Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cuisinart Griddler FIVE
Best Versatile Indoor GrillZojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill
Best Overall Indoor GrillPrice
$108-$120
$82-$138
Summary
Five cooking configurations in one machine — full grill, half grill/half griddle, full griddle, panini press, and waffle maker. Dishwasher-safe plates and precise digital temperature control make it Good Housekeeping's top overall pick.
Top pick from both Serious Eats and Epicurious for indoor grilling. Gets hotter than competitors, produces minimal smoke, and cleans up fast thanks to full nonstick coating on both sides of the grate.
Pros
- Five cooking configurations including grill, griddle, and panini press modes
- Digital temperature control from 175°F to 450°F in 25-degree increments
- Dishwasher-safe grill plates for easy cleanup
- Sear function heats to 450°F for two-minute increments
- Waffle plates available as an add-on for even more versatility
- Gets hotter than competing indoor grills — reaches high enough to char zucchini and leave real grill marks
- Nonstick coating on both top and bottom of grate prevents fat from sticking during cleanup
- Large ~160 sq inch open-grate cooking surface with separate drip tray for grease management
- Minimal smoke production due to dense hole pattern that whisks fat away from heating element quickly
- Simple dial controls — no manual-scouring required
Cons
- Top plate can drip when cooking greasy foods — recommend foil under back legs
- Heavier than simpler single-function grills at 11.6 pounds
- More complex to operate than basic dial-controlled models
- Only the drip tray is dishwasher-safe; grill grate requires hand washing
- No lid, so it lacks the enclosed cooking environment of some competitors
- Relatively large footprint at 18 x 12.25 inches — takes up significant counter space
Our take
The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE is the indoor grill for people who actually cook a variety of things. If you want grill marks on Monday and pancakes on Sunday, this is the only machine you need.
If you want one indoor grill that just works without fuss, this is it. Every expert who tested it picked it first, and the simplicity is the point — no gimmicks, just great results.
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