I’ve always loved the idea of grilling indoors — that satisfying sear, the quick cleanup, and no smoke filling the kitchen. Over the past few years, I’ve relied heavily on Cuisinart’s line of electric griddles and griddlers. Recently, I decided to compare two of their most popular models head-to-head: the Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE and the newer Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler.
After weeks of flipping pancakes, pressing paninis, and grilling chicken, I’ve formed a solid opinion about how these two compare in real-world performance — and which one deserves a spot on your counter.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart GR-5B vs GR-6S Electric Griddle
While both machines share the same 5-in-1 versatility — acting as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle — the Cuisinart GR-6S introduces Smoke-Less Technology, dual-zone cooking, and pre-programmed meat settings that make it more advanced and easier to control.
On the other hand, the GR-5B keeps things simple with digital temperature control, a sear function, and a reliable all-in-one design that feels familiar and easy to use.
In short:
- The GR-5B is perfect for home cooks who value simplicity and performance.
- The GR-6S caters to those who want smarter cooking features and cleaner, low-smoke operation.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover and handlebar for easy use
- 5 ways to grill: reversible plates convert to a full grill or griddle, half grill/half griddle, contact grill, and panini press
- Smoke-Less mode: grease-reducing plates, adjustable plate tilt, and precision temperature control ensure less smoke
Comparison Table: Cuisinart GR-5B vs GR-6S Electric Griddle
| Feature | Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE | Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler |
| Functions | 5-in-1: Contact Grill, Panini Press, Full Grill, Full Griddle, Half Grill/Half Griddle | 5-in-1: Contact Grill, Panini Press, Full Grill, Full Griddle, Half Grill/Half Griddle |
| Power | 1500 Watts | 1500 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 175°F – 450°F (with Sear at 500°F) | 175°F – 450°F |
| Special Mode | Sear Function | Smoke-Less Mode, Dual-Zone Cooking, Preset Meat Programs |
| Display | LCD Digital Display | High-Contrast Digital Display |
| Cooking Plates | Reversible Nonstick Plates | Reversible Nonstick Grease-Reducing Plates |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 8.75”D x 16”W x 13.75”H | 9.25”D x 14.5”W x 14”H |
| Weight | 8 lbs (approx.) | 9.8 lbs |
| Ease of Cleaning | Very Easy | Easier (Tilt Adjustment Reduces Grease Mess) |
| Ideal For | Everyday grilling and paninis | Indoor grilling with minimal smoke |
| Extra Features | Sear Button, Adjustable Cover Height | Smoke-Less Mode, Dual Temperature Zones, Preset Meat Buttons |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice is that both the GR-5B and GR-6S carry Cuisinart’s signature stainless-steel design — clean, modern, and professional.
The GR-5B feels compact and streamlined with a sleek digital LCD on the front and simple buttons for function, temperature, and timer. It has a more minimalist aesthetic, which I personally like for smaller kitchens. The hinge mechanism feels sturdy, and the top cover adjusts easily when pressing sandwiches or grilling thicker meats.
The GR-6S, on the other hand, feels more advanced right out of the box. Its control panel is brighter, and the new smoke-less design tweaks — like the adjustable plate tilt — add a sense of thoughtful engineering. The grill plates are slightly redesigned with a pattern that helps channel grease more efficiently, reducing smoke and flare-ups.
Both models feel solid and durable, but the GR-6S has a more “premium” build, slightly heavier but balanced. It feels like a natural upgrade rather than a redesign.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover and handlebar for easy use
Ease of Use
In day-to-day cooking, both models are user-friendly, but they approach convenience differently.
The GR-5B is straightforward — plug it in, select your mode, adjust temperature, and start cooking. I love the Sear function, which instantly jumps the temperature to 500°F for 2 minutes. It’s perfect for locking in flavor on steaks or getting those crispy panini lines. The digital display clearly shows the temperature, timer, and function, which makes it easy to monitor cooking progress.
The GR-6S, however, adds more intelligence. It features pre-programmed settings for Beef, Pork, Poultry, and Fish, so you can simply select the type of food, and it automatically optimizes temperature and time. The Dual-Zone cooking feature lets you grill veggies on one side and meat on the other — each at different temperatures. This is incredibly useful when cooking complete meals on one surface.
What truly stands out, though, is the Smoke-Less Mode. It noticeably reduces smoke by channeling grease away from heat. Even when I cooked bacon and burgers, the kitchen stayed much clearer than usual. For anyone living in an apartment or cooking in a small space, that’s a big deal.
Cooking Performance
Here’s where the fun begins — I tested both griddlers with several meals: breakfast pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken breasts, and salmon.
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Panini & Sandwiches
Both griddlers shine here. The GR-5B’s sear function gives a slightly deeper crust, while the GR-6S provides more even browning. I found the GR-6S to produce a more consistent golden finish, possibly due to its improved temperature sensors.
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Meats and Seafood
When cooking chicken and salmon, the GR-6S’s smoke-less plates really proved their worth. Grease drained away efficiently, and the dual-zone feature helped me avoid overcooking delicate fish while keeping chicken juicy.
The GR-5B also did an excellent job — it gets hotter faster thanks to that sear mode — but you’ll notice a bit more smoke, especially with fatty cuts.
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Breakfast Favorites
Making pancakes and bacon is where I think both models shine equally. The reversible nonstick plates are smooth and heat evenly. However, the GR-6S tilted plates help bacon fat drain better, keeping things cleaner and less smoky.
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Vegetables
Both handled veggies well, though the GR-6S’s dual-zone option let me cook asparagus on low heat while searing mushrooms on high at the same time. It’s a small detail, but it made cooking faster and more efficient.
- 5 ways to grill: reversible plates convert to a full grill or griddle, half grill/half griddle, contact grill, and panini press
- Smoke-Less mode: grease-reducing plates, adjustable plate tilt, and precision temperature control ensure less smoke
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cuisinart deserves credit here — both models are easy to clean. The reversible, removable plates snap out effortlessly and are dishwasher safe, as is the scraping tool that comes with the GR-5B.
However, the GR-6S takes the win here. Its grease-reducing design means less splatter to begin with, and the adjustable tilt helps drain excess fat automatically. After a grilling session, I noticed far less residue on the drip tray compared to the GR-5B.
Both have nonstick coatings that hold up well over time, though I always recommend avoiding metal utensils to preserve that smooth surface.
Power and Temperature Control
Both the GR-5B and GR-6S run at 1500 watts, which means fast heating and consistent cooking. The GR-5B has a broader temperature range (175°F to 450°F) with a 500°F sear burst, while the GR-6S maintains a steady 175°F to 450°F range with precise control through its digital interface.
The GR-6S’s dual-zone capability allows you to set separate temperatures for the left and right sides — a significant upgrade if you multitask often.
In my experience, both hold temperature well, but the GR-6S reacts faster to adjustments, making it feel a bit smarter overall.
Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE electric grill has a sleek contemporary design and can be used as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full...
- EASY TO USE: LCD display shows function, temperature, and timer with user-friendly digital controls, top cover and handlebar for easy use
Pros:
- Compact and stylish stainless-steel design
- Simple, intuitive digital controls
- Sear function up to 500°F
- Reversible, dishwasher-safe plates
- Excellent heat distribution
- Great for paninis, meats, and breakfast foods
Cons:
- Slightly more smoke during cooking
- No dual-zone or preset options
- Grease management could be better
Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler
- 5 ways to grill: reversible plates convert to a full grill or griddle, half grill/half griddle, contact grill, and panini press
- Smoke-Less mode: grease-reducing plates, adjustable plate tilt, and precision temperature control ensure less smoke
Pros:
- Smoke-Less Mode reduces odors and splatter
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Pre-programmed meat settings for convenience
- Grease-reducing plates and adjustable tilt
- High-contrast digital display
- Large cooking area fits up to 8 burgers
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- A bit pricier
- No sear function like the GR-5B
Conclusion – Which One Should You Buy?
After extensive testing, I’d say both of these models are excellent, but they cater to slightly different cooks.
If you’re after simplicity, strong searing performance, and a lower price, the Cuisinart GR-5B Griddler FIVE remains a superb choice. It’s compact, powerful, and delivers fantastic results on everything from grilled cheese to steak.
But if you want advanced features, cleaner cooking, and less smoke, the Cuisinart GR-6S Smoke-Less Griddler is absolutely worth the extra investment. The dual-zone control, meat presets, and improved grease management make it the smarter and more versatile of the two — especially for frequent indoor grillers.
In my kitchen, the GR-6S has officially replaced the GR-5B as my go-to for weekday dinners. It’s quieter, cleaner, and simply feels like the next generation of the Griddler line.
My Recommendation:
Choose the GR-5B for affordability and simplicity.
Choose the GR-6S for modern features and the best indoor grilling experience without the smoke.
