Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe vs. Elite, What’s The Difference Between Them?

If you ask me, a griddle is a must-have appliance in any modern kitchen. It’s such a versatile appliance that allows you to prepare a wide variety of food and meals without much of a hassle.

In this post, we’re looking at top griddles by Cuisinart. These 6-in-1 griddles have the most wanted functions for preparing delicious meals. The models we’re reviewing and comparing here are the Cuisinart Deluxe and Cuisinart Elite.

Features of the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe:

Cuisinart Griddle Deluxe
  • 6-in-1 function: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, grill and griddle, and top-melt.
  • Non-stick plates are all removable and reversible.
  • Dual-zone temperature control, top plate can be set to a temperature different than the bottom.
  • Top plate can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different heights of food.
  • Searing function: sear at up to 500F for up to two minutes at a time.
  • Integrated drip tray fully removable and dishwasher safe.
  • Elegant brushed stainless steel housing.

Click here to learn more about the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of the Cuisinart Griddler Elite:

Cuisinart Griddle Elite
  • 6-in-1 functions: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, grill and griddle, and top-melt.
  • Dual-zone temperature.
  • Back-lit Digital display shows you the exact temperature of each plate.
  • Timer function with auto shut-off.
  • Non-stick, reversible plates.
  • Searing function at up to 500F.
  • Height adjustable top-plate.
  • Removable drip tray.
  • Brushed stainless steel housing.

Click here to learn more about the Cuisinart Griddler Elite, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is The Difference Between The Cuisinart Griddler Elite vs. Deluxe?

Functions wise, the two models are identical in what they do. There are two upgrades to the Elite model:

  • It has a digital display that shows you what temperature degree the plates are at.
  • It has a timer with auto-shut off.
  • Other than those features, the Deluxe and Elite are the same in function and will give you the same grill/griddle space.

Do The Cuisinart Griddler Elite or Deluxe Have Waffle Plates?

The Cuisinart Deluxe and Elite have reversible plates that go from grill to griddle surface. Unfortunately, they do NOT have waffle plates. If you want the option of waffle plates, the Cuisinart 5-in-1 is worth looking at, however, it’s less in features compared to them.

Can You Cook Steak on a Cuisinart Griddler?

Yes, of course. You can cook any type of meat, poultry or fish on it.

Is the Cuisinart Griddler Smokeless?

No, neither the deluxe or elite model are considered to be smokeless grills. Being indoor electric griddles, they do not generate as much smoke as an outdoor grill.

How Many Watts Are Cuisinart’s Griddlers?

Both the Deluxe and Elite are 1800watts of power.

What Is The Best Cuisinart Griddler To Buy?

Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions, LCD Display, Wide Temperature Range and Sear Function, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions, LCD Display, Wide Temperature Range and Sear Function, Stainless Steel
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Digital Display
Reverisble Plates
Watts
1800 watts
1800 watts
1500 watts
Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler, Stainless Steel
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Digital Display
Reverisble Plates
Watts
1800 watts
Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Digital Display
Reverisble Plates
Watts
1800 watts
Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions, LCD Display, Wide Temperature Range and Sear Function, Stainless Steel
Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions, LCD Display, Wide Temperature Range and Sear Function, Stainless Steel
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Digital Display
Reverisble Plates
Watts
1500 watts

The Deluxe and Elite model happen to be Cuisinart’s highest rated griddles. As you’ve seen, they pack a whole lot of features with the difference of an LCD display between them.

Alternatively, a more budget-friendly option would be the Cuisinart Electric Griddler (GR-5BP1 / GR-5B – both these models numbers refer to the same products. This one would be a good pick for someone who has the LCD display higher on their list. It also has removable/reversible nonstick plates and can perform 5 functions: Contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle and half grill/half griddle.

The one thing missing from the model is dual zone temperature control. So both sides of the griddle will operate at the same temperature, unlike the Deluxe and Elite models which top/bottom plates can operate at different temperatures.

Cuisinart Griddler Comparisons

Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe vs. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddle:

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
  • SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Cuisinart’s 5-1 griddler is a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle and half grill/half griddle
  • EASY TO USE: The griddler plates (11-inch x 9-inch) are removable, reversible and are dishwasher safe nonstick cooking plates, the plates also act as a drain for the grease for cooking more healthy. The integrated drip tray collects grease and is easy to store
  • ALSO INCLUDED: Red/green indicator lights for easy operation, dishwasher-safe scraping tool for easy clean up and an instruction manual with gourmet recipes for you to enjoy
  • CUSTOM CONTROL: Sturdy panini-style handle with hinged floating cover adjusts to thickness of food, selector knob choose grill or griddle function and the adjustable temperature controls for grill or griddle
  • LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
  • The Cuisinart 5-in1 Griddler has been a favorite for a long time. It is compact in size and is able to perform many functions: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle and half grill/half griddle. (No top-melt function).
  • It is smaller in size than the Deluxe, giving you a 200-square inch space rather than 240-square inch that the Deluxe has.
  • Unlike the Griddler Deluxe, it doesn’t have dual-zone temperature function.
  • In addition to reversible plates, the 5-in-1 griddler has waffle plates that you can buy separately or get as a bundle. The Griddle Deluxe does not have this type of plate.

Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe vs. T-fal Opti-grill, What’s The Difference?

T-fal OptiGrill Stainless Steel Electric Grill 4 Servings 6 Automatic Cooking Modes, Intelligent grilling rare to well-done 1800 Watts Nonstick Removable Plates, Dishwasher Safe, Indoor, Silver
  • Elevate your indoor cooking: take your indoor grilling experience to the next level with the T-Fal OptiGrill, the first electric grill that cooks by adapting its grilling cycles to the thickness of the foods with no thermoter probe.
  • Simplified culinary excellence: our smokeless electric grill offers 6 Intelligent Automatic Cooking Modes, ensuring consistent, delicious results.
  • From burgers to kebabs, it handles it all effortlessly.
  • Rapid heating powerhouse: with an impressive 1800 Watts, this electric grill heats up swiftly and cooks your favorites evenly. Say goodbye to long waiting times and unevenly grilled dishes.
  • Effortless cleanup: the Nonstick Removable Plates are dishwasher safe, simplifying post-grill cleanup. Spend more time enjoying your indoor cooking and less on the chores.

We have compared the Cuisinart Griddle and T-Fal OptiGrill in a previous post which you can read here. While the Cuisinart Griddle is a multi-function griddle, the T-fal Opti-Grill is an indoor electric grill and it operates differently than the Cuisinart Griddle.

  • The T-fal has 6 cooking settings: burgers, poultry, sandwiches, sausage and pork, red meat and fish.
  • The grill is able to automatically adjust the heat to the type of food you’re grilling.
  • An indicator shows you the exact doneness level of your food, from rare to well-done, so you get the exact results you want.
  • It also has two cooking modes: one for frozen food so it first defrosts it then cooks it. The other is a manual setting to allow you to go beyond the pre-sets.

The T-fal Opti-grill is an impressive indoor grill and is best for someone who is looking for a full function grill instead of a griddle/grill combo like the Cuisinart.

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