How To Use The Vortex Charcoal Grilling Accessory

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

That looks like a piece of equipment I'm going to have to purchase soon for my Weber. You really have figured out a lot of ways to use it. I'm really liking that beer can chicken set up as well as the wings configuration

[@CookingWithRy]

Yeah it created a nice radiant space to cook that chicken from all sides. And thanks again for the very kind shout out!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Your welcome Ry and hope it's giving you a boost. Love your content!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks! It sure is. This video was in the can before I could give you an on air thanks so keep an eye out on the next one :)

[@luchnit.9231]

I bought a stainless steel bowl from store for $8 cut the bottom out. Vortex for 8 buck works great.

[@jeffsims593]

Where did you get your beer can chicken holder? Looks like a taller cylinder that what Weber offers. Great video Thanks for sharing

[@santiagobriones410]

This is definitely one of the better videos on this accessory. Everyone else uses it in the center and no one has used a cast iron pan on it. Thanks for a great video and explanation.

[@JM-fk5hh]

Just purchased a kettle, this will be my first accessory. Great explanation. Thanks

[@pmcclure88]

Just got this for my birthday yesterday and you have given me some ideas.

[@eltonsbbq-pit]

Just bought the Vortex so thanks for showing how you can use it.. Cheers from Norway

[@peetsnort]

This is the best video I have seen for fire /charcoal management. I spend a lot of time exploring different heat management of charcoal and more importantly the Ash versus the ventilation and finally the minuatarising of the equipment

[@dewayneandrews642]

I ordered the medium size vortex for weber kettle & plan on cookn sum chicken.. Thx for the video Rye on the many ways of using the vortex

[@mlopez6179]

I love this information. My kid is a chef in California im in Michigan. I met him tonight. He is becoming very interested in grilling. I sent this to him. He cooks for a very high profile athlete.

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome! Thanks for passing it along :)

[@mikeoreilly4020]

I just got a Weber Summit Kamado and a Vortex delivered last week. It took 4 days for me to figure out how to really control the pit, even though I've got quite a bit of experience with a Kamado Joe. I'm really liking the Summit, but was kind of resigned to the idea that kamado cooking kind of traps you into using reverse sear method. My preferred way of grilling is to pre-sear at extremely high heat and then move the meat to the cool side. You've just shown me that pre-sear is indeed possible using the tools I already have, and have opened up whole new ways of using the Summit. Thanks much, Ry.

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome!

[@gsbbq4870]

I just bought one yesterday and I was wondering how many different ways to use it. Thanks for a great video.

[@MoranisToboggan]

Loving the videos you are really helping me optimize my kettle, with some good looking recipes. One thing I changed recently on my 22 inch that made a huge difference is switching out the fire grate to the Big Green Egg 2XL cast iron grate it fits in perfectly. I got the following results: 1 chimney Cowboy Lump Charcoal 450-500 degrees for 50 minutes top fully and bottom fully open. Drops to 400 at 55 minutes 90 minutes it’s around 200 degrees

[@chuckhaynes1857]

I have a 22” carbon steel wok I use on my Weber. This would help me concentrate the heat similar to a standard wok burner.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

I use a coffee can, works well!

[@kjr12341]

Thanks for this really informative video. I just got mine today. I will be using with a sear plate for some T-bone steaks this weekend. In the future, beer can chicken and wings. Thank you again for the video.

[@purleybaker]

I love your channel-there is a lot of really good information here. I bought a mini Vortex for a Jumbo Joe and your setup for direct and then indirect with the Vortex small side down is such a good idea. I'm going to use it for some high fat burgers tomorrow. Thanks for all of the time and effort.

[@CookingWithRy]

Thank you for the kind words 😊

[@cdreyes81]

Exact video I needed to see. Was torn but leaning to the vortex. This seals the deal

[@5ThWard_Tx.]

Just bought one today will use it in a Old Smokey jumbo grill. Thanks for the video dude

[@lyndonfoster1090]

thank you, I know you did this 4 years ago but I just discovered your channel and have been curious about the vortex for years..I will have to get one now, looks awesome.

[@milehighed52801]

I wasn't aware of this accessory for the Weber kettle. It looks very versatile and makes me think of other ways to cook on my Weber Performer. Thanks, Ry!

[@CookingWithRy]

I love my Vortex. I use it more than any other accessory :)

[@jeffmb45]

I use a similar setup on my Char Griller Akorn. A standard charcoal chimney fits perfect in the center. It's my go to way to cook chicken on it.

[@CookingWithRy]

That'll work :)

[@raywright5362]

Awesome video !! Just bought a 22” kettle grill and a vortex , thank you for the great ideas on how to use it. Look forward to trying what I’ve learned here! Liked, saved & shared!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks!

[@toddcrockett]

I absolutely love mine. Use it for different applications. Love your videos.

[@conradlopez4084]

This video sealed the deal for me..my vortex arrives tomorrow!!

[@michaelstlouis2472]

you can also do a slow cook with the vortex, the wide part up, fill with charcoal, put a metal bowl of hot water on the other side. cook a brisket over the hot water side, not above vortex. out of one filling of charcoal you will get 10 to 12 hours of low cooking at 225 to 250 constant. try it. that vortex was one of the best thing i ever bought for my grill. another thing i bought was the santa-maria style grill rotisserie. I love both. look into it, you will love it. if you like to rotisserie things, or cook over a wood fire.

[@bbqottawa8092]

I just got a Vortex. Can’t wait to try it

I just dropped $100 on slow sear , wish I saw this earlier Great movie, excellent detail and no music or band standing, keep it lit

[@CookingWithRy]

I have a Slow n Sear, too. It works amazing for long cooks.

[@petechouinard2224]

Great review of a fantastic grilling/smoking accessory. It will not fix your golf swing but if you know how to Q, the vortex works magic. I can make a better tri-tip in my Weber kettle than most folks can do in a $800 ceramic smoker. I keep my Weber kettle next to my Weber Smokey Mountain and my Weber Genesis gasser.

[@CookingWithRy]

Yep it's a handy accessory for sure :)

[@jonkirkwood469]

Simply a great presentation. I'm glad I watched the video.

[@izemanevobike]

WOW! This is amazing. Instant must buy for me. I do BBQ for decades now and totally missed that. Thanks!

[@jackcraig9560]

best explanation video on the vortex I have seen

[@anthonyharrison8584]

Hi, am new to the Weber cooking fraternity , this as just answered all my questions about Vortex cooking 👍👍👍

[@patmac1134]

I bought one of these at the end of Co-vid winter and tried it out in my Weber. I've not used it for searing (just use the charcoal starter chimney for that) but I will try it out, so I don't have to waste charcoal. It makes great wings (even my son-in-law ate them without comment...WOW). I even made thighs like they were wings and they were great. I will take your suggestion for beer can chicken. Great video

[@nomad090]

ive seen these and never knew until now i need it.

[@pmoney3688]

Just got a Vortex last week, thank you for all the great ideas....Never thought about using it for indirect, brilliant! Also that beer can chicken, great idea brother!

[@davestiver7801]

Thanks!

[@jalleman61]

I love it.You made the statement to try an make what works.I love it.Make it your way

[@ronzufelt1428]

Now I know. Thanks. I just bough a 22 in. Weber last night. Let the fun begin. I have an Master Built smoker that my son gave me for Christmas, which I love.

[@CookingWithRy]

I have a Masterbuilt and a Char-Broil. use the CB mostly when cooking electric, but started on that Masterbuilt and cooked A LOT of meat on it :)

[@carlbailey1301]

Great review,. I bought mine three years ago and your right, there are multiple uses for this simple but complex tool.

[@CookingWithRy]

Yeah mine's still going strong after 2 years and A LOT of use :)

[@tomsommer54]

Great ideas thank you very much. I feel. Like i'm gonna have a whole new weber cattle experience.

[@sandersjones1577]

I love it too Ry, been using it about the same time.

[@perryanderson9127]

i have the vortex and i use it with my 26 inch weber and i love it

[@dadrewco100]

I got a new vortex and cooked chicken legs and they were perfect . Thanks

[@caseyaddison2014]

Ordered one today THANKS FOR A GREAT EXPLANATION VIDEO

[@lawncarebrampton]

Love this Video. I just got this for wings. But I’ll try the other ways

[@papageo5]

Very nice. I've never heard of the vortex, but I think it can be very useful. So simple, yet so new. It makes so much sense, why wasn't this thought of years ago? Plus you can use it for a lamp shade for a torch, or around your pit bull's neck to keep from scratching their head, or to bear proof...Something! Seriously though, great video, thanks!

[@onlyychevys]

You got a nice shout out from: Smoky Ribs BBQ & Southern Cuisine. Yall both have great channels!

[@CookingWithRy]

Yep, Rus is a great guy :)

[@BabyBackManiac]

Great review! I really enjoyed it.

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks! Appreciate that, Justin :)

[@kenbuchner9691]

I received this for Father's Day from a son, a fellow BBQ enthusiast. I will be breaking it in tonight with chicken wings.

[@CookingWithRy]

It is great for wings!

[@cruzwithme1529]

Wow this video is AWESOME!! Thanks for all the knowledge

[@Erbombla]

Very informative! Gonna have to buy one. Thanks Ry!

[@encinosarah]

I was all set to buy a smokey mountain, but this video has me thinking maybe the kettle and the vortex may be the way to go! Brilliant video! Thank you!

[@CookingWithRy]

WSM is great. I know people that swear by them. But i do love my kettle :)

[@encinosarah]

@@CookingWithRy Yeah, I had and 18". I am torn. When I wanted to sear, I would put the charcoal ring on the lower cooking grate and then put the charcoal grate on top of the ring so that the coals were about three inches under the top cooking grate. This worked very well. And, of course, it smokes phenomenally. Using the Minion method, without that useless water pan, I could get a constant 225 temp for up 30 hours.

[@CookingWithRy]

The WSM is certainly versatile, and there are many modifications and accessories available for it :)

[@encinosarah]

@@CookingWithRy Do you have a video that includes one you modified?

[@CookingWithRy]

@@encinosarah No, I don't have a WSM. But Phil n Florence has done a number of mods to his WSM on his channel. here's the link to his channel: kzbin.info :)

[@billbill4392]

How does this compare to the Weber charcoal baskets and is it worth having both?

[@BezmenovDisciple]

I would like to know this as well. Charcoal basket, slow n sear, vortex. Should you get only one? All of the above? Some combination?

[@LassesFoodAndBarbecue]

Its a very useful tool. Great showing of the different ways to use it. Thanks Ry

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks for watching it :)

[@uthermaceanruig5098]

I ordered one of these a few days ago. I’m looking forward to trying it out when it arrives. 👍

[@RaymondRios]

Awesome review Ry. Thanks for sharing your techniques with the vortec..

[@odom2142]

I’ve never been able to get crispy skin on chicken off the grill. I just ordered my Vortex! Hopefully it’ll do a better job with chicken skin than the Slow ‘n Sear.

[@jeffreymurray4855]

Great review! I recently purchased this from Owens and plan on using with my 22 Old Smokey and am looking forward to using!

[@morreythomas4320]

For convenience, could I fill the vortex with unlit coals, use a starter cube and eliminate the loading of lit coals into the vortex from a chimney?

[@CookingWithRy]

Absolutely 👍

[@rcastells]

First time I see you, I thought it was a great video, I subscribed

[@legitpiglet7894]

You are the man! Thank you for this!

[@javierluna56]

Great video. I plan on getting a grill and vortex soon now that I've seen how flexible it is to cook with this methods.

[@michaelwalker7961]

"SIR"...very well explained...APPPREEECIATE IT TREEEMENDOUSLY

[@CookingWithRy]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@michaellobue4906]

Great video! Thanks for posting. I'll be ordering mine today!

[@nerfmadeeasy]

Got one for Christmas, thanks for the tips!

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome!

[@JaxxDrinkwater]

I really like that cone. I need one of those in my life. Thanks for sharing this brother.

[@CookingWithRy]

I've used that Vortex so many times the Weber almost looks wrong without it :)

[@dewayneandrews642]

With the radiant heat coming out the vortex ; I have the regular 22" grill grate wld it damage the center over time r shld consider purchasing the gourmet grill grate where I cld remove the center??

[@CookingWithRy]

I’ve heard of people having that issue but I’ve never experienced it myself.

[@timothymaggard5029]

Flip it over in the center and set up a minion method snake to slow smoke. A 8in. aluminum pie plate will fit in the vortex for a water/drip pan.

[@matmilton9893]

Thanks Ry for the recommendation...great bit of kit!..it’s available here in the UK too.

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome! I love my Vortex :)

[@MikesManCave]

Nice one. I have only used mine for wings and drum sticks. Will try the whole chicken soon. I also have a few vortex set up videos up.

[@ronrichardsonjr.6330]

I have to get me one of these. Love hot wings, better smokey than greasy. Great video Rye

[@CookingWithRy]

Thank you! I was glad when I saw the video on the Vortex a while back. Wings and drumsticks were the first things that popped into my head :)

[@michaelskalin5126]

Great information as always. I'm going to make one of these things for sure 🇨🇦🥓🍻

[@michaelskalin5126]

I not sure if I sent you an update or not. Your one video you said about saving the left over charcoal. I installed the baffle plate between the fire box and the smoker. It shuts down the fire right away. All kinds of good charcoal left! Thank you again for all your videos 🇨🇦🥓🍻

[@markmccaleb4038]

Thanks for the great video. Those are some awesome ideas and tips on using the vortex. Definitely gonna add one to my arsenal

[@CookingWithRy]

It's a great little accessory :)

[@garywagstaff7142]

Love the Vortex...it's a chicken cooking machine! I also like the inverted use...seeing as I don't own a SNS. FWIW, I use mine on my Weber Summit Charcoal Grill Center.

[@CookingWithRy]

Oh that Summit is nice!

[@1718BBQ]

Love the Vortex!

[@ispy1009]

I got one of these more than ten years ago with a Stok charcoal grill and I never used it...duh..I just tried it with chicken wings.. excellent

[@Lessk69]

If you want to be cheap on this accessory, you can use a stainless steel mixing bowl and just cut the bottom off with a grinding wheel or some other clever method.

[@pt6134]

sealed the deal for my purchase, thank you!

[@CookingWithRy]

I hope you enjoy it. I use mine all the time :)

[@CookinWithJames]

i really love your how to videos!! this was a great video!!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks James! Saw that you shot past 300! Awesome!

[@CookinWithJames]

oh ya!! Thanks so much for all you support!!

[@blackdawg7778]

Looks good. Just ordered from pro smoke bbq in the uk. Count me in as a subscriber from Holmes Chapel (UK)

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome! You'll love it :)

[@blackdawg7778]

Can this damage the temp probe on the kettle though?

[@CookingWithRy]

@@blackdawg7778 I rarely rely on the lid thermometer, if that's what you're referring to, but I've seen no change it that thermometer after over a hundred Vortex uses :)

[@Loke2112]

I would like to try this with my Wok. My only question is would a tight seal from the bottom of the Wok on the vortex cause the coals to go out? I could always use the grate to allow air flow I suppose.

[@CookingWithRy]

It would be best to allow a gap for airflow, otherwise, as you suggest, the coals will be starved of oxygen :)

[@Loke2112]

Cooking With Ry Thanks for replying. I checked out the vortex they seem to cost more then my Smokey Joe. Hopefully I’ll find a small version that fits at a fair price.

[@KevinWindsor1971]

Get a Weber premium with the removable center section to set the wok in. I use a carbon steel round bottom wok and it works perfectly with the Vortex.

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Without a doubt......a Must have for kettle users! It will Melt Your Face and a standard carbon grate. Should have advised folks to use Stainless.....they'll find out on their own. I even use mine in my Pellet Cooker.....Why not......right?!?! Really enjoy your informative Vids......always learn something and I hope others are doing the same! Keep up the great work!

[@CookingWithRy]

Yes it does get EXTREMELY hot. I love how it gets the cast iron just blazing hot :)

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

I see.................................I'll shut up now.

[@CookingWithRy]

I've singed a few arm hairs getting too close to that column of heat :)

[@woolval1793]

This is perfect timing. My birthday is coming up and my wife complains she never knows what to get me. This may be the answer... She did get me an Insta Pot but I haven't figured out how to use it on my Weber. BTW, you seem to "morph" a lot. I figure you needed several edits after your wife hollered "Quit all that gabbing and make something for dinner!!".

[@CookingWithRy]

She always gets first taste :)

[@woolval1793]

So... she's your guinea pig? LOL, you're supposed to taste as you cook. And, come to think of it, I always see YOU taking that first taste. Normally followed by many more tastes. Now I understand, she's hollering "You'd better not eat all of that!!"

[@CookingWithRy]

Okay, first taste after me. Unless the dogs grab something which drops to the floor, which happens on occasion :)

[@TheJohnnyMannion]

Great video, I’ve always wondered what else it could do besides wings.... you have almost got me talked into it now!

[@CookingWithRy]

It's surprising how versatile it is :)

[@mikeperth8027]

Another good video mate!

[@matthew5594]

Great review. Do you think it’s possible to cook low and slow using the vortex by just adding a few lit coals to unlit coals?

[@CookingWithRy]

Absolutely. I've done that many times. The key is not overloading it, especially in the cone configuration, because when those lower coals light up you get that very hot column of heat :)

[@smokingtarheel3003]

Great review Ry. I'm amazed at the possibilities. Those drumsticks looked amazing!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thank you!

[@markryan9364]

The Vortex works wonders!!!

[@CookingWithRy]

It certainly does :)

[@jaschawalter3500]

Thanks Ry. Suspect I’ll buy one!

[@VW5767]

Excellent video!! I have been looking at the kettle grill and this is a must if you have or get one. Thanks again!

[@terapeo2027]

I used an old chimney starter chopped the arms and about 1 inch from the top.

[@cyberbeer65]

Hello, Ry. I ordered this based on your recommendation. About two weeks ago, I also picked up the same Weber grill that you have. Thanks for the great videos!

[@CookingWithRy]

Awesome! Enjoy both. If I could only pick one cooker, it would be the Weber Kettle :)

[@Kyle_Kaz]

Awesome review/how to! Any chance you have done or can do a video on that Beer Can Chicken? As well as a link to the set up for it, that looked amazing! So glad I found your channel, love it, thanks Ry!

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks! This might be what you're looking for. It's a rather old video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIjcoqtmqb2opKs :)

[@rontaviussnipes3021]

I want to mess around with. Looks amazing

[@benenivel1478]

Thank you for this very informative vid !

[@OsoBear20]

Hello sir what is that beer can chicken gadget you got there caught my attention, thanks.

[@CookingWithRy]

I picked it up from Amazon. I think I have it listed in my Amazon Store that's linked in the video description :)

[@OsoBear20]

@@CookingWithRy thanks sir keep the videos coming.

[@TheMayhem15]

Great video, really versatile for a simple device.

[@CookingWithRy]

I really had no idea how much I'd use it when I got it. I thought it would be just for some chicken wings and an occasional sear. But it has turned into a workhorse :)

[@williamholmes6318]

I am really confused about the size as the Amazon link shows a medium but the first photo on your video shows a large. Really like your videos, please help.

[@CookingWithRy]

The one that I have is a Medium. This is from the order form several years back: (Med. Vortex for Weber Kettle WSM (weber smokey mountain) 22.5 26.75). Basically you want the one that is for a 22 inch kettle. If you look closely at the photo you'll see that the M box is checked :)

[@williamholmes6318]

@@CookingWithRy Thank you!

[@jonathanfrench5323]

Thanks for linking it in the description I have to have one!

[@CookingWithRy]

It's a great little accessory :)

[@Michaeljohnson-qu3rw]

could you use an old chimney started as a vortex?

[@budlightdaddyjuan]

Interesting item. Food for thought on the beer butt.

[@JoshandBabe]

This was a very good video.

[@CookingWithRy]

Thanks! Babe, your chops looked great on BOTK :)