Cuisinart Grills Griddler® Elite

Wow! I wanted to use the Griddler Elite a few times prior to giving my review. The Griddler Elite replaced a Forman grill that never lived up to its hype. What a difference the Griddler Elite makes in my kitchen. It is easy to use right out of the box. The plates are heavy due to the heating element being inside. But they are easy to install, flip over and wash. They are dishwasher save ONLY in the top rack. In my dishwasher it makes it difficult to wash them in, if I can only use the top rack. Having said that, they are easy enough to wash in the sink. Grilled chicken debris came right off with a soft rag. Also, burger detritus came right off even after being left on overnight! The scraper that comes with also helps in the cleaning. I love that the drip tray snaps in the back of the unit making it secure. It comes out easily and washes right up. The drip tray works wonderfully when the unit is closed and also when the unit is open. This was a major complaint with the Forman. Being able to individually control each plate (upper and lower) is a game changer! The temperature gauge on the front lets me know when the plates are at temperature with a soft beep as well as being able to easily read it on the front of the unit in digital form. By the way, there is a built in timer on the front as well. The side support allows you to keep the top plate from squishing your grilled sandwiches. It raises easily to make sliders or panini sandwiches. Here there is a little finesse with the top plate but it is not difficult. The Griddler Elite opens easily to a flat position which allows you to use it as an open grill. With the plates being so easy to switch you can use the flat side or the grill side. Steak or pancakes! You decide. Clean up of the unit itself was a breeze! Having cooked sandwiches, sliders, chicken and more I can’t believe how little (if at all) the outside area of the grill gets greasy or dirty. What little there was just wiped off with a clean towel. Again, this was a sticking point for the Forman for me. Having said all that, the Griddler Elite is well worth the money! I have only one small sticking point. The stationary handle JUST fits under my top cabinets on my countertop. I have to scoot the unit out a tiny bit to make sure I can open it fully. Otherwise this is a perfect addition to my kitchen!