Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press: My Full Hands-On Review

Countertop grills have come a long way. After weeks of flipping burgers, pressing panini, and testing everything from early-morning pancakes to late-night steaks, I finally feel ready to share a detailed comparison of two premium options: the Cuisinart Elite Griddler (GR-300WSP1) and the Breville Sear and Press (BGR700BSS). Both promise restaurant-quality results at home, but their designs, power, and day-to-day usability set them apart in surprising ways.

Key Difference at a Glance: Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press

The Elite Griddler focuses on power and versatility with its 2400-watt heating system, dual-zone controls, and a sear blast up to 500 °F. The Breville Sear and Press leans into precision and convenience, using smart one-touch presets and ceramic non-stick plates that handle delicate foods beautifully.

Quick Comparison Table: Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press

Feature	Cuisinart Elite Griddler	Breville Sear and Press
Wattage	2400 watts	1800 watts
Cooking Modes	6 (contact grill, panini, full grill, full griddle, half/half, top melt)	3 main presets (Panini, Burger, Sear) + open-flat BBQ
Plate Type	Removable, reversible non-stick metal	Reversible ceramic grill/griddle
Surface Area	240 sq in	240 sq in
Temperature Control	Dual-zone with LCD	Independent plate controls, electronic
Sear Function	500 °F sear for 2 min	Dedicated Sear preset
Extra	60-min timer, lockable lid	Waffle plate compatible (sold separately)
Warranty	3 years	1 year
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Hands-On Comparison

Design & Build

The Cuisinart Elite Griddler feels like a tank. Its stainless-steel housing is hefty at 16.8 lbs and measures 16.2″ wide, giving it the presence of a small commercial appliance. Hinges are solid, the handlebar feels substantial, and the locking lid makes storage surprisingly easy despite the size.

The Breville Sear and Press takes a sleeker approach. Slightly lighter at 15 lbs, it sports Breville’s signature brushed stainless finish with clean edges. The ceramic plates add a touch of refinement and resist staining over time. On my counter, the Breville looks a bit more upscale and modern, though the Cuisinart wins for sheer durability.

Ease of Use

Cuisinart’s large backlit LCD made setup straightforward. I could set separate temperatures for top and bottom plates—a lifesaver when searing chicken up top while finishing vegetables below. The 60-minute timer is a bonus for slow griddling or keeping track of multiple batches.

Breville’s strength lies in simplicity. Its one-touch presets—Panini, Burger, Sear—mean I rarely have to think about temperature. Independent plate controls are just a twist away if I need manual adjustment. For quick weeknight dinners, Breville’s shortcut buttons shaved minutes off my prep time.

Heating Performance

This is where wattage shows. The Elite Griddler’s 2400 watts heat up blisteringly fast. I clocked it reaching 450 °F in under 6 minutes, and the dedicated 500 °F sear delivered steakhouse-level crusts.

Breville’s 1800 watts took closer to 8 minutes to reach top heat, but the ceramic plates maintained even temperatures beautifully. Pancakes and delicate fish fillets cooked more evenly with less hot-spotting than on the Cuisinart.

Cooking Functions

The Cuisinart is a true shape-shifter: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half-grill/half-griddle, and top melt. I used every mode during testing. Breakfast on the griddle side while searing bacon on the grill side is a weekend game-changer.

Breville focuses on three modes—Panini, Burger, Sear—plus the ability to open flat for BBQ. While not as versatile, the ceramic reversible plates give you grill marks or a smooth griddle without fuss. It also accepts optional waffle plates, a unique twist if you love brunch.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models feature removable plates and dishwasher-safe drip trays. The Cuisinart’s traditional non-stick is easy to clean but can scratch if you’re careless. Breville’s ceramic coating is naturally non-stick, PFOA/PTFE-free, and more resistant to discoloration after repeated high-heat searing. For low-effort cleanup, Breville edges ahead.

Cuisinart Elite Griddler (Stainless Steel)

Pros:

• Powerful 2400-watt heating with 500 °F sear
• Six cooking modes and dual-zone temperature control
• Generous 240 sq in cooking surface
• Three-year warranty

Cons:

• Larger footprint and heavier build
• Traditional non-stick requires gentle care

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Breville Sear and Press

Pros:

• Sleek design with ceramic, PFOA/PTFE-free plates
• One-touch presets and independent plate control
• Optional waffle plates add versatility
• Easy, stain-resistant cleanup

Cons:

• Lower wattage means slightly longer preheat
• One-year warranty
• Fewer built-in modes than the Cuisinart

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Final Verdict & Recommendation:

If you crave maximum flexibility and raw power, the Cuisinart Elite Griddler is hard to beat. It handled everything from high-heat steak sears to dual-zone breakfasts without breaking a sweat. It’s my pick for households that entertain often or love experimenting.

For cooks who prioritize precision, quick setup, and low-maintenance cleanup, the Breville Sear and Press shines. Its ceramic plates and one-touch presets make weeknight meals effortless and cleanup almost nonexistent.

Personally, I keep the Cuisinart as my weekend warrior for big meals, while the Breville is my go-to for busy weeknights. Your choice comes down to whether you value all-out versatility or streamlined simplicity—but either way, you’ll be upgrading your indoor grilling game.