CuisinartGR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill and Panini Press, Silver

We originally had a Sunbeam grill that we used for chicken and sandwiches which worked well but was a pita to clean as you weren't supposed to get anything wet. I would hold it sideways under the water so the plates would get wet but nothing else. It eventually stopped working; probably got wet but no big deal as i got it on freecycle. This was the replacement, i only wanted one that i could remove the plates. I was a bit disappointed at the size at first, thinking it would hardly hold anything, but I've been pleasingly surprised. We use it for EVERYTHING! Three boneless chicken breasts fit nicely, two huge burgers, three sandwiches on bakery Italian bread, one very thick porterhouse, tons of stuff and it all cooks perfectly. Everything sears well and the inside is juicy. The only thing i killed on it were 2 NY strips, but they were really thin, which i usually don't get, and i didn't think about how long i was leaving them on for as opposed to my normal 2inch thick steaks. I've never used it in the open position.Not having an on/off switch hasn't bothered me, nor has not having a temperature gauge. The preset temperature seems perfect for everything.The hinge works well for positioning thicker items. I agree with other reviewers that the lid isn't heavy, but that isn't an issue. Everything cooks evenly. For sandwiches i want to press, i put an old cast-iron iron on the lid and over the handle and that works perfectly to add the needed weight. A foil covered brick would work well too, the local Cuban place uses that for their press.The removable plates are so wonderful for cleaning; they easily pop off and nothing sticks. I uses got soapy water and a papertowel to clean threm so my sponge doesn't get messy. I've never put them in the dishwasher as i don't have one. Thet do sometimes take a jiggle to get them back on as the end slips into little clips then you lay them in place and push and they click in, if you don't hear three click they aren't seated correctly and you try again. The people who wrote that the plates fall off either aren't seating them properly or they have a defective product and should return it.The drip container works really well for collecting all the fat that runs off. I just recently realized there are little feet to put the surface on an angle so the fat runs off better, silly me, I'll have to try using them :)I use a damp paper towel for the body of the unit, but it doesn't really get messy, just dusty if i leave it on the counter. Out takes up little space so i usually put it in a cupboard.The cord is about a foot long.I've had it since April 2015and use it asset least twice a week, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week and it works just as well now as when i first got it.The grill can't be beat, i highly recommend it and would get another if it broke tomorrow.

The Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill and Panini Press is a fantastic kitchen tool! It heats up quickly, and the non-stick plates make grilling and cleanup a breeze. I use it for everything from making paninis to grilling chicken, and it works perfectly every time. The floating hinge is great for thicker sandwiches, and the adjustable temperature control makes it easy to get the right level of doneness. Its compact design also makes it easy to store, which is a big plus if you’re low on counter space. This is a great, versatile appliance for quick, tasty meals.Pros:Heats up quickly and cooks evenlyNon-stick plates for easy cleanupAdjustable temperature controlFloating hinge for thicker sandwichesCompact and easy to storeCons:Plates are not removable, which can make cleaning a bit trickyLimited cooking surface for larger quantities

This is the perfect size for 2 people. The cooking grill plates cleaned up easily with no issues, which was my main concern. They pop in and out with a touch of a button.

I have used this sandwich press several times now and like it, but there are some things to know before you buy and use: if your sandwich is very thick it will slide rather than staying stacked as it presses and heats. I am limiting mine to about 1 1/2 - 2 inches before pressing and heating. If you press 2 sandwiches at once-you will be very crowded on the plate-although it can be done. Watch where you place your sandwich press to make your sandwich(es)-all of the oil or butter will not necessarily run into the dryer intended to catch the overflow. Even with these caveats, it is a good device. I love a panini and make them frequently even if just a variation on a grilled cheese. This makes a great grilled cheese. It comes apart easily to wash and the device aside from the grilling plates is easy to clean after cooling. The plates are ultra easy to clean by hand or dishwasher. It,xs worth the money, tho I wish I had paid more and gotten one with heat settings and a larger surface.

If I can put it between some bread, I will make a sandwich! I absolutely love sandwiches and wanted something quick and easy to use to help me make them. This Grill and Panini Press has fulfilled my sandwich desire.I received it today and made an apple, turkey and swiss cheese sandwich for lunch and a BLT with cream cheese for dinner. The sandwich combinations are endless and quick when you use this gadget. After I am done experimenting with sandwich fixings I will likely branch off into more exotic fare, like steak and hamburgers. But for now I am happy, happy, happy!I don't read directions unless I am stuck. So directionless, I pre-heated the grill and waited for the green light to come on before putting my sandwich in. This sequence very nearly ALWAYS resulted in burned bread. So, I decided NOT to pre-heat the grill. I put the sandwich on the grill plate, plugged it in, and unplugged it when the green light came on. The result was a perfect sandwich, inside and out. So, whether the directions state to do this or not I will never know because I have no idea what I did with them.The plates snap off easily although I just wipe them off instead of putting them in the dishwasher. There is NO on-off switch, you just plug and unplug. Furthermore, it heats quickly so if you put your sandwich in after the green light comes on, pay close attention because it might burn.So whether you read the directions to discover the correct sequence of use, you will enjoy using this grill...I certainly do!