Are TEC Infrared Grills Worth The Money?

 If you've done your research, you know that infrared grills provide a high-performance, consistent cooking experience.

These grills are not only incredibly precise - they can generate a significantly higher amount of heat than conventional grills.

It doesn't take long to come across the TEC Infrared Grills name when looking at infrared grill brands. After all, they are the ones who invented the infrared grill decades ago.

However, TEC grills come with a relatively high price tag - so it's fair to wonder whether TEC grills are really worth the money.

In this article, we'll give you an overview of TEC, how they compare to other luxury grill brands, and more to help you decide whether or not their products are worth the price tag to you.

The Short Answer

To a large extent, what's "worth it" or not is largely up to your preferences, your budget, and your goals with your outdoor kitchen.

So with that being said, we think the most fair way to judge TEC is to compare them to other high ticket luxury brands, as well as some of the mid-level outdoor kitchen brands.

In this respect, we think that TEC grills are worth the money and justified in their price range. The quality of their products stands up to other top-of-the-line brands on the market.  Further, many features and aspects of TEC grills are superior to entry and mid level brands.

Overview Of TEC Grills Brand

TEC was originally founded over 40 years ago, which is when they first invented infrared grilling.

Pioneers in the field, TEC have earned their status as the best infrared grilling company around.

All of their grill products have a special technology that separates them from other grills on the market, the most prevalent being their patented infrared technology - which has uniform heat dispersion, as well as no flare ups, and consistent heat even in windy and cold conditions.

You can read more about the differences between traditional gas grills and infrared grills here.

Although there are other brands on the market that produce infrared grills, TEC is one of the few that offers a pure infrared grill - with each burner utilizing infrared technology.

A unique feature of TEC grills is that they are extremely efficient when it comes to fuel and burner usage - even their larger grill models only have 2 burners.  Even though each burner uses less fuel, they can hold scorching hot temperatures.

In fact, all of TEC's grills can easily and precisely hold a temperature between 200ºF and 900ºF.

What Are The Features Of TEC Infrared Grills?

Here are the key features of TEC grills - while you may find some of these features on another grill, it's rare to find all of these present on a single product.

• The grills are made from high quality materials, specifically 304 stainless steel that both looks aesthetically pleasing, as well as being highly durable.
• Lifetime warranty on TEC Infrared Grills.
• TEC products are all made in the United States.
• Powerful, yet fuel efficient burners that can hold temperatures between 200-900ºF.
• Even, and consistent cooking as a result of the infrared burners.
• They have special glass panels which rest below the grates, which vaporize the drippings that accumulate, and in turn, rise to the surface and give your food added flavor.
• If you run the grill on high for 15 minutes after you have finished cooking, the grill cleans itself so you don’t have to fuss.
• An extensive line of accessories that you can choose from to upgrade your experience.  Smoker boxes, frying stations, and griddles to name a few.
• Choice between single walled or double walled grill canopy.

A Closer Look At Popular TEC Infrared Grills

Now that we’ve covered high level information about the brand, and the technology behind infrared grilling, let’s take a look at some of the popular TEC Infrared Grill models on the market.

TEC Sterling Patio 2 FR Infrared Freestanding Grill

This grill is incredibly powerful, with two 30,000 infrared burners.

It is completely freestanding, and its size makes it an incredibly convenient model to own.

It is made completely from stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about its durability.

Pros

• Heat Distributed Evenly - So you don’t need to worry about cold portions in your food.
• Self Cleaning - So there is no hassle after you’re finished cooking
• Stainless steel construction - The 304 stainless steel that it’s made from guarantees that it will stand the test of time
• Glass Panels - The glass panels allow you to get the most from the flavors of the food by vaporizing drippings.

Cons

• Style - It has a commercial design that may not appeal to some.

TEC G-Sport

This one is truly a dynamic grill, and can actually be easily transported from place to place - it's available with or without a stand pedestal.

It has handles on both sides so that it can be easily carried, only weighing in at 72 lbs.

It can also be used on combustible surfaces, so it won’t damage your countertops.

Pros

• Portable Design - So that you can easily carry it wherever you need to.
• Heat Distributed Evenly - So that you won’t experience any cold areas in your food.
• Suitable For Combustible Surfaces - So you don’t need to worry about it causing any damage
• Good For Outdoor Grilling - You can take this model with you anywhere, so you can enjoy it whilst you’re on vacation and do some grilling by the seaside.

Cons

• Smaller surface - Leaves less room to grill

Final Thoughts

The short answer is - we think yes, TEC Infrared grills are absolutely worth the money.

With hardy, stainless steel surfaces, unmatched high temperatures, glass panels, and a self cleaning element, these grills are the best on the market.

They simply outperform all other girls of this variety on the market, with a whole host of features that separate them from the crowd.

If you’re planning on purchasing an infrared grill, then there is no question that TEC is the best brand on the market.

Although they can be expensive to purchase, they are an investment, and the design and quality ensures that you’ll have them for years to come.

Questions about TEC products?  Get in touch with one of our experts!