Napoleon’s Flexible Basket is the accessory that turns delicate items – fish, vegetables, even sandwiches – into uniform, manageable results. Its hinged mesh holds food gently, allows it to be flipped in one go and withstands the jog of the grill without warping, with easy cleaning when finished.
🧱 Materials and construction
Constructed from high quality stainless steel, the basket offers a rigid structure with flexible mesh that distributes contact and reduces pressure points. The stainless steel promotes even heat transfer and maintains its integrity at the high temperatures typical of charcoal or gas.
Outstanding functionalities
The hinged two-blade system “hugs” the product so that it does not fall apart when turned. Integrated handles make it easy to move and flip the basket over the grill with control – key when cooking fish fillets, chopped vegetables or sandwiches.
🚀 Performance and efficiency
By holding the entire piece in a single basket, you reduce handling, prevent food from sticking to the grates and achieve more consistent browning. The metal structure heats evenly, which helps to achieve even cooking even with uneven grids.
🎛️ Design and aesthetics
The flexible mesh adapts to different thicknesses and shapes, while the integrated handles provide a professional and practical look. It is a low-profile accessory, designed to get on and off the grill without taking up too much space.
🔗 Compatibilities and included accessories
Works with gas or charcoal barbecues and most standard grills; no additional parts required. It is a stand-alone accessory (code 57012) that integrates into your cooking flow as a large format “flat clamp”.
🍽️ Benefits in different cooking styles
For gas barbecues, it keeps steaks and vegetables tidy for quick direct cooking; on charcoal, it withstands intense searing without breaking pieces; and for general outdoor cooking, it helps to prepare evenly toasted sandwiches or sliced vegetables.
🛡️ Safety and ease of use
The handles make turning and carrying safer. Being made of stainless steel, the surface gets hot: always wear heat-resistant gloves. After the session, the basket is dishwasher safe, which simplifies maintenance and reduces risks when cleaning.
🌍 Applications outside the barbecue?
It is designed for grills. If you decide to use it in the oven or other heat sources, first validate space, safety and handling with heat protection.
Use and Maintenance
To extend the life of your Flexible Basket and maintain consistent performance, it is advisable to adopt a simple routine before, during, and after each use. These steps care for the stainless steel, enhance the natural non-stick properties, and ensure safer handling.
Before use
- Wash the basket and dry it thoroughly.
- Preheat the grill.
- Lightly brush the mesh if you are cooking thin skins or tender vegetables.
During cooking
- Place the food in the centre and close the basket without compressing it excessively.
- Use heat-resistant gloves to move and turn the basket by the handles.
- Avoid pressing down so as not to squeeze out juices or deform the food.
After use
- Leave to cool for a few minutes in a safe place.
- Wash by hand or in the dishwasher; if washing by hand, use a soft sponge.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent water marks before storing.
Recipe for Whole sea bass with herbs in a flexible basket
Why it works: the mesh hugs the sea bass, protects the skin and allows it to be turned as a whole, achieving an even golden brown colour without falling apart. Perfect for a crispy texture on the outside and juicy flesh on the inside.
Serves: 2–3 portions •
Active time: 20 min •
Total: 35–40 min
Ingredients:
- 1 whole cleaned sea bass (700–900 g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- Sea salt and black pepper
Step-by-step preparation:
- Preheat the barbecue to medium-high direct heat. If using charcoal, look for live embers and a medium heat zone.
- Mix the oil, lemon, garlic and herbs. Pat the sea bass dry with paper towels, rub the mixture inside and out, and season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease the basket mesh with oil to help prevent the skin from sticking.
- Place the sea bass in the centre of the basket and close it, adjusting the mesh to the thickness of the fish.
- Grill with the lid closed for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Aim for an internal temperature of 60–62 °C in the thickest part, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove using heat-resistant gloves, let rest for 3 minutes, and serve with a few extra drops of lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Expert tips:
- If the skin is very thin, brush the mesh with oil just before placing the fish inside.
- Add thin slices of lemon inside the belly to add flavour without drying it out.
- Avoid pressing down on the basket: excessive compression expels juices.
Vegetarian variation of Grilled courgette and peppers with feta and lemon
Why you'll love it: the vegetables stay in place, don't fall through the grates and brown on both sides with a single turn. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Yield: 2–3 servings •
Active time: 15 min •
Total: 20–25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 medium courgettes, sliced into 0.5–0.7 cm slices
- 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, cut into wide strips
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 60–80 g crumbled feta cheese (optional; can be substituted with firm tofu)
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-step preparation:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Mix the oil, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Coat the vegetables.
- Load the basket with the vegetables in a single layer, close it, and grill for 4–5 minutes per side until marked and softened.
- Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and crumbled feta or previously sautéed tofu cubes.
- Serve on flatbread or as a side dish with other grilled items.
