You've seen them on late-night TV infomercials. Maybe you have one in the kitchen--or in storage until it's fixed. Fortunately, rotisseries are relatively easy to test and fix. Let's see how the Fix-It Club does it.

How Does It Work?

A rotisserie is a motorized heating appliance with a temperature control or timer.

A rotisserie is a small heating appliance with a rotating spit. An open rotisserie has a covered heating element, a wire grilling rack, and a roasting spit that is turned by a motor. The rotisserie allows air to circulate freely around food for consistent heat. Fat drains away into a removable tray for disposal. Because many rotisseries have separate power cords for the motor and element, you also can use the appliance as an electric grill. An enclosed rotisserie has two heating elements, one on top and one on the bottom of the cabinet, so it also can serve as a broiler oven.

What Can Go Wrong?

A rotisserie is subject to the same problems as other small heating appliances. The power cord, the heating element, the timer, the motor, the thermostat, and the switch can all malfunction. They are relatively easy to diagnose and fix.

Fix-It Tip

As with other small cooking appliances, most problems are caused by improper cleanup after use. Excess grease or food particles can get lodged in places they shouldn't be, potentially damaging electrical components. Make sure you thoroughly clean the unit after each use.

How Can I Identify the Problem?

If the rotisserie doesn't heat, make sure power is on at the outlet and test the electrical cord and replace it if it is faulty. Test the heating element and replace it if it is faulty.

If the rotisserie has a timer, check for damaged leads and test the timer for continuity.

If cleaning with electrical contact cleaner fails, replace the timer.

If the rotisserie has a separate on-off switch, test the switch and replace it if it is faulty.

If the rotisserie is noisy, check the motor gears and replace the motor if necessary.

If the rotisserie heats but the spit doesn't turn, test the motor and replace it if it is faulty.

If the rotisserie heats poorly, test the timer and replace it if necessary. Test the thermostat and replace or repair it if it is faulty.

Fix-It Tip

By now it's becoming our mantra: Don't throw away the owner's manual. Your rotisserie's manual will not only tell you how to get the most from your appliance, it typically will include a troubleshooting chart, parts information, and information about the manufacturer's warranty.

What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?

You can find replacement parts for your rotisserie from the manufacturer or aftermarket suppliers such as small appliance parts houses. The tools you'll need to fix a rotisserie include these:

• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches
• Multimeter

What Are the Steps to Fixing It?

Disassemble a rotisserie:

1. Make sure the appliance is unplugged and cool before you begin to disassemble it.
2. Use screwdrivers and wrenches as needed to remove the motor from its support, then remove and separate the motor case.
3. Remove the spit, supports, and grilling rack. Some components lift out or unplug while others require unfastening with screwdrivers and wrenches.
4. You now can use a multimeter to test the motor, heating element, and appliance controls as needed.