Cuisinart Griddler

Panini Grill Press GR-4 Kitchen Appliance

Posted by Alice

Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler The Cuisinart GR-4 can be used as a panini press, contact grill, large open grill, or griddle. Equipped with a floating hinge, the Griddler allows for cooking food of various thicknesses, larger sandwiches. Four separate cooking options and adjustable temperature controls are designed to offer a wide range of preparations for foods from steaks and burgers to veggies and pancakes. The non stick grill and griddle plates, scraping tool and grease cups are all dishwasher safe. Out of the way cord storage, recipe book and three year limited warranty are included.

The Griddler is a very mixed bag. People tend to love it or hate it, with the majority loving it, yet many troublesome issues must be considered. The grill heats quickly and offers higher temperatures not always attainable with other models, but occasional temperature rebound issues occur when foods are added. Grease collection problems and splatter are common complaints and with the open sides, droplets tend to fly in many directions. Breakage of essential small parts can render the entire unit useless, though the warranty offered may help alleviate any fears of defect.

The brushed stainless steel exterior is called cool touch housing according to the Cuisinart site, but make no mistake, it will heat during use and can burn. The Griddler, according to Cuisinart's manual, can take ten minutes to reach operating temperature, another drawback if you're constantly waiting for the surfaces to regain proper cooking power. Also, a recommend thirty minute wait for cleanup in order to cool down is necessary to prevent burns, but isn't always convenient or conducive to easy cleaning. If time is a factor in your choice of appliance, this may not be the fit for you.