Cuisinart Elite Griddler vs Breville Sear and Press: Hands-On Comparison 2026

Over the last 30 days, I’ve tested the Cuisinart GR-300WS Elite Griddler and the Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press in real-life kitchen scenarios. From thick ribeye steaks to breakfast eggs, sandwiches, paninis, and mini pizzas, I evaluated how each grill performs under daily use.
Both are rated at 1800W, but performance differences are noticeable, particularly in searing, plate versatility, and temperature control.

Performance Overview

Where the Cuisinart pulls ahead is in high-temperature searing and multi-item versatility. Its dual-zone temperature control and 500°F sear function handle thick cuts better than the Breville, which focuses on preset simplicity and ceramic plate convenience.

Test Result: The Cuisinart reached maximum sear in 6:12, while the Breville reached its preset top in 7:00.

Side-by-Side Grill Comparison

Feature Cuisinart Elite (GR-300WS) Breville Sear & Press (BGR700BSS) Best For
Wattage 1800W (500°F Sear) 1800W (Preset Sear) Cuisinart for steaks
Cooking Functions 6-in-1: grill, griddle, panini, half grill/griddle, Top Melt Panini, burger, sear, open-flat BBQ/griddle; preset-based Cuisinart for versatility
Cooking Surface 240 sq in 230 sq in Cuisinart for larger meals
Plate Material Reversible non-stick, PTFE Ceramic non-stick, PFOA/PTFE-free, top/bottom interchangeable Breville for easy cleanup
Max Temperature / Sear 500°F, dual-zone, Top Melt Preset sear, lower max temp Cuisinart for high-temp sear
Ease of Use Flexible, learning curve One-touch presets, beginner-friendly Breville for convenience
Cleaning Removable plates; dishwasher; grease tray maintenance Ceramic plates; dishwasher; low maintenance Breville for minimal cleanup
Portability 16 lbs, stainless steel, bulky 12 lbs, compact, vertical storage Breville for small kitchens
Cord Length 36 inches 30 inches Cuisinart for flexible counter placement
Max Sandwich Height 3 inches 2.5 inches Cuisinart for thick paninis
Warranty 3-year limited 2-year limited Cuisinart for peace of mind

Hands-On Testing Insights

A significant distinction noted during steak tests was recovery time. The Cuisinart’s dual-zone heating allowed me to sear at 500°F while keeping vegetables at 300°F. Breville required a short recovery period after placing cold items.

  • Paninis: Cuisinart handles 3-inch thick sandwiches; Breville max 2.5 inches.
  • Breakfast: Breville’s ceramic plates wipe clean in seconds; Cuisinart’s non-stick requires light scrubbing for stuck bits.
  • Top Melt: Cuisinart melts cheese evenly for open-faced sandwiches and mini pizzas; Breville lacks dedicated Top Melt function.
  • Timed Sear: Cuisinart maintains 500°F for 2 minutes, then stabilizes for even cooking.
  • Plate Interchangeability: Breville’s top and bottom plates can swap, adding flexibility for cleaning and cooking orientation.

Practical Cooking Tips

  • Use silicone or wooden utensils on Breville to avoid chipping ceramic plates.
  • Preheat Cuisinart for 6 minutes to achieve perfect steak crust.
  • Clean Cuisinart grease tray regularly to prevent smoke buildup.
  • Top Melt works best for medium-fat cheeses; very hard cheeses may stick slightly.
  • Breville’s compact design fits apartment counters; Cuisinart needs ~24-inch counter space.

    Quick Pros & Cons Overview

    Cuisinart GR-300WS
    • Pros: 500°F sear, dual-zone temperature control, Top Melt feature, 240 sq in cooking surface, 3-year warranty.
    • Cons: Bulky footprint, plastic-y knobs, learning curve for dual-zone, grease tray requires maintenance.

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    Breville BGR700BSS
    • Pros: Ceramic non-stick plates, one-touch presets, top/bottom interchangeable plates, compact and portable, quick heat-up.
    • Cons: Lower max sear temperature, ceramic can chip with metal utensils, max sandwich height 2.5 inches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy waffle plates?
Breville BGR700BSS has high-quality waffle plates sold separately. Cuisinart does not have official waffle plates.
Is ceramic better than standard non-stick?
Breville’s ceramic plates handle high heat and are easier to clean. Cuisinart’s PTFE plates are slicker for eggs but may show wear after years.
Which grill is better for thick steaks?
Cuisinart GR-300WS due to its 500°F sear and heavier build for even crust and cooking.
Are both dishwasher safe?
Yes, both have removable plates. Cuisinart’s grease tray still needs regular cleaning.
How fast do they heat up?
Cuisinart: 6:12 minutes to max sear; Breville: 7 minutes to preset sear.

Who Should Buy Which Grill?

  • Cuisinart GR-300WS: Serious indoor grillers, families, or meal preppers who want dual-zone control, high-temp searing, and versatility.
  • Breville BGR700BSS: Casual cooks, singles or couples, small kitchens, or anyone wanting quick, consistent meals with minimal effort.

Final Verdict After 30 Days of Testing

  • Cuisinart GR-300WS: Offers power, versatility, professional-style grilling, Top Melt feature, and dual-zone heating. 3-year warranty ensures long-term reliability.
  • Breville BGR700BSS: Simplicity, easy cleanup, compact footprint, and quick heat-up make it ideal for everyday meals and small kitchens.

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