Gas or charcoal? A question we get asked daily. Many find it difficult to select the best type of spit roaster. There are two main types of barbecue/ spit roasters to consider: those that run on gas and those that run on charcoal. Which is better? gas or charcoal spit roaster? Both have advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the key differences will help you choose the best option.
Gas Spits = Convenience
The main advantage of a Gas Spit Roaster over a Charcoal Roaster is convenience. A Gas Spit Roaster heats up quickly and can be easily set to the temperature you want to cook your meat at. A Gas roaster can be lit and ready to use in a matter of minutes. To achieve the desired heat on a Charcoal Spit Roaster, you may need to wait thirty minutes (or more if you stuff it up).
The convenience of having a Gas Spit Roaster is a major benefit, but it is important to note that you are ultimately sacrificing some of the best flavours in your meat by removing the hot coals from your cook.
Cleaning up can also be a source of frustration for many people. When using a gas rotisserie, there is no need to worry about cleaning the ash out of the base, as opposed to a charcoal counterpart, which can remain hot for hours after cooking.
When purchasing a BBQ spit rotisserie, price is an important factor to consider. Gas BBQ spits are generally more expensive and offer less variety in terms of spit selection. This is due to the stringent gas approval processes that must be followed before a company can legally sell a gas spit roaster in Australia. The approval process can cost $10,000 and 6-12 months.
This is why there are only a few commercially available gas spits for sale. Buying a gas spit that has not been approved by the Australian Gas Authority can be risky, putting your home and family at risk if something goes wrong. If you’re only going to cook for a few people, consider adding a spit kit to your existing gas BBQ.
A Gas Spit Roaster is a great choice if your ultimate goal is convenience combined with minimal cleanup and you are willing to sacrifice some of the flavours of your meat.
Charcoal = Flavour
When it comes to flavour, Charcoal Spit Roaster is unrivalled. As the meat cooks, the fire and smoke are absorbed by the meat, imparting a smoky, authentic flavour that really enhances the taste and texture. When cooking on a Charcoal BBQ, mallee root charcoal is the preferred charcoal; however, briquettes can also be used but are not as flavorful.
Some people have difficulty lighting charcoal and therefore believe it is too hard, but the trick to lighting charcoals is to use a charcoal chimney fire starter. You’ll have perfect coals in 20 minutes if you use 2-3 firelighters and a charcoal chimney fire starter. Now don’t be fooled by thinking the 20 minute wait is a waste of time, during this time you can season your meat, skewer your lamb, or just sit back, drink beers and talk with your mates.
Because charcoal BBQ spits do not need to go through a stringent approval process, there is a wide range of sizes and models available, with many costing less than a gas spit.
The social aspect is the final and most important factor to consider when choosing a BBQ spit rotisserie. Cooking with charcoal creates an exciting and entertaining environment for a family gathering, a get-together with friends, or a large function for your sporting club. A fire has an enticing quality that draws people in and keeps them warm if needed. Perhaps it came from the time when cavemen gathered around an open fire to cook their food and socialise. Still not convinced? Have a read on why you should own a spit roaster?
To read more about selecting the spit roaster that is best for you, click here to download our full Spit Roaster Buying Guide.