Bottom line: the Cuisinart Griddler FIVE genuinely replaces three or four single-purpose appliances — contact grill, panini press, full grill, and full griddle — with dependable, even heat, and most owners who bought it to consolidate counter space say they actually followed through and got rid of the others.
Why We Picked the Cuisinart Griddler FIVE
At $119.99 with 6,073 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, the GR-5NAS is one of the most reviewed countertop grills in its price range, and the rating volume alone signals a mature, broadly-trusted product rather than a new unproven one. It runs 5-in-1: contact grill, panini press, full open grill, full griddle, and half-grill/half-griddle, with a 175°F–450°F range and a dedicated sear function. Reviewers repeatedly describe replacing multiple older single-function appliances (waffle makers, dedicated griddles, older grills) with this one unit — a real consolidation story, not just a marketing claim. Only 15 units were left in stock at the time of our check, consistent with steady ongoing demand.
What Owners Actually Say
The clearest praise in reviews centers on genuine multi-function use, not just the pitch of it. One long-time owner called it “a great all-around cooking tool,” using it for eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, grilled cheese, and grilled asparagus with both plates coming off easily for cleaning. Another reviewer specifically credited the temperature control and multifunction design as “the game changer,” saying they “tossed the other appliances” — the waffle maker and griddle — after switching. A third reviewer highlighted the locking/unlocking lid for panini pressing as a standout feature that “swings keeping the press flat” for even sandwich pressing. Amazon’s AI-summarized review themes back this up: quality (566 mentions), ease of cleaning (250), and cooking performance (165) are the top-cited strengths.
Heat distribution draws more mixed feedback. Several reviewers noted the floating top plate doesn’t rest perfectly level, which can cause eggs or thin batters to pool unevenly to one side unless the unit itself is leveled first.
One Thing to Check
The “floating” top plate is not perfectly level out of the box — this shows up across multiple independent reviews, not just one. One reviewer had to manually prop and adjust the plate with an oven mitt to avoid “unbalanced squashing” of sandwiches, and another worked out a leveling fix using a bread board and potholder under the unit’s feet and handle. If you plan to cook a lot of eggs, thin batters, or anything liquid in the open/griddle position, budget a few minutes to find a level surface or a simple shim fix — it’s a known quirk, not a defect specific to one unit.
Pros
- Genuinely replaces multiple single-function appliances — grill, panini press, griddle, and waffle setup (with separate plates)
- Wide 175°F–450°F range with a dedicated sear function for steaks
- Removable, reversible, dishwasher-safe nonstick plates
- 4.7★ across 6,073 ratings — a large, mature review base
- Limited 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Floating top plate isn’t perfectly level out of the box — affects eggs/thin batter in open mode
- Digital controls don’t remember your last temperature setting between uses
- Waffle plates are sold separately, not included
FAQ
Can it make pancakes and eggs, not just sandwiches?
Yes — used in the fully-open flat position it functions as a griddle, and multiple reviewers specifically used it for pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
Does it come with waffle plates?
No — waffle plates are a separate purchase; several reviewers mention buying them afterward to add that function.
Are the plates dishwasher safe?
Yes — the cooking plates, drip tray, and included scraping tool are all listed as dishwasher-safe, and reviewers confirm this in practice.
For Specific Needs
What if I mostly want it for paninis and grilled sandwiches, not a full griddle?
The locking/unlocking lid is specifically designed to swing flat for even panini pressing — reviewers who bought it primarily for sandwiches report strong results, including one who hosted 12 people for Cuban sandwiches successfully.
What if my counter space is tight?
Reviewers describe it as compact enough to keep permanently on the counter, with a “heavy enough to feel sturdy but not unwieldy” build, and it folds closed for storage.
Is it worth it if I already own a separate grill and griddle?
Multiple reviewers specifically bought this to consolidate and confirmed they actually stopped using their prior separate appliances afterward, rather than letting this one gather dust — a genuine consolidation, not just an intention.
Methodology
This recommendation is based on rigorous analysis of verified-purchase reviews and live Amazon listing data — cross-checked against the manufacturer’s own specs. We did not physically test this exact unit ourselves.
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How We Built This Guide
Our process: this is a research-based pick, not a hands-on lab test. We aggregate verified-owner reviews, professional test data where available, and real discussion patterns from communities like Reddit, then flag every estimate as such in the guide above. We do not accept sponsored placements.
Last checked: August 24, 2026