Cuisinart Griddle Review: Large Cooking, Portable Design
Introduction
Are you tired of grilling limitations? Do you crave the versatility to whip up breakfast pancakes, juicy burgers, and sizzling fajitas, all on a single appliance? The Cuisinart 36″ Four Burner Gas Griddle addresses the common frustrations of backyard cooking – limited cooking surface, inconsistent heat zones, and the hassle of managing grease. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a complete outdoor cooking platform.
Many grillers find themselves juggling multiple cooking methods or struggling to evenly cook different foods. The Cuisinart griddle eliminates these headaches, offering ample space, precise temperature control, and a design that prioritizes ease of use and portability. It’s time to elevate your outdoor cooking game and unlock a world of culinary possibilities.
Overview
The Cuisinart 36″ Four Burner Gas Griddle is a robust and highly adaptable outdoor cooking solution designed for the modern backyard enthusiast. Featuring a spacious, cold-rolled steel cooking surface, this griddle delivers 760 square inches of cooking space – perfect for families, entertaining guests, or preparing meals for a crew. The four independently controlled burners provide a significant 60,000 BTUs of total cooking power, granting exceptional control over heat zones, while a folding design prioritizes portability and storage.
This griddle is specifically tailored for those who want a versatile cooking appliance. Whether you’re a seasoned griller, a weekend cookout host, or someone looking to experiment with new outdoor recipes, this griddle provides the power, space, and convenience to execute your culinary vision. Its portability makes it ideal for tailgating or camping too.
Features
Folding Design for Portability & Storage: Designed for convenience, the griddle easily folds down compactly. This makes it significantly easier to store in smaller spaces or transport to tailgates and camping adventures. The two included wheels further simplify mobility.
Durable Alloy Steel Frame and Leveling Feet: Built to last, the griddle features a sturdy alloy steel frame. Leveling feet ensure stability on uneven surfaces, providing a safe and secure cooking platform, season after season.
Spacious Cold-Rolled Steel Cooking Surface: The expansive 760 square inch cold-rolled steel surface offers unparalleled cooking capacity. This ample space lets you cook multiple items simultaneously, greatly reducing cooking time for larger gatherings. The steel’s durability ensures even heat distribution and resists warping even with intense heat.
Dual Grease Management System: Say goodbye to messy flare-ups and grease accumulation. The integrated dual grease management system features two removable drip cups, making grease collection and disposal effortless. This keeps your cooking area clean and reduces the risk of unsightly flare-ups.
Independently Controlled Burners for Zone Cooking: Four separate 15,000 BTU burners grant you precise control over heat. Create distinct hot and cool zones on the griddle – perfect for searing steaks on one side while gently warming tortillas on the other. This level of control leads to consistently delicious results.
Benefits
Cook Large Meals With Ease: With 760 square inches of cooking space, you can effortlessly prepare meals for the entire family or a group of friends. No more cooking in batches!
Precise Temperature Control for Perfect Results: The independent burners allow you to create distinct heat zones, meaning you can cook a variety of foods to perfection simultaneously. Achieve crispy sear, smoky flavor and even temperatures.
Reduced Cleanup Effort: The dual grease management system minimizes grease accumulation, saving you time and effort during cleanup. Enjoy your outdoor cooking experience without the hassle.
Durable Construction for Years of Use: The high-quality alloy steel frame and components ensure years of reliable use, even with frequent outdoor exposure.
Ultimate Portability for Outdoor Adventures: The folding design and included wheels make this griddle incredibly portable. Take your outdoor cooking game to tailgates, camping trips, or picnics!
Usages
Backyard Barbecue Extravaganza: Grill burgers, hot dogs, and veggie skewers for a classic barbecue that’s sure to impress your guests.
Tex-Mex Fiesta: Cook fajitas, quesadillas, and grilled vegetables for a delicious and authentic Tex-Mex experience.
Tailgating & Camping Adventures: The griddle’s portability and power make it the perfect companion for tailgating or cooking meals at the campsite.
Weekend Breakfast Feasts: Whip up fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and savory breakfast burritos for the whole family on Sunday morning.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large cooking surface for feeding a crowd
- Independently controlled burners for zone cooking
- Easy to fold and transport
- Durable alloy steel construction
- Effective grease management system
Cons
- Propane tank not included
- Can be bulky for small storage spaces
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent rust
FAQs
How easy is it to clean?: The removable drip cups make grease disposal a breeze. The cold-rolled steel surface can be cleaned with a scraper and a wire brush after each use. Regular cleaning will extend its lifespan.
Does it retain heat well?: The cold-rolled steel cooking surface and the sturdy frame help to maintain consistent temperatures, reducing heat loss and ensuring efficient cooking.
Can it be used for smoking?: While primarily a griddle, you can experiment with smoking by adding a smoker box filled with wood chips to impart smoky flavor. However, it is not a dedicated smoker.
What fuel does it use?: The Cuisinart 36” 4-Burner Gas Griddle operates on propane gas. Please note that a propane tank is *not* included with the griddle.
What’s the cooking capacity?: With 760 square inches of cooking space, this griddle can comfortably accommodate food for 8-10 people.
Product Specifications
| Grate Material | Cold-Rolled Steel |
| Warranty | Varies – check Cuisinart’s website for details |
| Dimensions | 24.1″D x 64.6″W x 32.3″H |
| Material Type | Cold-Rolled Steel (cooking surface), Alloy Steel (frame) |
| Weight | 96 pounds |
| BTUs | 60,000 Total (15,000 BTU per Burner) |
| Fuel Type | Propane Gas |
| Ignition System | Standard Gas Ignition |
| Hopper Capacity | N/A – uses propane tank |
| Cleaning Requirements | Regular scraping and wire brushing |
| Included Accessories | Two Removable Drip Cups |
| Temperature Range | Variable, depending on burner settings |
| Cooking Area | 760 Square Inches |
| Wheels/Mobility | Two Wheels, Leveling Feet |
Ratings
| Overall Performance | 4.6 |
| Durability | 4.5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Cooking Consistency | 4.4 |
| Versatility | 4.3 |
Recommendation
The Cuisinart 36” Four Burner Gas Griddle is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who want a versatile cooking platform that can handle large meals and offer precise temperature control. If you’re tired of limited grill space and crave the ability to create distinct heat zones, this griddle is a significant upgrade.
This griddle is particularly well-suited for families who frequently entertain or for those who enjoy cooking a variety of dishes outdoors. It’s also a great option for those who want a portable cooking solution for tailgating or camping. While a dedicated smoker offers more intense smoke flavor, the ability to add a smoker box gives the user flexibility.
Conclusion
The Cuisinart 36” Four Burner Gas Griddle delivers on its promise of versatility and performance. Its spacious cooking surface, independent burner control, and convenient folding design make it a valuable addition to any outdoor cooking setup.
While the lack of a propane tank inclusion is a minor inconvenience, the griddle’s numerous benefits—including its ease of use, durability, and cooking capabilities—far outweigh this drawback. If you’re looking for a reliable and adaptable griddle to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire, the Cuisinart 36” Four Burner Gas Griddle is a worthwhile investment.
