Why Build a Rotisserie?
- Pig roasts are great fun.
- Any day can become an EVENT with fire, a slow-cooking pig, many friends (often with excited children), and some beer.
- The rotisserie is the centerpiece. Simple ones can be rented for $400/weekend.
- My son and his friends are experienced roasters. They wanted a special rotisserie.
Pig Rotisserie Requirements
- Support a 150 lb pig with a 3x safety factor with a spit rotation of 2-3 RPM
- Fire tray should be 30 inches above the ground
- Spit should be adjustable in height from 12-30 inches above the fire tray
- Spit offset bar to be adjustable from 6-10 inches from the spit centerline
- Skewers (4-6) should have four prongs. The length of each prong should be 6-7 inches
- Motor should support continuous operation for 8-10 hours
- Drive should be simple, reliable, and safe
- The whole rotisserie should be mobile with turf-capable tires on one end and a handle on the other to allow it to be wheeled around on grass
- The rotisserie should be easily disassembled to be stored inside a garage
Costs
- Gear motor (¼ HP) — $100 on Facebook Marketplace
- Steel — $300
- Sprockets, chain, and 1-inch stainless shaft — $60
- Turf tires, wheels, axle, and retaining pins — $105