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: Great Little Panini Maker
Summary: 4 Stars
My friend came over with her Panini Maker and we made Paninis for lunch one day. I HAD to have one so I got on-line and researched Panini Makers. After reading reviews, I ended up purchasing the Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press. Although it was a little smaller than I had pictured and it did not have an adjustable hinge like my friend's, more expensive, Panini Maker, it made a Great Panini. Even without the adjustable hinge, I have not had any trouble making various size Paninis. The Panini Maker heats up in, I would say, less than 5 minutes and the green light indicates that it is ready and the Paninis are done in two minutes or so. I have made fresh mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil Paninis, turkey, Swiss cheese, avocado and bacon Paninis and simple grilled cheese. At first I used margarine on the outside of the breads but last time I brushed on olive oil with garlic powder. Those were the best! I believe that the instructions say that you don't have to use any oils at all if you don't want to. Clean up, so far, has been fairly easy. I just wipe it with a wet dish cloth. I do have to run the wet dish cloth through each of the groves to get everything out but nothing sticks to it. What else can I say? It is a great little product for under $50.00 and you will use it a lot! I only gave it four stars because there are bigger, better one (with the adjustable hinge) but they are probably twice the price.Customer Review: Overall a great press, with one minor annoyance
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been using the GR-1 panini/sandwich press for about a month now and am overall extremely pleased with the results, especially at its low price point. The elements heat up rather quickly in about 5 minutes and there is an indicator light that turns from red to green as soon as the press is ready. I notice many reviewers complain about the lack of an on/off switch on this press; I do not find this to be a concern at all, it's pretty simple to just unplug it when you're finished using it. The main drawback I find with this maker, however, is the fact that the top element seems to cook a bit faster/darker than the bottom element, as if it reaches a higher temperature. I'm not sure if this was part of the design with the logic that the top of the sandwich wouldn't be pressed as hard against the griddle, but it is a minor annoyance for me and I do occasionally find myself letting the sandwich sit on the bottom griddle with the top open to even out the cooking. Even with this minor annoyance, however, the sandwiches come out absolutely delicious and it heats everything very thoroughly to the point that fresh vegetables such as finely chopped peppers and onions topped with a bit of olive oil actually cook quite nicely inside the sandwich after about 6 minutes on the press. Highly recommended overall.Customer Review: Exactly what I wanted!!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had the most delicious panini at a local sandwich shop, and it inspired me to get my own panini maker. My mom has long been a Cuisinart fan, and most of my major appliances are Cuisinart. I am not disappointed in this product!
I've already made several panini in this grill and each one has come out gooey, crispy and fabulous! I've made both thick and thin sandwiches, with amazing results with each. I also really love the grill marks and they make the panini seem more authentic. I used ciabatta rolls and this grill squashed them down into restaurant-quality panini. Some reviews stated that the grill browned the top more than the bottom, but I have not found that to be the case. Some reviews also stated that the appliance is difficult to clean, but again, I have not had that problem. I think the best way to go about cleaning it is to not let the grease/grime build up. If you clean it regularly, you will not have a problem.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone interested in making fantastic, delicious panini at home. In my opinion, this machine is worth twice the money I spent on it and I look forward to making creative, gooey, crispy sandwiches for years to come!!! I cannot say enough about this amazing grill! Enjoy!!!
Customer Review: Not my favorite appliance
Summary: 2 Stars
I was given this sandwich press as a gift. Honestly, I feel it is just another specialty appliance to take up storage in my kitchen. If I could open it up all the way so that I get more surface area than my skillet - and have it double as a griddle, that would make it more worth having for me. But other than toasting/pressing a sandwich, I would use my skillet for any of the other uses it suggests because I can adjust the temperature on my range. I wish the sandwich press temperature was adjustable.
The lid adjusting to different sandwich thicknesses is nice. Although I do have trouble with sandwiches with anything slippery inside, like a slice of avacado or cream cheese, because the sandwich tends to slide apart under the weight of the lid and make a mess. My husband wishes it had ridges so we could get the grill mark affect without firing up the grill.
It is attractive and does seem well made. The power cord wraps up neatly, the inside is easy to clean. I can see where this would be a cool gift for someone who has a huge kitchen and loves lots of different one-task gadgets. But for me, its not something I would buy, even at the cheaper amazon price, because it is not really practical or very useful to me on a daily basis.
Customer Review: A surprise hit in our house
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this thinking it would get occasional use, but have been very surprised by the near daily use it gets. My whole family uses it all the time. It just makes sandwiches so much better tasting.
We do not use it in the normal way exactly. Instead, we use whole wheat bread (like Miltons) and no oil or butter on the outside. The most common ingredients are thinnest sliced turkey or ham, Swiss or Havarti cheese, some mustard, and sliced tomato. The flavor is so different than the same sandwich with toasted bread. Something about the way the grill cuts into the bread, heats the ingredients, and melts the cheese.
We also make quick quesadillas with it (using whole wheat tortillas as well - very tasty). It heats fast, and the ingredients cook evenly (given that the plates adjust to the size based on the cantilevering).
One nice thing is that my 9 year old can safely use it. Even though it is hot, it somehow seems easy enough for him to use without risk of getting burnt (more like a toaster than the stove). Of course, the easy cleanup is a huge plus.
I have not found any issue with having to unplug vs. an on-off switch, but you should be aware of that if you have hard to reach plugs. The cord is a reasonable length by the way.