Essential Accessories for Spit Roasting a Whole Animal | Complete BBQ Setup

Spit roasting a whole animal, whether it’s a pig or a lamb, is a time-honoured tradition that requires both skill and the right equipment. To achieve a perfect roast, there are several essential accessories that you simply can't do without. As Australia’s experts in spit roasting, we’re here to guide you through the must-have tools that will not only make your roasting experience smoother but also ensure the best possible results.

The Importance of a Back Brace: Stability and Peace of Mind

A back brace is often overlooked by novice spit roasters, but this accessory is absolutely critical. Once you’ve secured your lamb or pig onto the skewer, the back brace helps keep the animal intact during the cooking process. Here’s how it works:

First, place the u-bolt around the skewer, then pierce the pointed ends of the back brace through the animal's back. Secure it with the plate and wing nuts. The back brace prevents the animal from bending or breaking as it heats up, which can otherwise result in a catastrophic collapse into the fire. Investing in a quality back brace is a small price to pay for a worry-free roasting experience.

Large Rotisserie Prongs: Secure Your Roast with Confidence

To prevent the animal from free-spinning on the skewer, you’ll need a reliable set of large rotisserie prongs. These prongs are specifically designed to penetrate the hips and shoulders, ensuring the animal remains securely attached to the skewer throughout the roasting process. A rubber mallet is an invaluable tool here—use it to firmly bash the prongs into place, providing an extra level of security. This step is crucial for achieving an even, consistent roast.

Leg Brackets or Stainless Steel Wire

Another key factor in successful spit roasting is keeping the animal’s legs from flopping around or getting too close to the charcoal. Leg brackets are the ideal solution for this, as they utilise the ball-and-socket joints of the animal to lock the legs securely in place. The V-design of the brackets makes this process quick and easy.

If leg brackets aren’t available, stainless steel wire can be used as an alternative. Simply tie the legs to the skewer with the wire and use a set of pliers to cut and secure it. Both methods ensure that the legs stay put, promoting even cooking and preventing any accidental contact with the coals.

Trussing Needle and Butcher’s Twine

One commonly skipped step in spit roasting is stitching the stomach cavity of the animal. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and preventing the meat from drying out. Using a trussing needle and butcher’s twine makes this task straightforward and effective. If you don’t have these tools, stainless steel wire and pliers can also do the job. Properly closing the cavity is essential for keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Counterbalance Weight: The Unsung Hero of Even Roasting

Perhaps the most critical accessory in your spit-roasting toolkit is the counterbalance weight. Whole animals are naturally uneven, with one side typically heavier than the other. Without a counterbalance weight, this imbalance can place undue stress on your rotisserie motor and result in uneven cooking.

The counterbalance weight compensates for this imbalance, ensuring that the skewer rotates smoothly and evenly. This not only protects your motor from potential damage but also guarantees that your meat is cooked to perfection. In our expert opinion, the counterbalance weight is the most important accessory listed here—it's essential for a successful and stress-free roast.

Stay Connected and Informed

We hope these expert tips help you prepare for your first (or 10th) whole animal spit roast with confidence. For more detailed tutorials, demonstrations, and expert advice, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you and help you master the art of spit roasting.

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By Rhiannon Peterson