Fire Butler or Vortex for a Weber kettle?

[Subvet]

I'm going to sell my old Patio Classic and get a 22" Premium kettle. I've seen several accessories but for now I'm going to consider buying one of these:

1. Fire Butler

2. Vortex

Would appreciate some insight on which one you think would be the most useful to have.
Thanks,

-Ron-

[HighOnSmoke]

I have the Fire Butler and the vortex. Each has it's own usage in my stable of grills. Both are great at what they do. Another consideration is the Slow n Sear with the Drip n Griddle. I have this combination and it is the most versatile of the 3 and it is my main go to accessory. I don't use the Fire Butler anymore and rarely I use the vortex.

What I would do is thoroughly research each one and see what fits your needs then decide.

This is my opinion and the Slow n Sear fits all my needs for my kettle.

[teesquare]

They are all fine products....

But I favor Mike's analysis and vote for the Slow&Sear. The owner is a very heady guy that is continually thinking about how to offer more features or accessories for his product line. He also is very responsive to his customers - and those are the reasons why we asked him to be a sponsor here on LTBBQ.

[Subvet]

I have the Fire Butler and the vortex. Each has it's own usage in my stable of grills. Both are great at what they do. Another consideration is the Slow n Sear with the Drip n Griddle. I have this combination and it is the most versatile of the 3 and it is my main go to accessory. I don't use the Fire Butler anymore and rarely I use the vortex.

Thanks Mike. I had not heard of the Drip n Griddle but when you combine the two it looks like they can do a lot of things. Have you used the DnG as a wok? On the Slow n Sear is it worth paying the extra $25 for the Plus version with the base plate?

[HighOnSmoke]

I have the Fire Butler and the vortex. Each has it's own usage in my stable of grills. Both are great at what they do. Another consideration is the Slow n Sear with the Drip n Griddle. I have this combination and it is the most versatile of the 3 and it is my main go to accessory. I don't use the Fire Butler anymore and rarely I use the vortex.

Thanks Mike. I had not heard of the Drip n Griddle but when you combine the two it looks like they can do a lot of things. Have you used the DnG as a wok? On the Slow n Sear is it worth paying the extra $25 for the Plus version with the base plate?

I have the original version without the plate. Not sure if it actually matters. I don't get that much ash to clean up anyway. Yes I have used the DnG as a wok. Works real well and fits directly over the Slow n Sear. Just have to remember to keep the temp of the grill down to around 300 to 350 when using it.

[Old Dave]

There is just so much out there for the Weber 22-1/2"kettles. Along with the Fire Butler and the Vortex, you have the Slow 'N Sear and the Blumoker SS Holder. You also have the Smokenator 1000 and the Changon Grillaque.

As for the griddles, again there is a ton of stuff out there for that fine kettle. Weber over the years has made several cast iron griddles for the kettles. Oval, half round, square, rectangular, and more. Onlyfire has a SS half round griddle as well as the Slow 'N Sear unit. If you really want the best, the biggest, baddest, and the most useful, check into the Mo-Jo Griddle. Will work on the 22-1/2 kettle. the 26" kettle, the Weber Ranch Kettle, your backyard fire pit, your wiener roast brush fire, and many others.

Gotta love the Weber Kettles. 

[sparky]

Vortex and the slow n sear would be perfect for your weber kettle.

[Subvet]

Really appreciate all the comments and suggestions.

Now I need to follow Mike's advice.
"What I would do is thoroughly research each one and see what fits your needs then decide."

[Pam Gould]

I love my vortex..just sayin   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.

[Subvet]

I love my vortex..just sayin   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.

Could you tell me a few ways that you use it?

Thx,
Ron

[Subvet]

Question for Vortex users.

What size do you recommend for the 22.5" Kettle?
Small or medium?

[Pam Gould]

Question for Vortex users.

What size do you recommend for the 22.5" Kettle?
Small or medium?

I got the medium..plenty of space around it for wangs and stuff or if I need a good crisp, can set it right on top..and can turn it both ways, small hole up or down..   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.

[Subvet]

Question for Vortex users.

What size do you recommend for the 22.5" Kettle?
Small or medium?

I got the medium..plenty of space around it for wangs and stuff or if I need a good crisp, can set it right on top..and can turn it both ways, small hole up or down..   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.

Thanks Pam. I'm definitely going to get one of these. Found the Vortex Facebook page and there are pics of a hundred different ways to use one of them.

[HighOnSmoke]

Question for Vortex users.

What size do you recommend for the 22.5" Kettle?
Small or medium?

I have the original one that first came out and I believe it is a large. It works okay in my 22 but a little too close to the grate. I also have the small that works great. I am not sure if they even make the large one anymore.

[Big Dawg]

I have not used the Fire Butler.  Nothing wrong with it, I'm sure, I just haven't picked one up yet.  If I had a kettle that I could dedicate to the FB, I would probably have one.

But like Pam, I think the Vortex is the bomb for wings.  I just used mine last week and they were big hit.  I know that the Vortex folks, or at least one of their distributors, used to hang out here.  That's how I found out about the product. 

If you get one, make it the medium.  I would also recommend investing in a Weber Gourmet System Grill Grate.  That way you can take the center section out when you're not actually cooking directly over the high heat.  For instance, last Sat. I grilled up some Yellowfin steaks and Brussels suing my GrillGrates and Vortex.  Nothing went directly over the center, so I could've taken that section out and not had it exposed to the high heat for no reason.

And like Mike, I also love the SnS.  I plan on doing two (4 lb.) Chuckies and Butt on my 26er this weekend using the SnS.  I haven't bitten on the DnG, yet.  I'm using the 22 SnS because the one for the 26er wasn't available when I bought mine.  I just need to fill it more often.

You can't go wrong with either . . . or both . . . products.





BD