The Cuisinart Griddler Combo GR-55 is both an indoor grill and a flat griddle, thanks to a set of reversible nonstick cooking plates. It comes with a sturdy 10.5x19.5-inch phenolic plastic base with brushed stainless steel trim, two removable grill/griddle plates, a removable center-mounted drip tray and a grill cleaning scraper. The grill plates are designed to work in any combination: grill/grill, grill/griddle or griddle/griddle, depending on which types of foods need to be cooked.

We found the flat griddle plates to be excellent for making hot, toasted cheese sandwiches, pancakes and French toast. Each 7.7x9-inch plate accommodates up to two full-size bread slices. The grill took a bit longer to preheat, reaching the lowest heat setting in about 9-1/2 minutes, the medium setting in about 11 minutes and the maximum temperature setting in just over 15 minutes. Once heated, this baby can cook! Grilled sandwiches are done in less than 5 minutes; burgers, chicken breasts and other main dish items take anywhere from 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness. Since there is no lid, all of the heat comes directly from the grill's surface.

The Griddler Combo also offers dual heat zones, with two variable temperature control knobs to adjust each side. The independent control knobs are a real plus if you just want to heat half of the grill (when making a single sandwich, for instance), or if you are cooking two or more items that need different temperature settings. There are three heat settings: low, medium or high, which roughly equate to 250 degrees, 300 degrees and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. We noticed that the entire grilling surface retained the cooking temperature, with a variation in heat showing up only at the outside edge of the plate.

For cleaning, we loved the removable plates. We did notice, however, that some splatters of grease or oil reached the inside of the unit through the middle seam and tiny grease drainage holes on the inner edge of each plate. You can wipe the inside casing if you like, with a damp cloth. Be sure to wait until the grill has cooled completely.

What's interesting about this grill is its ability to be both a grill and griddle simultaneously. By using one plate with the flat griddle surface and the other with the ribbed grill surface, you can cook different foods (eggs and sausages, for instance) on the grill at the same time using the optimum surface for each food item. Also, the grill plates are angled slightly to allow grease to drain toward the seam at the middle.

Other features include power and ready lights and stay-cool side handles. As always, we were impressed with the quality of this Cuisinart product -- from its simple setup to its versatility and performance.


Pros: Removable and reversible nonstick cooking plates, acts as grill, griddle, or combination of both, independent controls with dual heat zones, variable temperature control
Cons: Slow to preheat, no lid

Warranty
3 years, limited