TEC Grill
TEC is the pioneer of the infrared grill
If you are looking for a company with deep experience in infrared
grilling, look no further than TEC. TEC literally invented the
infrared grill in the 1980's, and continues to be an innovator in this
area. The latest TEC grill design, called TEC Advantage, is
reflective of this experience.
The core of any grill is the burner, and in the case of the TEC
grills, you will discover a very sophisticated burner design. The
burners themselves are build entirely of stainless steel, which tends
to be more durable than many of the ceramic-based burners on the
market. Between the infrared burner and the cooking grate is a
glass panel, called a "radiant emitter panel", that blocks airflow and
drippings from raching the burners, and allows only infrared energy to
reach the cooking surface. The result is a burner system that is
much more resistant to flare-ups compared to open-flame burner
designs.
(It is worth noting that the current burner design on TEC grills is not
the same as prior models. TEC grills utilized a more traditional
ceramic burner up until around 2005)
Clean-up is a breeze as well. Like most infrared grills, a TEC
grill can simply burn off most leftover drippings. The glass
radiant panels can be easily cleaned with a spatula. TEC only
sells stainless steel grills to begin with, so just about every model
cleans very easily.
TEC grills are faily well built. Most use 304 grade stainless
steel, which while not as corrosion resistant as 316 stainless steel,
is still fairly durable. The residential models carry a lifetime
warranty on the outer structure and a 5 year warranty on the burners.
Traditional TEC grills come in 382. 573, and 764 square inch
varieties in freestanding, pedistal mount, and built-in
configurations. They also offer some smaller portable models and
"budget" models. Propane and natural gas options are
available. A TEC grill is an investment, and would definitely be
considered a premium brand. Look to spend $3,000 to $6,000 for a
traditional free-standing model! For those with more modest
means, it is worth noting that TEC has partnered with Char-broil to
provide TEC-based burner design in a sub-$1,000 pricepoint.
If you are serious about infrared grilling, want a state-of-the-art
grill, and have the means, a TEC grill definitely belongs on your short
list to consider.
