I use the charcoal basket in my STOK upside down and it acts just like a vortex. Us it for chicken. I'm currently debating swapping the STOK Grates and Charcoal Basket over to the Performer.
Last summer I lusted after craycort grates which led me to buying the STOK which came with cast iron grates. I've enjoyed using it but the STOK definitely has some flaws that need addressing.
Number one complaint is the ash pan/lower vent system freezes up and it is not made of materials that will withstand many New England winters.
As for the grates I love them but after having used them on the STOK and also using the lighter Weber grates with the flip up sides, it is truly easier to lift off the Weber grates and hook them off the side of the grill to be able to clean out the bottom of the grill. With the STOK grates, although I prefer to cook on them, they take a little more care to keep seasoned and a little more care in handling them because you cant take them out and hook them anywhere and having read other reports you need to handle them carefully because they will break if they are dropped.
It is for that reason I question the new Gourmet system on the Mastertouch and newer Performers being two pieces so when you remove the grate its just a little more work to take them out and hook them somewhere. Not a huge deal but something to consider.
Anyway, I just thought I'd give my two cents having had used both for the past year.
Here was my cook from this weekend. The STOK, Performer and WSM going at the same time. The gas assist on the Performer sure makes things easy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZL0MEwJXegUsing the charcoal basket from the STOK like the vortex is the only way I'll do chicken wings/drummies or thighs from now on, total no brainer-