The Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler and the Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-less Contact Griddler are two popular indoor grills, but they are built for different users and budgets. The GR-5B is a compact, affordable 5-in-1 unit perfect for small spaces and basic grilling, while the GR-6S is a larger, more premium model with advanced digital controls, smoke-reduction technology, and a higher price tag. This difference in features, size, and cost is the main distinction between them.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart grill for your kitchen.
Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE
The GR-5B is a versatile and compact countertop unit that combines five cooking appliances into one. It functions as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle, making it a very capable machine for its small footprint and budget-friendly price point.
- What it is: A multi-functional indoor grill with five cooking options and reversible plates.
- Key features: Reversible, non-stick grill and griddle plates, floating cover to adjust to food thickness, adjustable temperature controls for grill/panini and griddle functions, opens flat to create a large cooking surface.
- Price: Around $80 - $100
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 11" x 4" with an 8" x 8" cooking surface.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable die-cast aluminum housing with a brushed stainless steel finish. The cooking plates are non-stick and dishwasher safe.
- Pros: Very affordable, compact for small kitchens, highly versatile with 5-in-1 functionality, simple analog controls are easy to use, and removable plates are easy to clean.
- Cons: Smaller cooking area is not ideal for larger families, basic controls lack precise temperature settings, heats up slower than more premium models.
This grill is an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or those with limited counter space who need a reliable, multi-purpose appliance without breaking the bank.
Shop this product: https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/grills/gr-5b/
Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-less Contact Griddler
The GR-6S is Cuisinart's upgraded, feature-rich indoor grill designed for serious home cooks. It boasts a larger cooking surface, advanced digital controls, independent temperature settings for the top and bottom plates, and a special "Smoke-less" mode, all wrapped in a premium stainless steel body.
- What it is: A larger, high-performance indoor grill with digital controls and smoke-reduction technology.
- Key features: DuoControl heating allows separate temperature settings for upper and lower plates, digital display for precise control, a dedicated "Smoke-less" mode with multiple presets, a high-heat sear function (up to 500°F), larger cooking surface.
- Price: Around $150 - $180
- Dimensions: Approximately 16" x 14" x 6" with an 11" x 9" cooking surface.
- Materials/Construction: Premium stainless steel exterior provides a professional look and enhanced durability. The heavy-duty non-stick plates are dishwasher safe.
- Pros: Large capacity is great for families, premium build quality, precise dual-zone temperature control, smoke-less feature is effective, and the sear function delivers great results on steaks.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than the GR-5B, takes up much more counter space, and may have more features than a casual user needs.
The GR-6S Griddler is for frequent grillers, larger households, or anyone who wants precise cooking control and the ability to cook for a crowd without smoking up the kitchen.
Shop this product: https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/grills/gr-6s/
Cuisinart GR-5B vs. GR-6S Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The size difference is one of the most immediate distinctions. The GR-5B has a compact 8"x8" cooking surface, ideal for preparing meals for 2-4 people - think a couple of Paninis or four burger patties. Its smaller body fits easily on most countertops and in standard cabinets.
In contrast, the GR-6S offers a more substantial 11"x9" surface, providing enough room to cook for a family of four or handle larger cuts of meat. You can comfortably fit up to six burger patties or several chicken breasts. This extra capacity comes with a larger footprint, however, so it will command more space on your counter and in storage.
Features & Controls
This is where the GR-6S separates itself. The GR-5B uses simple, effective analog knobs to select a function (grill/panini or griddle) and temperature range. It's straightforward but lacks precision.
The GR-6S Smoke-less Contact Griddler features a sophisticated digital display with DuoControl heating. This means you can set independent temperatures for the top and bottom plates - perfect for tasks like cooking a steak on the bottom while gently melting cheese on top. It also includes presets for its smoke-less mode and a separate sear function that hits 500°F for a restaurant-quality crust.
Materials & Construction
Both grills are well-built, but the materials reflect their price points. The GR-5B uses a combination of die-cast aluminum and brushed stainless steel, which is durable and functional for everyday use. It feels solid, but not overly heavy.
The GR-6S feels more like a professional appliance with its full stainless steel exterior. This not only gives it a premium aesthetic but also adds to its overall durability and heft. It's built to withstand frequent use and higher temperatures with ease.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler, typically priced around $80-$100, offers fantastic value. For that price, you get an incredibly versatile machine that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks. It's a great entry-level option or choice for those on a strict budget.
At around $150-$180, the GR-6S is a bigger investment, but the value comes from its advanced features. If you grill indoors regularly, need the larger capacity, or want the specialized functions like smoke reduction and high-heat searing, the price difference is justified by the enhanced performance and results.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these are excellent indoor grills, but they are clearly designed for different needs and priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart GR-5B if:
- You're cooking for one or two people most of the time.
- You have limited counter or storage space.
- You are on a budget and want the most functionality for under $100.
- You prefer simple, straightforward controls without a digital interface.
Choose the Cuisinart GR-6S if:
- You frequently cook for a family of four or more, or often entertain guests.
- You value precision and want independent temperature controls for the top and bottom plates.
- Grilling a perfect steak with a high-heat sear is important to you.
- You need an effective smoke-reduction feature for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the GR-5B and GR-6S?
The primary differences are size, features, and price. The GR-6S is larger, offers digital controls with dual-zone heating, a smoke-less mode, and a sear function, and is made of more premium stainless steel. The GR-5B is smaller, uses simpler analog controls, and is much more affordable.
Is the Cuisinart GR-6S truly smoke-less?
The "Smoke-less" feature significantly reduces smoke by using precisely controlled temperatures and specially designed plates to minimize grease splatter and burning. While it's not 100% smoke-free (especially with very fatty foods), most users find it dramatically reduces smoke compared to other indoor grills.
Are the cooking plates on both models dishwasher safe?
Yes, both the GR-5B and GR-6S feature removable, non-stick cooking plates that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup very easy.
Which model is better for making paninis?
Both are excellent for paninis thanks to their floating hinge design, which adjusts to the thickness of the sandwich. The GR-5B is often highlighted as a panini press because of its compact size, but both grills perform this task perfectly.
Is the GR-6S worth the extra money?
It depends on your needs. For frequent family use or those who want higher performance for things like searing steaks, the additional features and larger capacity of the GR-6S offer significant advantages and are well worth the cost. For occasional use or single cooks, the GR-5B provides great value.
How big is the cooking surface difference in reality?
The GR-5B's 64 square inches of cooking space (8"x8") are great for about four hamburgers. The GR-6S offers 99 square inches (11"x9"), which is over 50% larger, comfortably fitting six hamburgers or a full meal for a small family.
Do both models open flat to double the cooking surface?
Yes, a key feature for both models is the ability to open 180 degrees into a flat position. This effectively doubles your grilling or griddling space, turning them into a full grill, full griddle, or a half-and-half combination.
What is the warranty on these Cuisinart grills?
Both the Cuisinart GR-5B and the GR-6S come with a 3-year limited warranty from the manufacturer, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
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