Weber Kettle Club Forums

@ABCbarbecue - Just saw someone ask in a facebook group about using an SNS upside down to kind of create a vortex effect.  Any official yes, try it, or no, don't do it on this one?  Someone brought up the possibility of warping the water reservoir.  It's actually raining here in AZ tonight or I'd go outside and flip mine over for some initial thoughts.
 

The width of the top of the SnS is greater than the width of the charcoal grate on a Weber 22".  Really, you don't need to flip it over.  The walls of the SnS help deflect the heat up as they are and if you push it the SnS will reach temps hotter than anyone has any right cooking at, especially with a hot burning charcoal.  I've pegged HI (above 1042) with my IR gun using Kingsford Blue Bag.  That's TOO much heat.  They'r better off leaving it right side up.

Quote from: ABCbarbecue on February 27, 2017, 05:42:03 PM
The width of the top of the SnS is greater than the width of the charcoal grate on a Weber 22".  Really, you don't need to flip it over.  The walls of the SnS help deflect the heat up as they are and if you push it the SnS will reach temps hotter than anyone has any right cooking at, especially with a hot burning charcoal.  I've pegged HI (above 1042) with my IR gun using Kingsford Blue Bag.  That's TOO much heat.  They'r better off leaving it right side up.

Agree here. For sear zone usage, the SNS kills the vortex in size of hot zone. The heat difference isn't enough to matter.
The only thing the vortex has going for it, for me, is the ring of wings method. You can get the same results with the SNS, but it's more work and less photogenic.
That said, the standard charcoal baskets don't do all that bad in the ring of wings cook.

Mine warped after one proper use of searing. So I'm voting for inverted use.

Pretty sure mine did too. Wobbles on the charcoal grate and the cooking grate wobbles when the SnS is in use.


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Quote from: Troy on February 27, 2017, 05:53:47 PM

Quote from: ABCbarbecue on February 27, 2017, 05:42:03 PM
The width of the top of the SnS is greater than the width of the charcoal grate on a Weber 22".  Really, you don't need to flip it over.  The walls of the SnS help deflect the heat up as they are and if you push it the SnS will reach temps hotter than anyone has any right cooking at, especially with a hot burning charcoal.  I've pegged HI (above 1042) with my IR gun using Kingsford Blue Bag.  That's TOO much heat.  They'r better off leaving it right side up.

Agree here. For sear zone usage, the SNS kills the vortex in size of hot zone. The heat difference isn't enough to matter.
The only thing the vortex has going for it, for me, is the ring of wings method. You can get the same results with the SNS, but it's more work and less photogenic.
That said, the standard charcoal baskets don't do all that bad in the ring of wings cook.

I hear you both.  It was an interesting idea, and if it wasn't raining here I would have gone outside and flipped my SNS over and looked at it.  I agree that the SNS does a great job of searing and give a lot more space than the vortex. 

Quote from: buckeyesmoker on February 27, 2017, 06:06:36 PM
Mine warped after one proper use of searing. So I'm voting for inverted use.

The inside edge of my reservoir isn't super straight but still gets the job done!

Quote from: MikeRocksTheRed on February 27, 2017, 06:49:42 PM

Quote from: buckeyesmoker on February 27, 2017, 06:06:36 PM
Mine warped after one proper use of searing. So I'm voting for inverted use.

The inside edge of my reservoir isn't super straight but still gets the job done!

Mine also. Plus bottom grate has warped an separated at center. But ..yes...it still handles the job

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And I don't want to turn this into a SNS defect thread.  I'm sure if you are having an issue they will take care of it.  I love my SNS and have no complaints !!!!

Asked a question about warping. Giving my experience/thoughts. Not bashing it.   

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Quote from: Troy on February 27, 2017, 05:53:47 PM

Quote from: ABCbarbecue on February 27, 2017, 05:42:03 PM
The width of the top of the SnS is greater than the width of the charcoal grate on a Weber 22".  Really, you don't need to flip it over.  The walls of the SnS help deflect the heat up as they are and if you push it the SnS will reach temps hotter than anyone has any right cooking at, especially with a hot burning charcoal.  I've pegged HI (above 1042) with my IR gun using Kingsford Blue Bag.  That's TOO much heat.  They'r better off leaving it right side up.

Agree here. For sear zone usage, the SNS kills the vortex in size of hot zone. The heat difference isn't enough to matter.
The only thing the vortex has going for it, for me, is the ring of wings method. You can get the same results with the SNS, but it's more work and less photogenic.
That said, the standard charcoal baskets don't do all that bad in the ring of wings cook.

I've used a STOK charcoal holder inverted (same shape for all intents and purposes as a vortex) for ring of wings cooks as well as the charcoal baskets.  I get the same awesome results.  I don't think anyone needs the vortex if they have charcoal baskets already.

(https://northeastbbqdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/2016-03-20-19-05-00.jpg?w=840)

vs-
(https://northeastbbqdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/20160517_114405_hdr-01.jpeg?w=840)

Yeah capt, my wings always turn out fantastic with baskets alone and my cook times match what others describe using vortex. Vortex does look cooler though and maybe saves some real estate.


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I rock a Poortex from time to time, waiting on the fedex guy to deliver my SnS...Cant wait to try it.

Quote from: HoosierKettle on February 28, 2017, 03:07:34 AM
Yeah capt, my wings always turn out fantastic with baskets alone and my cook times match what others describe using vortex. Vortex does look cooler though and maybe saves some real estate.


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Can you please provide the details on how you cook those wings with the baskets?    Thanks!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170301/44e68743e8de0d4997cd1dd036429d71.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170301/e247189820108c4b83c02623447d3879.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170301/61000fe58a273675ddc7c7bd922832b6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170301/02315c1702a13f07c3059a7764c7a137.jpg)




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Last picture is some drumsticks and no baskets. Just a full chimney dumped on one side works well. No accessories needed

To elaborate, I use a full chimney of kingsford dumped in the baskets in the middle with all vents wide open and coals hot. I place a piece of smoke wood above the coals. Season wings and put them on. You can let go for 30-40 minutes or until skin looks crispy then toss in sauce. Everyone has their own way but that's how I do it.


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To add to @hoosierkettle I find it helps to crisp the skin if you pat dry the wings when they come out of the package with a paper towel.  Then I coat with Peanut oil, then season.


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Quote from: captjoe06 on February 28, 2017, 05:29:33 PM
To add to @hoosierkettle I find it helps to crisp the skin if you pat dry the wings when they come out of the package with a paper towel.  Then I coat with Peanut oil, then season.


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Forgot about that. Good tips. I olive oil but I bet peanut oil would be better


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Quote from: buckeyesmoker on February 27, 2017, 06:06:36 PM
Mine warped after one proper use of searing. So I'm voting for inverted use.

It's normal for the water reservoir to warp.  Stainless Steel is know to expand when heated and the SnS stainless steel is no different.  It still holds a quart of water and still works as intended.  If it bothers you try getting the OUTER wall of the reservoir as hot as you can with a pile of fully lit charcoal.  That'll expand the outer wall and help straighten things out.

Quote from: buckeyesmoker on February 27, 2017, 06:52:09 PM
Mine also. Plus bottom grate has warped an separated at center. But ..yes...it still handles the job

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Can you share an image?  It might be the weld you're referring to was a tack weld.

Quote from: ABCbarbecue on February 28, 2017, 07:07:01 PM

Quote from: buckeyesmoker on February 27, 2017, 06:52:09 PM
Mine also. Plus bottom grate has warped an separated at center. But ..yes...it still handles the job

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Can you share an image?  It might be the weld you're referring to was a tack weld.

I'll email some pics. Like I said not bashing. I like the performance of the product. An I have not  or have plans on telling anyone not to buy this.

I figured it would warp a little. When it's 25 or 30 degrees outside and I throw half a chimney in I think it's inevitable. Maybe we don't notice it as much with the stock charcoal baskets because they are smaller. It still works and is a great product. I highly recommend anyone on the fence to just pull the trigger and buy one.


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