Common Rotisserie Cooking Problems (and Fixes)

You may have tried to cook rotisserie at home, but wondered why it didn't work as well as you expected. Maybe the chicken came out partially raw, your spit wouldn't turn, or your meat was lost halfway through. You're not the only one who has experienced this. Rotisserie cooking can look simple, but even pros run into rotisserie cooking problems.

You can solve most problems with a bit of troubleshooting and by adopting some good habits. Let's discuss common BBQ rotisserie issues and their causes. We will also look at the best BBQ fixes for rotisserie. Are you ready to turn your next rotisserie dinner into a success? Now let's start.

Rotisserie cooking unevenly

Imagine this: You take the roast from the spit and find that one side looks juicy and brown, while the other is pale and underdone. Rotisserie cooking is often criticized for being uneven.

What causes it?

• The spit doesn't seem to be centred. (One side of the spit seems closer to the heat).
• It is not tied correctly, or the meat has been loaded unevenly.
• Heat is not evenly distributed in your barbecue.

Fixes you can try:

• The meat should be centred as close as possible on the spit.
• Butcher's twine can be used to secure the wings and legs of a bird so that nothing falls.
• Check the position of the meat halfway and gently move it if necessary.
• Move coals around or adjust the burners to ensure there aren't any hot/cold areas.

The Spit is falling off the meat.

Few things can ruin a BBQ quicker than dinner falling into the flames. It's a common rotisserie problem with awkward or heavy cuts.

What causes it?

• Forks not tightened or meat speared poorly.
• The meat will slide off the spit during rotation if it is smooth.
• The spit is overloaded.

Keep meat safe:

• Give the spit-forks a good twist.
• Use both forks to secure significant cuts of meat.
• What about small, slick pieces? Wrap in twine, and then check it after 10 minutes.
• Do not exceed the weight recommended for your motor, spitrod or other rig.

My cousin cooked a 5-pound chicken in a thin-spit last summer. The chicken eventually spun off, landing in the drip tray. The next time, he wrapped twine on the wings with a fork. Problem solved!

The Spit is not turning properly

Nothing happens when you plug your motor into the rotisserie. Your spit may stutter, stick, or rotate with an audible squeak. What is the #1 reason for rotisserie barbecue issues? The rotisserie motor and spit rod may be faulty.

What causes it?

• Misalignment: the spit has not been locked onto the bracket or motor.
• The spit is too heavy.
• The cord may have become frayed or loose.

Easy rotisserie troubleshooting:

• Removing the spit and realigning it will ensure that it fits into the motor tightly.
• Check the weight of your food. If it is heavy, use counterweights or balance it.
• If it still doesn't work, try plugging the unit into another outlet or using a different cord.
• If you hear grinding noises or strange sounds, it could mean that the motor has been overloaded or bent.

Tip: Check the simple things first if your rotisserie doesn't work. This includes loose wires, not pushing in the spit, and a heavy meat load.

Flame-ups and grease fires

When fat drips on the heat, it causes explosions of fire. It's not just bad for taste; it can be deadly.

What causes flare-ups in rotisseries and why?

• Fat cuts such as pork and duck are dripping with grease.
• In drip pans or burners, grease can accumulate.

Smart BBQ rotisserie fixes:

• Use a drip pan made of foil to catch the grease from the meat before it reaches the coals or burners.
• Clean the grill grates and empty your tray regularly.
• Trim the excess fat before cooking.
• Use a spray bottle of water to cool minor flare-ups.

A funny story: I filled the grease tray in just an hour when roasting a duck at Christmas last year. Set a timer for checking and emptying the tray halfway through. I never experienced a fire again.

Electrical and motor problems

Even with the perfect setup, sometimes, the spit won't move. The motor may hum but not spin, or the power might cut out in the middle of cooking.

Common rotisserie BBQ issues:

• Unstable or frayed cords.
• A motor that is overloaded or has been subjected to excessive heat.
• The voltage coming from the outlet is incorrect.

What to do:

• Replace any wires and cords that appear to be damaged.
• Allow the motor to cool down for at least 20 minutes prior to restarting.
• Verify that you are using the correct outlet.
• Check the manual of your BBQ Rotisserie Kit for troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.

Always unplug the rotisserie when cleaning it or working with electrical components.

General Rotisserie Grill Maintenance

It doesn't matter which model of rotisserie you have; cleaning it regularly is essential before minor problems become big.

The top rotisserie maintenance tips:

• After use, disassemble any removable components.
• The spit forks and trays can be soaked in soapy warm water.
• Use a sponge or soft cloth to remove food and grease.
• Use a wet rag to wipe the motor housing (never soak it).
• Before storing anything or setting it up again, let everything completely dry.

Check for loose screws or fraying, as well as rust and corrosive materials, before cooking.

How to Fix Uneven Browning & Dry Meat

Your roast is cooked, but its skin has burned or dried out. The inside remains soft. Another uneven cooking problem with rotisserie is often caused by heat problems or inadequate basting.

How to proceed:

• Cook on a moderate heat, rather than soaring high.
• To keep the meat juicy, baste it every 15 to 20 minutes with the marinade.
• If the heat on the grill is not even, you may need to move the spit.

Easy Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this checklist to help you when your rotisserie BBQ is not working correctly.

• Are all the plugs securely and safely plugged in?
• Is the spit-rod properly aligned in the motor and secured?
• Do you have a tight spitfork?
• All cut pieces must be balanced and tied.
• Does the drip tray catch fat?
• If in doubt, consult the manual of your equipment.

It might be time for you to make some changes or upgrade your rotisserie BBQ kit if it is not working.

FAQs

What causes my rotisserie to cook unevenly?

The spit may not be centred, or the heat distribution may be uneven. For best results, center the meat and check your tie-downs. Also, adjust heat zones on your grill.

What can I do when the spit will not turn?

Test the cords and motor after checking for alignment. Never overload your spits and use the correct outlet to match the motor.

What can I do to stop the meat falling from my spit when it is cooked?

Use butcher's string for smaller pieces and periodically check your spit during cooking. Do not exceed the weight limit of your motor.

Conclusion

It may seem difficult to fix some of the common issues with Rotisserie Cooking, but with just a bit of knowledge, you can easily solve them. To keep your issues with rotisserie BBQ to a minimum, focus on the setup, weight distribution, and grill maintenance. It only takes a simple fix, like a tighter spoon or a new drip tray, to turn an unsatisfactory cook into a highlight.

Want to know more about how to grill at home? For more information, visit the rotisserie cooking guide. You'll be able to master the spit with a few smart habits and patience.

Sunshine BBQs will continuously inspire you to make better barbecues. So fire up the rotisserie and enjoy your tastiest meals yet!