awesome little griddle/sandwich machine
933392
awesome little griddle/sandwich machine. Perfect for ham & cheese, grilled cheese, haven't tried it for anything else yet. But I really do like it. I bought 2.
3530928
Now I've prepared a few things on this thing since it first came in about a week ago and I am pretty impressed. As someone who has always primarily either baked/pan-fried meat and other foods, I have to say that this griddle makes a huge difference in the quality and texture of your meals. Its really easy to clean and take care of, just follow the instructions that come with the product or easily go online for help.
4666850
On a week-long golf trip to California, four of us stayed at my sister's home and used this griddle every morning to make breakfast. She has a nice six-burner gas cooktop, similar to the one I have, and this griddle heats up amazing fast and very evenly. The non-stick coating works great plus stuff really gets nice and crispy on it unlike some non-stick surfaces. We used and abused this pan, making pancakes, eggs a number of ways, grilled cheese sandwiches, many slices of bacon, and it performed flawlessly. Easy to clean up, fast to heat up, food turns out great. I'll probably be buying one for our kitchen soon.
1107044
This is the king of portable griddles.  We got this to replace a cheap Walmart model we picked up a few years ago.  Its nice and big, perfect for a family breakfast meal.  I also plan to cook meats and other items on it.  It feels very sturdy and well made, basic design but its effective and perfect for what we need.  I will keep an eye on its performance over time and update this review as necessary.  It seems to heat evenly, nice hot temps.  Although the description on the amazon website says it will go to 425, the dial on the heating element only goes to 400.  Everything is easy to assemble, disassemble and wash.  Couldn't be happier so far.
3980140
The Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press  is everything I'd hoped it be!

It is simple to use, effective and a great addition to the kitchen!
1686279
This has been wonderful in our RV. The double sandwich maker is perfect for the two of us. I have learned to use it with a variety of breads and foods. I don't think I could do without it and plan to buy another to use in the house. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner "fast" meals. I fix bacon in the microwave, it cooks the egg, melts the cheese on bagels, English muffins, hamburger buns and other round breads. If I had one with squares I would make sandwiches like grilled cheese and ham. It can even cook a round omelet!
4635558
Bottom-Line: The "Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini Sandwich Press" is a keeper with its floating hinge and even cooking surface.

Modern American life leaves those with families precious little time to function like the families of yesteryear.  Between the job commutes, working out, kids, chores, and other pressures, there is little time to cook a decent dinner.  I do the majority of cooking in our household and it is something I enjoy, but it is increasingly hard to accomplish because of my ever demanding schedule.  So, there are times when quick and easy is the name of the game.  But the meal also has to be delicious.

Recently I asked my spouse what I she would like for Saturday dinner wherein we traditionally have something quick and fun.  She said we should try Panini sandwich's made with our George Foreman grill; only problem: we no longer have a George Foreman grill.  So I improvised.  The resulting sandwiches were tasty but not exactly Panini's from the Corner Bakery, or Panara Bread.

So we decided purchase a stand-a-lone Panini sandwich press.  Problem: which one?  I decided on the "Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini Sandwich Press"; it came very high recommended on Amazon.com.

The "Cuisinart Griddler GR1" Panini & Sandwich Press makes everything from popular (Italian) Panini sandwiches to my favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches, to Quesadilla wraps. "Cuisinart Griddler GR1" is designed like professional units one might find in a local restaurant.  The unit is designed with a floating hinge that adjusts to sandwich thickness to perfectly grill thin or thick Panini and sandwiches. A preset temperature ensures the unit always grills restaurant-quality sandwiches--always crisp and golden brown.

The 11" x 7" non-stick, brushed stainless steel unit is smaller than I thought it would be but it fits neatly on the counter and stores easily enough.  The lid has a single LED on the lid the illuminates red when pre-warming the unit, and green when the unit is ready to grill. A handle on the lid makes it easy to raise and lower the lid, and easy as well to press down on the sandwiches.

Use

The first Panini sandwiches off the "Cuisinart Griddler GR1" were perfection; crispy on the outside, yet warm on the inside, just the way a Panini should be. And did I mention to perfect uniform stripes?

I usually use cooking spray on both cooking surfaces, but butter can lend to the taste and crispiness of the bread.  One does not have use special bread like sourdough with the "Cuisinart Griddler GR1" we usually pull out whatever is in the refrigerator at the time.  Each sandwich has turned out perfect every time.  There is no set time the sandwich should stay on the surface; you'll have to eye-ball it; when the cheese starts to melt, they're ready to come off.  Sandwiches can be removed with an included plastic spatula.

Cleaning

Because of the non-stick surface clean-up is usually a breeze.  Dried on cheese will usually come off easily enough after the unit has cooled down.  I usually clean the unit with warm soapy water.  The brushed stainless steel exterior can be wiped clean with Formula 409 or Windex depending on the severity of the stain.

Conclusion

The "Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini Sandwich Press" is a keeper.  Though smaller than I might have wanted it to be (it limits me to two sandwiches at a time), the unit cooks, or grills, if you will to perfection every time.  The GR1 has found a permanent place in my kitchen.
1480908
Until now. My husband insisted on a toaster oven. We make our own sandwiches now and they are great because of this little work horse. This thing has baked cakes, broiled salmon and toasted garlic bread. I never thought it would be so useful.

It does produce a lot of heat, especially in an apartment, but it's still considerably less than a regular oven would produce. Not to mention it's just so versatile. It has a space on the counter that I gladly devote to it. Of course the husband LOVES this thing and raves at every thing it makes. I don't really have any complaints about it since we have it in our home now, feels like it doesn't produce much heat now that space isn't so cramped.

HIGHLY recommended.
1330069
I wanted something small to toast bread and maybe bake some cookies every now and then.  I am really happy with this purchase.  You can fit no more then 4 slices of sandwich bread as advertised so don't expect a lot of room.  My kitchen is very small an this unit is a perfect fit.  You may want to look into a bigger one if you use your toaster oven often but for someone who uses it simply to toast bread or a bagel every now and then, this unit is perfect!  The controls are simple and easy to set.  Every feature you need is present without the many features that the average person does not use.  The unit does get really hot when it is on, meaning the chassis gets very hot so don't leave anything on top of the oven such as a brad basket because it may burn or even worse, catch on fire.  It can double as a heater if you toast bread in the winter time!  I really like this little toaster oven!
2716079
I was slightly skeptical about this product but it turned out to be a very convenient way of cooking an egg sandwich.  I used to use small frying pans on the stove and it took me about 8-10 minutes to fry an egg because I didn't want to scorch it but wanted it fully cooked so I used a lower temperature.  This things works in about half that time, 4 minutes.  It poaches the egg by steaming it in a little frying pan.  I do wish the little frying pan was a tad bigger because I like to use one whole egg and and one egg white to add more protein and make the sandwich.  Quality is great for the price.  I noticed some bad reviews regarding the non-stick pan.  It does have to be sprayed with a cooking spray, as with any Teflon coated frying pan when cooking eggs.  I would also recommend using a silicon spatula.
2224177
Love this handy little machine, I use it. OST days for cauliflower rice and veg prep for meals. Perfect size and so easy to use. Great for sauces too. Thought it might end up in cupboard after 1 use but it doesn't leave the bench top. I highly recommend especially for dieters.
3755043
I have to admit I that I love cooking, and when I first saw this gadget I thought "how useless". After almost two weeks of use, it has made getting breakfast in so easy when we are pressed for time. Everything cooks evenly, including the English muffins which always have a nice crisp to them.  The only downside is that while the product has a timer, it does not have an automatic shutoff, meaning you have to be in the vicinity so that your sandwich doesn't overcook. Otherwise great product. Everyone from my husband to my three year old loves the breakfast sandwiches.
2648400
Only had this a couple of days but the sandwiches come out very easy, cleanup is great and it stores in a very small space.  You can't make the sandwiches toooo tall or they jam in the unit but normal size ones work very well.
3572357
I love this grill.  My grill before this one was a low-rent hibachi, so anything was an improvement.
The compact size is great for small patios and apartment decks. I like the heat level (although others complain they can't get it hot enough) because it grills sirloins medium rare, doesn't burn salmon or tuna steaks, and won't overly char the veggies on your shishkabob.  I also make a great olive bread in an iron skillet in it for 1/2 hr (take thawed frozen bread dough, knead some chopped green olives or other olives in, let rise in oiled 8" iron skillet, then bake for about 20-30 mins or till nicely browned-yum).
I traded my little gas tank for a bigger one at the propane store because the little tank ran out too often.
It is convenient to use, heats well, cooks like a dream, and cleans up easy.  All in all, a great little grill.  I like the design, too - space saving and cute.
1775687
I love this tiny little pan. It is perfect for preparing a single fired or over easy egg very quickly and easily. It makes preparing your own at home breakfast sandwiches a snap!
2834622
I've only used this once, but so far I'm enamored. I bought this to replace my Cuisinart Griddler, whose plates became unusable after a couple of years (everything stuck to them).

The heating is definitely more efficient than with the Griddler. I love the fact that you can adjust the height that the lid lowers to so your food doesn't get squished. It's very easy to move the lever in a hurry too, so you can adjust while you're cooking. Great design with the drip tray in FRONT, thank you. Another plus is that you can adjust the angle that the machine sits at; I don't think Breville had this in mind, but if you live in an old house with uneven floors, this is a blessing.

Obviously I can't speak to its durability yet; I'm sure I will post an updated review in a year or two to speak to that aspect of this machine.
677734
I have used this almost every day for the last few weeks. I've cooked steak, burgers, personal frozen pizzas, fish & chicken (both breaded and non), and it makes some pretty awesome grilled cheese sandwiches. It is fast, efficient, and easy to clean. Make sure to use some type of non stick cooking spray. I found an avocado oil spray at the grocer and it works well. The basket and tray are easy to clean with just a little soapy warm water.

Pictured is a sirloin steak sandwich. Cooked on 390, 4 minutes on each side with salt, pepper, and butter. Put the bread in for the last 45 seconds to give it a nice crisping.