How to Use a Spit Roaster | Skewer Height Tips for Perfect Cooking

When it comes to spit roasting, one of the most crucial factors that determine the success of your roast is the distance between the meat and the charcoal. This distance directly impacts how evenly your meat cooks, how juicy it remains, and the depth of flavour it develops. We’ve been Australia’s home of Spit Roasting for over 20 years and we're here to guide you through this essential aspect of the cooking process so you can cook like a pro!

The 7-Second Rule: The Gold standard rule for spit-roasting 

The "7-Second Rule" is a tried and tested method for determining the ideal height of your meat over the coals. This rule is simple yet effective: You should be able to hold your hand just under where the meat is positioned above the coals for about seven seconds.

• Too Hot? If you can't hold your hand there for seven seconds, it indicates that the charcoal is too hot, or your meat is too close to the heat source. In this case, you need to either disperse the coals to reduce the intensity of the heat or raise the meat higher away from the charcoal. Both of these adjustments will help prevent burning and ensure that your meat cooks evenly from the inside out.

• Not Hot Enough? On the other hand, if you can comfortably keep your hand there for longer than seven seconds, the heat may not be sufficient. To remedy this, you can add more charcoal to increase the temperature or lower the skewer closer to the coals. Sometimes, a combination of both might be necessary to achieve optimal cooking conditions.

Specific Adjustments for Different Cuts and Styles

While the 7-Second Rule is perfect for larger cuts like whole chickens or roasts, different dishes may require slight adjustments to this guideline. For instance, when preparing Greek-style gyros, a variation called the "4-Second Rule" is recommended. The principle remains the same, but the reduced time indicates a need for higher heat, which is essential for achieving the traditional crispy exterior that makes gyros so delicious.

The Importance of Heat Management in Spit Roasting

Understanding and controlling the heat during spit roasting is crucial to achieving restaurant-quality results. Too much heat can lead to overcooked exteriors and raw interiors, while too little heat can result in prolonged cooking times and a lack of that desirable charred flavour. By mastering these techniques, you not only ensure that your food is cooked to perfection but also position yourself as a connoisseur of spit roasting.

Conclusion

Spit roasting is as much an art as it is a science. By employing these expert tips, you can confidently adjust your cooking process to suit the specific requirements of the meat you're preparing. Whether you're roasting a whole chicken or crafting authentic gyros, these guidelines will help you achieve consistently outstanding results.

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 By Rhiannon Peterson