Indoor grills have come a long way, and these two models — the Cuisinart Griddler Elite (GR-300WSP1) and the Breville Smart Grill (BGR820XL) — are easily among the most capable options available today. After spending considerable time switching between both units in my kitchen, cooking everything from steaks to sandwiches to breakfast spreads, I formed a clear picture of how each grill performs in real-world use. This comparison breaks down all the major differences to help you choose the one that truly fits your style of cooking.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart Griddler Elite vs Breville Smart Grill
The biggest difference is versatility vs precision.
- The Cuisinart Griddler Elite is a multi-function workstation with 6 cooking modes, a huge reversible cooking surface, and a dual-temperature setup ideal for full meals.
- The Breville Smart Grill focuses on professional-grade searing, extremely consistent heat control, and a more premium grilling feel thanks to embedded heating elements.
In short: Cuisinart wins for versatility and family cooking, while Breville wins for performance and precise searing.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Offering 6 cooking functions, the Cuisinart 6-in-1 Elite Griddler is a contact countertop...
- CUSTOM CONTROLS: This electric grill features an LCD display to easily program temperature, time, and cooking...
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill...
Comparison Table: Cuisinart Griddler Elite vs Breville Smart Grill
| Feature | Cuisinart Griddler Elite | Breville Smart Grill |
| Cooking Modes | 6-in-1 (Grill, Griddle, Panini, Top Melt, Half/Half, Contact Grill) | Contact Grill + BBQ Open Flat |
| Surface Area | 240 sq. in. (open flat) | 260 sq. in. (open flat) |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F (Sear Function) | High-heat searing via embedded elements |
| Plate Type | Reversible grill/griddle plates | Separate flat + ribbed plates |
| LCD Display | Yes | Yes |
| Plates Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Wattage | 1800–2400W depending on voltage | 1800W |
| Best For | Families, variety cooking, multitasking | Steaks, grilling enthusiasts, precision heating |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs | 19.4 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Latest Price, Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into each category, I want to add a bit of context. Both these grills are excellent, but they shine for different reasons. While testing them side by side, I quickly noticed that the Breville feels more like a dedicated, professional indoor grill, while the Cuisinart behaves more like an all-in-one cooking station. This distinction becomes clear once you start rotating through everyday meals.
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Design & Build Quality
The design difference between the two is noticeable from the moment you place them on the counter. The Cuisinart Griddler Elite has a sturdier household-appliance feel, with large reversible plates and a more functional footprint. The Breville Smart Grill, on the other hand, feels more premium — the brushed stainless-steel finish and weight give it the character of a professional piece of equipment.
The Breville is heavier, but that weight translates to stability. When pressing down on sandwiches or steaks, the hinge feels incredibly smooth and secure. The Cuisinart also feels well-built, just slightly less refined in the mechanical feel of its hinge and handles.
Verdict:
Cuisinart for practicality and space-efficient design.
Breville for premium, commercial-like build quality.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Offering 6 cooking functions, the Cuisinart 6-in-1 Elite Griddler is a contact countertop...
- CUSTOM CONTROLS: This electric grill features an LCD display to easily program temperature, time, and cooking...
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Ease of Use
Both grills have LCD displays, but their user experience differs.
Cuisinart Experience
I found the Cuisinart much easier to adapt to when switching modes. A few taps let me set independent temperatures for each plate, which is incredibly useful when making eggs on one side and sausages on the other. The interface is simple, and the controls are intuitive even for beginners.
Breville Experience
The Breville also features an LCD display, but the focus is more on temperature accuracy than versatility. The grill preheats quickly and tells you exactly when it reaches the perfect searing point. The embedded heating elements heat faster and more evenly than most indoor grills I’ve used.
Verdict:
Cuisinart for beginners and multitaskers.
Breville for users who prioritize precise grilling control.
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill...
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Cooking Performance & Functions
This is where things get interesting.
Cuisinart Griddler Elite
The Cuisinart is the multitasking king. Cooking a full breakfast on the half-griddle/half-grill mode feels ridiculously convenient. I could sear chicken while grilling vegetables simultaneously, something the Breville can’t do the same way because it lacks reversible plates.
The 500°F sear function is real — steaks do get a noticeable crust, although the sear isn’t as aggressive as the Breville’s embedded-element heat.
Breville Smart Grill
The Breville is all about delivering restaurant-style cooking. The embedded heating elements transfer heat directly from plate to food instead of heating beneath the plate. This results in some of the most even browning and searing I’ve ever seen on an indoor grill.
Steaks, burgers, and even thick chicken breasts cook incredibly consistently, with no cold zones. The BBQ open-flat mode gives you a large surface, perfect for grilling batches of food.
Verdict:
Cuisinart for versatility and cooking multiple styles of meals.
Breville for unmatched searing and even heat distribution.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Offering 6 cooking functions, the Cuisinart 6-in-1 Elite Griddler is a contact countertop...
- CUSTOM CONTROLS: This electric grill features an LCD display to easily program temperature, time, and cooking...
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill...
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Cleaning & Maintenance
Cuisinart
- Plates are reversible (grill + griddle).
- Dishwasher-safe.
- Scraping tool included.
The reversible design saves storage space — a big plus.
Breville
- Plates are removable and dishwasher-safe.
- Drip tray is spacious and easy to clean.
However, Breville plates being separate grill and flat plates means you have to store more components.
Verdict:
Both are easy to clean, but Cuisinart is slightly more convenient due to reversible plates.
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Extra Features & Usability
- Cuisinart’s Top Melt function is great for finishing sandwiches.
- Dual-zone temperature control is incredibly helpful.
- Breville’s embedded heating provides the best cooking consistency I’ve experienced on an indoor grill.
- Breville has fewer modes, but each is executed at a higher level of performance.
Verdict:
Cuisinart for features and flexibility.
Breville for quality and consistent results.
Cuisinart Griddler Elite (GR-300WSP1) Smart Grill
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Offering 6 cooking functions, the Cuisinart 6-in-1 Elite Griddler is a contact countertop...
- CUSTOM CONTROLS: This electric grill features an LCD display to easily program temperature, time, and cooking...
Pros:
- Highly versatile with 6 cooking functions
- Reversible plates save storage
- Dual-zone temperature control
- 500°F sear mode
- Large cooking area
- Excellent for full meals and family cooking
- More affordable
Cons:
- Sear isn’t as strong as Breville
- Build quality feels slightly less premium
- Slightly slower preheating
Breville Smart Grill (BGR820XL)
- Bring the romance of outdoor grilling into the comfort of your kitchen with the Breville Smart Grill; Access...
- OPEN FLAT BBQ MODE: Open grill flat for a 260 square inch grilling and griddle surface; Think big! Grill...
Pros:
- Embedded heating elements provide perfect searing
- Extremely consistent temperature
- Premium build quality
- Great for steaks, burgers, and BBQ-style cooking
- Simple interface for grilling
- Plates clean easily
Cons:
- Less versatile than Cuisinart
- Heavier and bulkier
- More expensive
- Only 1-year warranty
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both grills extensively, the choice comes down to how you cook.
Choose Cuisinart Griddler Elite if:
- You want one appliance that can grill, griddle, press, melt, and cook full meals.
- You frequently cook for family or meal prep.
- Flexibility and value matter more than commercial-grade searing.
Choose Breville Smart Grill if:
- You mainly grill meats and want the best possible sear indoors.
- You prefer stability, premium build quality, and perfect heat distribution.
- You want an appliance that feels closer to an outdoor BBQ experience.
My Recommendation:
If you want versatility and an all-in-one cooking station, go with the Cuisinart Griddler Elite. But if your priority is grilling performance and steakhouse-level searing, the Breville Smart Grill is hands down the superior choice.
