Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-in-1 Grilling, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, GR-4NNAS, Stainless Steel
Quick take
The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4NNAS is a countertop 5-in-1 grill, griddle, and sandwich press designed for everything from panini and grilled cheese to breakfast favorites like eggs and bacon. Dual temperature controls and reversible nonstick plates make it flexible, but buyers should expect that nonstick performance often improves with a light coating of cooking spray or butter for foods that tend to stick.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Five cooking modes: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle.
- Dual temperature controls, including a “warm” to “sear” range for grill and panini mode.
- Reversible nonstick plates plus a removable drip tray for easier cleanup.
- Dishwasher-safe plates and a included cleaning/scraping tool to help manage residue.
Cons
- Nonstick cooking may still require a light coating of spray or butter for stickier items.
- Heat recovery and preheat behavior may vary once food is added, so expect a little learning time.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a strong “works as advertised” experience for everyday grilling and sandwich pressing, especially for panini-style meals and griddle foods. Many users highlight temperature adjustment as a key reason they like the results, and a recurring theme is that it can be easier than stovetop grilling to switch between griddle and grill-style cooking. Cleanup is also mentioned positively, with the removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe plates making maintenance simpler.
On the downside, review themes suggest that getting consistently nonstick results may depend on using a small amount of cooking spray or butter for certain foods. There is also some mention of how the unit handles temperature after you place food on the plates, with users noting that it can take a bit of practice to time cooking to their preferred doneness.
How the 5-in-1 design fits real meal prep
The biggest reason shoppers look at the Griddler category is flexibility, and this model is built around that idea. With reversible grill/griddle plates and multiple operating modes, it can function like a contact press for sandwiches, or like a true indoor grill or griddle for larger or more spread-out cooking.
- Contact grill and panini press: Useful when you want browning on both sides and a pressed sandwich with a more even cook.
- Full grill or full griddle: Better for when you want the texture of ridges (grill) or more uniform surface cooking (griddle).
- Half grill/half griddle: Helpful if you like cooking items with different surface needs at the same time.
Temperature control: what it means for cooking outcomes
This unit includes two temperature-control approaches depending on mode. In grill/panini mode, the adjustment range goes from “warm” up to “sear,” and in griddle mode the temperature range runs from 200°F to 425°F. In practice, that translates to being able to dial for quick warming, more gentle cooking, or higher heat for browning.
Buyers also describe a learning curve around preheat and temperature recovery. The general pattern is that the indicator light helps you know when it reaches target temperature, but once you add food the plates may cool slightly and then recover, so timing may be slightly different from one meal type to another.
Cleaning and maintenance, simplified
One practical advantage for frequent use is that cleanup is designed to be straightforward. The plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, and you get a removable drip tray plus a cleaning/scraping tool to help deal with cooked-on residue. If you plan to use the Griddler for everything from breakfast to quick lunch sandwiches, those features can make it easier to keep up with daily mess.
Nonstick plates: where buyers see the best results
The cooking plates are nonstick, which helps with food release and reduces cleanup time. Still, review evidence suggests performance can be improved with a light coating of spray or butter, particularly for foods that are known to stick (like eggs or certain sandwich ingredients). That means the “nonstick” experience tends to be best when you treat the plates like a cooking surface you lightly lubricate rather than expecting zero-stick results for every food.
Who should buy this indoor grill and panini press
- You want one appliance for multiple cooking styles. If you want panini and grilled sandwiches plus griddle-style breakfasts, this format is built for that.
- You like dialing in heat. The warm-to-sear capability and griddle temperature range make it easier to match heat to what you’re cooking.
- You’d rather clean plates than scrape pans. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates and a drip tray can reduce time spent on cleanup.
- You’re okay with a short learning period. If you can spend a couple of cooks figuring out timing and light lubrication, the results can be consistent.
Who should skip it
- You expect “no oil required” nonstick cooking for everything. For some foods, you will likely still want cooking spray or butter.
- You want very compact storage. This is a countertop appliance with a larger footprint than a basic sandwich press.
Verdict
The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4NNAS is a versatile indoor cooking appliance that earns its place by covering multiple modes, offering meaningful temperature adjustment, and keeping cleanup fairly manageable. If you want an indoor grill and panini press that can also pull double duty as a griddle, and you’re willing to use a light coating for best nonstick performance, it’s a practical choice for everyday sandwiches and breakfast-style meals.
FAQ
Is the Cuisinart Griddler good for panini and grilled cheese?
Yes. Its contact grill and panini press modes are designed for press-and-brown sandwiches, and the adjustable heat range in grill/panini mode makes it easier to match doneness to different fillings and bread types.
Does the Griddler need cooking spray or butter?
For best nonstick results, many users recommend a light coating of cooking spray or butter, especially for foods that tend to stick (for example eggs or certain sandwich ingredients).
How hot does it get in griddle mode?
In griddle mode, the temperature control range is 200°F to 425°F.
How do you clean it?
The cooking plates are removable and dishwasher-safe. It also includes a removable drip tray, plus a cleaning/scraping tool to help remove residue.
What makes this a 5-in-1 grill?
It supports multiple cooking styles including contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle, using reversible plates and mode settings.
Is it heavy?
It weighs about 11.5 pounds, so it is sturdier than very lightweight sandwich presses, but still meant for countertop use rather than frequent carrying.
Specifications
| Product Title | Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-in-1 Grilling, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, GR-4NNAS, Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Small Appliances > Specialty Appliances > Sandwich Makers & Panini Presses |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Color | Brushed Stainless |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 11.5 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5"D x 11.5"W x 7.12"H |
| Brand Name | Cuisinart |
| Included Components | Instruction Manual |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 10086279245370 |
| UPC | 086279245373 |
| Part Number | GR-4NNAS |
| Item Type Name | Griddler |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Reversible Grill Griddle Plates, Temperature Control |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 13.5"D x 11.5"W x 7.12"H |
| Product Style | New Version - Griddler |
| Special Feature | Reversible Grill Griddle Plates, Temperature Control |
| Style | New Version - Griddler |
| Number of Items | 1 |
Available variants
Style
- Griddler
- New Version - Griddler
Recommended next
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Egg Cooker Ring, Customize Ingredients, Perfect for English Muffins, Croissants, Mini Waffles, Silver (25475)
The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker is a compact, manual sandwich press designed to cook an egg-centered breakfast in about 5 minutes using a built-in egg cooker ring. It is easiest to use when you prep precooked meat and assemble quickly, and it stands out for quick heat-up, simple cleanup, and nonstick, PFAS-free removable parts.
Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Timer, Ready in 5 Minutes, Removable Dishwasher Safe PFAS-Free Non-Stick Egg Cooker Ring, Silver (25490MNA)
Hamilton Beach’s dual breakfast sandwich maker is designed for fast, repeatable egg-and-muffin-style sandwiches with a built-in countdown timer and removable parts for easier cleanup. It’s a strong fit for busy mornings or small households, but results depend on ingredient choices (especially cooked meats and not overloading the top).
Hamilton Beach Panini Press Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill with Locking Lid, Opens Wide to Fit Any Thickness for Quesadillas, Burgers & More, Nonstick 8" x 10" Grids, Chrome (25460MNA)
A straightforward panini press and indoor grill that heats up quickly, presses evenly with a floating lid, and delivers crisp, toasted sandwiches without flipping. The main tradeoff is safety and control, since the lid runs very hot and there is no advanced temperature control, so it needs attentive use.
Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel, GR-150NAS
The Cuisinart GR-150NAS is a versatile electric contact grill and griddle that can function as a panini press, full grill/griddle, half-and-half setup, and a top-melt style cooker. With dual-zone temperature control, removable reversible nonstick plates, and a large cooking area, it’s a strong pick for everyday sandwiches, grilled meats, and breakfast-style cooking, with a main tradeoff of slower preheat and less ideal results for pizza.