Should you try the Vortex Small Charcoal Grill Accessory for Weber BBQs? Review

Description

Grilling Performance

I’ve been putting the Vortex Small (in) Direct Cooking Charcoal Grill BBQ Accessory Cone to the test for a few weeks now, and wow, this thing delivers on the grill! The heat distribution is excellent, creating an even cooking zone that leaves no room for overcooked or undercooked spots. I threw a batch of chicken wings on my Weber Smokey Mountain grill, using the cone to achieve indirect cooking. The wings came out crispy on the outside while juicy on the inside—something I used to struggle with using traditional methods. It’s almost like it turned my grill into a radiant heat powerhouse. Steaks? Perfectly seared! Burgers? Juicy and flavorful. The Vortex truly improves the grilling experience.

Features

The small size of this stainless steel grilling accessory makes it ideal for various setups, such as the Weber Kettle and Big Green Egg. It boasts four distinct cooking methods—indirect, direct, indirect-direct, and even infrared. This versatility is a significant draw for someone like me who loves experimenting with different grilling techniques. What caught my eye is the build quality; the stainless steel construction is robust and screams durability. Being a product made in the USA, it also includes a brochure that helps you understand its setup and usage better. I was pleasantly surprised by how something so simple could pack so much functionality.

Ease of Use

From the moment I unpacked it, the Vortex Small accessory was straightforward to set up. There’s no assembly required, which is a big win for someone like me who prefers to jump straight into grilling without spending time fiddling with parts. All I had to do was place it in the center of my grill, fill it with lit charcoal, and let the magic happen. The compact size makes it easy to handle, and its intuitive design ensures that even a beginner can get the hang of it quickly. I’ve used it for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking, and it’s been a breeze every time.

Cleaning

The stainless steel material makes cleaning this accessory relatively hassle-free, but I wouldn’t call it effortless. After a messy grilling session with sticky BBQ wings, I had to give it a good scrub. The edges were slightly sharp, which made me extra cautious while cleaning—no one wants a surprise cut! A quick rinse with soapy water followed by a wipe-down got the job done. However, I do wish the manufacturer had rounded off those edges for an even safer cleaning process.

Durability

This accessory feels like it’s built to last. I’ve used it multiple times, and it still looks almost as good as new—no warping or discoloration, even after exposure to intense heat. The stainless steel construction holds up well, which is reassuring because I plan to put this thing through some heavy-duty grilling over time. Compared to cheaper alternatives on the market, this one feels like it could last for years if cared for properly.

Portability & Storage

Weighing just 1.1 pounds, the Vortex Small is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around. I’ve taken it to a friend’s BBQ party, and it fit snugly in my backpack without taking up much space. Its compact dimensions (6.5″D x 6.5″W x 4.63″H) also mean it doesn’t hog storage room in my already crammed grilling cabinet. This portability makes it a versatile choice for anyone who enjoys grilling on the go.

Warranty

While I didn’t have to use the warranty, knowing it’s covered adds peace of mind. A product that’s built in the USA and designed to last doesn’t usually need warranty claims, but it’s always good to have that safety net in case something goes wrong. It reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Highlights

• Stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability.
• Compact and lightweight, perfect for portable grilling setups.
• Versatile with four cooking methods: indirect, direct, indirect-direct, and infrared.
• Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Amazing heat distribution for evenly cooked food.

Areas for Improvement

• The edges are quite sharp, making it risky during cleaning.
• A more detailed instruction manual would be helpful for first-time users.
• The stainless steel can discolor slightly if not cleaned immediately after use.

Product Competitors

Compared to other grilling accessories, like the Slow ‘N Sear or charcoal baskets, the Vortex Small stands out for its heat-funneling design. While charcoal baskets are excellent for creating two cooking zones, they don’t offer the same versatility for high-heat searing and indirect cooking. Slow ‘N Sear, on the other hand, excels at low-and-slow cooking but doesn’t quite match the Vortex when it comes to achieving ultra-high temperatures for searing. The Vortex’s ability to transform your grill into a high-performance cooking machine gives it a unique edge over these alternatives. However, it might lack some of the polished features found on pricier options.

Price Worthiness

This accessory offers excellent value for money for what it brings to the table. While it’s not the cheapest grilling gadget out there, its durability and performance make it worth every penny. I’ve spent more on accessories that didn’t last half as long or perform nearly as well. If you’re serious about grilling, the investment is well justified.

Additional information