INSTRUCTION
BOOKLET
Recipe
Booklet
Reverse Side
Cuisinart™ Griddler
GR-4A
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.
PARTS AND FEATURES
BEFORE THE FIRST USE:
1. Base and Cover: Solid construction with
Remove all packaging materials and any
promotional labels or stickers from your grill.
Be sure all parts (listed under Parts and
Features) of your new appliance have been
included before discarding any packaging
materials. You may want to keep the box and
packing materials for use at a later date.
stainless steel self-adjusting cover
2. Panini-Style Handle: Sturdy cast metal
handle adjusts cover to accommodate
thickness of food
3. Removable Cooking Plates: Nonstick
and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
a. Grill Plates: Perfect for grilling steak,
burgers, chicken and vegetables
b. Griddle Plates: Prepare flawless
pancakes, eggs, bacon and seared
scallops
Note: Drips cups are located on outside of left
polyfoam insert.
Before using your Cuisinart™ Griddler for the
first time, remove any dust from shipping by
wiping the base, cover and controls with a
damp cloth. Thoroughly clean cooking plates,
drip trays and scraping tool. The grill and
griddle plates, drip trays and cleaning tool
are dishwasher safe. Refer to Assembly
Instructions for plate removal.
4. Controls: Indicator lights signal “power on”
and “ready to cook”
a. Selector: Choose the Grill/Panini or
Griddle function
b. Grill/Panini: Adjust temperature from
“warm” to “sear”
c. Griddle: Adjust temperature from 95°C
to 220°C
THE GRIDDLER
DOES IT ALL:
The Griddler is the ultimate kitchen appliance,
offering you four separate cooking options.
Simply change the cooking plates and adjust the
hinge to use as a Contact Grill, Panini Press,
Open Grill or Griddle. See Assembly
5. Drip Cups: Collect grease and are
dishwasher safe
6. Cleaning/Scraping Tool: Helps clean grill
or griddle plates after cooking
7. Plate Release Buttons: Push in to release
and remove cooking plates
Instructions and Operating Instructions.
8. Hinge Release Lever: Allows the cover to
lay back for cooking in the flat position
Contact Grill:
Use the Griddler as a Contact Grill to cook
burgers, boneless pieces of meat and thin cuts
of meat and vegetables.
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The Contact Grill function works best when
you want to cook something in a short amount
of time or when you are looking for a healthy
method of grilling. When cooked on the Contact
Grill, food will cook quickly because you are
grilling both sides of the food item at the same
time. The ribs on the grill plates combined with
the grease spout at the corner of the plate allow
the grease to drip from the meat and drain off
the plates.
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3a
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7
1
4c
4a
4b
When the Griddler is used as a Contact Grill the
grill plates are recommended. Rest the cover
evenly on top of the food until it has reached the
desired cooked temperature. The Griddler was
designed with a unique handle and hinge that
allows the cover to adjust to the thickness of
the food. You can easily grill anything from a
thinly-sliced potato to a thick sirloin steak with
even results.
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6
3b
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When cooking more than one food item in the
Contact Grill, it is important that the thickness of
food items is consistent so the cover will close
evenly on the food.
Open Grill:
Use the Griddler as an Open Grill to cook
burgers, steak, poultry (we do not recommend
cooking bone-in chicken, since it does not cook
evenly on an open grill), fish and vegetables.
Cooking on the Open Grill is the most versatile
method of using the Griddler. In the open
position, you have double the surface area
(500 sq. cm) for grilling. You have the option of
cooking different types of foods on separate
plates without combining their flavors, or cooking
large amounts of the same type of food. The
open position also accommodates different cuts
of meat with varying thicknesses, allowing you
to cook each piece to your liking.
Panini Press:
Use the Griddler as a Panini Press to grill
sandwiches, breads and quesadillas.
“Open Grill” refers to using the Griddler with the
The word “Panini” is an Italian term for grilled
sandwich. Panini can include any combination
of ingredients such as vegetables, meat and
cheese layered between two pieces of fresh
baked bread. The sandwich is then pressed
between two grill or griddle plates to toast the
bread and warm the sandwich. Experiment to
make a variety of savoury or sweet sandwiches
for any meal. We recommend using fresh
baked bread to produce the best tasting Panini.
Popular breads used for Panini are focaccia
(a flat bread frequently baked with rosemary,
salt and onion on top), michetta (a small round
roll with a crisp crust), ciabatta (a rectangular
bread with a slightly domed crust) and thick
slices of classic Italian bread.
cover
laying
flat,
creating
a
double,
flat
cooking
surface. In this position, the foods you are
grilling will have to be turned over for cooking.
When the Griddler is used as an Open Grill,
the grill plates should be used.
Griddle:
When the Griddler is used as a Panini Press,
the grill plates are recommended. We
recommend the grill plates because a traditional-
style Panini sandwich will have grill marks on
the bread. However, depending upon the type
of sandwich you are preparing, you may wish to
use the griddle plates. The Griddler functions as
a Panini Press in the same manner that it
functions as a Contact Grill. The Griddler was
designed with a unique
handle and hinge that
allows the cover to
adjust to the thickness
of the sandwich you
are preparing, and
to rest there evenly.
Light pressure can be
Use the Griddler as a Griddle to cook
pancakes, eggs, French toast, hash browns
and breakfast meats.
Using the Griddle function is a wonderful way to
prepare
breakfast
for two or
for a
large
family.
The large
surface
area allows you to cook a variety of different
foods
at the same time, or large amounts of your
favorite food.
When you use the Griddler as a Griddle, open
the cover so it lays flat, creating a double, flat
cooking surface. In this position, the foods you
are preparing will have to be turned over for
cooking. When using this cooking function, the
griddle plates should be used.
applied to the handle
to press and heat the
sandwich to your liking.
When cooking more
than one Panini, it is important that the thickness
of each sandwich
is consistent so the cover will close evenly
on the Panini.
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you lift the handle and cover to return it to the
closed position.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
Place Griddler on a clean flat surface where you
intend to cook.
If the Griddler is
already in the open
Hinge
Release
Lever
The Griddler can be positioned in three ways:
position and you wish
to adjust it to the flat
position, pull the
Closed Position – Upper plate/cover rests flat
onlower plate/base. This is your starting and
heating position
when using the
Contact Grill or
handle slightly toward you and then lift the hinge
release lever. Push the handle back until the
cover rests in the flat position. Pulling the
handle forward slightly before lifting the hinge
release switch will take some of the pressure off
of the hinge and you will be able to adjust the
Griddler more easily.
Panini Press
functions.
Open Position –
Upper plate/cover
is open and in the 100° position. Open the cover
to this position before using the Griddler as a
Contact Grill or Panini Press.
To insert cooking plates:
Adjust the Griddler to the Flat Position
(see above) with the controls directly in front of
you. Insert one plate at a time. Each plate is
designed to fit in either the upper housing or the
lower housing of the Griddler. The word “lower”
or “upper” is embossed into each grill or griddle
plate to let you know where to attach the plate.
Pick up the lower grill/griddle plate with the
cutouts for the heating element facing down.
If you are facing the Griddler the drip spout
should be at the forward right-hand corner of the
plate. Locate the
To adjust the Griddler to
this position, simply lift
the handle until you feel
it come to a locking
position. The unit will
stay in this position
until you close
the cover or
continue to open
it to the Flat Position.
The cover will stay in the
Upper Plate
Release
Button
metal brackets
upright position until you lower the handle for
cooking. When this is done, the cover will
release itself so that it lies flat on the top of the
food you are preparing. This allows you to cook
your food evenly from both top and bottom.
When you lift the handle to open the Griddler
after cooking the cover will remain in the flat
position, parallel with the lower plate. In order to
lock the cover back into the upright position, you
must close the Griddler, without any food in
place, and open it again.
at the centre of the
housing. Tilt the back
end of the plate and
line up the cutouts
at the back of the
plate with the metal
brackets. Slide the plate underneath the
brackets and push down the front end of the
plate. It will snap into place. Turn the Griddler
around and insert the matching grill or griddle
plate into the upper housing as you did with the
first plate.
Lower Plate
Release Button
Flat Position – Upper plate/cover is level with
lower plate/base. The upper and lower plates
line up to create one large cooking surface.
The Griddler is in this position when it is used as
an Open Grill
To remove cooking plates:
Adjust Griddler to Flat Position (see above).
Locate the plate release buttons on one side of
the unit. Press
or Griddle.
firmly on button
and the plate will
pop up slightly
from the base.
Grasp the plate
with two hands,
slide it out from
To adjust the
Griddler
to this
position,
locate the
hinge
release lever
under the metal brackets, and lift it out of the
base. Press on the other plate release button
to remove the other cooking plate in the
same manner.
on the right arm.
With your left hand on the handle, use your right
hand to slide the lever toward you. Push the
handle back until the cover rests flat on the
counter. The unit will stay in this position until
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Always exercise caution when handling the Griddler
during cooking. To open the Griddler grasp the
black plastic area of the handle. This part of the
handle stays cool to the touch while cooking. The
arms are made of die-cast aluminum and will
become hot during use. Do not touch them during
or immediately following cooking.
Position
drip cups:
When
using the
Griddler
as a Contact
The Griddler housing will become hot during use.
The cover is made of stainless steel and will
become very hot and should not be touched during
or immediately following cooking. If you need to
adjust the cover be sure to use an oven mitt to
prevent burns.
Grill or Panini
Press, only one drip cup is
needed. Place the cup directly below the grease
spout while cooking. Grease from the food will
run off the plates through the grease spout and
into the drip cups. Grease should be safely
disposed of after cooking. The drip cups can be
cleaned in the dishwasher.
The lower housing is made of plastic, and while it
will become very warm it will not burn you. If you
need to move the Griddler during cooking be sure
to handle it from the base only. Do not touch
the cover.
When using the Griddler as an Open Grill or
Griddle, both drip cups should be used. Place the
cups at either end of the unit directly below the
grease spouts.
Allow the Griddler to cool down before handling
(at least 30 minutes).
Once the Griddler is assembled properly,
plug the cord into a standard electrical outlet. You
are now ready to begin cooking.
NOTE: The first time you use the Griddler,
it may have a slight odour and may smoke a bit.
This is normal and common to appliances with
nonstick surfaces.
The Griddler comes with a black cleaning/scraping
tool.This can be used for cleaning the grill and
griddle plates after you have finished cooking and
the unit has cooled down completely (at least 30
minutes). Using the cleaning tool on a hot surface
for too long will cause the plastic to melt.
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS:
Once the Griddler is assembled properly and you
are ready to begin cooking, turn the Selector to
the left to choose the Griddle function or to the
right to choose the Grill/Panini function, depending
on what you intend to cook. When the knob is
turned to either function, a red indicator light will
illuminate to indicate that the power is on.
User Maintenance:
* Never use metal utensils, as they will scratch the
nonstick plates. Instead, use only wooden or
heat-proof plastic utensils.
If you intend to use the Griddler as a Contact Grill,
Panini Press or Flat Grill, turn the Grill/ Panini
Control to the desired temperature for cooking.
Settings range from Warm (65°C) to Sear (230°C).
* Never leave plastic utensils in contact with the
hot grill plates. This includes the provided
cleaning tool.
* In between recipes, scrape excess food buildup
through grease channels and into drip cups, then
wipe off any residue with a paper towel before
proceeding with next recipe.
If you intend to use the Griddler as a Griddle, turn
the Griddle Control to the desired temperature for
cooking. Temperature settings range from 95°C
to 220°C.
* Allow the Griddler to cool down completely
(at least 30 minutes) before cleaning.
If you intend to use the Griddler as a Flat Grill
or Griddle, but you do not need the entire surface,
use the bottom plate.
CLEANING AND CARE:
CAUTION: BEFORE CLEANING APPLIANCE,
MAKE SURE IT HAS COOLED DOWN
COMPLETELY.
It may take up to 10 minutes to reach operating
temperature, depending on the temperature level
that was set. When the thermostat has reached
operating temperature,a green indicator light inside
the chosen control will indicate that the Griddler is
ready for cooking. During operation, the light will
continue to turn on and off as the thermostat
regulates the temperature. This is normal.
Once you have finished cooking, turn the Selector
Control to the OFF position and unplug the power
cord from the wall outlet. Allow the unit to cool
down for at least 30 minutes before handling.
Use the cleaning/scraping tool to remove any
leftover food from the cooking plate. The scraping
tool can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
The temperature controls are used to set and
maintain the temperature of the cooking surface.
You may vary the setting of the control knob at any
time during cooking, and may wish to do so
depending on the types of foods on the cooking
plate. Refer to the Cooked Food Temperature Chart
on page 17 of the Recipe Book for
Dispose of grease from drip cups. The drip cups
can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.
Press the Plate Release Buttons to remove plates
from the housing. Be sure that the plates have
cooled completely before handling (at least 30
minutes). The cooking plates can be washed in
recommendations.
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the dishwasher. Do not use metallic objects such
as knives or forks for cleaning. Do not use a
scouring pad for cleaning. The nonstick coating
can be damaged.
NOTE: For added protection and secure handling
of any Cuisinart® product that is being returned,
we recommend you use a traceable, insured
delivery service. Cuisinart cannot be held
responsible for in-transit damage or for packages
that are not delivered to us. Lost and/or damaged
products are not covered under warranty.
If you have been cooking seafood, wipe the
cooking plate with lemon juice to prevent seafood
flavour transferring to the next recipe.
Please be sure to include your return address,
daytime phone number, description of the product
defect, product model # (located on bottom of
product), original date of purchase, and any other
information pertinent to the product’s return.
The housing base, cover and control knobs can
be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth. For tough
stains, dampen cloth. Never use an abrasive
cleaner or harsh pad.
Your Cuisinart™ Griddler has been manufactured
to the strictest specifications and has been
designed for use with the authorised accessories
and replacement parts.
STORAGE:
Always make sure the Griddler is cool and dry
before storing.
The power cord can be wrapped around the back
of the base for storing.
This warranty expressly excludes any defects or
damages caused by accessories, replacement
parts, or repair service other than those that have
been authorised by Cuisinart.
One set of cooking plates should be stored in the
Griddler when not in use. The other set can be
stored in a drawer or cabinet, along with the drip
cups and scraping tool.
This warranty does not cover any damage caused
by accident, misuse, shipment or other ordinary
household use.
WARRANTY
Limited Three-Year Warranty
This warranty excludes all incidental or
consequential damages.
This warranty is available to consumers only. You
are a consumer if you own a Cuisinart™ Griddler
that was purchased at retail for personal, family or
household use. Except as otherwise required under
applicable law, this warranty is not available to
retailers or other commercial purchasers or owners.
We warrant that your Cuisinart™ Griddler will
be free of defects in materials and workmanship
under normal home use for 3 years from the date
of original purchase.
We suggest you complete and return the enclosed
product registration card promptly to facilitate
verification of the date of original purchase.
However, return of the product registration card
does not eliminate the need for the consumer to
maintain the original proof of purchase in order to
obtain the warranty benefits. In the event that you
do not have proof of purchase date, the purchase
date for purposes of this warranty will be the
date of manufacture.
If your Cuisinart™ Griddler should prove to be
defective within the warranty period, we will repair
it, or if we think necessary, replace it. To obtain
warranty service, simply call our toll-free number
1800 808 971 (AUST), 0800 435 000 (NZ) for
additional information from our Customer Service
Representatives or send the defective product to:
Cuisinart Australia
24 Salisbury Road
Asquith NSW 2077
or
Cuisinart New Zealand
44 Apollo Drive
Mairangi Bay
Auckland New Zealand
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© 2008 Cuisinart
Cuisinart® is a registered trademark of Cuisinart
150 Milford Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520
Printed in China
04CU13024
IB-8/039
S&H1618/08
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