Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right countertop grill can make a huge difference in your everyday cooking. Some days, I want a quick panini without the fuss, and other days I’m in the mood for a proper sear on a thick steak. Over time, I’ve worked with both the Cuisinart Elite Griddler (GR-300WSP1) and the Breville Sear and Press (BGR700BSS), and while both appliances promise versatility, they each shine in different areas. If you’re torn between these two popular models, let me walk you through my hands-on experience with both, so you can see which one fits your kitchen better.

Key Difference Between Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press

The Cuisinart Elite Griddler stands out for its powerful 2400-watt performance, dual-zone temperature control, and a robust sear function that hits 500°F, making it a beast for serious grilling. On the other hand, the Breville Sear and Press impresses with its ceramic non-stick plates, one-touch cooking presets, and open-flat BBQ mode, offering more user-friendly features and a healthier, eco-friendly coating.

So essentially, the Cuisinart is about raw power and professional-style grilling, while the Breville leans more toward smart convenience and versatility.

Comparison Table: Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press

Feature	Cuisinart Elite Griddler	Breville Sear and Press
Power	2400 watts	1800 watts
Cooking Functions	6-in-1 (Grill, Griddle, Panini, Top Melt, etc.)	Panini, Burger, Sear, Open BBQ Mode
Plate Material	Removable, reversible, non-stick	Ceramic non-stick, reversible
Grilling Surface	240 sq. in (open)	240 sq. in (open)
Temperature Control	Dual-zone, up to 500°F sear	Independent plate control
Extras	60-min timer, LCD display, accessories included	Presets, waffle plate compatible (sold separately)
Warranty	3 years	1 year
Weight	16.8 lbs	14.9 lbs
Ease of Cleaning	Dishwasher-safe plates	Dishwasher-safe ceramic plates
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design and Build

The first thing I noticed was the weight and sturdiness. The Cuisinart Elite Griddler is heavier and feels like it belongs in a professional kitchen. Its stainless steel body, digital display, and solid handlebar give it a premium presence on the counter. It’s a bit bulkier, though, so you need more counter space.

The Breville, meanwhile, has a sleeker, more compact profile. It doesn’t feel flimsy by any means, but compared to the Cuisinart, it’s lighter and slightly easier to move around. Its ceramic plates add a modern touch, and I personally like how the control interface is simplified with presets.

Verdict: Cuisinart for sturdiness and pro feel, Breville for a lighter, sleeker design.

Ease of Use

I’ll be honest: the Cuisinart has a slight learning curve. The dual-zone temperature control and timer are great once you get used to them, but at first, the abundance of options can feel overwhelming.

The Breville, on the other hand, is more beginner-friendly. The one-touch presets for panini, burger, and sear save time. If I’m rushing, I just hit a preset and let it handle the rest. Also, the open-flat BBQ mode feels very intuitive when cooking multiple items at once.

Verdict: Breville wins for simplicity; Cuisinart is better for precision control.

Cooking Functions and Performance

Here’s where things get interesting.

The Cuisinart Elite Griddler can sear at 500°F, which makes a huge difference when you’re cooking steaks. That high heat ensures a restaurant-style crust. I’ve grilled burgers, chicken, and even thick salmon fillets on it, and the results were fantastic. The 6-in-1 functionality also means I can switch between a griddle, grill, panini press, or even use it for a top melt.

The Breville Sear and Press, while not as powerful (1800 watts), makes up for it with its ceramic non-stick plates. I love that they’re free of PFOA and PTFE, so I don’t have to worry about chemicals. The open BBQ mode is perfect for when I’m cooking breakfast—pancakes on one side, bacon on the other. The independent plate temperature control is also handy for cooking two foods with different needs at the same time.

Verdict: Cuisinart for high-heat performance; Breville for versatile, eco-friendly everyday cooking.

Cleaning and Maintenance

This is one area where the Breville takes the edge. The ceramic plates really do wipe clean with minimal effort, and I like that they’re dishwasher-safe too. The drip tray design also prevents messy spills during waffle-making (if you buy the optional plates).

The Cuisinart’s plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe as well, but they sometimes require a bit more scrubbing, especially after a heavy sear session.

Verdict: Breville is easier to clean; Cuisinart requires slightly more effort.

Durability and Warranty

The Cuisinart Elite Griddler comes with a 3-year warranty, which says a lot about the brand’s confidence in its durability. I’ve used mine extensively, and it still feels solid.

The Breville only comes with a 1-year warranty, which feels a little underwhelming, even though the appliance itself has held up well for me.

Verdict: Cuisinart wins hands down for long-term peace of mind.

Cuisinart Elite Griddler Stainless Grill

Pros:

• Extremely powerful 2400 watts
• 500°F sear function for restaurant-quality results
• Dual-zone temperature control for precise cooking
• 6-in-1 versatility
• Sturdy, professional design
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy
• Takes a little longer to learn
• Slightly harder to clean compared to ceramic

Buy on Amazon

Breville Sear and Press Stainless Steel Grill

Pros:

• Ceramic non-stick plates (eco-friendly, PFOA/PTFE free)
• Lightweight and compact design
• One-touch cooking presets for ease
• Open-flat BBQ mode is excellent for variety
• Compatible with waffle plates (extra versatility)
• Easy cleanup

Cons:

• Lower wattage (1800 watts) means less searing power
• Only 1-year warranty
• Presets are convenient but limit customization

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Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

After using both models side by side, I’d say the choice comes down to your cooking style.

• If you want power, professional-level searing, and long-term durability, the Cuisinart Elite Griddler is worth the extra space and learning curve. It’s the better option for steak lovers, grill enthusiasts, and anyone who values precision cooking.
• If you prefer convenience, easy cleaning, and eco-friendly plates, the Breville Sear and Press is a fantastic everyday grill. It’s lighter, smarter, and more versatile if you like experimenting with paninis, burgers, waffles, and breakfast foods.

My Recommendation:

I personally lean toward the Cuisinart Elite Griddler for its power and 3-year warranty—it just feels like a more serious investment for the long term. But if you want something more approachable and easier to maintain, the Breville Sear and Press won’t disappoint.

✅ Final Takeaway: Both are excellent, but your choice depends on whether you want raw power (Cuisinart) or smart convenience (Breville).