VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT charcoal grill heat deflector — Medium for Weber Kettle 22–27, stainless steel indirect and sear

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT Medium is a stainless steel heat deflector that converts charcoal grills into a versatile indirect and infrared cooking system for Weber Kettle, Smokey Mountain, Kamado, Big Green Egg and similar smokers.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, the VORTEX Medium fits common charcoal cookers — including Weber Kettle 22.5" and 26.5", Weber Smokey Mountain, XL Kamado, Big Green Egg large sizes, and many other cylindrical or dome-style grills. It’s built from durable stainless steel and engineered to offer four distinct cooking styles: low-and-slow indirect, indirect-direct hybrid, high-heat direct searing, and radiant infrared-style heat. The shape and reflector surface let you control airflow and radiant transfer so you can smoke ribs, crisp wings, or sear steaks without buying a separate smoker or kamado.

How does this change my charcoal grill’s cooking options?

VORTEX adds a heat-deflecting surface that redirects flames and coals away from food while also concentrating radiant heat when needed. The result is a single insert that lets you switch between slow smoking and high-heat searing by adjusting coal placement and vents.

• Enables true indirect low-and-slow smoking without a water pan.
• Supports indirect-direct hybrid cooking for faster roasts with a crust.
• Converts to a radiant reflector for intense searing similar to infrared grills.
• Compatible with multiple grill diameters and chamber shapes.

What are the size, materials, and build details I need to know?

The Medium model is sized to fit typical 22"–27" kettle-style and many kamado or bullet smokers. It’s fabricated from long-lasting stainless steel to resist warping and corrosion from charcoal heat and outdoor use. The kit includes the VORTEX product label/brochure so you can point to specifications and installation tips.

• Medium footprint designed for Weber Kettle 22.5"/26.5", WSM, XL BGE and Kamado XL.
• Stainless steel construction for longevity and easy cleaning.
• Shaped for predictable airflow and stable placement over coals.
• Made in the USA with included product brochure/label.

How do I use it to get professional results like crispy wings or seared steaks?

Use coal placement and vent settings to choose your cooking mode: place coals to the side for indirect smoking, split them beneath vents for hybrid heat, pile them directly under the grate for searing, or use the reflector orientation to concentrate radiant heat. Adjust grate height and probe placement for consistent internal temperatures and crisp exteriors.

• Indirect low-and-slow: coals to one side or ring, food opposite for even smoking.
• Hybrid: coals partially under VORTEX to deliver both radiant and convective heat.
• Direct searing: concentrate coals beneath the grate and rotate food for char.
• Infrared-style: use reflective surface to create intense radiant heat for quick sears.

Who is this for? The VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT Medium is aimed at backyard grillers who want more versatility from a single charcoal cooker — hobbyists who smoke ribs and brisket, grillers who crave restaurant-style sears, and anyone upgrading a Weber Kettle, Smokey Mountain, kamado, or Big Green Egg without buying multiple appliances. It’s equally useful to competition-minded cooks, weekend hosts, and outdoor cooks who value durable stainless construction and a made-in-USA design.