VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT Gourmet BBQ Cooking Grate -Stainless 21.5" with 9" Center
Best charcoal grill upgrade for versatile, air-fryer style outdoor cooking.
Elevate your grilling with the VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT Charcoal Heat Controller Baffle. Crafted from durable Stainless Steel in the USA, this accessory is designed for Weber Kettle, Big Green Egg, and other charcoal grills using a Medium Vortex system. It acts as a diffuser ring, ensuring even heat distribution for perfect high-heat searing or low-and-slow cooking. When paired with a Vortex Cone, it creates efficient convection heat, similar to an air fryer, and intense direct heat. This baffle simplifies cleanup and allows space for a water pan to enhance moisture during cooking.
$61.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
26
/ 1103
#26 in Outdoor Grill Racks & Toppers
Price vs Category Average
-50%
Below average
Material
Stainless Steel
/ Stainless Steel
Who it's for
- Grillers seeking long-lasting, rust-resistant equipment
- Pitmasters needing versatile searing and indirect cooking options
- Cooks prioritizing consistent heat for professional-grade results
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers preferring standard, lower-cost replacement grates
- Hosts cooking large quantities of food simultaneously
- Users wanting lightweight, easy-to-handle grill accessories
Performance breakdown
Heat Distribution
Convection airflow mimics professional air fryers for remarkably consistent cooking results.
Build Durability
Heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures long-term resilience against intense charcoal heat.
Versatility
Seamlessly transitions between high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking techniques.
Maintenance Ease
Simplifies cleanup by containing drippings, though manual scrubbing is required.
System Compatibility
Optimized for standard charcoal kettles and ceramic grills using medium inserts.
Moisture Retention
Integrated design allows for water pan placement to prevent meat dehydration.
Key Specs
Material
Stainless Steel
Diameter
16 inches
Center Hole Size
8.5 inches
Compatibility
Medium Vortex Systems
Country of Origin
USA
Fuel Compatibility
Charcoal
Grill Type Compatibility
Charcoal Grill
Cooking Method Compatibility
Roasting, Smoking
Features
- Creates convection heat like an air fryer
- Enables high-heat searing
- Acts as a drippings pan
- Improves moisture for slow cooking
- Heavy-duty Stainless Steel construction
- Simplifies grill cleanup
- Designed for Weber and BGE charcoal grills
- Proudly Made in the USA
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the VORTEX INDIRECT HEAT Cooking Grate for its exceptional quality and superior versatility. The heavy duty stainless steel construction is consistently highlighted, offering excellent durability and rust resistance far beyond standard grates. This robust material ensures fantastic heat retention, helping users achieve professional sear marks. The defining feature, the nine inch removable center, is universally loved for transforming the grill. This modular design allows seamless integration of various inserts, significantly expanding cooking options. While the initial cost is higher, reviewers agree the enhanced performance and longevity provide outstanding long term value, making this a transformative, high quality accessory.
Know before you buy
The baffle acts as a diffuser ring that works with a Vortex cone to create efficient convection heat. This setup mimics an air fryer, allowing for intense direct heat for searing or consistent, even temperatures for low-and-slow roasting.
This 16-inch baffle is designed specifically for use with Medium Vortex systems. It is compatible with most standard charcoal grills, including Weber Kettles and Big Green Egg models, provided they accommodate that specific size.
Yes, the design allows you to place a water pan in the center or around the baffle. This helps maintain humidity inside the grill, which is essential for keeping meats moist during long smoking sessions.
The heavy-duty stainless steel is built for durability and high-heat environments. While it is not dishwasher safe, it simplifies cleanup by catching drippings and protecting the base of your grill from buildup.
No, it is a simple, one-piece accessory that sits directly on your grill grate or charcoal ring. There are no handles or moving parts, making it straightforward to set up and remove once the grill has cooled.
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$62