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TEC has led the way for infrared outdoor cooking in the USA. They license technology to many manufacturers including Char-Broil. As TEC’s patents on earlier ceramic IR burners expire, other companies have rushed to produce low cost versions to offer as sear burners on their inexpensive gas grills. Early IR burners easily generated high searing temps, but had trouble in lower ranges. TEC’s newer designs employ gas burners directly under a special radiant glass sheet with a cooking grate resting on top. These cookers are said to have a temperature range of 200โฐ to 800โฐ. Because foods are not exposed to any open flame and all heat is radiant, there are no flare ups or moisture loss from convection heat.
The Sterling III is a good sized three burner BBQ grill with luxurious qualities like high grade 304 stainless steel construction and beautiful fit and finish. An added benefit of this system is low fuel consumption as heat is concentrated in the radiant glass and not dispersed through the air. For a lower cost alternative, see Char-Broil’s beautiful line of Saber Infrared Grills.
Product Information:
Manufacturer:
Thermal Engineering Corporation (TEC)ย pioneered the concept of “infrared” grilling in the United States. They make commercial grills, pedestal grills, and cart mounted units. Practically everything is high quality 304 stainless, and built in their Columbia, SC, plant. Their unique cooking system begins with stainless steel burners. Just above the burners is a solid layer of special glass that absorbs and distributes the heat evenly. The stainless steel grates are just above the glass.
As TEC continues to create innovative designs for grilling, their older patents are being licensed to other grill manufacturers. They are available at many high end hearth and patio independent outlets and at BBQ web sites.
Published On: 12/13/2012
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