Vortex Kettle Grill Accessory Review — Improve Your Grill’s Performance

You’re probably asking yourself, “What is a Vortex?” — and that’s fair. Until recently I hadn’t encountered one either, but I’m glad I did. The Vortex is a simple, cone-shaped steel accessory that adds significant versatility to a charcoal kettle grill by directing and concentrating heat from the charcoal.

Orientations

You can use the Vortex in four basic orientations to change how heat is delivered and how your food cooks:

1. Charcoal inside the Vortex with food placed directly over it — ideal for very high-heat grilling and quick searing (steaks, burgers).
2. Charcoal inside the Vortex with food arranged around the outside — indirect cooking for smaller items like chicken wings.
3. Charcoal outside the Vortex with food over the Vortex — indirect protection for larger cuts like pork butt or brisket.
4. Charcoal outside and food around the outside of the Vortex — provides more even heat and greater control for longer cooks.

I mainly use orientations 1–3. Orientation 1 cooks chicken thighs quickly with great lump-charcoal flavor — use an instant-read thermometer so you don’t overcook them. Orientation 2 is excellent for smoking ribs when you combine lump charcoal with wood chunks like applewood; the flavor is deep and smoky. For pork butt I often use a variation of Orientation 3: charcoal and wood in a basket (similar to a Slow ‘N Sear) and the pork placed over the Vortex. This shields the cut from direct radiant heat and produces slow, even cooking with a rich smoky bark. It’s easily the best pork butt I’ve made. If you want more cook options from your kettle grill, the Vortex is worth considering.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Grilling Dad. Full details in the site disclosure.

TL;DR

Pros

• Simple and effective design
• Stainless steel construction
• Made in the USA

Cons

• No significant flaws identified in regular use

Performance

The Vortex performs exactly as intended. In Orientations 1 and 2 it directs heat up and over the cone, producing concentrated radiant heat for searing or consistent convection for indirect cooking. Orientation 1 gives exceptional sears on steaks; Orientation 2 encourages even indirect cooking and good smoke circulation. For long smokes I use a slight variation of Orientation 3 to build deep bark on pork butt and brisket without burning the exterior. The Vortex is straightforward to use, durable, and an affordable way to expand what your charcoal kettle can do. If you enjoy experimenting with charcoal cooking, it’s an easy accessory to start with.

Price

The Vortex comes in four sizes with prices typically ranging from about $37 to $47. The Medium size fits a 22″ Weber kettle and is commonly priced around $45. Considering the additional cooking modes it provides, the Vortex is a strong value for under $50.

Durability

The Vortex is built in the USA from heavy-duty stainless steel. It’s formed from a single piece that is spot-welded into a cone, so there are no moving parts or fasteners to fail. After extensive use under high heat, ours shows no notable degradation — it’s solid and long-lasting.

Who Is It For?

The Vortex is ideal for anyone who wants better control over heat on a charcoal kettle. It’s particularly useful for chicken wings because it promotes even cooking and crisp skin, and it’s an excellent heat deflector for large cuts during long smokes. Use it to achieve smoky bark without burning the meat.

Final Thoughts

The Vortex expands your cooking options and provides more margin for error on a charcoal kettle grill. It excels at searing and indirect cooking alike, and its simple stainless-steel design is built to last. At under $50, it’s an affordable, high-impact accessory for anyone serious about charcoal grilling.