Charotis Pig Roaster Comparison: Motor Torque, Spit Size & Fuel Breakdown

Best for: Large whole hogs exceeding 120 pounds

Pros

• 200 lb/in torque 50W motor
• Dual 20000 BTU burners
• Massive 62-inch stainless spit

Cons

• Propane only fuel system
• Requires substantial storage space

The 62″ Propane Spit Roaster, cataloged as the Charotis SSG1-XL, is engineered specifically for whole hogs, large lambs, goats, and bulk poultry arrays exceeding 120 pounds. The core mechanical advantage of this unit centers on its heavy-duty 50-watt electric drive motor, which generates an impressive 200 lbs/in of rotational torque. When rotating a massive animal where muscle mass and bone distribution are inherently asymmetrical, this level of torque prevents hesitation at the peak of rotation. By eliminating motor stalls and uneven pauses, the roaster guarantees uniform heat absorption and avoids scorching the meat.

Thermal delivery is handled by two full-length 55-inch stainless steel propane tube burners that generate 20,000 BTU each, delivering a combined 40,000 BTU across the cooking envelope. This elongated burner geometry ensures steady radiant heat from the shoulders to the hams, preventing the common problem of undercooked centers and overdone ends found on smaller grills. Monitoring heat retention is managed through the built-in hood thermometer, while a full-length stainless steel drip pan isolates grease drippings from the burner elements to control flare-ups. Much like sizing high-torque mechanical equipment with a dedicated sunex wrench set, running a 62-inch rotisserie requires verifying that your workspace can handle an oversized appliance footprint.

Secondary cooking utility is supported by five removable grilling grates fabricated from 4 mm 304 stainless steel bars. These grates allow the cooker to function as an expansive flat grill when the rotisserie spit is disengaged, accommodating split chickens, pork shoulders, or secondary cuts over direct gas heat. The heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel build resists corrosion from high-heat grease exposure and corrosive meat drippings, making it Charotis’s premier platform for whole-hog catering and large-format culinary events.

• Dual 55-inch stainless steel burners producing 20,000 BTU each for 40,000 BTU total output
• Heavy-duty 50-watt motor delivering 200 lbs/in of rotational torque for animals over 120 pounds
• Five full-surface grilling grates made of 4 mm 304 stainless steel bars
• Full-length stainless steel drip pan and built-in hood temperature gauge

Best for: Cooks demanding propane and charcoal versatility

Pros

• Dual-fuel propane and charcoal design
• Full accessory kit with counterbalance
• Locking swivel casters included

Cons

• Lower total BTU capacity
• Complex multi-component cleanup

The 52 Inch Rotisserie Spit Roaster, designated model SSGC1, provides maximum operational flexibility through its dual-fuel hybrid system. Designed to burn either propane or charcoal, the SSGC1 allows cooks to switch between the fast startup and precise heat modulation of gas burners and the traditional smoke profile of lump charcoal. Much like the multi-heat versatility highlighted in our charbroil 3 in 1 grill analysis, having both fuel capabilities in a single chassis ensures you can adapt to venue restrictions where open solid-fuel embers may be prohibited.

The rotisserie drive system utilizes the same industrial-grade 50-watt motor found on Charotis’s commercial units. This power plant puts out 200 lb/in of torque at a steady 4 RPM. The motor is encased in an all-metal gear housing with an integrated cooling system engineered for uninterrupted cooking cycles spanning 8 to 14 hours. A 1-inch stainless steel spit rod spans a 52-inch usable length, supported by an adjustable counterbalance weight, spine forks, and heavy-duty leg brackets that keep the carcass securely anchored to the rotating axis.

Structurally, the SSGC1 features four heavy-gauge stainless steel grates, a dedicated charcoal pan, a removable drip tray, two internal burners, and an adjustable air vent for managing airflow during solid-fuel cooking. The chassis measures 52 inches deep, 22 inches wide, and 48 inches high, resting on four removable locking swivel casters that make moving this substantial machine across concrete patios or staging areas straightforward. Charotis supplies this model as a turnkey package complete with a propane hose, regulator, high-temp barbecue gloves, and an all-weather protective cover.

• Dual-fuel cooking system running on either liquid propane or lump charcoal
• 50W motor with metal gears, built-in cooling system, and 200 lb/in torque at 4 RPM
• Usable 52-inch spit rod measuring 1 inch in diameter with balancing hardware
• Four locking swivel casters, adjustable air vent, and full accessory package

Best for: Traditional open-air charcoal purists

Pros

• Integrated wind shield for efficiency
• Heavy-gauge galvanized steel frame
• Stable 4 RPM gearing

Cons

• Lower 120 lb/in motor torque
• No gas burner option

The 52 Inch Charcoal Rotisserie Spit Roaster, cataloged as model GSW1, is designed exclusively for charcoal purists who favor live-ember heat over gas combustion. Built with a heavy-gauge galvanized steel frame paired with stainless steel food-contact surfaces, the GSW1 provides structural strength and weather resistance. By eliminating gas plumbing, regulators, and internal burner tubes, this model maximizes internal charcoal capacity, allowing you to establish distinct indirect heat zones beneath a rotating whole pig, lamb, or goat.

Rotational force is delivered by a 40-watt electric motor rated at 120 lb/in of torque, operating at a steady 4 RPM. While lower in output than the 50-watt, 200 lb/in motor used on the SSG1-XL and SSGC1, this 40W system handles mid-sized pigs, whole goats, or multiple lambs within its balance envelope. The 52-inch usable 1-inch stainless steel spit rod is held in place by two heavy-duty spit forks, a spine clamp, and rigid leg brackets to keep the carcass from shifting during rotation.

A stand-out engineering feature of the GSW1 is its integrated steel windshield. Open-pit charcoal roasting is vulnerable to thermal loss from lateral breezes, which accelerate charcoal consumption and create cold spots. The built-in wind shield directs radiant heat back toward the rotating meat, stabilizing internal pit temperatures and cutting overall fuel use. Measuring 52 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 24 inches high, this low-profile roaster provides an efficient, stripped-down platform for traditional open-air live-fire cooking.

• Dedicated charcoal-burning configuration with heavy-gauge galvanized steel body
• Integrated metal wind shield for efficient heat retention and wind deflection
• 40-watt electric motor generating 120 lb/in torque at 4 RPM
• Usable 52-inch length, 1-inch diameter stainless steel spit rod with mounting hardware