For TEC, Quality Runs More Than Skin Deep.
Handcrafted in America
Unlike other grill companies, TEC does not outsource any of its fabricated parts, so we can truly say that our grills are 100% made in America. We even manufacture our own burners and cooking grates, and every burner is individually tested prior to installation.
All TEC grills, except our lightweight portable, are constructed of 304 stainless steel - 12, 14, 16 and 18 gauges. These grills are beautifully handcrafted, as opposed to mass manufactured, at our plant in Columbia, South Carolina. Many of our sub-assemblies, including grill and cabinet bodies, hood and hood bodies, and interior trim are welded, then hand ground and polished prior to final assembly. The end result is a beautiful appliance built to last a lifetime.
Many grills advertised today as stainless steel are not made of 304 stainless but a cheaper, lesser grade of stainless. The stainless used in these grills erodes quickly when exposed to the fatty acids from food drippings and the marinades and salt used during grilling. They also deteriorate rapidly in coastal environments because of the humid, salty air.
MAKE SURE WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR GRILL THAT YOU ASK WHETHER THE STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION IS 304. 304 stainless is one of the most corrosive resistant grades of stainless made today. It is considered the optimum choice of material in the manufacture of appliances, and unlike its inexpensive counterparts, it is easier to clean and more stain resistant. All TEC grills (except our portable) are constructed of 100% 304 stainless and built to last a lifetime.
You Can Use a Magnet to Test for 304 Stainless Steel. If a body of an appliance proves to be magnetic, it is not 304 stainless but rather a lesser grade of stainless or an imitation "like stainless" material.
