Cuisinart Griddler Elite Review

Five configurations: closed panini press (use both plates as a press for sandwiches), open flat griddle (both plates flat, open 180°, full flat cooking surface, approximately 400 sq in total), open grill (both plates with grill ridges up, open 180°), half-grill half-griddle (one flat plate, one ridged plate on different halves), and vertical storage (folded closed, stands upright). The most-used configuration for griddle purposes: open flat, where both flat sides face up and the full 400 sq in surface is available.

The top and bottom plates are cast aluminum with non-stick coating. They are rated dishwasher safe and survive repeated dishwasher cycles without significant non-stick degradation, as long as the dishwasher is not excessively hot (standard residential dishwasher cycles are fine). After 50+ dishwasher cycles: the non-stick performance remains comparable to new. This is the primary advantage over the Blackstone, which requires manual wiping after each use.

Yes, in the full-open flat configuration. Both plates lie flat and the unit reaches approximately 400°F at maximum setting. For 2 to 4 smash burger patties simultaneously: adequate. The 400 sq in total surface (both plates combined in open configuration) fits 6 to 8 patties. The lid cannot close on a smash burger for cheese melting, use a separate dome lid or a piece of foil placed over the cheese. For smash burger households that want the easiest cleanup: the Griddler is the best option. For maximum surface area and dual-zone: the Blackstone 28-inch.