Char-Broil/TEC Continue Buzz on Infrared Grills
I had the pleasure of attending Char-Broil’s 2007 product launch in mid-October with our illustrious editor, Robert of Whitetrash BBQ. The event showcased new products from Char-Broil and TEC with two professional chefs cooking 5-star food right under our noses. No matter how much Char-Broil talked about accessories, the double-door smoker, or any fancy quick burning charcoal, the entire event was centered around their new line of Infrared grills.
The media event, held at Bryant Park Grill in Manhattan, was a push to get the media talking about Char-Broil’s partnership with TEC, inventor of the infrared grilling technology, and subsequently create buzz about these revolutionary grills.
According to Matthew Freeman of Char-Broil’s marketing firm, “… the TEC infrared grills actually just hit Lowe’s stores in select markets.” However, I have not been able to confirm that fact. The Char-Broil/TEC web site has an “order now” button, but the linked page does not contain any of the infrared grills. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Latest information from Charbroil shows that these grills will not be in stores until early Spring 2007)
The web site itself is very well done. It contains plenty of information about IR cooking systems, including interactive simulations and videos of hands-on usage. From PR and marketing standpoints, Char-Broil seems to have outdone themselves for their 2007 product line. They actually get honest-to-goodness grilling fanatics to try out the equipment and give their opinions.
The TEC grills are quite expensive up front with a price tag of $699 suggested retail price on the smallest model. But repairs could break the bank.
I have been witness to the power of the TEC grills first hand. But only time will tell how they stand up to the elements, the intense heat of 800+ degrees, and time itself. If a grill breaks down, who will repair it? I don’t suppose they sell those tempered high-resistance glass diffusers at Home Depot. Can a man buy a universal infrared combustion chamber?
Go to char-broil web page and order the complete Tec unit for 89.99. If you just need a part for the Tec unit it of course is cheaper. Not bad for a 1000.00 grill. You pay for what you get.