Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode
Quick take
The Cuisinart GR-6S is an indoor contact griddler that aims to cut down cooking smoke while still giving grill-style results. It’s designed for small households and weeknight meals, with adjustable temperatures, a sear function, and separate upper and lower plate control for more even results. The key caveat: “smoke-less” mode can reduce smoke but does not eliminate it, and the controls may take a little learning.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Smoke-less mode includes food presets (beef, poultry, fish, pork) and a temperature automation approach for simpler cooking
- DuoControl heating advantage provides independent temperature control for the upper and lower plates
- Adjustable temperature range (175–425°F) plus a sear function for grilling and faster browning
- Removable, reversible nonstick plates with removable drip tray, designed for easy cleanup (dishwasher safe plates)
- Versatile plate setup supports multiple cooking styles (contact grill, panini press, and full or half grill/griddle)
Cons
- Smoke reduction is partial, some smoke still occurs, so expectations should be “less,” not “zero”
- Some buyers report a learning curve with the operating system and dialing in settings at first
- Plates need to be seated correctly, and they may not click fully into place after cleaning or storage if not pushed in
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is generally positive about performance and convenience. Many owners describe the unit as easy to use once they understand the controls, producing fast, well-cooked results for burgers, steak, chicken, and panini-style sandwiches. Clean up is commonly described as straightforward, helped by the removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe nonstick plates. Several buyers also like the griddler’s size and flexibility for everyday cooking, including the floating top for more even contact cooking. The main recurring themes are that “smoke-less” does not eliminate smoke and that the control system can feel unintuitive at the start.
Features that matter for everyday cooking
Smoke-less mode with preset food groups
This model includes a Smoke-less Mode with preset cooking options aimed at reducing smoke during indoor cooking. Instead of dialing every detail, you can choose a meat category (beef, poultry, fish, pork) and let the appliance manage the temperature accordingly. That can be helpful when you want consistent results without constantly adjusting heat.
Just keep expectations realistic. Owners still report smoke, but typically describe the special mode as reducing it compared with standard grilling.
Adjustable heat, sear function, and DuoControl heating
Where this griddler stands out for control is DuoControl heating advantage, which lets the upper and lower plates run at independent temperatures. That matters if you want more flexibility for thicker cuts, different doneness levels, or just better control over how the top and bottom cook.
It also offers adjustable temperatures from 175 to 425°F, plus a sear function for stronger browning when you want a more “grill-like” finish.
Cooking modes that cover both pressed sandwiches and griddle meals
The GR-6S supports multiple cooking styles, including contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. It also includes a fold-out front foot extension and an additional top plate position for grease drainage, which can be useful when cooking fattier foods or when you prefer cooking with the griddle more open.
Nonstick plates and fast cleanup
Owners tend to like how easy the plates and drip tray are to manage. The removable drip tray helps keep mess under control, and the nonstick plates are removable and dishwasher safe. If you regularly cook messy foods like burgers, bacon, or juicy chicken, this is one of the more practical features for repeat use.
Pros and cons for the right buyer
Best for
- People who want an indoor alternative to outdoor grilling (especially in colder months or when outdoor grilling is inconvenient)
- Small households that benefit from a compact, countertop griddler for burgers, steak, chicken, and paninis
- Buyers who like temperature flexibility and want independent top and bottom plate control
- Anyone who values easy cleanup and uses the appliance multiple times per week
Who should avoid it
- Shoppers who expect truly “smokeless” operation, the appliance is designed to reduce smoke but not remove it entirely
- People who strongly prefer the simplest possible controls and would rather avoid a brief learning period
- Users who are likely to skip plate seating checks after cleaning or storage, since plates should be fully clicked into place
How to decide if it’s worth it
If your main goal is indoor grill flavor with less smoke, the GR-6S aligns well with that. The combination of Smoke-less Mode, adjustable temperatures, sear function, and DuoControl heating gives you both “preset convenience” and “manual control” options.
That said, the value depends on your tolerance for smoke and your willingness to learn the controls. If you can accept “less smoke” and take a few cooks to get comfortable with settings, this griddler can be a convenient workhorse for weeknight meals and weekend sandwich sessions.
Verdict
The Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode is a solid indoor contact grill and griddle choice for people who want faster, consistent grilled results at home with reduced smoke. It offers meaningful temperature control (including independent top and bottom heat) and practical cleanup. Just go in expecting some smoke and plan for a short learning curve before you’re cooking with confidence.
Price and availability
Current pricing and stock levels can change frequently. Check the latest option here to confirm price and availability before you buy: Buy on Amazon.
FAQ
Does the Smoke-less Mode eliminate smoke?
No. The Smoke-less Mode is designed to reduce smoke compared with standard grilling, but smoke can still occur during cooking.
What foods can you cook with the Smoke-less Mode presets?
Smoke-less Mode includes preset food groups for beef, poultry, fish, and pork.
Does this griddler let you control the top and bottom temperatures separately?
Yes. DuoControl heating advantage provides independent temperature control for the upper and lower plates.
What temperature range does it offer?
It supports adjustable temperatures from 175°F to 425°F, plus a sear function.
Are the plates easy to clean?
The plates are removable and are dishwasher safe. The appliance also includes a removable drip tray for easier cleanup.
Is it good for panini and contact grilling?
Yes. It’s designed for contact grilling and panini pressing, while also supporting griddle-style cooking with different plate configurations.
Specifications
| Product Title | Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Small Appliances > Specialty Appliances > Sandwich Makers & Panini Presses |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Color | Smokeless Griddler |
| Material | Plastic,Stainless Steel,Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 12.8 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 10.5"D x 11.5"W x 7"H |
| Brand Name | Cuisinart |
| Included Components | 2 Cooking Plates, Griddler |
| Warranty Description | Limited 3-Year Warranty |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 10086279217766 |
| UPC | 086279217769 |
| Part Number | GR-6S |
| Item Type Name | Electric Griddler |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Adjustable Temperature, DuoControl™ Heating Advantage, LCD Display and Digital Controls, Removable and Reversible Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 10.5"D x 11.5"W x 7"H |
| Product Style | Griddler |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Special Feature | Adjustable Temperature, DuoControl™ Heating Advantage, LCD Display and Digital Controls, Removable and Reversible Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates Adjustable Temperature, DuoControl™ Heating Advantage, LCD Display and Digital Controls, Removable and Reversible Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates See more |
| Style | Griddler |
Available variants
Style
- Griddler
- New Version - Griddler
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