Mossy, since that's a mini on a smokey joe, I'm guessing I'd want to go with a medium for a 22.5 performer?
This cook was done with a mini Vortex on a Jumbo Joe, not a Smokey Joe.
Both the small and the medium Vortex will work great in the 22.5” Weber kettle….that is the one kettle size that both units are really great in. Really it depends on what cooking style/s you are wanting to use the most.
Indirect/Direct cooking – for instance like chicken wings for example the small Vortex would give you more grill space and you can fit more food.
Low & Slow – for instance cooking a pork butt a medium Vortex would give you a larger indirect space for bigger butts. And the small Vortex would get you longer time because you have more room for charcoal.
Direct High Heat – for searing steaks the medium Vortex will give you more searing room.
Infrared Heat – for cooking a beer can chicken the medium Vortex will give you room for a larger bird, even a small turkey (I put a 8lb turkey in the medium).
Any thoughts on using the grate that comes with the Jumbo Joe (I replaced with Hinged grate) and using it as a platform for additional wings? Like this: http://www.weberjumbojoe.com/hinged-grate-for-the-jumbo-joe/
I have not used a hinged grate on a Jumbo Joe yet so really have no experience, this cook was done with the standard grate that comes with the Jumbo Joe.