Was looking at grills in Lowes today and trying to figure out which model is
better: The PerfectFlame split hood, or the Charbroil TEC.

Both appear to be of similar construction and probably both come from China. The
TEC model is several hundred dollars more than the PerfectFlame.

TEC has the reputation and until a few years ago, the patent, which probably
accounts for some of the price difference.

The PerfectFlame has a split cabinet, which makes isolating the hot IR burner
from the other burners much easier and also allows the IR burner to come up to
operating temp much faster.

OTOH, the TEC has the burner right up under the grate, protected by a glass
plate. This also has the advantage of allow marinades to sizzle on the plate
under the meat.

From what I've read, an unprotected IR burner will quickly clog up from
drippings, so points to the TEC. OTOH, the design of the PerfectFlame unit is
such that you could set a tempered glass plate between the burner and the grate
will a couple of inches of space above and below.

Thoughts, comments, personal experiences would be much appreciated.

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