How to Use a Rotisserie Counterweight

When cooking with a rotisserie, you can use a counterweight as a method of balancing meat correctly on the spit rod. Otherwise, the rod won't turn at a constant speed, the meat won't cook evenly, the motor will strain, and your rotisserie will not last very long. Using the counterweight means you don't have to keep repositioning the meat, and your final results will be better.

Things You'll Need

• Rotisserie spit rod
• Rotisserie counterweight
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Secure the meat on the spit rod. Lay the rod across your palms and hold it, so the heavier part of the meat rotates downwards. Loosen the retaining loop and move the counterweight on the rod, so it is opposite the heavy side of the meat that is hanging down.

2. Move the counterweight toward or away from the rod until you arrive at an even balance point. Tighten the retaining loop. Put the rod on the barbecue. Turn on the motor to check that the meat turns evenly. Adjust the counterweight if necessary.

3. Grill the meat and check the rotisserie occasionally. Adjust the counterweight if the motor starts to strain during cooking. Adjust the spit forks with the pliers to hold the meat in place if it shrinks.

References

• Barbeques Galore: Cooking Techniques
• Marthastewart.com: Rotisserie Turkey