Indoor grilling is one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts for weeknight dinners, so I recently put two heavy hitters to the test: the Cuisinart Griddler Elite and the Breville Smart Grill. After cooking everything from panini to sirloin on both appliances over several weeks, I discovered clear differences in design, power, and overall cooking experience. If you’re debating which model deserves space on your counter, here’s my full take.
Key Difference at a Glance: Cuisinart Griddler Elite vs Breville Smart Grill
The Cuisinart Griddler Elite is all about versatility, with six cooking modes and dual-zone temperature control that let you griddle pancakes on one side while searing steaks on the other. The Breville Smart Grill focuses on high, consistent heat and an “open-flat BBQ mode” that mimics outdoor grilling inside your kitchen. Both have removable, dishwasher-safe plates and sturdy stainless-steel bodies, but their cooking style and power output set them apart.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: 6 cooking options in one machine including a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt
- EASY TO USE: Electronic LCD display and blue LED indicator lights, Dual zone temperature control and 60-minute countdown timer with user-friendly digital controls, adjustable top cover and lock for...
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access BBQ mode by opening the grill fully on your countertop; Sandwich setting also lets you use...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill seafood or steak; Griddle eggs and pancakes; Indoor grill's removable drip tray works in BBQ or...
Quick Comparison Table: Cuisinart Griddler Elite vs Breville Smart Grill
| Feature | Cuisinart Griddler Elite | Breville Smart Grill |
| Cooking Modes | 6 (contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, top melt) | Contact grill, sandwich maker, open-flat BBQ |
| Power | 2400 watts | 1800 watts |
| Cooking Surface | 240 sq. in. | 260 sq. in. (open flat) |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F (sear) | High-sear embedded elements with electronic thermostat |
| Controls | LCD display, dual-zone temp, 60-min timer | LCD display with countdown and ready alerts |
| Plates | Removable & reversible non-stick, dishwasher safe | Removable non-stick plates, dishwasher safe |
| Dimensions | 14.65″D x 16.22″W x 8.11″H | 16.7″D x 14″W x 5″H |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs | 19.4 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 1-year replacement |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Hands-On Comparison
Before breaking things down, here’s how I tested them. I alternated between the two grills over a month, cooking identical meals—steaks, chicken breasts, breakfast sandwiches, and weekend pancakes. This let me see how each handled heat, cleanup, and everyday convenience.
Design & Build
Both models feature brushed stainless steel that feels sturdy and professional. The Cuisinart Griddler Elite is slightly taller, with a hinged top that locks in several positions. I appreciate the adjustable top melt feature, which hovers just above food for cheese melts or open-faced sandwiches. The Breville Smart Grill, on the other hand, has a sleeker, lower profile but feels a bit heavier when moving it around. Its open-flat BBQ mode—where the top plate folds completely flat—gives it an edge if you’re looking for a wide griddle surface.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: 6 cooking options in one machine including a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt
- EASY TO USE: Electronic LCD display and blue LED indicator lights, Dual zone temperature control and 60-minute countdown timer with user-friendly digital controls, adjustable top cover and lock for...
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access BBQ mode by opening the grill fully on your countertop; Sandwich setting also lets you use...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill seafood or steak; Griddle eggs and pancakes; Indoor grill's removable drip tray works in BBQ or...
Ease of Use
I found the Cuisinart easier to set for multi-stage cooking. The dual-zone temperature control means I can set the left plate to 350°F for vegetables and the right plate to 450°F for chicken—perfect for meals that require different heat. The Breville keeps it simpler: one temperature dial with a clear LCD countdown. Preheating was quicker on the Cuisinart thanks to its higher wattage, though the Breville’s embedded heating elements kept heat steady without noticeable dips.
Cooking Performance
For sheer searing power, the Cuisinart’s 500°F sear function is impressive. My steaks developed a deep crust in just a couple of minutes. Yet the Breville isn’t far behind. Its embedded elements maintain consistent heat across the plates, so burgers cooked evenly edge to edge. When I used the Breville fully open as a BBQ, the 260 sq. in. surface easily handled pancakes, eggs, and bacon for a crowd—something the Cuisinart’s smaller footprint can’t quite match.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: 6 cooking options in one machine including a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt
- EASY TO USE: Electronic LCD display and blue LED indicator lights, Dual zone temperature control and 60-minute countdown timer with user-friendly digital controls, adjustable top cover and lock for...
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access BBQ mode by opening the grill fully on your countertop; Sandwich setting also lets you use...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill seafood or steak; Griddle eggs and pancakes; Indoor grill's removable drip tray works in BBQ or...
Versatility
This is where the Cuisinart shines. With six cooking modes—including half grill/half griddle—you can switch from a Sunday breakfast griddle to a weekday panini press without changing appliances. The Breville offers fewer preset modes but counters with that unique open-flat design that feels like an indoor hibachi grill. For anyone who loves the feel of backyard grilling in a compact space, that feature alone might be worth it.
Cleanup
Both models use removable, non-stick plates and have integrated drip trays, which made cleanup straightforward. I simply popped the plates into the dishwasher and wiped down the exterior. The Breville’s plates felt a bit heavier and more solid, but functionally both were equally easy to clean.
Cuisinart Griddler Elite Stainless Steel Grill
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: 6 cooking options in one machine including a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt
- EASY TO USE: Electronic LCD display and blue LED indicator lights, Dual zone temperature control and 60-minute countdown timer with user-friendly digital controls, adjustable top cover and lock for...
Pros:
- 2400 watts for faster heating and strong searing
- Six versatile cooking modes with dual-zone temperature control
- 500°F sear option for steaks and burgers
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier and taller—needs more storage space
- Digital controls have a learning curve at first
Breville BGR820XL Brushed Stainless Steel Smart Grill
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access BBQ mode by opening the grill fully on your countertop; Sandwich setting also lets you use...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill seafood or steak; Griddle eggs and pancakes; Indoor grill's removable drip tray works in BBQ or...
Pros:
- Open-flat BBQ mode with 260 sq. in. of space
- Embedded heating elements for even, consistent heat
- Sleek, low-profile design
- Sturdy, restaurant-quality build
Cons:
- Lower wattage (1800W) means slightly slower preheat
- Only a one-year warranty
- Fewer dedicated cooking modes compared to the Cuisinart
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After weeks of side-by-side cooking, here’s my verdict:
- Choose the Cuisinart Griddler Elite if you want maximum versatility. Its dual-zone temperature control and higher wattage make it ideal for anyone who likes to cook multiple foods at once or experiment with different techniques. I reached for it more often when making complete meals in one go.
- Pick the Breville Smart Grill if your priority is even heat and a true indoor BBQ feel. The open-flat mode delivers the closest thing to an outdoor grill I’ve tried inside a kitchen. It’s perfect for steaks, seafood, and big weekend breakfasts.
Both are excellent performers, but your decision comes down to cooking style. If you love variety and searing power, go Cuisinart. If you crave a steady, authentic grill experience with a spacious flat surface, Breville wins. Either way, you’re getting a premium appliance that can replace several single-use gadgets and make indoor grilling genuinely satisfying.
