Even though I like the grill generally, it fell short of my expectations.
I ordered this grill and the one that I received had a faulty catch for the swivel top plate. I returned that one for an exchange for a similar grill.
The second grill did not have the faulty swivel catch.
However, since I was able to use the second grill it became very clear to me that this grill would not work for me either.
I have been using a grill similar to this one by a competitor and was disappointed with its ability to direct grease drippings into the drip pan and I decided to try the Cuisinart panini grill.
The Cuisinart panini grill fell short as well in the grease catch function of the grill as well so I returned this grill as well.
It is clear to me that all that would be necessary to fix this issue would be to redesign the plates with ribs that direct the grease drippings toward the slots that pour into the catch pan.
Anyway, the grill performed well otherwise.
Written by a customer while visiting cuisinart.com
I bought an earlier version of this about 8 to 10 years ago, and while I liked it, there was no adjustable temperature control, and the tray for catching juices was small. I loved the fact that it seared meats nicely and drained the fat off. The new one is really improved and I've used it several times for cooking steak or chicken, and shish kebabs too. I'm not one to open the thing out to use for pancakes, etc; I just don't eat them. But as a countertop grill, it's excellent. Easy to clean, also, better than the previous. 1000% better than the first ones, for example the George Forman grill; you couldn't take the plates out to clean them, and it was either on or off! And the drip tray was a kind of plastic canoe that sat in front of it. Lol.
Written by a customer while visiting cuisinart.com
So far have just used as a grill with chicken and hamburger. Works great. Only thing I wish it had is away to lock lid down when storing. Easy to clean,
Written by a customer while visiting cuisinart.com
This griddle is easy to use and even easier to clean, which I love. Cooks very evenly. The drippings/grease all run off into the well hidden and out of the way drip pan. The drip pan does not move or shift during cooking as it is firmly attached. On my last grill it just slid under the front and was always moving. It has a nice flat cooking surface (my previous grill sat at an angle to facilitate the drippings) so items like hot dogs get a really good even cook. Since the lid is adjustable I get even cooking no matter how thick or thin my meat is. I truly love and recommend this griddle/grill/panini maker!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting cuisinart.com