I have *gas just as much as the next griller. Is a vortex or grill baskets that much better than simply stacking your fuel on specific spots on your grate?
*Gear acquisition syndrome
by gatosan
I have *gas just as much as the next griller. Is a vortex or grill baskets that much better than simply stacking your fuel on specific spots on your grate?
*Gear acquisition syndrome
by gatosan
6 Comments
I bought a no name vortex on amazon and really enjoy it. Chapel enough to experiment with. Try it out.
Bought the Webber baskets. It definitely makes a difference to keep the coals tighter together. Offset heat type cooking or putting them in the middle for burgers around the coals. Never cook without them.
Yup you’ll love it
I would say the name brand is probably overpriced and not worth it and the offbrands are just fine. If you’re slightly handy you could most likely get a similar sized stainless steel mixing bowl and cut off the bottom to make the same shape. The vortex does help because it helps to channel the airflow through the charcoal better and funnel the heat right through the middle where it hits the lid and circles over the food. That’s why you have to rotate the vent on the lid over the food maybe every 15 minutes to get even cooking. It does get much hotter than just piling up the charcoal or even the charcoal basket. I find that it helps it make it easy to fill up the grill as long as you avoid putting stuff directly over the middle. another small benefit is that if you turn it upside down it works as a decent heat blocker if you’re smoking something using the snake method and a good platform for placing a baking tray or disposable pan for water.
I bought the baskets for searing, so use them for wings but it isn’t a miraculous difference. I also picked up a cheap aftermarket charcoal grate and I drop it directly on top of the baskets for searing so it gets more radiant heat.
Simply yes. Get them.
I use the baskets for rotisserie cooking and the vortex for wings and high heat sears.