TEC Infrared Grills: The Original Ceramic Infrared Since 1983
Updated September 2026: TEC (Thermal Engineering Corporation, Columbia, SC) invented residential ceramic infrared grilling in 1980 — every other infrared grill brand (including Solaire, Coyote, Hestan) uses variations of the technology TEC first patented. Three current lines: Sterling FR (residential premium), Patio FR (compact residential), and G-Sport (portable). Prices $3,200-$9,000. If you want ceramic infrared from the original inventor with the strongest warranty in the category, TEC is the pick.
The TEC lineup
Sterling FR ($6,500-$9,000): TEC's flagship residential line. Sterling III (30"), Sterling IV (36"), Sterling V (44"). 100% ceramic infrared (no convection backup), independent burner control, LED-illuminated knobs, cast-brass valves (better than stainless valves — brass doesn't warp under high heat cycling).
Patio FR ($4,200-$5,800): TEC's compact residential. 26" or 32" cooking surface. Same ceramic infrared tech as Sterling but with simpler cart hardware and a single-line hood. Best-value entry into TEC.
G-Sport ($3,200-$3,800): TEC's portable ceramic infrared. Competes with Solaire Anywhere head-to-head. Runs on propane, folds down for transport.
TEC vs Solaire — the infrared question
TEC wins on: The original patent — TEC has 40+ years refining ceramic infrared burner design. Cast-brass valves (Solaire uses stainless). Longer warranty on the burner (10 years TEC vs 3 years Solaire). Sterling FR is the benchmark residential infrared grill.
Solaire wins on: Price (Solaire Everywhere 30" is $4,500 vs TEC Sterling III at $6,500 for comparable size), and Solaire's Anywhere Portable is arguably better-designed for tailgate use than TEC's G-Sport.
Verdict: For a permanent residential outdoor kitchen where infrared is the primary cooking style, TEC Sterling. For a first-infrared purchase where price sensitivity matters, Solaire Everywhere. For portable use, either — G-Sport vs Anywhere is a coin flip.
When TEC loads at BBQs.com
TEC Infrared Grills is in onboarding — Sterling FR, Patio FR, and G-Sport catalogs go live at our TEC brand page in the coming weeks. Meanwhile: Coyote SL-Series with RapidSear infrared is the closest currently-available infrared option in our catalog.
