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Best Rotisserie Machines

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Cuisinart TOB-200N Rotisserie Oven
Cuisinart
TOB-200N Rotisserie Oven
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

A super sleek oven with plenty of features.

Pros

Looks great on a countertop. Deep enough to fit a 12-inch pizza. Has 12 cooking functions, including rotisserie and convection. Easy-to-read digital display with a backlight and heat sensor for maintaining an even temperature.

Cons

There's no interior light and although there's space for it, a second rack isn't included.

Best Bang for the Buck
Maxi-Matic ERO-2008N Toaster Oven
Maxi-Matic
ERO-2008N Toaster Oven
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

An inexpensive and versatile countertop appliance for toasting and roasting.

Pros

Cooks evenly and also works as a toaster oven with an easy-to-adjust temperature dial. A handy timer helps remind cooks when it’s time to eat.

Cons

Not big enough for very large chickens.

Hamilton Beach 31103DA Toaster Oven
Hamilton Beach
31103DA Toaster Oven
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Best for Large Meals
Bottom Line

An attractive countertop unit with a big interior and plenty of features.

Pros

Large enough to fit a 5-pound bird or two 12-inch pizzas. Sleek and durable stainless steel design. Quick-heating, and has a useful 2-hour timer.

Cons

Doesn’t have an interior light and the unit gets very hot.

ChefWave 12.6 Quart Air Fryer, Rotisserie, and Dehydrator
ChefWave
12.6 Quart Air Fryer, Rotisserie, and Dehydrator
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

An all-in-one appliance perfect for kitchen gadget lovers with minimal storage space.

Pros

The ChefWave is a bargain considering buyers get 3 appliances in 1: air fryer, rotisserie, and dehydrator. The powerful 1,600W machine also features myriad presets for an easy one-touch cooking experience.

Cons

Difficult to clean thoroughly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for best rotisserie machines

It’s no wonder that glistening rotisserie chickens are one of the fastest-selling items at the grocery store. Their crispy skin and delicious taste makes them a quick, simple solution to the dinnertime dilemma. But what if you could amaze your family and friends by cooking one right in your home?

With a rotisserie machine, you can enjoy a number of spit-roasted meats in no time. The process involves placing meat on built-in tongs that slowly turn, resulting in juicy, tender meat that’s never dry. Choose from rotisserie-only units or all-in-one toaster ovens that come with additional features to cook your roasts or chickens.

Whether you love the taste and convenience of rotisserie-style chicken or want to avoid turning on a hot oven in the summertime, a rotisserie machine can make life easier. To learn more, read our shopping guide. If you’re ready to buy, consider one of our recommended models.

A rotisserie machine allows you to stick a piece of meat on a long metal rod that rotates while cooking. The concept of this type of cooking appliance is to provide even cooking and allow for meat to self-baste during the cooking process. Many rotisserie machines do not have a temperature control. Variations include size and the method of rotation on your meat. The size of the tongs for the meat will dictate how much or how large of a piece of meat you can cook in the machine. Some rotisserie machines are also designed with a turning mechanism to help evenly cook a pizza. A rotisserie machine may also be able to double function as a toaster oven. Check out the way the meat can be extracted after it is cooked. Some machines are easier to use than others.

Content Image
Why not just roast meat in the oven? A rotisserie machine offers exceptionally even cooking, something that can’t be done in a roasting pan.

What are the advantages of a rotisserie machine?

  • Great for parties: If you’re making a feast for a crowd, a free oven is a boon. Put various casseroles in your oven, while your rotisserie works its magic on your countertop.

  • Kitchen stays cool: A rotisserie machine is perfect for cooking during the hot days of summer. There’s no need to sweat it out while you wait for food to cook.

  • Energy saver: Rotisserie machines don’t need as much power as full-sized ovens.

  • Cooks on all sides: Rotisserie-style cooking slowly turns the food around, so that it’s cooked more evenly compared to meat that sits in a pan in the oven.

  • Juicier meats: Slow turning the meat allows it to self-baste. Juices aren’t left to drip down (except with vertical rotisserie cooking), so the meat doesn’t dry out as quickly.

Key considerations

Size

There are three main styles of rotisserie ovens designed for the countertop:

  • Vertical: Vertical rotisserie machines are typically more compact in design. Juices drip downward, which can reduce the fat content of food but can also make the meat a bit more dry.

  • Horizontal: It’s slightly tougher to mount meat on the tongs of a horizontal rotisserie machine, but this method provides very moist results.

  • Toaster oven: This option is like a mini oven for your countertop. It’s a versatile choice, but keep in mind that not all toaster ovens do a quality job on the rotisserie setting.

Styles

What do you want to cook? If you’re interested in roasting a big bird, a compact unit just won’t cut it. Before you buy, check interior measurements carefully. Some models fit up to two whole chickens side by side. However, a large rotisserie machine will take up quite a bit of space on your countertop.

Durability

How often will you be using the rotisserie machine or rotisserie cooking setting? If you’ll be using it regularly, choose one made of sturdy stainless steel. The unit should sit firmly on the counter, and the rotisserie tongs should be strong enough to hold meat in place without causing the machine to wobble.

Expert Tip
STAFF
BestReviews

Features

  • Temperature adjustment: Not all rotisserie machines allow you to adjust the temperature. For added control, pick a model with a temperature control dial or digital display.

  • Nonstick surfaces: Units with nonstick coatings are easy to clean. To prevent exposure to toxic fumes, check that the nonstick coating is PTFE and PFOA-free.

  • Toaster oven features: If you’ve decided on a toaster oven with a rotisserie cooking function, check that the other features meet your needs. Some useful toaster oven settings include bake, broil, and keep warm.

  • Display window: It’s an extra spot to keep clean, but a window allows you to check on your meat while it cooks.

  • Interior light: A light inside your rotisserie machine is helpful to ensure that your meat is cooking to your taste.

  • Accessories: Some rotisserie machines may include heat-resistant gloves, different-sized tongs, and meat shredders. A toaster oven–style unit may include one or more shelves.
"Rotisserie cooking requires no manual basting. The turning mechanism does the job for you."
STAFF
BestReviews

Rotisserie machine prices

Inexpensive: Units ranging from $50 to $100 typically double as toaster ovens. With budget models, the rotisserie cooking feature is not the primary function and is often not designed for everyday use. Low-cost rotisserie machines are usually compact and not suited for cooking multiple or large pieces of meat.

Mid-range: In the $100 to $200 price range, expect to find quality toaster ovens with rotisserie cooking functions that provide evenly cooked meats. A slightly higher investment buys toaster ovens with durable construction and rotisserie-only machines.

Expensive: The priciest units, which go for more than $200, are commercial rotisserie ovens designed to hold multiple birds. You may also find high-end toaster ovens at this price point that have multiple high-quality cook settings.

Tips

  • A whole week of meals. Cook a whole chicken in your rotisserie machine and use pieces all week. Make club sandwiches, chicken salad, and chicken noodle soup.

  • Don’t throw that chicken carcass away. Use it to make a hearty broth for soups instead.

  • Keep an eye on your meat’s temperature. Not all rotisserie machines have a way to adjust the heat level. Have a thermometer on hand to check when your bird or roast is ready. Just because it’s nice and brown on the outside, doesn’t mean it’s properly cooked inside.

  • For the tastiest roast chicken, don’t forget to add seasoning. Season the bird with spices of your choice, and be sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.

  • Experiment with marinades. Marinate meat overnight so it can fully absorb all that delicious flavor.

  • Clean your rotisserie oven regularly. Wipe down the outside and interior and periodically wash the drip tray.

  • Keep it clean. Minimize mess by lining the bottom of the rotisserie oven or drip tray with aluminum foil.

Other products we considered

The UFO-esque Della 9-in-1 Electric Air Fryer has a rotisserie function along with eight other settings. Unlike many other rotisserie machines, the Della has adjustable temperature control. We love the quick-cooking action of this machine and its low-power requirements. The high-end ChefWave Digital Pressure Cooker Oven and Rotisserie is the mini oven of our dreams. Its unique pressure cooking feature cooks foods fast, and the easy-to-use digital controls are intuitive and include preset options. The Power AirFryer XL with Rotisserie is available in two sizes (6 and 8 quarts) and offers plenty of power for speedy cooking. Convection-style cooking provides crispy, succulent results, and the unit even works as a dehydrator.

Content Image
Nobody likes bland, dried-out chicken. A rotisserie machine helps baste your meat, so it’s always juicy.

FAQ

Q. Can I cook beef in my rotisserie machine?
A.
Yes. For an even cook, choose cuts of meat that are cylindrical in shape. A round beef roast is an excellent option and turns and cooks evenly in a rotisserie machine.

Q. Is rotisserie cooking healthier than other alternatives?
A.
It depends on what your definition of healthy is. Allowing fat to drip down into a tray helps reduce fat content, but fat is not necessarily bad for you. Enjoy it in moderation, and be aware of how you’re seasoning and marinating meat to prevent high-sodium consumption.

Q. How long does it take to roast a chicken in a rotisserie machine?
A.
Time may vary from machine to machine. Cooking time may range from 20 to 30 minutes or more, depending on the size of the bird and the interior temperature of the unit. Before consuming your roast chicken or meat, always use a thermometer to check the internal meat temperature to be sure it’s safe for consumption. Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF.