Whether you’re just after for that distinctive, crispy chicken skin or simply has that penchant for something not-so-ordinary regarding dishing out meat to your friends, your growing fascination on rotisserie ovens is relatable, if not understandable.
From its unassuming, easy-to-use operation to its space-saving prowess, owning a rotisserie oven today is no longer a luxury but is easily becoming one of your must-haves in your kitchen. But if you’re one of those who is still new and is still overwhelmed by the growing selection in the market now, then you’re in luck! Consider this entire article as your quick guide in choosing the best rotisserie oven!
You’ll also stumble on how a rotisserie oven works and its known advantages and drawbacks. In the closing part of this discussion, I’ll also be disclosing the only buying guide you should know for this equipment. And before you know it, the section that follows will reveal the leading rotisserie ovens only you should know about.
What is a Rotisserie Oven and How Does it Work?
For the uninitiated, a rotisserie oven is a type of cooking device which comprises of one or more spots that are designed to rotate while the oven is in use. This mechanism provides a unique cooking for your poultry aspirations!
When the poultry (or your prized chicken) is being rotated, the meat is subjected to coating by its drippings — creating a golden and crispy exterior. While most rotisserie ovens are used for chicken, the equipment is also known to accommodate small to medium-sized turkeys. On the other hand, the oven also caters to smaller birds such as ducks and hens.
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The accommodation of these poultry sizes will ultimately depend on the size of your oven. For domestic kitchens, few smaller models have begun surfacing lately. These models usually sport one or two spits and may render some limitations in regards to the size the chicken or turkey that they can cater to accordingly.
Meanwhile, there are some rotisserie oven models that are designed to cook a variety of foods apart from birds. These models are developed mostly for home use. As such, these include interior accessories that you can switch out so it can allow cooking rotisserie chicken or even pizzas. These variants can also be used for counter-top baking as well as broiling.
Why Should You Own a Rotisserie Oven?
Your rotisserie oven is more than just your traditional type of oven. Below are some of its known benefits that are already catapulting all of its consumers today:
1. Space-saving
You can fit your rotisserie oven virtually anywhere at home or apartment— on the countertop or any space that you developed it for!
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2. Convenience
Are you one of those whose patience is limited? Your rotisserie oven can save you tons of time; I kid you not. Most of the preparation and cooking time are almost shaved in half when these ovens are used.
Typically, all you need to do is season your chosen food before placing them in the oven and voila — your lovingly chicken is all prepared. What else? These rotisserie ovens can be used outdoors!
3. Healthier food
As rotisserie ovens operate with a spinning motion, the fats that drip from your meat are taken away considerably as opposed to other equipment that allows these to sit in oil or grease. In essence, your usual output should be all that juicy, savory and considerably more fats and calorie-free.
4. Cooking is more controlled
Rotisseries ovens’ most defining feature is its numerous controls. While this could intimidate some, the consensus is that these controls allow more freedom in artistic cooking. You can either slow the oven’s skewer for an intensified roasting or pause it to sear your meat even more nicely.
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Via alto-shaam.com
5. Food quality is much better
Due to its diacritic style of cooking, your rotisserie oven is expected to provide you tastier meats. This is propelled by the oven’s spinning mechanism that also brings that distinguished, crispy skin your friends will talk about for days!
The Only Drawback
If there is one disadvantage rotisserie ovens are known for, it is that most of them are difficult to clean as some of their parts are not detachable. And as most of them are small, cooking for a larger crowd could be quite a hassle.
Quick Guide to Buying The Best Rotisserie Oven
Below is a streamlined list of factors you should consider when buying this type of oven:
Durability
As almost all entries in the rotisserie oven department are quite expensive, it’s crucial that you choose that variant which can withstand heavy and repeated usage. I’d recommend that you go for a brand that is already tested and proven and has good reviews from its users.
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Via miele.com.au
Size
Determine first whether you’re going to be placing your oven on a counter-top or you’re gunning for a splash of space right in your kitchen before purchasing. As for the availability, most of the popular models today already have these iterations. However, you should also keep in mind that most compact versions won’t be able to cook big turkeys or chicken.
Design
This factor might not be that too important for some but for us who think that it should flow to the continuity of our home aesthetics, the design of your rotisserie oven should also be considered. Remember that this device will stay for months right in your kitchen and an unappealing design is just unforgivable!
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Via trueseconds.com
Simplicity
This all goes for all the ones who have just joined the bandwagon. Select that rotisserie oven that is not adorned with complicated controls. The simpler, the better! More significantly, this will make your first attempt at this type of oven more memorable.
Number of spits
Unless you’re investing for a larger type of rotisserie oven, go for that variant which only has one or two spits. Multiple spits in a small oven would mean that you will have to partition your meat into smaller pieces. Now, if you’re that kind who always prepare kabobs or other smaller cuts of meat, then go with the ones with multiple spits.
Extras
If your oven comes with two or more of these accessories, then consider that as plus points for that product:
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Via thekitchen.site
- Oven gloves
- Roasting rack
- Cookbook with recipes
- Basket
- Removable drip pan
- Carving platform
- Skewers
Best Rotisserie Ovens in The Market Now
1. Ronco ST5000PLGEN Showtime Rotisserie Platinum Edition
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Via Amazon.com
Ronco is the probably the only company nowadays that dedicates itself in producing top-of-the-line variants for the rotisserie function.
The Ronco ST5000PLGEN Showtime Rotisserie Platinum Edition is an example of its extraordinary dedication. It boasts of elegance, uncomplicated experience, and quality materials.
This device is also noted for its removable heat shield that should aid you in browning your meat to perfection.
Also, it utilizes only one-third less of energy than the conventional ovens and a non-stick dishwasher safe pan that makes your cleaning hassle-free.
PROS
- Removable heat shield
- Uses 1/3 less energy than most conventional ovens
- Stands at 13 inches tall — should fit under standard cabinets
- Comes with dishwasher safe pan
- Removable glass door
CONS
- Problematic spit rod assembly
- Produces loud sound
2. Hamilton Beach 31103A Countertop Oven With Convection And Rotisserie
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Via Amazon.com
This equipment is ideal for those who intend to place it on a humble counter-top or any flat surface in your kitchen.
The Hamilton Beach 31103A Counter-top Oven With Convection And Rotisserie should provide you a full-size oven performance that is delivered in a compact, energy-efficient iteration.
It also is equipped with flexible cooking options that include baking cakes and cookies to broiling your prized salmon and roasting chicken or pork.
Meanwhile, it operates with 49 percent less energy than any typical kitchen oven.
PROS
- Comes with 2 oven racks, large and small baking pans, and a broil rack
- Utilizes only 49 percent less energy
- Easy-to-clean
- Includes accessories such as rotisserie lift and forks with rod or skewer slide out and full-width crumb tray
- 2-hour cooking timer along with tone and auto-shutoff
CONS
- Timer knob may break in repeated use
- Fingerprint-prone exterior
- Exterior may get too hot to touch for some
3. Gourmia S2000 Extra Large Stainless Steel Professional Convection Oven
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Via Amazon.com
This Gourmia entry is created to provide top notch performance and provide features that cater more than basic rotisserie needs.
You can perform numerous tasks such as baking, broiling, and roasting. Meanwhile, the product’s power and control are tested to deliver your goods quite efficiently with its EasySet Dials that allow setting its temperature rather easily.
On top of that, the spacious interior is meticulously designed with convenience as its principle. You can see this effort in its glorious, non-stick and easy-to-clean parts.
PROS
- Precise temperature settings from 150-500 degrees
- Spacious interior that can cater oversized pans
- Stainless steel exterior
- EasySet Dials
- Ideal for broiling, baking, and roasting
CONS
- Fragile timer
- Used materials are not that premium
- Produces loud sound occasionally
4. Ronco EZ Store Rotisserie, Stainless
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Via Amazon.com
An obvious aesthetic-magnet, this another entry from Ronco may be ideal for you if you’re looking for versatility in cooking, apart from rotisseries offerings of course.
The equipment is adept in dishing appetizers, various entrees, and delectable desserts. It includes rotisserie basket, oven gloves, spits, a carving platform recipe booklet along with its 12 food ties.
Evident in this product is its unique nesting design that allows you to store and cook food easily.
And with its exact rotation speed, your self-basting aspirations should be achieved while fats and calories are being dripped away!
PROS
- Precise rotation speed
- Comes with a glass door
- Includes digital timer, push button operation
- Can cook up to a 15lb. turkey
- Allows easy storage with its 7.75-inches height
CONS
- May be difficult to clean for some
- Problematic electronic timer
5. Ronco 4000 Series Rotisserie, Black
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Via Amazon.com
Probably the sleekest among its competition, this black Ronco variant features a perfect preset temperature and a precise rotation speed.
It also boasts of a specialized heating element along with an air vent positioning and self-basting rotation locks in the flavor.
One can only wonder whether this equipment of beauty is a godsend or what.Moreover, the product comes with a 3-hour automatic timer which is energy efficient and can cook with 1/3 less electricity than conventional ovens.
A multipurpose basket, rotisserie, spit, and a carving platform is likewise included.
PROS
- Equipped with precise rotation speed that allows self-basting
- Efficient heat circulation that can drip fats away
- Comes with glass door
- Can hold up to a 15lb. turkey
- Features three cooking settings (Roast, No Heat With Rotation, Sear With No Rotation)
CONS
- Wobbly spit rod assembly
- Produces a loud sound occasionally
Verdict
The Black Ronco 4000 Series Rotisserie is not only an aesthetic juggernaut but also performs efficiently regarding durability, size, and its overall quality. Its inclusion of numerous accessories is also a welcoming plus for its consumers as these should save them time and loads of cash in the long run.
If you think I missed a contender on top of these five entries, please feel free to sound them in the comment section below.