The Cuisinart Griddler and its larger counterpart, the Griddler Deluxe, are versatile countertop appliances, but they differ significantly in cooking capacity, temperature control, and price. The standard Griddler is a compact and affordable 5-in-1 unit ideal for small households, while the Deluxe offers a much larger cooking surface, dual-zone temperature controls, and a high-heat sear function for those who need more space and precision.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart Griddler for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Griddler
The original Cuisinart Griddler is a popular multi-functional countertop press known for its compact design and versatility. It effectively combines a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle into one space-saving appliance, making it a favorite for small apartments and kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
- What it is: A versatile 5-in-1 countertop appliance that works as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle.
- Key features: Reversible and removable non-stick plates, adjustable temperature controls with indicator lights, and a compact footprint.
- Price: Typically ranges from $80 to $120.
- Dimensions: Measures roughly 12.5 x 11.75 inches, with a cooking surface of about 8 x 9 inches per plate.
- Materials/Construction: Features a brushed stainless steel housing with sturdy handles and BPA-free, dishwasher-safe cooking plates.
- Pros: Affordable and budget-friendly. Compact size is perfect for small kitchens or storage. Versatile 5-in-1 functionality saves space. Removable plates make cleanup simple.
- Cons: Smaller cooking surface isn't ideal for preparing meals for more than two people at once. Temperature controls are less precise than the Deluxe model. The short power cord can be inconvenient.
This Griddler is for singles, couples, or anyone in a small living space who wants a multi-purpose cooking tool without sacrificing counter space.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/home-appliances/griddler/gr-5b/
Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe
The Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe takes the functionality of the original and expands on it with more power, space, and control. Designed for larger households and serious home cooks, the Deluxe provides a generous 240 square inches of cooking surface, dual-zone temperature control, and a SearBlast feature for locking in flavor on steaks and burgers.
- What it is: A larger, more powerful 6-in-1 countertop grill and griddle with enhanced features for family-sized meals.
- Key features: Extra-large cooking surface, dual-zone temperature controls allowing different temperatures on each plate, a 500°F SearBlast function, and a top cover with 6 preset heights.
- Price: Generally priced between $130 and $180.
- Dimensions: Measures around 15 x 13 inches, with an 11 x 9.5-inch cooking surface on each plate.
- Materials/Construction: Robust brushed stainless steel housing with die-cast aluminum components and high-quality, removable non-stick plates.
- Pros: Large cooking surface is great for families or meal prepping. Dual-zone temperature control offers ultimate cooking flexibility. High-heat sear function provides steakhouse-quality results. Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than the standard model. Larger footprint takes up considerable counter space. It's heavier and more cumbersome to store.
The Griddler Deluxe is built for families, frequent entertainers, or anyone who needs precise control and a larger capacity for their countertop cooking.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/home-appliances/griddler/grd-180/
Cuisinart Griddler vs. Griddler Deluxe Comparison
Cooking Surface & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The standard Griddler offers about 144 square inches of cooking space when opened flat, which is enough for about two large sandwiches or four small burger patties. It's functional but can feel cramped if you're cooking for more than two people.
The Griddler Deluxe boasts a much larger 240 square inches of surface area. This allows you to cook for a family of four or more in a single batch. You can easily fit six to eight pancakes, four large steaks, or prepare eggs and bacon simultaneously without overcrowding.
Performance & Temperature Control
Herein lies the biggest functional upgrade. The standard Griddler has two dials - a function selector (Grill/Griddle) and a single temperature control that applies to both plates. It works well, but it doesn't offer precision.
The Griddler Deluxe revolutionizes countertop cooking with dual-zone temperature controls. This means you can set the temperature for each plate independently. For example, you can grill vegetables on one side on medium heat while searing a steak on high heat on the other. It also includes a SearBlast feature that hits 500°F for a minute at a time, perfect for creating a beautiful crust on meat.
Materials & Construction
Both Griddlers are built to last. They share the same high-quality construction, featuring durable brushed stainless steel housing, sturdy plastic handles, and die-cast aluminum components. The non-stick cooking plates on both models are heavy-duty, PFOA-free, and designed to withstand high temperatures without warping.
Cuisinart backs both units with a solid 3-year limited warranty, reflecting confidence in their durability. In terms of build quality, you can't go wrong with either option, the choice comes down to features and size, not longevity.
Price & Value
The standard Griddler typically costs around $100, while the Griddler Deluxe is closer to $160. Is the extra $60 worth it? It depends entirely on your needs. For someone cooking for one or two people, the standard Griddler offers fantastic value with its 5-in-1 capabilities at an accessible price point.
However, the value of the Deluxe is undeniable for larger families or passionate cooks. The combination of its massive cooking surface and dual-zone temperature controls provides a level of versatility that the standard model can't match. If you plan to use it frequently for varied meals, the investment in the Deluxe pays for itself in convenience and better cooking results.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Cuisinart Griddler is the clear choice for individuals, couples, college students, or anyone with limited kitchen and storage space. Its compact size and multi-functionality make it an efficient tool for simple meals, from paninis to pancakes, without hogging precious countertop real estate.
The Griddler Deluxe is engineered for families, people who love to entertain, or home chefs who want more control. If you're tired of cooking in multiple batches or wish you could perfectly sear a steak while gently cooking something else, the larger capacity and advanced temperature controls of the Deluxe are exactly what you need.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Cuisinart appliances are excellent, but they are designed for different cooks and kitchens.
Choose the Cuisinart Griddler if:
- You're cooking for one or two people most of the time.
- Counter space and storage are major considerations for you.
- Your budget is under $100.
- You need a versatile appliance for basic grilling, griddling, and making paninis.
Choose the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe if:
- You often cook for a family of three or more, or you host guests regularly.
- You want precise cooking control with the ability to set different temperatures for each plate.
- The high-heat sear function for meats like steak and burgers is important to you.
- You have ample counter space and a slightly larger budget to invest in a superior appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart Griddler and Deluxe?
The two main differences are size and temperature control. The Deluxe has a significantly larger cooking surface (240 sq. in vs. ~144 sq. in when open) and features dual-zone temperature controls, allowing you to set each plate to a different temperature. The standard Griddler has one temperature control for both plates.
Is the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe worth the extra money?
For families or serious home cooks, yes. The larger size eliminates the need to cook in batches, and the dual-zone temperature control offers much greater cooking flexibility and precision, especially for preparing full meals with different components.
Are the plates on both models dishwasher safe?
Yes, the removable non-stick plates on both the standard Griddler and the Griddler Deluxe are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup very easy.
Can you cook different foods at different temperatures on the Deluxe?
Absolutely. That is the key advantage of the Deluxe's dual-zone controls. You can set one plate to a low temperature for something like eggs or vegetables, and the other to a high temperature for bacon or steak.
Which Griddler is better for a small apartment?
The original Cuisinart Griddler is much better for a small apartment. Its compact footprint takes up less counter space and is easier to store away than the much larger Deluxe model.
Do both models come with a warranty?
Yes, Cuisinart provides a limited 3-year warranty for both the Griddler and the Griddler Deluxe, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Are the non-stick surfaces PFOA-free?
Yes, Cuisinart confirms that the non-stick coating used on the Griddler series cooking plates is BPA-free and PFOA-free, ensuring safer cooking.
How hard is it to switch the plates?
It's very simple on both models. Each plate has a release button on the side of the unit. You just press the button and the plate pops right out for easy flipping or cleaning.
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