Cuisinart Griddler--how well does the griddle part work

[nofunlatte]

My best friend has requested a panini press for his b-day and I'm leaning toward the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler because of the additional capabilities. He's not much of a cook, largely limiting himself to things like pork chops on his George Foreman. However, he does like paninis (and has quite enjoyed the ones I've made for him). So, while he's not much of a cook (and isn't all that interested in it), I can see him making not only panini, but also pancakes and bacon on the griddle. I have read the other threads on the Griddler, as well as the Amazon reviews, but most comments refer to the ridged grill part and not the flat griddle. So, anyone out there own one of these? Do you like it? Does the griddle work well? And are there special tools required (i.e. soft-coated spatula)? TIA!

[nofunlatte]

Thanks to all who shared their experiences. My "giftee" has received his Griddler and he is looking very much forward to using it!

[Frobisher]

My wife is the pancake maker in the family, so I can't speak from personal experience, but she has no complaints.

[Philx]

I have used it for pancakes with decent results - you just need to make sure you adjust the heat to get the right cooking temp.

[al b. darned]

I've had one for about 4 years and wouldn't part with it. I usually use in the closed position with both ridgy and flat plates. I've cooked all kinds of stuff in it, including sandwiches, pork chops, burgers, chicken breasts, fish, even potato pancakes.

Tho I don't use it in the open position too often, it has performed well when I did.

IMO, tho only way they could improve it was to make a set of waffle plates for it. Like any Teflon surface, non-metal tools only, please. Otherwise nothing special. Cuisinart says you can dishwasher the plates, but we don't.

BTW, the Waring Pro grille looks suspiciously similar (albeit with only one temp control) for a few bucks less and has generally good reviews on Amazon.

[Alfred G]

I, also, have had mine for about 4 years and love it. I use all the features and it works great. One exception to al b. darned is that I use the dishwasher for the plates and it cleans them perfectly. Love it!

[dtremit]

It appears they *do* now make a set of waffle plates for it:
http://www.cuisinart.com/products/gri...

[al b. darned]

AWSUM!! You can also get them from Amazon for a bit less:
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-GR-WA...