Making a BBQ in the backyard for your friends and family is something many Americans like doing on weekends. Cooking meat on a grill isn’t that hard, and it usually requires you to light a fire and throw some coal in it. Put the meat on the rack and wait until it’s done.
However, a true BBQ lover knows that there is more to a juicy piece of steak than just putting it on a grill and waiting for it to get that grilled color we all love.
The Vortex is a simple BBQ accessory that enables you to organize your fire in four different ways, which result in various cooking styles and temperatures on the grill’s surface.
We have to congratulate the person that came up with the Vortex as he made it possible for millions of BBQ lovers to explore further and perfect their BBQing skills.
You will be able to come up with some tasty recipes without any extra effort because the Vortex will do everything for you. Imagine that this little metal thing can improve your BBQ skills to the point where everyone is going to want to know how you did it!
Info
Cooking options
- Indirect (slow cooking and smoking)
- Indirect-direct (High heat for indirect cooking)
- Direct (High heat searing)
- Infrared (Radiant Heat)
The Vortex provides 22 or 26.75 inches of cooking surface, depending on what you want to achieve. It works well with a Weber Kettle, Weber Smokey Mountain, and other similar units.
Why Get it?
The Vortex is a super-simple contraption that allows you to control the temperature of your BBQ. Depending on the setting, you can increase the heat, or decrease it if you want to smoke some meat or cook it slowly. The best thing about it is that anyone can use it and it’s effortless to master.
So, this little accessory has four available settings: indirect, indirect-direct, direct, and infrared. The cooking method depends on how you set the Vortex and where you place the coal. We will now explain every option.
Indirect
The indirect cooking is exactly what you need to slow cook your favorite meal. You have to place the Vortex in your BBQ and let it redirect the heat flow up and around the meat.
That in practice allows you to use the grill as a smoker. Many people love smoked meat, and this little BBQ accessory will let you smoke your own whenever you want.
Indirect-direct
This setting is just what you need if you like well-done steaks. The Vortex pushes all the hot air through the middle of the grill. Place your steak or chicken wings above it on the grill, and you’ll get that crispy fried finish you like.
Direct
The direct heating mode is the hottest of them all. It’s like putting a piece of meat into a jet engine. The intense heat will rise from the Vortex accessory, so you can quickly prepare your meat. Make sure you keep an eye on it because it will burn your favorite dish in a couple of seconds if you’re not careful.
Infrared
This kettle can be used for infrared cooking. You can cook an entire chicken in this 22.5″ kettle as it reflects the heat perfectly from all sides.
It’s safe to say that this little contraption expands the possibilities of your Weber grill and you can use it to come up with many different recipes that will surely impress your friends and family.
Some people think that this device is just “hot air,” and they are right. It is hot air, but the kind you can use to get that texture and tenderness you need for a perfect BBQ. It’s an American product designed for American grills, so you can bet that it’s designed to last!
Quality
The product is made out of 20-gauge stainless steel. Since it produces some crazy temperatures on certain modes, it has to be made out of resilient hard metal. The Vortex is made out of a single piece of metal, and it’s extremely durable and robust.
Cooking time
The cooking time for the Vortex depends on the mode you’re using. The slow cooking mode dims the temperature and produces smoke. The cooking time can take up to 3 hours.
On the other hand, if you use the direct heating mode, your meat will be well-done in a couple of minutes. That’s why it’s essential that you watch some instruction videos before using this kettle. Try every mode at least once before you decide on which one works best for you. With a little practice, you will become a pro at BBQs, that’s for sure.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Easy to set up
- Four different cooking modes
- Provides a lot of heat
- Made in the US
- Very durable
- Easy to use
- Works with Weber Grills and other similar products
- Overall 90%
CONS
- It would be best if you had a thermometer to be able to track the heat
- Needs a little getting used to
Testimonials
“I like spending my weekends making a BBQ for my friends and family. I have been doing that for the last few years, and it seemed like they had tried everything that I had to offer.
Someone told me about the Vortex BBQ accessory, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn’t expecting much, but boy was I surprised. The temperature coming out of this little contraption is crazy! It opened up many new possibilities.
I tried some new recipes, and even my neighbors couldn’t ignore the fantastic smell of my smoked meat. It was surprisingly easy to master, and now I’m the main BBQ attraction in this part of town. “
Yes, this simple little contraption is able to transform a dull barbeque party into something very special, and it doesn’t require any extra skill. It’s the perfect all-American gift for a true BBQ master!
What to Watch Out For
Can’t be used without a kettleThis is just a BBQ accessory, and that means that you need a kettle to use it. |
Experiment with the modesEvery cooking mode offers different results, so you’ll need to experiment a little at first. |
A Piece of Advice
No matter if you’re new to BBQs or a seasoned veteran, make sure you have a durable thermometer at hand when using the Vortex for the first time. Things can get too hot very quickly if you don’t keep an eye on the temperature.
Verdict
The Vortex is a must-have for every BBQ enthusiast because it provides many cooking options that are difficult or impossible to achieve on a grill otherwise.
It’s perfect for making all kinds of delicious recipes including smoked meat and crispy bbq wings. In fact, you can probably come up with some new methods and ways to use this simple accessory. The bottom line is – you will love the benefits of the Vortex!
