breeze.
Overall, the Grizzly Spit Rotisserie is a small spit roaster with big time features. It is by far the cheapest spit roaster on our list and does cater to a specific type of BBQer. However, if you find yourself often on the road and don’t want to lug around a bigger unit. This makes a ton of sense.
Summary
So there you have it, a selection of the best spit roasters around. Whether you’re planning to cook up a small chicken to a huge hog, we’ve covered them all. If you want a general best choice recommendation, we’d opt for the Titan Outdoors Stainless Steel 125 lb Capacity Campfire Rotisserie System. It’s big enough to cook nearly anything, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and is very well built. If instead you want a portable spit roaster that you can use at camp, the Grizzly Spit Rotisserie will be right up you alley.
You might want to pick up an outdoor icemaker to keep your meat nice and cool while you’re waiting for your charcoal to be ready. In addition, a stunning concrete fire pit will help draw your guests attention away from the meat leaving more for you!
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