Weight roasting jacks
A weight-driven roasting jack grill is a mechanism that, using a weight, rotates the spit or multiple spits gently. This allows the food to brown and cook evenly on all sides. These roasting jacks were used from the late Middle Ages onward. They were typically the fireplace cooking equipment with larger fires for roasting larger or multiple pieces of meat such as pork, game, and chicken. Read also: Everything you need to know about antique roasting jacks
Notice the craftsmanship
Most weight-driven roasting jacks that can still be found today date back to the 18th century. Each piece is entirely unique, custom-made by a blacksmith and/or instrumentmaker for the kitchen they were intended for, often kitchens in large houses and castles. They are typically true masterpieces, crafted with great skill. The roasting jacks vary in size, complexity, shape, and decoration. Few have survived to this day.
How do the wall-mounted jack spits work?
The mechanisms we sell are part of a larger installation. This mechanism, a sort of box containing gears and pulleys, is usually mounted on the wall next to the fireplace. The weight, attached to a rope or chain, is also suspended from the wall. Gears and pulleys drive the spit's axis, or the axes of multiple spits, in front of the fire. The regulator, a sort of propeller on top of the mechanism, is also driven by gears. The regulator ensures a steady rotation of the spit. The spit or spits were attached to a specially made wrought iron spit racks in front of the fire, crafted by the blacksmith. It is also possible to rotate the spit on the spit hooks of the andirons or firedogs. Overall, these installations foirwere often costly, reserved for the wealthier segment of the population. Some castles in France, England, and the Netherlands still have these installations in their castle kitchens for visitors to admire.
Incomplete sets can be made functional
Complete, original installations with spit jacks, spits, standards, and fastening materials are no longer available for sale. However, it is possible to build your own installation, potentially with the help of a blacksmith. We sell some individual antique parts, such as weights (if they are not already part of the set) and firedogs or andirons with spit hooks. A blacksmith can create additional parts, such as a spit with a pulley, or a lever if one is missing. Some of our customers have obtained a working weight-driven roasting jack installation in this way. For those interested in this subject, we sell the book “Le Tournebroche Méchanique”.
Origin of the weight roasting jacks
Almost all weight-driven roasting jacks we sell originate from France. There, cooking over an open fire persisted for a long time, leading to better preservation. They are made of wrought iron, sometimes in combination with brass parts and decorations.
Consider the size of the fire when cooking with a weight roasting jack
The weight-driven spit jack installation is placed in or in front of the fireplace. The fire behind it must be carefully regulated, as you want the food to roast nicely without burning. This requires fireplace accessories (tongs, poker, blow poke, etc.) long enough to safely reach the fire.
Consider the size of the mechanism
If you want a complete installation, you need sufficient space in and around the fireplace for the various components. It's important to measure what fits and what needs to be purchased. However, most people will buy a 'box' because it's a decorative and beautifully crafted mechanism. In practice, they won't be using it for cooking in the fireplace. In that case, pay attention to where the 'box' can be hung and what the maximum size is. In principle, a large fireplace accommodates a large mechanism, and a small fireplace accommodates a small one. The weight-driven roasting jacks can be selected based on length, width, and depth.
Consider the decorative function of the weight-driven roasting jacks
The roasting jacks are often decorative and thus a real asset to the fireplace or the room. There is a wide variation in the level of decoration. On one hand, there are simple, robust examples. On the other hand, there are intricate, richly decorated versions. You can decide which style of roasting jack fits well with the space, the fireplace, and other fireplace accessories. Weight-driven roasting jacks can also be a lovely addition to a fireplace that is no longer used for burning. Also read: How do I decorate my unused fireplace like a real fireplace?.