The rotating magnetocaloric effect (RMCE) in polycrystals is explored, demonstrating that it can be achieved in asymmetric-shaped polycrystalline samples without requiring magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Using gadolinium as a case study, the paper presents a theoretical framework for computing the demagnetizing field-based RMCE and provides experimental verification for various magnetic field intensities and temperature ranges. Direct measurements show that a significant adiabatic temperature difference (1.2 K) and refrigerant capacity (7.44 J kg⁻¹) can be achieved with low magnetic field amplitudes (0.4 T). The RMCE is shown to be more efficient in lower magnetic fields, reducing the need for permanent magnet materials and thus lowering device cost, size, and weight. The study also compares the RMCE with the conventional magnetocaloric effect (MCE), highlighting the potential of the RMCE for more efficient and compact magnetic refrigeration devices. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the RMCE can be realized in a wide range of magnetocaloric materials, making it a viable pathway for future refrigeration technologies. The findings suggest that the RMCE could significantly reduce the use of permanent magnets in magnetic refrigeration, enhancing the feasibility of mass production. The study also emphasizes the importance of sample shape in optimizing the RMCE, with higher aspect ratios potentially leading to improved performance. Overall, the research demonstrates the potential of the RMCE in polycrystalline materials for sustainable and efficient refrigeration technologies.The rotating magnetocaloric effect (RMCE) in polycrystals is explored, demonstrating that it can be achieved in asymmetric-shaped polycrystalline samples without requiring magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Using gadolinium as a case study, the paper presents a theoretical framework for computing the demagnetizing field-based RMCE and provides experimental verification for various magnetic field intensities and temperature ranges. Direct measurements show that a significant adiabatic temperature difference (1.2 K) and refrigerant capacity (7.44 J kg⁻¹) can be achieved with low magnetic field amplitudes (0.4 T). The RMCE is shown to be more efficient in lower magnetic fields, reducing the need for permanent magnet materials and thus lowering device cost, size, and weight. The study also compares the RMCE with the conventional magnetocaloric effect (MCE), highlighting the potential of the RMCE for more efficient and compact magnetic refrigeration devices. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the RMCE can be realized in a wide range of magnetocaloric materials, making it a viable pathway for future refrigeration technologies. The findings suggest that the RMCE could significantly reduce the use of permanent magnets in magnetic refrigeration, enhancing the feasibility of mass production. The study also emphasizes the importance of sample shape in optimizing the RMCE, with higher aspect ratios potentially leading to improved performance. Overall, the research demonstrates the potential of the RMCE in polycrystalline materials for sustainable and efficient refrigeration technologies.