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