Do you know what to look out for when buying a spit roast?

Meat roast on the barbecue is great for easy, fuss-free summer cooking. Barbecue roast meat, cooked on the spit roast or on the grill by indirect heat, is perfect for backyard entertainment. Here are some points to consider when buying a spit roast for sale.

• Spit roast

Spit roasting or rotisserie, is a style of roasting where meat is skewered on a spit. A spit is a long solid rod that is used to hold meat or food while it is being cooked over a fire. Spit roasting is usually carried out at a medium to low heat in a fireplace or over a campfire, or roasted in an oven. Fatty and cylindrically shaped animals such as pigs, goats, chickens and lambs are ideal for spit roasting. Vegetables like onions and cabbages can be roasted too.

• What is a spit roast?

A spit roast is a simple mechanism, with a few standard parts like the spit, or rod, on which to skewer the meat and two multi-pronged forks to secure each piece of meat. A motor turns the spit at an even rate during cooking. Counter weights are used to accommodate an uneven distribution of weight.

• Why buy a spit roast?

Spit roasts are a great way to easily cater for a large number of guests. You can cook for up to 200 people with the right size spit roast. Meat cooked over a spit roast is more delicious as the slow rotation of the meat on the spit helps the caramelisation of the meat protein.

• What to consider when buying a roast spit

Gas spit roasts are easier to light, operate and control the temperature during roasting. With charcoal smokers, the meat absorbs the fire and smoke as it cooks, giving a smoky, authentic flavour. When buying a spit roast, it is important to consider the size/length of your spit roaster. Think about your needs and the number of people you will be catering for to help guide your decision.

If you do not have enough space in your room, and only plan on cooking for a small number of people, a portable spit roast will do. For cooking a whole lamb or pig, the minimum length you should purchase is 1200mm. For large functions, a full size spit roast is perfect. You can also consider is an extendable spit roaster which expands and contracts in length to suit your needs.

You also need to consider how many kilos of meat you want to cook, when buying a spit roast. A great choice for campers without access to a main power source are 12v motors. A 240v motor is an option for most roast spit users having a spit roast at home.

• Looking for a spit roast to buy?

Contact The BBQ Store, Australia's largest online BBQ and rotisserie specialists, offering an extensive range of leading brands and competitively priced BBQs, pizza ovens, outdoor kitchens, smokers, patio heaters, BBQ accessories and more.