This is a review page of the GR 4 model.
- If you want to get the Cuisinart GR-4 griddler stainless steel 4-in-1 grill/griddle and panini press, Click Here.
- In order to read reviews of other Cuisinart electric griddles, Click Here.
Update: There is a newer and improved model of this unit – the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 griddler.
While it’s true that the GR4 griddler isn’t as big as other large electrical griddles (like the Presto Biggriddle for example), the appliance does offer enough cooking space for the user, and it usually isn’t a problem to store the unit because of its small size when in the closed position.
Moreover, this design does not have any cold/hot spots that can be found in some of the other electric griddles, particularly those that have a huge cooking surface. Although there are no hot or cold spots, it seems that the base of this appliance heats up better than the top of the unit.
The multi-functionality of this item allows it to function as a full griddle, a full grill, Panini press and as a contact grill. Obviously, there aren’t many appliances that can offer such versatility as the Cuisinart 4 in 1 griddler, and yet it doesn’t mean that this product is perfect – the appliance does have its own shortcomings.
Although it’s possible to clean the nonstick cooking plates in the dishwasher, it’s recommended to wash the plates by hand. Doing this will prolong the life of the nonstick coating, and given the fact that the plates can be detached from the rest of the unit it shouldn’t be hard at all.
In order to deal with the extra grease there are two dishwasher safe drip cups that are provided with the GR 4 model. Because the drip cups are not attached to the unit, it’s easy to either forget to place the cups under the Cuisinart GR4 griddler or to spill the grease. Therefore, you need to be careful not to do so and remember to position the drip cups in the right place underneath this electrical machine.
Since the base of the appliance is a bit hotter, then one side of the griddler is going to cook faster than the other, especially when the product is in the full open position. And while it can be a problem when in the closed position (when used as a Panini or contact grill), you can easily overcome this issue by simply flipping the Panini or burger half way through cooking.
Despite the fact that this Cuisinart design has a Floating hinge that adjusts to the right thickness of food, you should be careful when trying to cook thick or fat foods. Apparently, the thick food combined with the high heat of the appliance results in grease splattering all over the counter. While it may not be the case with all kinds of foods, you can usually solve this issue by cooking the thick food on medium.
While it’s definitely not the most expensive griddle/grill, the unit is quite pricey compared to some of the other models in the market and it’s hard no to wonder why the drip cups hadn’t been integrated into this griddler.
However, the Cuisinart GR4 offers enough cooking space for a couple of people, and the multi-functionality allows you to cook a wide range of foods. In addition, the heat distribution of the is fairly good and the nonstick cooking plates can be cleaned easily.
I agree with the consumers on the knobs. They break and you are out of luck. No replacement parts. Very unhappy with this as well as a Cuisinart multi cooker where the cast iron inset pitted and there was no replacement part available for my model. You spend extra on the name and to be honest not worth it at all.
I had the same problem. Time to move on. Cheap plastic knobs that cant be bought..I think they need to reconsider their Business model.
The control knobs on my Griddler fell apart and I can’t find replacement control knobs either. I guess they planned the machine to be replaced.
The 3 control knobs on my GR-4 griddler literally disintegrated at the same time because thhey were made so cheaply. After contacting Cuisinart (Conair) I found out replacement knobs are not available. I haave also looked for other sources and could fid none. Since I got only the go around from Cuisinart, I am discouraging everyone from buying this brand
I SO agree, I was to to buy another one! Then on a call back, I was told to try Amazon! NO MORE cuisinart for me.