The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4 is a multifunction countertop grill that handles three times the tasks of ordinary grills. This unit is so handy to have around that you will wonder how you ever did without it.

The Griddler comes with a sturdy stainless-steel 10x12-inch base with hinged cover and long Panini-style handle, two sets of removable nonstick cooking plates, two drip cups and a plastic scraping tool. Three large control dials located on the front of the unit let you select the function -- grill or griddle -- and the cooking temperature.

The Griddler can be used either as a contact grill, with both cooking plates sandwiched together or as an open grill or griddle, with the plates spread flat for twice the cooking surface. The unique design of the hinge keeps it locked in the upright position until you either slide the handle toward you -- to close the plates in the contact grill position -- or use the hinge release lever to lay the plates flat.

We loved the versatility of this machine. With the two sets of grill plates, you can literally cook or grill all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and even breakfast foods such as pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. One of our favorite functions is the Panini Press. Using the grill plates, you can create delicious toasted Panini sandwiches with your choice of filings. Several gourmet sandwich recipes are included with the instruction booklet or you can make your own custom sandwich.

Grilled steaks, burgers and boneless chicken breasts are a specialty of the Griddler. Using the contact grill position, meats cook evenly and in about half the time since heat is applied to the top and bottom of the food at the same time. The Griddler has a 9x11-inch cooking surface, which expands to double its size when used as an open grill. As a contact grill, it is suitable for cooking four large hamburgers or one full sized sirloin steak or London broil. The unit's top plate has a unique handle and floating hinge, which adjusts to the thickness of the foods being cooked.

In addition to superb performance, the Griddler offers the advantage of simplified cleanup. The grill plates simply lift off the base for easy cleaning in the sink or dishwasher. The cooking plates should be allowed to cool at least 30 minutes before handling.

The Griddler is more expensive than other grills in its class; however, its versatility combined with fine cooking performance make it an excellent choice.


Pros: Multifunction appliance acts as a contact grill, Panini press, flat grill or griddle; adjustable temperature control; removable nonstick grill and griddle plates
Cons: Pricey

Warranty
3 years, limited