Vortex Charcoal Basket for WSM & Drum Cookers - Heavy Duty 14 Gauge Steel -Made in the USA - Promotes Even Cooking, Helps Prevent Burning - Round Design with Built-In Ash Plate

When I took it out of the box, I have to admit while I loved how it was built but I thought dang this is so small, how will this do any long cooks. My first test cook went well though it was only 9 hours but there was still charcoal left over so that was good. Then on the second cook I went 12 hours and had plenty of charcoal left. This thing really packs a punch! Loving it! If you have a WSM, chuck the water pan and get the Vortex Basket!

Amazing quality

Vortex Charcoal Basket for WSM & Drum Cookers - Heavy Duty 14 Gauge Steel -Made in the USA - Promotes Even Cooking, Helps Prevent Burning - Round Design with Built-In Ash Plate

Overall, I’m very pleased with the WSM upgrade. The components are well made, sturdy, and contribute to a better BBQ experience. The shipping was quick and the items were well packaged. I enjoyed the added flavor that comes from the meat fat/juices vaporizing when hitting the vortex diffuser and imparting that on the meat. Think BBQ mixed with “grilled” essences. The grilled taste is not too overpowering like when hanging ribs over the coals with no water pan or diffuser. I did install my supplemental coal grate after seasoning the vortex, I had it from my previous setup. I installed it perpendicular to the grate in the bottom of the charcoal basket to help with charcoal retention. Cleanup was about as involved as the normal WSM setup. I’m happy with my purchase and look forward to using it more.

This is my third Hunsaker vortex insert for my WSMs. I also have a few Hunsaker Smokers for larger cooks. The Vortex Charcoal Basket is a game changer on both of these system setups.