Cuisinart Griddler - Contact grill, panini press, open grill and griddle Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the griddler in February of 2005 and have taken care to ensure it lasts. The Griddler is heavy and sturdily constructed. It heats up quickly, and cleans up even faster. We have used it for Panini, grilling meat, and toasting burger buns. The griddler comes with interchangeable dishwasher safe griddle and grill plates. The unit can be used as a Panini press or as a griddle.

The base of the unit heats up and maintains temperature better than the top. This creates uneven toasting of the Panini or other items. It's not so much of a problem using as a griddle, since one side will simply cook faster than the other.

After a year the nonstick surface has started pealing off of the grill plates. I have never used metal on the nonstick surface and have taken great care to preserve the finish. Perhaps it is in the design, but the now I will have to take care not to get pieces of the nonstick surface in my food. The plates don't stay attached in the top anymore either. It's very annoying trying to reposition a hot plate into place.

On the surface, the Griddler has the looks and design to be a great product. Cuisinart has some bugs to work out to attain even heating and plates that last. If I were to buy a new Panini press, I would not look to Cuisinart again.

PROS:
Heavy and sturdily construction
Heats up and cleans quickly

CONS:
Non-stick surface does not last
Uneven heating

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Product Description:
Cuisinart multifunctional Griddler Gourmet makerThe CuisinartTM GriddlerTM makes "multifunctional" an understatement! Make perfect panini... plus! With four separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. It helps you prepare more servings of more kinds of food in less time, so you can cook for a crowd -- no one has to wait!Simply change the cooking plates and adjust the floating hinge to use the Griddler as a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, or your choice of an extra-large double Open Grill or Griddle.Product FeaturesContact grill, panini press, flat grill and griddleRemovable, nonstick grill and griddle platesCooking plates drain grease for healthy cookingHinged, floating cover adjusts to thickness of foodSelector knob with "power on" indicator lightTwo adjustable temperature controls with indicator lightsBrushed stainless steel and cool-touch housingTwo drip cupsCleaning/scraping toolInstruction/Recipe bookLimited 3-year warrantyLimited 3-year warranty, backed by the Cuisinart reputation for quality

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Lodge Color Enamel Cast Iron 8 inch Square Panini Press, Caribbean Blue Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The weight and size is phenomenal.I put the panini press on a burner while I warmed up the other skillet, turned off both burners, added a sandwich, and after much sizzling and 6 minutes it was a perfect panini.

The color however doesn't match the photo. I was hoping for a bright emerald green, but it is a dark hunter green.It's not a deal breaker.

But the real problem from Lodge "America's Original Cookware" is that this is made in China.I've been avoiding cookware from China because of concerns about lead in the enamel glazes. These suspicions may be unfounded but if lead can turn up in toothpaste & baby food, cookware can't be far behind. So enameled cast iron from Martha Stewart and Batali were out, and so I opted for the pricier Le Crueset & Staub. Lodge seemed like an excellent American product. I'll keep this piece but it will be the last one.

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Product Description:
Cast from molten iron in individual sand molds and coated with porcelain enamel, this 8 inch press is sized to fit perfectly into the Lodge Color Enamel 10" Grill Pan. Ideal for preparing panini sandwiches it works well as a general food press for bacon, chicken or burgers. Does a great job on the outdoor grill too. Cast iron has superior heat retention so it reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. The Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel showcases vivid color and with ease of cleaning and resistance to abrasion. It's also stain resistant. The Cooking surface is matte black enamel.Island Spice Red

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Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Panini Press and Skillet Grill Sets Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally wrote this review for the press alone.At the time I bought the press, Amazon wasn't offering the press/pan as a set. Now it does and since anyone interested in this product is probably going to be looking at reviews of the set rather than the individual components, I'll repeat my review, with enhancements:
While shopping a retail cooking store, I fell in love with the Krups FDE312 panini press. A bit of Amazon research, however, turned up a disturbing pattern of sudden failures in this product. Research into other presses from Cuisinart, DeLonghi, Breville, Villaware, and others failed to produce a clear front runner. It seemed that each product had one or more issues - non-removable grill plates, difficult cleaning, lack of grill ribs, flimsy handles, tendency to dry food, non-adjustable temperature, etc. Enter the Le Creuset 10 ?" grill pan and panini press. You can submerge them to clean. They're coated with enamel, not Teflon, which means with proper care they should last two lifetimes (although they're only guaranteed for the lifetime of the original owner)(and note, this is a satin enamel coating, not the Le Creuset smooth coating, the longevity of which I can confirm from personal experience). There's no electrical element to burn out, no cord to store, no moving parts to break. Use is simple. Heat the grill on one burner (we have gas, but they're supposed to work with other technologies) and the press on the other. Wait until a spatter of water vaporizes almost instantly. Brush grill pan with some oil. Place sandwiches on grill pan. Pick up the press, brush on some oil, place on sandwiches and press for a few moments. Sizzle, sizzle. Wait until the cheese melts. Serve. The panini were just like what I'd eaten in Italy. I haven't owned an electric press, but I can't imagine they'd be better. Cleanup of the enamel surface requires a bit of care but, unlike every Teflon-coated product I've ever owned, that surface will probably still be there 20 years from now. And since the grill pan actually has sides (unlike every electric panini press I looked at), there was no side-spattering and thus no cleanup to do around the cooking area. The only disadvantages - the grill/press combination costs $140, almost twice the cost of the average electric panini grill. But since many of the grill reviews I read spoke of this being their second (or third) electric grill, I suspect you'd make the money back over the next 20 years. Also, running multiple batches is a bit more of a problem than with a self-heating grill, since you need to place the now oily press back on the flame to reheat it, which can potentially lead to flaring of the residual oil, and will also get the burner oily. I intend to see, however, if you can reheat the press in the pan rather than putting it directly on a burner.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Panini Press and Skillet Grill Sets

Product Description:
This panini press and skillet grill set makes a great gift for the chef who likes to combine grilling with the creation of gourmet dishes like panini or bruschetta appetizers. The panini press and skillet grill set works much like an outdoor grill (only faster), searing your foods on both sides at once, leaving them with rippled, blackened grill marks. With both of these pieces, you can grill quickly - prepare chicken breasts, burgers, swordfish or the classic panini. When cooking a panini, the bread becomes crisp and crunchy while the insides remain soft and succulent. The panini press and skillet set includes a 10.25-in. square grill pan, complete with long handle, a helper handle and spouts for pouring off excess oils, and a 9-in. panini press with a round knob on top for holding. Heat the press separately then place on top of your food and both sides will cook at once. Both have ribbed surfaces and are made of enameled cast iron, a material that retains heat longer and spreads it evenly for superior cooking performance.

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Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The immediate comparison I made when I received this Panini press was to the Cuisinart GR-3Griddler Jr, Brushed Stainless Steel, and the key difference between the two products (and the reason I'm giving the better constructed, perhaps even better performing press three stars rather than five) is you can remove the plates in the Cuisinart, and you cannot in the Breville.Convenience and ease of use are central considerations when it comes to just how much you're going to want to use these 'extra' kitchen devices, and if it's a headache to clean something like burnt/stuck preserves, then you're going to be less likely to want to pull it out and use it again.

I want to back up a little bit, because I think Breville generally designs and manufactures outstanding high-quality but still affordable products.This press is no exception.Having used both this Breville and the aforementioned Cuisinart, I would give the Breville the edge on almost every single front.It feels more solidly constructed of higher quality materials, it seems to heat more evenly, although the Cuisinart does allow a range of temperature settings as opposed to Breville's one-temp-fits-all approach.I actually like having one flat and one grilled plate in the Breville, compared to the two grilled plates in the Cuisinart -- the flat surface providing a much more even and consistent heat that really radiates into the middle of the sandwich better than the more limited surface contact provided by just grill plates (but you still have the all-important texture and grill marks from the top plate).Both adapt to larger sandwiches.Both sport non-stick surfaces (although the Breville's is much smoother as the Cuisinart employs a grittier non-stick treatment).Both are perfectly sized for a couple good-sized sandwiches, without all the wasted space that comes with and from the larger models in each line.

I like this press enough that even as I wrap this review up I wonder if I should be giving it 4 stars rather than 3.Standing on its own, it deserves every bit of 4 stars.It's when it's held in contrast to a like-priced alternative like the Cuisinart that the Breville loses some of its luster, and then really only due to a question of pure convenience (in the form of removable plates).

If those removable plates aren't of particular importance to you, I actually recommend this press over the Cuisinart.For me, the convenience of cleaning the removable plates provide is what makes it an easy decision between the two when I want to grill a sandwich.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press

Product Description:
Easily create restaurant-quality grilled panini sandwiches and more with this convenient panini press. The unit features a powerful 1500-watt element for fast heating, and its upper and lower grill plates provide a nonstick, scratch-resistant Quantanium surface for lower-fat cooking (no need for butter or oil), effortless food release, and quick cleanup. The bottom plate, which measures 11-1/4 by 8-3/4 inches, offers a flat design for more thorough cooking (also suitable for pancakes and eggs), while the 11-1/4-by-7-3/5-inch ribbed top plate creates authentic cafe-style grill marks. Even more, the grill's floating top plate and four adjustable height settings make it possible to accommodate even the most ambitious of sandwiches or to keep the top plate suspended above food, radiating heat down when cooking breakfast items or open-style melts. Other highlights include "power-on" and "ready-to-cook" indicator lights, heavy-duty die-cast arms, nonslip feet for stability, a locking clip for upright storage, and a cord wrap in the base. The included user manual offers simple-to-follow instructions, as well as an array of delicious recipe ideas--from herbed omelet panini, warm Caesar sandwiches, or grilled chicken lavosh with mango and pinenut mayonnaise to dessert items like sweet fig focaccia, toasted chocolate panini, or crispy brioche with berries. Elegantly housed in brushed stainless steel, the panini press measures 13 by 11-3/4 by 5-1/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Sensio 13267 Bella Cucina Nonstick Panini Grill Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this particular panini press due to the small size, which was important to me b/c I don't have alot of kitchen storage.It is perfect for 2 sandwiches.It has a great non-stick coating which is super easy to clean. I wipe it down with a wet paper towel.So far I have only used it on the highest heat setting and it works fast and produces perfectly crunchy sandwiches on the outside and warm, melted ingredients on the inside.It's also very attractive with its highly polished chrome exterior.
My only negative points and the only reason I did not give it 5 stars:The plastic lock (which holds the top and bottom together for easier moving/storage) is difficult to latch and does not stay put.The plastic drip tray is a bit flimsy.And so far, in my experience, the heating light does not work properly.It stays on all of the time instead of indicating "ready".But that is not really a problem for me as I can tell when its hot (only takes a few minutes).
I admit, this is my first panini maker.I read alot of reviews here on Amazon before choosing this one based soley on its size.And I seem to be the first to review this one.It was between this one and a George Foreman grill.And once I touched the GF grill in person at a store, I didn't like it.Trust me, this is a much better quality appliance and well worth the money!So overall, I would highly recommend it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sensio 13267 Bella Cucina Nonstick Panini Grill

Product Description:
Make healthy, delicious hot sandwiches with this easy-to-use panini grill. The countertop appliance features a non-stick grilling surface, which means there's no need for butter or oil--cooked food slides effortless off the grill and onto a serving plate. Thick, crusty breads like Italian, French, or focaccia work best for panini sandwiches; the appliance can also be used to grill vegetables, pork chops, fish, and more. Simply place food on the grill, lower the lid, and adjust the temperature as needed by turning the dial from low to high heat settings. Once food has fully cooked or sandwiches have turned a crispy golden brown, remove from the grill and enjoy. The grill provides a red "power" and a green "ready" indicator light for foolproof operation. Other highlights include a chrome-plate cover, a generous lid handle, a slide-out drip tray for quick cleanup, handy cord wrap when not in use, and a sleek design that will fit in well with any kitchen collection. The panini grill measures 13-1/4 by 10-4/5 by 4-2/3 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Hamilton Beach 25450 Gourmet Panini Press Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You can't give this machine a bad rating. This Hamilton Beach Panini Press does one thing and one thing only, but it does it very well. If you enjoy pressed/grilled sandwhiches you will love this machine. As I write this I'm eating a feta/olive/artichoke/roasted peppers on pita sandwhich hot off the panini press, and it's scrumptious. I actually bought this as a christmas gift for my mother, but I probably use it more than she does.

The machine looks good on the counter, and has a large, non stick service. It's not on a hinge so it's designed to accept even the thickest sandwhiches without squeezing all the filling out. You can even "lock" the lid down to apply constant pressure, or lock it up to maintain minimal pressure or to not make contact with the top at all. It's great for quesidillas as well. Ignore the user that says it takes too long to heat up, it takes only a couple of minutes, about the time a waffle maker would take to heat. Even cooking on the stove you need to take a few mins to heat the pan! Also ignore the comment that this machine burns the bread before heating the filling, I've never had such problems, although I do wish there was a temperature control for further versatillity. But my bread never burns... I find 2-6 min will brown the bread perfectly, from lightly browned to nice and crispy (depending on how you like it) without burning it at all. I've never burned anything on this machine. I even once used it to grill some chicken, and it did the job nicely, though it's not really designed for that.

The only down sides are that there are no frills. I've seen other models that come with nice recipe books, this one has just a few hastily thrown together recipe ideas in the instruction booklet. There's no temp control either, which is fine, but it would be nice to have some kind of control (it would be more convenient if you wanted to use it for alternative purposes. The machine gets very hot, but that's to be expected. There's no alternate "plates" or cooking surfaces for say a flat "griddle" style surface, so you'll have to settle for the striated grate style surface, which in all honestly is not a big deal at all.

This is a great machine, at a decent price. It could be better with a temp control, some extra features, and a better recipe book, but all-in-all, you can't complain. It does its job, and does it very well.

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Product Description:
The Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker is an excellent appliance to have on hand to make grilled cheese and other hot sandwiches. Every deli sandwich tastes better hot and with melted cheese. This Panini Press can handle sandwiches of any size.

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Cuisinart GR-3 Griddler Jr 3-in-1 Nonstick Countertop Grill Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'd been looking at panini grills for years, but had never found the perfect model. Many of the grills I looked at in stores seemed very cheap and poorly built. One clear exception was the Cuisinart grill, which was very well constructed, but it was very expensive and also very large. When I saw this new Cuisinart Junior, I decided to take the plunge. It has become the hit of our kitchen. Making fancy grilled sandwiches has become a highlight of our weekends. My teenage kids love the sandwiches off the grill, and they don't seem to notice that they're eating healthier than before. The quality of panini sandwiches off this little grill is far superior to the paninis we get at our local restaurants.

Here are the features that make this grill a winner for me:

- The grill plates really are nonstick. I've never had to do more than wipe them clean, even when drippings seem to have burned on. The plates remove super easily, and also snap back in very easily.

- The grill pre-heats very quickly. I turn it on before I start making the sandwich, and it's always hot enough by the time the sandwich is assembled.

- The grill always creates the perfectly grilled panini. When I used to make grilled sandwiches in a frying pan, getting them perfectly grilled without burning was hit or miss. With this grill, I just set the dial a bit shy of medium and every sandwich comes out perfectly grilled.

- The hinged lid let's us make fairly huge sandwiches (a few inches thick). This might not sound like a big deal, but it's key to having fun with the grill, since it let's you make creative sandwiches that you could never cook all the way through or flip in a frying pan.

- The small size is perfect. It cooks one very large or two smaller panini, and it doesn't take up a ton of counter space. It's small enough that I can leave it out all the time, which makes it a lot more convenient to use.

One thing to be careful of:The lid does get hot. Make sure you only use the handle for opening and closing. I wouldn't let younger kids work the grill by themselves.

I have not tried cooking meat with the grill.We use it strictly as a panini grill.

I don't generally get excited about kitchen appliances, but this little grill is downright fun. Any gadget that can get my teenagers psyched about going to the grocery store to find wacky things they can turn into grilled sandwiches is a hit in my book.(BTW, our favorite sandwiches so far are: tomato and fresh mozzarela with basil pesto; chicken, apple, and raspberry with provolone; and pear with brie. My apologies if I'm not spelling some of these foods right.)

Great purchase. Getting used more heavily than our stove. I'm hooked.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart GR-3 Griddler Jr 3-in-1 Nonstick Countertop Grill

Product Description:
Enjoy the taste of deliciously grilled food from the convenience of the kitchen all year long with this easy-to-use countertop appliance. The multi-function unit offers exceptional versatility with three different ways to create a wide range of menu items. Use it as an open grill to cook fish fillets and asparagus or one or two juicy steaks at a time. Turn it into a contact grill by simply closing the lid--great for cooking hot dogs or veggie burgers to perfection, both sides simultaneously. As a third option, the grill functions as a panini press, making it effortless to create cafe-style grilled sandwiches, loaded with melted cheese, thick slices of ripe tomato, fresh summer basil, and other favorites. The unit's hinged, floating lid automatically adjusts to the thickness of food, while its user-friendly temperature-control dial allows adjusting the heat as needed. Other highlights include a red and green indicator lights, a generous cool-touch handle for safely raising and lowering the lid, brushed stainless-steel housing, a drip cup and cleaning tool, and removable nonstick grill plates for effortless food release and quick cleanup. Whether open grill, contact grill, or panini press, the compact three-in-one appliance takes up minimal space on the countertop, measuring approximately 14-2/5 by 12-1/5 by 6-1/2 inches, and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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