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What Is a Stainless Steel Rotisserie?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

When cooking various types of meat, it is usually beneficial to use a stainless steel rotisserie so all sides of the meat are exposed to a heat source evenly. The stainless steel rotisserie will feature a long spit, or rod, that will be plunged through the meat to suspend it over a flame or other heat source. Various types of rotisseries exist, and the design can vary significantly; some are designed to work in conjunction with a propane grill and can be mounted within the grill body, while others will be self-contained units that will feature removable spits as well as the turning motor and heat source.

In order to turn the stainless steel rotisserie spit, a motor is usually mounted to the unit. The motor is usually electric, and the speed of the rotation can often be adjusted. Most meats will require a fairly slow rotation to ensure all parts of the meat are cooked evenly, though cooking times and required rotating speeds can vary. Depending on the size and thickness of the spit, several pieces of meat may be turned at one time, allowing higher volumes of meat to be ready for consumption. This is especially useful for restaurants or food manufacturers who need to accommodate several customers at once.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

The units are usually made from stainless steel for several reasons. A stainless steel rotisserie will be resistant to corrosion and rusting, and it will be able to withstand the high temperatures to which it will undoubtedly be exposed. Other metals can soften too easily under the heat, leading to damage to the unit, and rust on the unit can be dangerous when exposed to foods meant for consumption. Stainless steel is also generally easy to clean, and food generally won't adhere to the steel so much that it cannot be removed after cleaning.

A stainless steel rotisserie oven may feature additional stainless steel parts besides just the spit. The body of the oven may also be made from stainless steel for many of the same reasons that the spit is made from stainless steel. The oven will be easier to clean and it will resist damage from heat and moisture. Many ovens will feature a heat-resistant window as well so the cook can look in to monitor the progress of the cooking meats. Most ovens will have adjustable heat settings and drip pans at the bottom to collect fat and other debris.

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