The Ultimate Guide to Rotisserie Cooking on Your Grill

If you’ve never cooked with a rotisserie, you’re missing out on one of the best ways to achieve juicy, flavorful roasts with a golden-brown crust. Whether you're roasting a whole chicken, prime rib, or even a pineapple (yes, it works wonders!), a rotisserie allows your food to cook evenly while basting itself in its own juices. 

No matter what type of grill you have—charcoal, gas, or pellet—I’ll walk you through setting up and using your rotisserie like a pro. If you’re more of visual learner, you can watch the video here: watch the video. Otherwise, read on! 

Rotisserie cooking on charcoal provides powerful radiant heat for a beautiful golden-brown roast chicken or a prime rib with excellent browning. 

1. Attach the Rotisserie Ring 

Place the rotisserie ring on top of your grill. This elevates the spit so it can rotate freely. 

2. Set Up the Charcoal 

Fill a chimney starter with briquettes and light it. 

Once the coals are ashed over (about 15 minutes), pour them into two piles on each side of the grill, leaving the center open for indirect heat. 

Place a drip pan in the middle to catch juices and prevent flare-ups. 

3. Prepare the Rotisserie Spit 

Skewer your food onto the spit and secure it with the forks. 

Tighten the screws to prevent the food from shifting while turning. 

4. Attach the Motor & Start Cooking 

Mount the rotisserie motor onto the ring and plug it in. 

Insert the spit rod into the motor and ensure it rotates smoothly. 

Close the lid and aim for a grill temperature of 350°-400°F. 

Check the coals every 45 minutes and add a few briquettes to maintain a steady temperature. 

5. Check for Doneness 

Use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right internal temperature. 

Let the meat rest on the spit for 10–15 minutes before removing the spit and slicing. This will help the roast retain its juices. 

Rotisserie cooking on a gas grill is simple and gives you excellent control over the heat. 

1. Attach the Rotisserie Motor 

Mount the rotisserie motor onto your grill using the included brackets and plug it in. 

2. Preheat the Grill 

Remove the cooking grates and place a drip pan on the flavorizer bars with 1–2 cups of water to catch juices. 

Turn all the burners to high and heat the grill for 10–15 minutes. 

Turn off the middle burner(s) directly under the rotisserie to create indirect heat. 

Adjust the two outside burners to reach a temperature between 350°–450°F. 

3. Prepare the Rotisserie Spit 

Skewer the food onto the spit and secure it tightly with the forks. 

Make sure it's centered and balanced for even cooking. 

4. Insert the Spit and Start Cooking 

Insert the spit rod into the motor and make sure the food is under the indirect portion of the grill. Turn on the motor and check that it’s spinning correctly. 

Close the lid and aim for a grill temperature of 350°–450°F. 

5. Check for Doneness 

Use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right internal temperature. 

Let the meat rest on the spit for 10–15 minutes before removing the spit and slicing. This will help the roast retain its juices. 

A pellet grill offers precise temperature control while adding wood-fired flavor to your rotisserie dishes. 

1. Attach the Rotisserie Motor 

Mount the rotisserie motor onto your grill using the included brackets and plug it in. 

2. Preheat the Grill 

Remove the cooking grates if you need to create space for the food.  

Set your grill to 400°F. 

3. Prepare the Rotisserie Spit 

Skewer the food onto the spit and secure it tightly with the forks. 

Make sure it's centered and balanced for even cooking. 

4. Insert the Spit and Start Cooking 

Insert the spit into the motor and make sure it’s centered. Turn on the motor and check that it’s spinning correctly. 

Close the lid and monitor the cooking temperature. 

5. Check for Doneness 

Use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right internal temperature. 

Let the meat rest on the spit for 10–15 minutes before removing the spit and slicing. This will help the roast retain its juices. 

• Balance the Food – If your food isn’t evenly balanced, it will spin unevenly and put stress on the motor. Adjust as needed before starting. 
  
• Use a Meat Thermometer – The best way to ensure your food is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature. Don't guess! 
• Save the Drippings – A drip pan catches flavorful juices that can be used for basting or making a delicious sauce. 
• Let It Rest – After cooking, let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes to keep it juicy when slicing. 

With a rotisserie, you can create restaurant-quality meals right in your backyard. Whether you're using charcoal, gas, or wood pellets, the slow rotation bastes the meat in its own juices and builds bold flavors.