Choosing the right Cuisinart grill can transform your outdoor cooking from a simple barbecue into a versatile culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a large backyard party, need a compact companion for camping, or want a specialized tool for pizza and griddling, Cuisinart offers a model designed for the task. This roundup highlights eight of their best grills, each with unique strengths to suit different needs, spaces, and cooking styles.
From powerful full-sized models with expansive cooking areas to innovative portable designs and multi-functional stations, there’s a Cuisinart grill to match your ambitions. We’ve evaluated key features like BTU output, cooking space, material quality, and special functions to help you find the perfect match for your patio, tailgate, or kitchen patio. Read on to find the ideal grill to expand your outdoor menu.
8 Best Cuisinart Grills for Versatile Cooking
- Cuisinart 4-Burner Gas Grill, 44,000 BTU Stainless Steel Full Size Propane Grill
- Zemibi Cooking Grate Replacement for Cuisinart CGG-306, Stainless Steel Grill Grid
- Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Compact BBQ Grill
- Cuisinart CGG-403 Pizza Oven 3-in-1 Grill, Griddle, Stainless Steel
- Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable Propane Gas Grill with VersaStand
- Cuisinart CGG-608 Professional Griddle Cooking Station
- Cuisinart CGG-244 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill
Cuisinart 4-Burner Gas Grill, 44,000 BTU Stainless Steel Full Size Propane Grill
This full-sized grill is built for serious cooking and entertaining. With four powerful 11,000 BTU burners providing a total of 44,000 BTUs, it offers precise temperature control across its large surface. The 443 square inches of primary cooking space, plus a 167 square-inch warming rack, provide ample room for everything from burgers and steaks to vegetables and buns simultaneously.
The cast iron cooking grates are a standout feature, known for excellent heat retention and distribution. This ensures even cooking and creates those desirable sear marks on your food. Combined with durable stainless steel construction and integrated side tables for preparation, this grill is a reliable centerpiece for any backyard kitchen.
Zemibi Cooking Grate Replacement for Cuisinart CGG-306
This product is an essential replacement part for maintaining the performance of your Cuisinart CGG-306 tabletop grill. It is designed as a direct replacement for the original 306-20087 part, ensuring a perfect fit. The 265-square-inch stainless steel grate restores your grill’s cooking surface to like-new condition.
Made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, this grate is built for durability and long-term use. It provides a solid, easy-to-clean surface that performs reliably. For owners of the CGG-306 model, this is a practical solution to extend the life and functionality of their portable grill without a full replacement.
Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill
The Grillster lives up to its name as a highly portable and efficient cooking companion. Weighing only 10 pounds with a locking lid, it is exceptionally easy to transport for camping, picnics, or tailgating. Despite its compact size, it features a capable 8,000 BTU burner that can reach temperatures over 600°F for effective grilling.
It offers a 146-square-inch enameled steel cooking grate that is both spacious enough for a small meal and dishwasher safe for the ultimate in easy cleanup. The push-button ignition adds convenience, making it quick to start wherever you are. This grill proves that you don’t need to sacrifice performance for portability.
Cuisinart CGG-403 Pizza Oven 3-in-1 Grill, Griddle, Stainless Steel
This innovative appliance combines three cooking methods into one compact unit. Its primary function is as a high-temperature pizza oven, featuring a 13-inch cordierite stone that retains heat for a perfectly crisp crust. The proprietary Thermo-Flo technology uses a contoured lid to circulate heat, cooking pizzas evenly in just 6-8 minutes at temperatures over 700°F.
Beyond pizza, the unit converts into a versatile cooking station. Simply swap the stone for the included cast iron griddle plate or grill grate. This gives you 233 square inches of griddle space for breakfast or hibachi, or 260 square inches of grill space for traditional barbecuing. It’s an excellent choice for those who want restaurant-style pizza at home plus everyday grilling versatility.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
The Petit Gourmet is a classic in portable grilling, known for its balance of size and capability. As a tabletop grill, it is ideal for small patios, balconies, or taking on the go. It provides a straightforward and efficient grilling experience without complicated setup.
It typically features a solid cooking surface and a reliable burner in a compact, easy-to-store footprint. This model is perfect for singles, couples, or small families who want the flavor of gas grilling without committing to a large, permanent fixture. Its simplicity and portability make it a consistently popular choice.
Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable Propane Gas Grill with VersaStand
The CGG-750 takes portable grilling to a more substantial level with its included VersaStand. This design offers the flexibility of a tabletop grill with the added convenience of a dedicated stand, freeing you from needing to find a stable surface. It’s excellent for decks, campsites, or any outdoor space.
This grill often includes features like a generous cooking area and improved heat output for a portable unit. The integrated stand provides stability and a comfortable cooking height, making it feel more like a traditional grill while retaining the option to pack it up and move it when needed. It’s a versatile solution for those who want more than a basic tabletop model.
Cuisinart CGG-608 Professional Griddle Cooking Station
This model is dedicated to the art of griddle cooking. It provides a large, flat cooking surface perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to smash burgers, stir-fry, and fajitas. The griddle surface allows for consistent heat distribution and easy food manipulation with a spatula.
As a cooking station, it is designed for high-volume cooking and entertaining, often featuring multiple burners for zone cooking. The grease management system is a key benefit, helping to keep the cooking process clean. If you enjoy diner-style cooking or frequently cook for a group, a specialized griddle station like this can be a game-changer.
Cuisinart CGG-244 All Foods Roll-Away Gas Grill
The All Foods Roll-Away grill is designed for convenience and flexibility. Its standout feature is the roll-away cart, making it easy to move the grill around your patio or into storage. This is ideal for those who need to manage space or prefer not to have a permanent grill location.
It offers a capable cooking surface suitable for a variety of foods, from meats and vegetables to fish and more. The design focuses on making gas grilling accessible and easy to manage, combining solid performance with the practical benefit of mobility. It’s a great fit for renters or anyone with a multi-use outdoor space.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cuisinart Grill for Versatile Cooking
Choosing the right Cuisinart grill can feel overwhelming with so many models out there. I’ve found that focusing on a few key features makes the decision much easier, especially when you want a grill that can handle a wide variety of foods. The goal is to find a workhorse that feels at home whether you’re making pancakes, grilling chicken, or searing vegetables.
First, consider the cooking surface. For me, versatility starts with space and material. A larger, rectangular griddle is fantastic for cooking multiple items at once—think bacon, eggs, and hash browns for a big breakfast. Some models offer a combination grill and griddle plate, which is incredibly useful. You get raised ridges for those classic grill marks and a flat side for everything else. Non-stick coatings are essential for easy cleaning and low-fat cooking, but make sure they are high-quality and PFOA-free.
Next, look at the heat control. A single dial that controls the entire surface is common, but for true versatility, I prefer a model with dual independent controls. This lets you create two different temperature zones on the same surface. You can sear a steak on high heat on one side while keeping vegetables warm on a lower setting on the other. Consistent and even heat distribution across the entire plate is also crucial to avoid cold spots.
Portability and storage are big factors. If you plan to use it indoors on the kitchen counter, a larger, heavier unit with a built-in drip tray might be fine. For taking it outdoors, to a tailgate, or storing it in a cabinet, a more compact, lightweight design is better. Removable plates are a game-changer for cleaning and some even allow you to swap in different plate types like waffle makers.
Finally, think about power and ease of use. Electric grills are the most common for indoor/outdoor use and simply need an outlet. Check the wattage; higher wattage usually means faster pre-heating and better recovery time when you add cold food. Features like an adjustable thermostat, a ready indicator light, and a dishwasher-safe cooking plate might seem small, but they make the cooking process smoother every single time. By weighing these factors—surface type, heat control, size, and power—you can find the best Cuisinart grill for versatile cooking that fits exactly how you like to make food.
FAQ
Are Cuisinart grills suitable for indoor use?
Yes, absolutely. Many Cuisinart grills are specifically designed for indoor use on a kitchen countertop. They are electric, smokeless, and feature drip trays to catch grease. Always check the product description to confirm it’s intended for indoor use, and ensure you have proper ventilation, like using your range hood fan.
Can I use my Cuisinart grill for things other than meat?
Definitely. This is where these grills shine. The flat griddle side is perfect for pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese, hash browns, and even stir-fried vegetables. You can cook an entire breakfast or a variety of sides for dinner. A model with a removable plate makes it easy to switch between cooking styles.
How do I clean my Cuisinart grill?
Cleaning is generally straightforward. For models with removable, non-stick plates, I let the grill cool completely, then pop the plates out and wash them in warm, soapy water. Many are dishwasher safe. For the base unit, just wipe it down with a damp cloth. Never immerse the main body in water. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for the best instructions.
What’s the difference between a contact grill and an open grill?
A contact grill, like a panini press, has a hinged top that closes down on the food, cooking from both sides at once. An open grill has a single cooking surface, like a traditional griddle or stovetop grill pan. For the most versatility in your kitchen, I often recommend an open grill with a large, flat surface, as it gives you more control and space to cook different items simultaneously.
Do I need to season my Cuisinart grill’s plates?
Typically, no. Most Cuisinart grills come with a durable non-stick coating that does not require seasoning like cast iron. Using a little oil or butter in your cooking can help with flavor and browning, but it’s not necessary to create a seasoning layer. Just avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the surface.
What should I look for to find the best Cuisinart grill for versatile cooking?
Focus on a model that offers a combination of a grill and griddle surface, either on one reversible plate or on separate plates. Dual independent temperature controls are a huge plus for cooking different foods at once. Also, consider the total cooking area to ensure it fits your family’s size and your entertaining needs. A removable, dishwasher-safe plate is a major convenience feature that I always look for.