Some kitchen appliances earn a permanent place on the counter because of how often I end up using them. Electric griddlers are definitely in that category, and Cuisinart has been one of the most reliable brands in my experience. The GR-5B and GR-6S look similar at first glance, but once I used both side-by-side, the differences became far more noticeable. Whether you mainly grill indoors, make sandwiches, or need a more smoke-controlled setup, both models offer strong value — but for different types of cooks.
Below is my full, first-hand comparison to help you choose the right one.
Main Difference Between Cuisinart GR-5B vs GR-6S Electric Griddler
The biggest difference is performance and smoke control.
- The Cuisinart GR-5B is a great all-rounder with 5 cooking functions and a user-friendly digital interface.
- The Cuisinart GR-6S, however, takes things a step further with its Smoke-Less Mode, independent temperature control for upper and lower plates, and better grease management. It heats faster, cooks more evenly, and handles fatty foods better.
If you want a compact but powerful everyday griddler, the GR-5B is ideal. If you want better heat precision and significantly less smoke, the GR-6S stands out.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover...
- Smoke-less Mode features- Preset for food groups include beef, poultry, fish and pork Fold out front foot...
- LCD Display and Digital Controls
Comparison Table: Cuisinart GR-5B vs GR-6S Electric Griddler
| Feature | Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE | Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler |
| Functions | Contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle (5-in-1) | Smokeless grill, contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle |
| Smoke Control | No dedicated smoke-less mode | Smoke-Less Mode with preset food groups |
| Temperature Range | 175°F – 450°F + Sear | 175°F – 425°F + Sear |
| Heating System | Single temperature control | DuoControl independent upper/lower plate heating |
| LCD Display | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 60 watts (listed, but typically ~1500W operational) | 1500 watts |
| Cooking Plates | Reversible, removable, nonstick, dishwasher-safe | Reversible, removable, nonstick, dishwasher-safe |
| Grease Management | Standard drip tray | Improved grease drainage + front foot extension |
| Size | 8.75″ x 16″ x 13.75″ | 10.5″ x 11.5″ x 7″ |
| Best For | Everyday grilling and paninis | High-heat cooking with minimal smoke and better precision |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
The GR-5B has a clean, modern look with stainless steel accents that blend nicely into a kitchen where countertop appliances stay visible. It’s wider than the GR-6S, but not overly bulky, and the digital display feels intuitive.
The GR-6S, on the other hand, feels more refined in its construction. The redesigned plates, the front foot extension, and the grease-flow channels make a very real difference when cooking fatty foods. The body is slightly more compact yet more powerful — a combination I appreciated when trying to save counter space.
Overall, the GR-6S feels like Cuisinart’s more advanced, better-engineered version.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover...
- Smoke-less Mode features- Preset for food groups include beef, poultry, fish and pork Fold out front foot...
- LCD Display and Digital Controls
Ease of Use
Both models are simple to operate thanks to their LCD screens and straightforward digital controls. The GR-5B is extremely beginner-friendly — selecting a function, temperature, and timer takes just a moment.
The GR-6S adds a bit more control, especially with the DuoControl feature that lets me set a different temperature for the upper and lower plates. It sounds small, but when you’re cooking something delicate like fish or evenly pressing a panini without over-crisping the top, it’s a huge upgrade.
Both have removable plates that pop straight into the dishwasher, but the GR-6S is easier to clean afterward because of its improved grease management.
Functions & Performance
The GR-5B’s 5-in-1 versatility makes it perfect for everyday cooking — grilled veggies, paninis, chicken breast, breakfast items, and even quick searing. The sear function works well, and the temperature range is wide enough for most foods.
But performance-wise, the GR-6S outperforms it. The smokeless mode actually makes a difference. I tested beef patties, bacon, and chicken thighs, and the smoke reduction was immediately noticeable. Independent heating also delivered more even cooking, especially when dealing with thicker cuts of meat.
Because of the stronger wattage and better heat distribution, the GR-6S reaches temperature faster and maintains it more consistently under load.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover...
- Smoke-less Mode features- Preset for food groups include beef, poultry, fish and pork Fold out front foot...
- LCD Display and Digital Controls
Grease & Smoke Handling
This is where the gap becomes clear.
The GR-5B is fine for low-fat foods, but when you grill something oily or fatty, you will notice smoke build-up — nothing extreme, but not ideal for small kitchens.
The GR-6S’s redesigned plates, front-tilt option, and Smoke-Less Mode make it far more suitable for apartment cooking. The grill drains grease more efficiently, and the smoke control presets really help with foods like beef and pork.
Cooking Experience
Cooking on the GR-5B feels convenient and straightforward. It gives consistent results, has enough power for daily meals, and is perfect for someone who wants versatility without extra complexity.
Cooking on the GR-6S feels like using a more premium tool. The temperature accuracy, smoke control, and the heating flexibility make it better for someone who cooks often and wants restaurant-style results indoors.
Cuisinart GR-5B Stainless Steel Griddler FIVE
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover...
Pros:
- Wide temperature range
- Great 5-in-1 versatility
- Easy digital controls
- Good sear function
- Plates are dishwasher-safe
- Larger cooking surface
Cons:
- No smoke-less feature
- Single temperature control limits precision
- Grease drainage is not as efficient
Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler
- Smoke-less Mode features- Preset for food groups include beef, poultry, fish and pork Fold out front foot...
- LCD Display and Digital Controls
Pros:
- Smoke-Less Mode is genuinely effective
- Independent heating for upper/lower plates
- Better grease management
- Faster heating with stronger wattage
- Compact yet powerful
- Perfect for meat, bacon, and indoor grilling
Cons:
- Slightly smaller surface area
- Higher price point
- Temperature range is a bit narrower than GR-5B
Conclusion & My Recommendation:
After using both griddlers extensively, I can confidently say that both are solid choices, but they fit different users.
Choose the Cuisinart GR-5B if:
- You want a flexible, everyday griddler
- You mostly cook light or medium-fat foods
- You want something budget-friendly with great versatility
Choose the Cuisinart GR-6S if:
- You cook meats regularly
- You want significantly less smoke indoors
- You want more precise heat control
- You value better grease management and faster performance
For most modern kitchens — especially apartments — the GR-6S is the superior long-term choice. The smoke-less system and dual-plate temperature control genuinely improve the cooking experience, making it worth the upgrade.
