Looking for a vortex

[griz400]

Guess this is the best place to ask .. does someone here make em currently I just pile up charcoal in the middle, then add a couple chunks of hickory on top of center grate on my 22 ... works real nice, also have used baskets i got with grill .. I seem to like just piling up about 2/3 of a chimney in the middle ... do you all like or dislike the vortex ?? and what is the best one   this works fine with the pile in the middle , but, looking for the kettle pros to chime in

[Mike in Roseville]

Some guys here make their own or just buy the real thing. So I have done your method of baskets pushed to the middle and a Vortex. In a 22" I get the same exact results. If you want it hotter...try one heaping lit chimney in the middle. FYI, the Vortex (or baskets) will begin to wreak havoc on the center section of your GBS over time. Even my stainless grate in my 26.75" kettle began to discolor a little because of extended Vortex use.


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[HoosierKettle]

Some guys here make their own or just buy the real thing. So I have done your method of baskets pushed to the middle and a Vortex. In a 22" I get the same exact results. If you want it hotter...try one heaping lit chimney in the middle. FYI, the Vortex (or baskets) will begin to wreak havoc on the center section of your GBS over time. Even my stainless grate in my 26.75" kettle began to discolor a little because of extended Vortex use.


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+1

Chicken wings turn out the same either way BUT you can fit more wings on the grill using a vortex due to its small diameter top.

I also use it upside down frequently. It's just as hot and gives you a nice size usable sear area with coals nearly touching the grate.

It also makes great chicken using the radiant heat method.

Could I live without it?  Yes, but I don't regret purchasing the real deal.

Unfortunately for the vortex creator, it looks like there are cheaper copies available that might be just as good. Not sure if they couldn't get a patent or what.


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[HoosierKettle]

I forgot, you can do a snake around it to for pork butt and I've also done the minion method in a slow cook upside down and offset.

I think it's a much more versatile tool than an sns at a fraction of the cost.

Disclaimer:  I have not used a real sns.


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[griz400]

Still just experimenting, I have a big reverse flow smoker, an mes 30, and a gas grill, but always loved just a charcoal grill ,,, burnt out a chargriller and now with the Weber Master-Touch 22 ...

[hawgheaven]

Go here: https://madhunkymeats.com/product/vortex-thunderdome/ Can't go wrong!

[jacko1962]

My first Vortex was and old black smokey joe. Had some damage so i cut the bottom off and had a poortex. I ended up purchasing a vortex but the old poortex is still being used by a friend.

[griz400]

lol .... I was discussing this with a friend of mine .... old timer in Pa. ... he said you can you use a coffee can ... lol ... but the more I think about it ... guess you could .... Thanks hawgheaven and jacko1962

[MacEggs]

@griz400 , based on everyone's testimony, the vortex is a great accessory.
However, I do not have one.  For a fraction of the cost, I made this basket.
It's the same size (diameter) as a SJ charcoal grate.  Works amazing!
And great for sifting the charcoal once it has cooled down.

[PotsieWeber]

Great looking basket @MacEggs.

[griz400]

Maceggs -- looks real nice gave me an idea -- thanks

[Jules V.]

You can always make your own basket. Not necessarily cheap at $22 sq/ft but should last a very long time. These are 10 gauge ventilated 304 stainless.  I had a couple of Vortex at one point but since passed it along to friends. 





This is a 9 1/2" multi-clad 12 gauge stock pot. Comes with a drip pan.

[griz400]

Nice job on them as well ...

[griz400]

@griz400 , based on everyone's testimony, the vortex is a great accessory.
However, I do not have one.  For a fraction of the cost, I made this basket.
It's the same size (diameter) as a SJ charcoal grate.  Works amazing!
And great for sifting the charcoal once it has cooled down.










Do  you make and sell any --

[MacEggs]

Do you make and sell any --

@griz400
Sorry. No, I do not.  I don't have the time or the capacity to do that.
I have posted my basket threads in hopes of inspiring others....

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-grill-modifications-customs/made-some-more-baskets/