What’s a spitbraai – and is it only for big events?

A spitbraai is a type of braai that uses a rotating spit (a metal rod) to slowly cook large cuts of meat over an open flame or bed of coals. While they’re often used for big events like parties or weddings, modern built-in spitbraais can easily be part of a home setup – and aren’t just for large groups.

Not just for catering and lamb on the lawn

Most South Africans associate spitbraais with big gatherings – the kind of events where there’s a whole lamb turning over an open fire, guests milling around, and someone checking the basting every 20 minutes.

And yes, spitbraais are brilliant for that. But today, they’ve also found their way into more refined home setups. Think built-in stainless steel units that sit neatly in your patio wall, double up as standard wood braais, and still deliver that slow-cooked flavour – even if you’re just feeding the family on a Sunday.

How a spitbraai works (the simple version)

A spitbraai works by slowly rotating food over a heat source, usually wood or charcoal. The meat – often lamb, chicken, or pork – is secured on a rotating rod (called a spit) and cooked slowly and evenly as it turns.

This rotation helps baste the meat in its own juices, giving it a crispy outside and tender inside. The process is hands-off, reliable, and doesn’t require constant flipping or checking.

Some setups use electric motors to keep the spit turning consistently, while others can be turned manually. In Calore’s range, the focus is on built-in wood spitbraais – designed for homes that take entertaining seriously.

So, is it only for big events?

Definitely not.

While spitbraais are fantastic for events, they’re equally useful in everyday life – especially if your household loves flavour-forward food and slow cooking. If you already enjoy roasts, potjies, or experimenting with marinades, a spitbraai gives you another way to prepare meals without feeling like it’s only for special occasions.

In fact, many homeowners use their spitbraai as a regular weekend cooking station – especially the built-in models that double as standard wood braais when the spit isn’t in use.

What can you actually cook on a spitbraai?

The obvious answer is lamb. But spitbraais are more versatile than they get credit for. You can cook:

• Pork shoulders or belly
• Whole chickens (or multiple)
• Turkey (great around the holidays)
• Beef cuts like sirloin or brisket
• Game meat like venison
• Vegetarian options like stuffed butternut or large mushrooms
• Bread or rotisserie-style baked goods (if you’re keen to experiment)

It’s not about quantity – it’s about the style of cooking. The slow rotation and open flame create a flavour that’s hard to replicate in an oven or on a grid.

Introducing Calore’s built-in spitbraais

If you’re looking to add a spitbraai to your home – without building a separate, oversized structure in your yard – Calore offers two models designed for built-in, permanent use:

1. Deluxe Spitbraai

• Fully welded 2.5mm mild steel body
• Double doors with chains and locks
• Stainless steel grids with 10mm frame
• Two separate grids for models 1200mm and larger
• Includes coalmaker, ashtray, potjie hook, scraper, and light fitting
• Available in multiple sizes and mild steel or 3CR12/304 stainless options

This is the go-to model for homeowners who want quality, versatility, and value – something that can handle a lamb spit one weekend and a few steaks the next.

2. Professional Spitbraai

• Slightly heavier-duty than the Deluxe
• 2.5mm fully welded mild steel body
• Slide-in prep door (extends 400mm for extra workspace)
• Two stainless steel grids on 1200mm+ models
• Same accessory set: ashpan, coalmaker, potjie hook, light fitting, scraper

The Professional model is ideal for people who want more working room, integrated functionality, and a braai that feels more like a permanent outdoor kitchen than just a firebox.

Both are available in sizes ranging from 800mm to 1500mm and are built to be installed into an entertainment wall or patio area, not free-standing or mobile.

Why choose a built-in spitbraai over a mobile one?

There’s nothing wrong with mobile spitbraai setups – they’re great for events or when you need portability. But a built-in spitbraai offers a few advantages:

• Always ready to use – no setup or breakdown
• Protected from weather (when installed under cover)
• Integrated into your home’s design
• Easier to clean and manage over time
• Doubles as a full-function wood braai when not using the spit

It also looks better. A well-finished spitbraai installed with stone or plaster surrounds becomes a feature – not an eyesore or afterthought.

Do you need a big home to have one?

Not necessarily. Calore’s spitbraais start at 800mm wide, which is perfectly manageable for a medium-sized patio or braai room. The 1200mm and 1500mm models are obviously better suited to larger homes or families that host often, but there’s no need to go oversized if you don’t need to.

Even at the smaller end of the range, you’re still getting a solid wood braai with all the functionality – the spit is just a bonus.

Is it worth the investment?

If you enjoy cooking over wood, like entertaining, and want your braai to be more than just a steel box on bricks – yes, a built-in spitbraai is absolutely worth it.

The value isn’t just in the spit itself. It’s in the convenience, the design, and the versatility. You’re not buying a gadget. You’re building in a piece of your home’s lifestyle – something that’ll get used for years to come, whether it’s for ten guests or just dinner for two.

Want to explore the Deluxe and Professional Spitbraai range in more detail? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right size and setup for your space.