Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler - Four Multifunctional Cooking Options -

Author's Rating:

Pros: Outstanding product that will be a time saver for you. All in one grill/griddle

Cons: Shop around or you'll pay about $200 for it.

The Bottom Line: 
If you are looking for a time saving grill, griddle, Panini type grill all in one that carries the Cuisinart name... This ones for you!

Author's Review
Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler

I absolutely love this griddle. It's so much more than just a griddle. Actually, I am not all that fond of pancakes but do love a good Panini sandwich and just about anything else I can stick on a grill. I create my own Panini sandwiches and rather than spend $900 on an institutional type sandwich press (I had considered it!), this baby does all that and more.

Generally, the Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler carries a price tag of nearly $200.00. Ouch! But do not fret, you can find it here and there for much less. I gave $139.00 for it. Well worth every penny too. I bought mine at Everythinghome.com. Great price, great service. (hmm... sounds like another review brewing)
I usually get my Cuisinart goodies at Kohls' but they didn't have it at the time. Glad too because I would imagine they would have charged near top price for it.

I've cooked turkey bacon, steak, Panini, hamburgers, veggies (squash and green tomatoes), and even tried a grilled cheese though I really wouldn't recommend that unless you like flattened grilled cheese sandwiches. They were good though.

I would not recommend cooking hamburger on it. It's okay if you are going to use ground sirloin or any other low to non-existent fat content burger meat. Too much grease to contend with and what a mess! Don't do it. There are only two small drip cups and honestly they do not hold much. The George Foreman Grill's trays hold more than this one. I think that you'd be better off to stick with foods that do not drip too much.

Grills. It is more a grill than a griddle. It does have the flat griddle to use and it works well for pancakes and much better for the grilled cheese as opposed to the grill. Silly me.

There are two sets of plates. They snap in and out. You can turn the griddler into a contact grill or a Panini press or a big double open grill or griddle. All you have to do is adjust the floating hinges to select the type of grill you wish to use. They all remove for easy cleaning and all are dishwasher safe. The surface is non-stick so please use utensils that are designed for that type of surface or you'll have a useless piece of equipment on your hands in no time.

The handle adjusts to accommodate the thickness of the bread just like a regular Panini style grill. The thermostats adjust either the grill or griddle separately. The unit has a brushed stainless steel housing. Very pretty! Unlike any other grill or griddle I've seen, this one has a cord storage! Keeps you from getting it against the griddle and melting it.

Technicals about the Cuisinart G-4 Griddler:

Here's a list of features as per the user's manual.

Contact grill, panini press
Removable, dishwasher safe non-stick grill, and griddle plates
Cooking plates are designed to drain grease for healthy cooking
Sturdy panini-style handle with floating hinge to adjust to thickness of food
Selector knob to choose grill or griddle function
Adjustable temperature controls for grill or griddle
Indicator lights for easy operation
Brushed stainless steel housing with embossed logo
Two dishwasher-safe drip cups to collect grease
Dishwasher-safe scraping tool for easy cleanup
Limited 3-year warranty
Dimensions: 16.69" x 9.65" x 12.64"

The Griddler has dual temperature controls and does honestly cook most everything just perfectly. Gotta follow the directions though!

In the box you'll get the Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler. You'll get complete instructions and a handy, dandy recipe book with about 40 recipes in it. Try some of them. I have and they're great. You'll also get your warranty card. Fill it out and send it in for cripes sake. So many don't and this griddle comes with a 3 year warranty. Cuisinart does back up their product. And I have to agree, it's a wonderful company and line of product. Not had any problems other than tiny minor ones.

Guess that's about it. I highly recommend this one guys. It's multifunctional and a real asset to anyone's kitchen. Fabulous!