TEC Patio FR Grills

TEC started the infrared grilling game back in the 1970s.

With the new generation Patio FR grills, they prove they’re still at the top of the game.  Infrared grilling has become common, but the TEC Patio FR grill series have perfected it.

A lot of people see infrared grilling as an overpriced gimmick.  Sure, it’s great for searing beef and tuna, but not much else.  Combine it with traditional gas grills?  That helps, to a point.  Infrared is supposed to lock in the food’s natural flavor and moisture. With a traditional grill, that advantage is lost due to hot air drying the food.

So, TEC decided to make a 100% infrared cooking system to solve both problems.

And it worked.

How?

Complete Infrared Cooking System

Two heavy-duty, 304 stainless steel burners and patented radiant glass create even cooking for the entire 592 sq. in heated surface.  The glass panels keep the hot air from the burners away from the food.  This gives you at least 35% more of your food’s own moisture.

The Patio FR grill also has patented cooking grids that sit directly on the glass surface.  The grids have a U-channel design that keeps the heat directly on your food. This helps in keeping the heat evenly distributed, plus it adds the restaurant style sear marks you love.

No hot or cold spots to work around; no flare-ups to char your food.  Bonus: the cooking grids are removable; the radiant glass surface becomes a stove-top burner.

200 – 900 Degree Temperature Range

With the TEC Patio FR grill, you can reach the highest of highs, and bring it back down low for low-heat cooking or smoking.

Each burner has its own separate temperature range, so you can sear your steaks on one burner and slow-cook chicken on the other.

Easy Self Cleaning

This is another bonus to the radiant glass surface.  Instead of the necessary scrubbing of grill grates with a wire brush, crank the Patio FR grill to the max.

It acts like the self-cleaning option on your oven.

All the drippings on the cooking grates and the radiant glass turn to ash.  Turn off your grill, let it cool, and wipe it clean.

It’s really that easy.

Using the TEC Patio FR Grill

The best part about the new Patio II grills has to be how easy it is.

TEC had both professional and amateur in mind when they designed this series.  I already mentioned how easy it is to clean the grill.  It’s just as simple to start using it.  Fire up your grill the same way you would any built-in gas grill.

Unlike the traditional gas grill, though, the preheating is fast.  Wicked fast.  You’ll be ready to use it in 10 minutes tops.

Not convinced?

TEC took their Patio FR grill to the Farmer’s Market and put it to the test.  Sure, it’s a promotional from the company itself, but take a look at the video and tell me what you think.

A Closer Look at the Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In Infrared Natural Gas Grill

Now that we’ve taken a look at what set the Patio FR Grills apart from the competition, let’s take a closer look at the 44-Inch Built-In.

The Burners

The Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In features two heavy-duty, 304 stainless steel burners.

Each burner uses 30,000 BTUs/hr.  That’s a total of 60,000 BTUs/hr, less fuel than a lot of other grills while reaching temperatures of 900° F.

Impressive.

Who Is the Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In Infrared Natural Gas Grill For?

TEC designed the Patio FR series grills with both the professional and the amateur in mind.

This is a grill for those that want high-end steakhouse flavor without sacrificing the versatility of your traditional gas grill.  It’s also for the backyard enthusiast who wants to create a great grilling experience but doesn’t want to spend all their time at the grill.

Here on The Grilling Life, you know that I’m all about quality food and quality time with family. This is a grill that fits into that space perfectly.

Let’s Break It Down

Price And Warranties

TEC lists the current price as $4,299

Amazon currently lists the price as $3,869

TEC warrants the stainless steel housing and stainless steel burners to be free of defects for the lifetime of the product.

TEC also warrants the cooking grates to be free of defects in material workmanship for a period of ten (10) years from the original date of purchase, and all other components, including the ignition system and radiant glass panels, for a one (1) year period after the original date of purchase.

My Final Thoughts on the Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In Infrared Natural Gas Grill

TEC has produced a quality grill with this one.

They were the first to make infrared grills, and they aim to stay at the top of the industry.  The Patio FR grill series is a good step in that direction.

In my opinion, the patented radiant glass panels make all the difference.  It’s because of these panels that the infrared cooking surface heats evenly.  The unique cooking grids, with their patented U-channel design, complete a genius grilling idea.

The versatility of this grill is what sells me most on it.  I believe professionals and newcomers alike are going to love the Patio FR grill series.

Disclosure – At The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs.  If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission.  This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue.  Your support is truly appreciated.