Spit Braai Machine Guide: Charcoal vs Gas, and What to Check
A spit braai machine is a steel trough or box on a frame that turns a long rod over heat: a motor rotates the rod, steel clamps hold the meat, and a drip tray catches the fat beneath it. Machines burn charcoal or gas. A typical machine takes one whole lamb of 18 to 22 kg, and Spit Braai Feast hires a charcoal machine from R1,200 for 24 hours.
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Parts of a Spit Braai Machine
Spit rod
A long steel rod that runs through the meat and turns it.
Spine clamps and leg brackets
Steel U-bolts and brackets that hold the carcass tight to the rod.
Motor
Turns the rod slowly; most spit motors run on mains power.
Fire trough or burners
Charcoal channels along the back and sides, or gas burners.
Drip tray
Catches the fat under the meat; roast potatoes cook in it.
Lid
A hinged hood that holds the heat in and shelters the fire from wind.
Frame and wheels
A steel stand at working height, with wheels to move it.
Charcoal vs Gas Spit Braai Machines
| Charcoal machine | Gas machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Charcoal coals in steel channels | Gas burners fed from a cylinder |
| Getting started | About 30 minutes to light and spread the coals | Burners light at once |
| Adjusting heat | Rake coals closer or further | Turn the burner valves |
| Flavour | Smoke from the coals and the dripping fat | Cleaner heat, less smoke |
| Wind | Needs shelter; wind cools the coals | Needs shelter; wind blows out flames |
| Spit Braai Feast | Cooks and hires on charcoal | Not used |
What to Check Before Using a Spit Braai Machine
- A level, open spot clear of thatch, roofs and branches.
- A plug point or an extension lead for the motor.
- The venue’s go-ahead for an open fire, and the day’s fire-danger rating.
- Meat balanced on the rod, so the motor turns it evenly.
- A garden hose or a fire extinguisher within reach.
Hire a Spit Braai Machine or Book a Chef
Spit Braai Feast covers the charcoal machine on its own under spit braai hire: R1,200 to R1,500 for 24 hours, with free collection or delivery from R450. A chef-run lamb spit braai at R150 per person brings the machine, the meat and the sides. Totals for any guest count are in the spit braai calculator.
Spit Braai Machine — Frequently Asked Questions
How does a spit braai machine work?
A spit braai machine turns the meat on a steel rod over a fire trough while a motor drives the rod, and a drip tray catches the fat underneath.
Which is better for a spit braai, charcoal or gas?
Charcoal gives more smoke flavour and takes about 30 minutes to get going; gas lights at once and is easier to adjust. Spit Braai Feast cooks on charcoal.
Can I hire a spit braai machine?
Yes. Spit Braai Feast hires a charcoal machine for R1,200 to R1,500 for 24 hours, with a R1,000 to R1,500 deposit and free collection or delivery from R450.
Hire a Charcoal Spit Braai Machine
R1,200–R1,500 for 24 hours · free collection · delivery from R450
Spit Braai Feast offers spit braai catering in the Cape Winelands with a chef on site and spit braai hire of the charcoal machine for hosts who cook.