Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press
Customer Review: Though it's a unitasker, it does its one task well
Summary: 3 Stars
If you want to grill up a quick sandwich panini-style, this is a great device to do it. It's operation is, of course, simple. You plug it in, wait for it to warm up, insert your sandwich and voilà! Clean up is fairly easy, though you'll have to use a brush to clean out those little crevices.
However, my dissatisfaction with this device is not that it doesn't do a great job making panini sandwiches- it does. My issue is that it takes up precious kitchen space while only really performing one task.
I personally prefer to either grill my sandwiches on a skillet or use a "proper" griddle.
Since I use gas appliances, going the skillet route has almost zero "warm-up" time wasted and clean up is actually easier on account of the skillet not having crevices like the panini surface. (Of course I do lose those cute panini lines.)
On the other hand, a "regular" griddle can do more than one task, something I hold in high regard when doling out space to kitchen appliances. A standard griddle will also function well for pancakes, bacon, eggs, and so on and so forth.
Here are a couple of suggestions...
Presto 07034 Jumbo Cool Touch Electric Griddle, Black as the name implies, is a jumbo sized electric model.
Presto 07045 Family-Size Cool-Touch Tilt'N Drain Electric Griddleis basically the same thing only smaller.
If you prefer stovetop or if you just have to have those little grooves, have a look at Lodge Logic Pro 20-by-10-7/16-Inch Cast-Iron Grill/Griddle. It's reversible so you can still do pancakes and such.
All in all, this device does exactly what it is supposed to do and does it well. If you simply want something that will panini-press your sandwiches, then go for it. But please consider the alternative to cluttering your kitchen with single-task devices.
Customer Review: One hit wonder
Summary: 4 Stars
I received this Cuisinart GR-1 Panini press as Christmas gift. (I had hinted at being interested in a multi-purpose countertop grill/griddle/press for when we travel.) My husband likes a hot sandwich and for years I've been making them for him on a stovetop skillet, so he thought this would make a great gift.
I prepare the sandwich, stick it in and it makes nice crispy bread w/grill stripes. The innards just get warm enough but don't ooze out all over and the bread doesn't burn. The hinge is adjustable and as long as every sandwich on the plate is the same thickness, it closes down well and saves the occasional dropsies accident I had while flipping sandwiches in the skillet. I've used butter on white bread grilled cheese, and used a Misto for olive oil spray for a herbed bread & french bread turkey paninis though I really don't think it's necessary to lube your bread.
The cons to this machine are it is small (it will only accomodate 2 sandwiches) does not have a power switch or temperature guage and is HARD TO CLEAN. The nonstick surface wipes off well but I'd really like it better if I could remove and thoroughly handwash the plates.
The cord storage is handy but in my opinion, the unit is not overly practical because it has only one function and takes up either counter or cabinet space my small kitchen just doesn't have to offer. I will keep it because it does what it's supposed to and works well to make an impressive sandwich but I am still seriously thinking about a George Forman G5 that would be so much more versatile.
Customer Review: OMG we're addicted to panini!
Summary: 5 Stars
I chose this panini grill because it had the best reviews, and I'm glad I did because it is a very well-made machine. I've been making artisan bread (yes it's AB5) and how wonderful to smear some butter on 2 slices and lay in some sliced tavern ham and swiss cheese, or smoked turkey with gruyere...corned beef and sauerkraut. The possibilities are endless. This morning we put some scrambled eggs, cheddar, and jalapenos in flour tortillas and made breakfast burritos. You can make 2 sandwiches on it simultaneously so one person's not waiting while the other one eats. But even so, it only took me 1 minute and 45 seconds to make a perfect grilled cheese so it's very fast. I'm going to pound some boneless chicken breasts flat, season them, and try to grill it for a salad topper. Also have quesadillas on the docket. I will make one complaint, though, and that is that I wish you could remove the plates to clean them. There's a plastic tool that comes with it to scrape out any stuck food from the grooves, but since I like to butter the bread, I want to clean it better than just pulling the food crumbs out. I've read some reviewer's complaints about the top heating better than the bottom, but this is not so with my unit. Also some people say when you put the lid on a very high sandwich, it pushes the contents out. Also not a problem if you are careful and close it slowly on a thicker sandwich. I like it so much that I'm going to order another one and give it to my niece. Highly recommended!Customer Review: My favorite appliance
Summary: 5 Stars
I read reviews on several panini makers including this one. I decided on a cheaper one but then chose this one when it turned out the shipping cost for the cheaper one would make it the same price as this one with free shipping. What a wonderful machine this is! My family has used it at least once a day for the two weeks we've had it. I was worried it might be too small but it fits two sandwiches fine or else one giant sandwich. This is the best tasting "fast food" I've ever had at my own house. In minutes I am making delicious wraps and sandwiches with healthy, flavorful ingredients that are just as good as my favorite bakery and coffee shop panini sandwiches. The machine has already more than paid for itself by the money I have saved by choosing to eat at home instead of going out to find a tasty sandwich. A little cheese goes a long way and helps meld the flavors you can add. It inspires me to try new things and it makes me feel like a real cook when the flavors come together in such a simple and delicious package, almost like magic. It transforms leftovers as well. It's hard to imagine this simple panini press ever breaking. I suppose we will use it like crazy until the nonstick finish on the plates wears down or becomes uncleanable. Then I will upgrade to the more expensive version that has removable washable plates. Not that I'm complaining because as a first time experience with a panini press, this one exceeds my expectations and has enriched my life!Customer Review: The Real Deal
Summary: 4 Stars
So here's the real deal:
On the up-side, the Cuisinart Griddler is reasonably priced, well made, pleasing to look at, cleans fairly easily and does exactly what I bought it to do - it does an excellent job toasting and pressing panini style sandwiches.
On the down-side, when you plug it in, it's on - there's no on/off switch - which means that in my older home, it causes a spark at the outlet when it's unplugged; except for the press bar, the exterior gets VERY hot while in use; it's small, about 6 X 11 inches, so at best you can only do two sandwiches at a time; and, while the nonstick grill plates wipe clean easily, they are not removable - you can't toss 'em into the dish washer.
The Griddler works fine for a one or two person home, but if you have a couple of hungry kids; or little ones with curious hands, or a dog that counter surfs, (remember the case gets HOT); or do a lot of entertaining - this is not the machine for you.
[This paragraph is an "up date" to my original review, (above). I have now used the Griddler once or twice a week for more than six months. Unlike several of the other reviewers, I have had no trouble with the nonstick surface flaking or peeling, nor have I had any difficulty removing melted cheese, etc., from the grill plates. I still wish the plates were removable - my lovely wife would like nothing more than to immerse them in soapy water - but what the heck....]