Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler
by Cuisinart
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List Price: Our Price: $126.30 You Save: $53.70 (30%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $124.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler
Customer Review: Nice idea, faulty materials
Summary: 2 Stars
Looking for our first indoor electric grill, we decided on this one. Had a lot of features that looked great on the surface.
Actually it does work pretty good as a panini press, OK as a griddle. If your surface is not completely level, or tilted towards the front, the grease does not flow out to the cups. Grease does splatter out the sides, but I would think any with open sides would do the same.
I have owned two now. I use it almost every day (say 5 times a week) to make dinner, and 2 more times a day on the weekends to make paninis. I would say I average 5-7 uses per week.
The first one, after 9 months, the bottom plastic plate that covers the electrical connection, broke, just on it's own, into about 3 pieces. This leaves the power connection from the cord where it connects to the internals exposed. I contacted Cuisinart, who for a $7.00 charge, sent a completely new unit. Way to go Cuisinart. They wanted us to send the old unit back, but we just trashed it.
So I was using the new unit, and guess what, after 8-9 months, the little plastic door that covers the power connection, broke again. In my best guess the plastic it is made out of can't take the heat over time.
Contacted Cuisinart again. They said since the first one was no longer under warranty, they could not send me another unit.
No problem, send me the door, just tell me how much. I mean, how much can a 1/8 inch thick, 4 inch by 2 1/2 inch piece of plastic cost.
Sorry, we can't do that because it contains the serial number. You have to buy a new grill. So I ask, Let me get this right, I have to spend $130.00 for a new grill because a $3.00 piece of plastic broke?
Cuisinart says yes.
I wrote Cuisinart a letter explaining the whole thing, 2 months ago, and have not heard from them. I am fixing to trash it and buy something else.
Other than the broken power connection door, I had no real issues with the grill. I wish the top and bottom heated more evenly, but it was not bad.
I wish the little red power light was a little brighter, but that was not bad.
I wish the rear could be adjusted for height so I could make the grease flow, instead of picking up the unit, but minor annoyance.
The whole plastic plate thing is a major flaw in my book. They should at the minimum offer a replacement part. Like it is my fault they decided to stick the serial number on that piece of plastic?
Just because of that, I would avoid it.
Customer Review: Great countertop grill
Summary: 5 Stars
The griddler works great. The controls are intuitive and clearly marked. The grill plates heat up quickly, and are easy to remove and clean. The bottom plate is positioned with its right front corner slightly lower so that grease drains easily through the provided opening. The top plate sits firmly and at the proper angle directly on the items being grilled. Having flat and ribbed plates provides the ability to use the unit as both a grill and a griddle.
The only warning I would give is that foods cooks more quickly than the estimates provided.
All in all, this is the best grill for the money available.
Customer Review: Won't do what a $15 George will do, but... it looks cool!
Summary: 2 Stars
I order a lot from amazon.com, but almost never write reviews. This time I feel compelled to, as I have been very disappointed by this product.
This product is a waste of money. Here's why: it can't even grill a chicken breast. Years ago, I had a cheap George Foreman grill. I could take a plump, raw chicken breast, sprinkle it with some grilling spices, pop it in the George and walk away. About 8 minutes later I'd have a perfectly done, juicy and delicious chicken breast with attractive light brown grill marks. Here's what happened just now when I tried to do that with my Griddler: 10 minutes later, there is smoke in the house and a burning smell. I take out the chicken breast. Instead of attractive brown grill marks, these marks are black and burnt. I cut open the chicken breast to check for doneness. IT IS STILL PINK INSIDE. So there you have it, burned on the outside, raw on the inside, smoke and an unpleasant smell in your house.
Bottom line is, if you want to make grilled chicken for yourself with a minimum of effort, as you can with a basic George Foreman Grill, do not buy the Griddler.
Another drawback of the Griddler, which I've seen other reviewers mention, is the black non-stick stuff comes off on your hands EVERY TIME you touch a grill/griddle plate. So after every time I handle one of the plates, I have to wash black charcoal-looking stuff off my hands.
I expect more from a product at this price point.
The Griddler does do SOME things well. It does look pretty cool. It makes very nice grilled sandwiches (panini), and the griddle function works reasonably well. If you go to the trouble of cutting up a chicken breast into thin strips, it will grill those for you. It is admittedly easier to clean than what I remember about my old George Foreman grill.
However, I am tired of making excuses for this piece of junk and trying to convince myself it was a good purchase. It was not. I wish I had just gone to Wal-Mart and picked up a $30 George.
Customer Review: Quick and Easy
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great product - lightweight, easy to clean, versatile - and oh, yeah, it makes great sandwiches!
We've had fun experimenting with different items - right now, one of our favorites is to split a croissant. Spread both inner sides with Nutella. Slice a banana lengthwise and lay between the two croissant pieces. Just panini the croissant until warm - yum.
I like that the bottom of the appliance stays cool - I especially like that the plates can be put into the dishwasher, although they are so easy to wash that it's not usually necessary. The griddler is small enough to easily move around and yet big enough to handle enough food. We have lots of small appliances but this one gets used.
Customer Review: Great Product--Worth the Extra Money Over Foreman!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my beach condo which does not have a BBQ grill. I've grilled some delicious chicken, burgers, and steaks. The grilled vegetables have been to die for! It is so easy to use my HUSBAND used it!
The removable grill plates make clean up easier but not completely effortless. Even with non-stick spray, I have a bit of a time cleaning up, but it's been worth it.
I'm glad I spent the extra money and got this product.