The Cuisinart Griddler® Elite (model GR-300WS) is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for a variety of cooking tasks, from grilling steaks and burgers to preparing pancakes and eggs. It features a robust construction with a stainless steel self-adjusting cover and a sturdy cast-metal panini-style handle that adjusts to accommodate different food thicknesses.
Function Description:
The Griddler® Elite operates with removable, reversible, and embedded cooking plates. Each plate has two sides: a grill side with a ribbed surface, ideal for grilling meats, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, as well as for making panini and other toasted sandwiches; and a griddle side with a smooth surface, perfect for cooking bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast, and seared scallops. The appliance allows for various cooking configurations, including Contact Grill, Panini Press, Full Grill, Full Griddle, Half Grill and Half Griddle, Half Grill or Half Griddle (using only the lower or upper plate), and Top Melt.
The unit is controlled via a user-friendly control panel featuring a Plate Select dial to choose between lower, upper, or both plates, and to turn the unit off. Separate temperature dials for the upper and lower plates allow for precise temperature selection, ranging from Warm (200°F) to 450°F. Time directionals enable setting cooking times, with options to scroll quickly or advance more slowly. Two dedicated Sear buttons (Upper Sear and Lower Sear) allow for searing at 500°F for up to two minutes. A Start/Stop button initiates or halts the cooking selection, and a blue backlit LCD display shows plate temperatures, a timer, and PREHEAT/READY indicators.
The Griddler® Elite offers several operational positions:
- Storage Position: The upper plate/cover rests flat on the lower plate/base, and the cover height adjuster is in the Lock position.
- Preheat Position: The upper plate/cover rests flat on the lower plate/base, and the cover height adjuster is in the Unlock position.
- Open Cooking Position: For cooking on the lower plate only, the handle is lifted so the upper plate/cover is vertical. The plate does not "float" in this position.
- Closed Cooking Position (Contact Grill or Panini Press): Starting from the Open Cooking position, the top is carefully lowered until it contacts the food. The hinge automatically releases the plate, allowing it to "float" and rest evenly on the food.
- Top Melt Position: From the Open Cooking position, the front of the upper plate/cover is slightly pressed down (wearing an oven mitt) to release the hinge, allowing the plate to "float." It is then lowered to the desired height, and the cover height adjuster is slid into a notch to set the position.
- Flat Cooking Position (Full Grill, Full Griddle, or Half Grill/Half Griddle): The upper plate/cover opens to lie flat, level with the lower plate/base. This position can be achieved from Preheat, Closed Cooking, or Open Cooking positions by manipulating the hinge release lever and handle.
Usage Features:
Before first use, all packaging materials and labels should be removed, and all parts thoroughly cleaned. The cooking plates are inserted by aligning their connector prongs with the connection blocks and pushing them down until they snap into place. A safety feature prevents the plates from heating if not properly inserted. The drip tray slides into the base at the rear of the unit.
Once plugged in, the blue backlight on the LCD screen illuminates, and the current settings are displayed. If the Start/Stop button is not pressed within 10 minutes, the unit enters SLEEP mode to conserve energy.
For standard cooking, the desired plate selection is made using the Plate Select dial, and temperatures are set using the individual temperature dials. The LCD shows the selected temperatures and "PREHEAT." Once the plates reach the set temperature, "READY" is displayed, and the unit beeps. If both plates are selected, the first plate to reach temperature will show "READY" and beep once, allowing cooking to begin on that plate while the second continues to preheat. Temperatures and plate selections can be changed at any time during operation, with the unit adjusting accordingly.
The SEAR function allows for high-temperature searing at 500°F for up to two minutes. After initiating SEAR, the plates preheat, and "SEAR" flashes on the LCD. Once the searing temperature is reached, "READY" is displayed, and a 2-minute countdown timer begins, flashing for 10 seconds to allow food placement. The timer can be decreased if a shorter sear is desired but cannot exceed two minutes. After the countdown, the unit beeps, and temperatures revert to the settings on the corresponding knobs. The SEAR cycle can be canceled by pressing the SEAR button again.
A 60-minute timer can be activated at any time the unit is on, except during a SEAR cycle. Time can be set in 30-second or 1-minute intervals using the arrow buttons. The timer counts down automatically and beeps three times when complete. It can be reset by holding both arrow buttons for two seconds. If a SEAR button is pressed while the timer is active, the SEAR cycle will override the timer.
Maintenance Features:
After cooking, the unit should be turned off and unplugged, then allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes. The included cleaning/scraping tool helps remove leftover food from the cooking plates. Grease from the drip tray should be disposed of once cooled.
The cooking plates, drip tray, and cleaning/scraping tool are removable and dishwasher safe (top shelf recommended) for easy cleanup. The housing base, cover, and control panel can be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth; a damp cloth can be used for tough stains. Abrasive cleaners or harsh pads should never be used.
Users are advised to exercise caution when handling the Griddler® Elite during cooking, using the handle only, and wearing oven mitts as the arms and top cover become hot. Metal utensils should be avoided to prevent scratching the nonstick plates; wooden or heat-proof plastic utensils are recommended. Plastic utensils should not be left in contact with hot grill plates. Between recipes, excess food buildup can be scraped into the drip tray and wiped off with a paper towel.
For storage, the power cord can be wrapped around the cord storage clips at the back of the base. Clean cooking plates and the drip tray should be stored in the unit, and the cover height adjuster can be slid to the Lock position to keep the unit closed.
The Griddler® Elite is BPA-free, meaning all materials that come into contact with food are free of Bisphenol A.
To Next Page
General
