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The Pros, the Cons, and the Facts about the TEC PATIO FR Grill 44-INCH Built-in INFRARED Gas Grill – PFR2NT.

Hey, it’s Patrick with The Grilling Life and I have another review for you.  Today, we’re going to take a look at TEC’s Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In Infrared Natural Gas Grill.  It’s an award winning grill and a favorite of professionals.  Come with me and we’ll discover what separates this grill from the others.

New to infrared grills?  Read my article What Is An Infrared Grill – Is Hotter And Faster The Future Of Grilling? to learn more.

Product Quick Facts

BEST BUILT-IN GAS GRILL AWARD WINNER

Product Name: Patio FR 44-Inch Built-In Infrared Natural Gas Grill – PFR2NT

Made By: TEC

Top 3 Features:

  • 100% Infrared Cooking – Even cooking surface, no flare-ups, no hot/cold spots
  • 200 – 900 Degree Cooking Range – Smoking, searing, and everything you can imagine
  • Easy Self-Cleaning – No drip pans, no wire brushing

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.

592 Sq. Inches Of Evenly Heated Grilling Surface

Every square inch of the TEC Patio FR grill is the perfect spot for grilling.

No hot or cold spots and no flare-ups means you can grill 32 hamburgers in 8 – 10 minutes.  Plus, you can utilize the entire surface as a stove-top.  The patented radiant glass is made of the same material used in glass stove-tops.

Ready for something really cool?

Each burner can be set to its own temperature without spilling heat over to the other side.  The radiant glass panels protect each side to maintain the set temperature for that side.

Mind-blowing.

Rapid Pre-Heat

How long does it take for your favorite grill to warm-up and be grilling-ready?

Probably a lot longer than it will take this Patio FR grill.  0°-900° F in 10 minutes (on high) with the hood closed.

Need a last minute dinner idea?  Done.

Self-Cleaning Cooking Surface

Crank the heat up to high and everything on the cooking surface is turned to ash.

Let it cool and wipe with a cloth.  It’s that easy.  Best part?  The burners are protected.

With the radiant glass panels, nothing can drip onto the burners.  Not only does this help with clean-up, but it means a longer life for your burners.

Electronic Ignition

This is a gas grill at its heart.

Ignition is quick and easy, like any other gas grill.  Patio FR series grills are made for the ease and love of grilling.

100% 304 Stainless Steel Construction

Durable and reliable.

Craftsmanship and care were put into the creation of the TEC patio grills.  The 304 stainless steel protects the grill, and it protects the griller.  Even when the cooking surface is at its highest, the lid and side surfaces won’t be.

Handcrafted In America

Made in America still stands for something.

As Americans, we take pride in our grilling habits and our grills.

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

PROs
The first 100% Infrared Cooking System that gives you all the flavor and versatility you could ever want in a grill
Patented Radiant glass panels block the hot air from the burners, and your food keeps 35% more of its own juices
Patented Cooking Grids with U-Channel design that carry the heat directly to your food and help with the desired sear marks
2 fuel-efficient stainless steel burners that will save you fuel
Self-Cleaning that takes away the pain of clean-up and protects the burners
200 – 900-degree temperature range that allows you to sear your steaks or slow-cook your chicken
100% Stainless Steel construction makes for a durable grill and a safe grilling experience

CONS

The standard commercial look might not be stylish enough for some
The price can deter those who want something simple and inexpensive

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.

I hope you found this review helpful.  If you know someone that is looking for a new infrared grill or wants to know more about infrared grills, please share this review.

Now It’s Your Turn

We want to hear from you!

Which built-in gas grill have you used before?

Do you have any experience grilling with Infrared?

Have you used this grill or any other TEC Grills before?

What other features would you like to see in this grill?

Are you going to be purchasing a built-in gas grill in the future?  Or do you plan on looking at a pellet grill, standalone gas grill, or charcoal model?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.

If you still have questions, please feel free to send me a message.

Cheers,

Patrick

DisclosureAt 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.

Patrick Ginise

A backyard warrior, certified carnivore, lover of good whiskey, self-proclaimed grill master and I’m Living The Grilling Life!

I have a passion for cooking with live fire and smoke, no matter the weather. I’m a real person just like you, who loves outdoor cooking and BBQ. Food, fun, and time spent with family and friends are what it’s all about! It is my mission to take my passion and knowledge for outdoor cooking and all things BBQ and share this expertise in techniques and grilling equipment with you. In other words, Living The Grilling Life!