The Cuisinart Griddler Five and Griddler Six are versatile countertop grills that perform similar functions, but they differ primarily in size, user controls, and price. The Griddler Five uses simple analog dials and has a more compact footprint, while the fancier Griddler Six features a larger cooking surface and a digital display for more precise temperature control.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart Griddler for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Griddler Five
The Cuisinart Griddler Five is a reliable and straightforward 5-in-1 cooking appliance that combines the functions of a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/griddle. Its smaller size and no-fuss analog controls make it a popular choice for individuals, small families, and anyone who wants a versatile cooker without taking up too much counter space.
- What it is: A multi-functional countertop appliance with five cooking settings for grilling, griddling, and making paninis.
- Key features: Reversible and removable PFOA-free non-stick plates, floating hinge for thicker foods, simple knob controls for function and temperature, integrated drip tray.
- Price: Approximately $150
- Dimensions: Cooking surface measures about 11 x 9 inches when closed.
- Materials/Construction: Sleek stainless steel exterior with dishwasher-safe cooking plates.
- Pros: Compact and space-saving design. More affordable than the Griddler Six. Intuitive and easy-to-use analog controls. Versatile 5-in-1 functionality.
- Cons: Smaller cooking surface is less ideal for large families. Analog temperature controls are less precise than the digital version. Build isn't quite as robust as the Griddler Six.
This Griddler is a great fit for users who prioritize simplicity, a smaller footprint, and a lower price point for their everyday cooking needs.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/griddler/five/
Cuisinart Griddler Six
The Cuisinart Griddler Six is the upgraded, more advanced counterpart to the Five, offering the same multi-functionality with key improvements for precision and capacity. Featuring a larger cooking surface and a clear digital control panel, it’s designed for home cooks who want greater control over their cooking and need to prepare larger meals.
- What it is: An advanced multi-functional countertop appliance with the same five core cooking settings as the Griddler Five but with upgraded features.
- Key features: LCD display for temperature and timer, precise digital temperature control, larger cooking surface, removable/reversible non-stick plates, and an integrated drip tray.
- Price: Approximately $180
- Dimensions: Cooking surface measures about 12 x 12 inches when closed, offering more room than the Five.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel housing with a thicker lid and improved hinges for a more robust feel.
- Pros: Larger cooking surface is great for families or batch cooking. Digital controls allow for precise temperature adjustments. Sturdier overall build and more premium appearance. LCD screen is easy to read.
- Cons: Higher price point. Takes up more counter and storage space. Digital controls might be overkill for users who prefer simplicity.
This model suits larger families and avid home cooks who will benefit from the extra space and precise temperature settings.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/griddler/six/
Cuisinart Griddler Five vs. Griddler Six Comparison
Controls & Precision
The most significant difference between these two models is their control interface. The Griddler Five uses familiar analog knobs - one for selecting the cooking function (grill/griddle) and one for adjusting the temperature. It’s simple and gets the job done but lacks exactness.
The Griddler Six features a much more modern LCD screen with digital controls. This allows you to set the temperature to a precise degree, which is helpful for recipes that require specific heat settings, like searing steaks or gently cooking pancakes. If you value precision, the Six is the clear winner.
Dimensions & Cooking Capacity
The Griddler Five offers an 11" x 9" cooking surface. This is large enough for about two large sandwiches or four burgers. It’s perfectly adequate for individuals or couples.
The Griddler Six provides a more generous 12" x 12" surface. That extra space makes a noticeable difference when cooking for a family or preparing multiple items at once. You can comfortably fit four large sandwiches, six burgers, or a bigger batch of pancakes, reducing the time spent cooking in shifts.
Materials & Construction
Both Griddlers feature the signature Cuisinart stainless steel housing that looks great in any kitchen. However, the Griddler Six has a noticeably more robust build. The lid feels thicker, and the hinge construction is more durable, which contributes to a more premium and sturdy feel during use. While both are built to last, the Six feels like a slight step up in overall quality.
Price & Value
The Griddler Five is consistently priced around $150, while the Griddler Six is about $30 more at approximately $180. The choice comes down to whether the upgrades on the Six are worth the extra cost for you. If you cook for a crowd or require exact temperatures for your culinary projects, the digital controls and larger surface of the Six easily justify the price difference. If you just need a simple, versatile grill for quick meals, the Five offers fantastic value and checks all the essential boxes.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Griddlers are excellent, but they are tailored to slightly different cooking habits and kitchen sizes.
Choose the Griddler Five if:
- You have limited counter or storage space.
- You're cooking for one or two people and don't need a large capacity.
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save around $30.
- You prefer simple, straightforward analog controls without a digital screen.
Choose the Griddler Six if:
- You regularly cook for a family of three or more or enjoy entertaining guests.
- You want precise temperature control for specific recipes.
- A more robust and durable build is important to you.
- You have ample counter space and the larger size isn't an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart Griddler Five and Six?
The three main differences are the controls, size, and price. The Griddler Five has simpler analog knob controls and a smaller 11" x 9" cooking surface. The Griddler Six is larger with a 12" x 12" surface and features a digital LCD screen for more precise temperature control.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both models are equally easy to clean. They both feature removable, dishwasher-safe non-stick grill and griddle plates and an integrated drip tray that catches grease. The cleaning process is identical for both.
Are the non-stick surfaces PFOA-free?
Yes, Cuisinart confirms that the non-stick coatings on the plates for both the Griddler Five and Griddler Six are free of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).
Is the Griddler Six worth the extra money?
If you cook for more than two people regularly or require precise heat for certain foods (like getting a perfect sear on a steak), the Griddler Six's larger surface and digital controls are well worth the extra $30. For casual users or smaller households, the Griddler Five provides more than enough functionality for its price.
Are the plates interchangeable between the models?
No, the cooking plates are sized differently for each model and are not interchangeable. The Griddler Six plates are larger than the Griddler Five plates.
Can the Griddler Five get hot enough for a good sear?
Yes, both models can reach high enough temperatures to effectively grill and sear meats like steak and burgers. While the Griddler Six offers more precise control over that temperature, the Five still delivers ample heat for most cooking tasks.
Which Griddler is better for a family?
The Griddler Six is the better choice for a family. Its larger cooking surface allows you to prepare more food at once, which is a significant time-saver when cooking for several people.
Do the Griddlers come with all the necessary plates?
Yes, both the Five and the Six come standard with one set of reversible plates. One side is a grill, and the other is a flat griddle, allowing you to use all the advertised cooking functions right out of the box.
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