VORTEX (IN) DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - Fits Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Product Information

This method is the exact configuration as the previous. The difference is in the food placement. Radiant heat is channeled straight up. The area around the Vortex is shielded from much of the radiant heat, but still remains a high heat cooking zone via convection. The temp around the ring will hit 450-500 while using Coshell, slightly less with Kingsford.

Vortex (in) direct heat, the company behind the BBQ Vortex, promises four primary uses of its accessory, which include: These methods are not 100% fail-safe and/or efficient. Besides, they require a lot of effort, time, and a steep learning curve to master. If you’re not that meticulous, you might be throwing the coals in haphazardly with varying degrees of results.

You Have to Love Crispy Chicken

Once the wings are separated, lay them on a baking sheet and sprinkle some wing seasoning on them. We used the Owens buffalo wing seasoning that came with our vortex but you can use any kind you want (or even our all purpose BBQ rub.)

For comparison, I made wings using several configurations. The first was two Weber baskets in the center with the ring of wings around it. These wings came out great, but they didn’t cook as evenly. Some wings charred quite a bit, while others had no char. Some wings were perfectly crispy/bite through, while others had a bit of chewy skin. My 2nd config was a two zone set up. Banked hot coals on one side, with the rest of the grill being cool zone. This was a LOT more work than the Vortex. I needed to move wings around quite a bit to keep them cooking evenly. My hands were sore from all of the tonging. The wings were, once again, mostly inconsistent. I don’t know Zach personally, but the man is a genius. First thing you will notice is the bottle. It is a spray bottle! I am not sure why nobody else is doing this, but it is great as it gives you complete control to season a couple of wings with a simple spray. Overall, I think the BBQ Vortex is a great accessory. A really simple concept and design but definitely one that works. Verdict: It creates a very high-temperature zone for searing, but the space is a bit limited. INFRARED – Radiant Heat

Preparation and Cook

With this method, the BBQ Vortex is used upside down – with the large opening facing up. The hot coals are placed around it instead of inside it, and the food stays on the grate directly above. The Vortex deflects the radiant heat and allows the food to cook indirect. Rotate the Kettle lid every 5-8 minutes.” This is to avoid cold spots because of the offset exhaust damper. I am yet to try Low and Slow together with Searing but I think both will work well. I will update this review once I try the Vortex with these methods. The BBQ Fuel Dome is made from high grade brushed stainless steel. I have had mine for 9 months and much of the time it is exposed to the elements but still looks and works great.