The TEC Patio FR Infrared Gas Grill delivers unparalleled performance and versatility, redefining the outdoor cooking experience. This innovative grill utilizes patented infrared technology and radiant glass panels to create a 100% infrared cooking environment, resulting in superior searing, consistent heat distribution, and significantly improved moisture retention – up to 35% more than conventional grills. Forget about frustrating flare-ups; this grill allows for direct cooking of even the most delicate items. Its wide temperature range, from a gentle 200°F to a scorching 900°F, caters to every cooking style, from delicate simmering to intense searing.Beyond its exceptional grilling capabilities, the TEC Patio FR offers surprising versatility. The removable cooking grids transform the grill into a powerful cooktop, allowing for simultaneous grilling and simmering. A dual burner setup with a heat divider enables zoned cooking, while an array of accessories, including a warming rack and smoker box, expand cooking possibilities to encompass low-and-slow smoking and roasting. Built with durable 304 stainless steel, the TEC Patio FR is a long-lasting investment for the serious griller who demands both power and precision.
Pros And Cons
- Produces great sear marks and has quick heat recovery for continuous searing.
- 100% infrared heat cooking environment for even heat distribution.
- Drippings vaporized back into food, adding flavor and moisture.
- Prevents flare-ups, allowing for direct heat cooking of foods like bone-in chicken.
- Functions as a cooktop by removing cooking grids.
- Durable stainless steel burners with a wide temperature range (200°F - 900°F).
- Produces food with 35% more moisture than conventional grills.
- Quick preheat time.
- Includes a stainless steel heat divider for flexible cooking zones.
- Offers a warming rack for delicate foods.
- Glass panels protect burners from debris, allowing for direct placement of wood chips.
- Compatible with a stainless steel smoker/roaster rack and smoker chip tray for low and slow cooking.
- All tested parts are 304 stainless steel.
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Superior Searing and Even Cooking
The TEC Patio FR series boasts stainless steel cooking grids designed for exceptional sear marks and quick heat recovery. These grids feature patented channels that utilize rising hot air, ensuring consistent searing across the entire surface. The grids sit directly on radiant glass panels, creating a 100% infrared cooking environment that distributes heat evenly.
This innovative design vaporizes drippings back onto the food, adding moisture and enhancing flavor. Unlike conventional grills, the infrared heat minimizes flare-ups, allowing for direct cooking of even delicate items like bone-in chicken quarters.
The high-quality, shot-glass radiant glass panels also offer added versatility. Simply remove the cooking grids to use the grill as a cooktop, allowing for simultaneous grilling and simmering.
High-Heat Performance and Low-and-Slow Capabilities
The TEC Patio FR infrared burners offer a wide temperature range (200°F to 900°F), making them suitable for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking. The quick preheat and high heat output make it perfect for achieving that signature steakhouse sear.
However, the versatility extends beyond searing. The infrared heat delivers food with 35% more moisture than conventional grills, making it ideal for low-and-slow applications such as smoking ribs. This is a significant advantage over traditional methods.
The even heat distribution and efficient temperature control, enabled by the infrared technology and glass panels, allow for consistently delicious results regardless of cooking method.
Design and Versatility Features
The TEC Patio FR’s double burner setup includes a stainless steel heat divider, allowing for zoned cooking—searing on one side and simmering vegetables on the other. This flexibility enhances cooking efficiency and versatility.
A warming rack is available as an accessory, perfect for keeping delicate items warm. The glass panels protect the burners from debris, allowing for the direct placement of wood chips on the cooking grids for smoking.
Additional accessories, such as a smoker roaster rack and smoker chip tray, further expand cooking possibilities, allowing for traditional low-and-slow smoking with controlled temperature and smoky flavor.
Conclusion: Is the TEC Patio FR Worth It?
The TEC Patio FR Infrared Gas Grill offers a compelling blend of high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking capabilities, exceeding the limitations of traditional grills. Its innovative design, utilizing infrared heat and radiant glass panels, leads to superior results in terms of flavor, moisture, and cooking speed.
The versatility offered by its design (including its cooktop functionality) and range of accessories makes it a truly valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen. The durability of its 304 stainless steel construction ensures a long lifespan. However, potential buyers should consider the initial investment cost, as it may be higher than some conventional grills.
Overall, the TEC Patio FR offers a superior grilling experience, justifying the cost for those who prioritize consistent, high-quality results and appreciate its extensive versatility. It's a top choice for both casual and serious grillers alike.