Second cook with the vortex, I'm really liking this thing. It works differently than the baskets and the metal is a good heat deflector.
Put about 50 briqs of KBB in the vortex, narrow end up. Lit 10 briqs in the mini-chimney and threw them on top for a minion type set up. Put a chunk of pecan over the vortex directly on the cooking grate. Lower vent mostly closed to hold temp low.
Had 5 sweet Italian sausage and 4 hot Calabrese
Cooked and pulled to rest, they took a little over an hour.
Opened the lower vent wide to get the heat up, had yellow squash, mushrooms, and onions in the basket. The vortex is awesome directly under the veggie basket.
Plated...
And the smoke ring money shot
Have a good night!