Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Grilled Asparagus and Cuisinart Griddler Review

9/2/12 Update: The Griddler began to come up to temperature and then shut itself off two uses after this post. In checking the warranty, I decided it would not be worth the cost of sending it back plus the $10 return shipping they require. So unfortunately I threw it out. Disappointing...

Last year my propane grill literally caught on fire. Flames were shooting out from under the lid, turning off the burners wouldn't put it out and I smelled propane-very scary! Summoning the courage stupidity? to reach in and turn off the propane valve finally extinguished it. I decided to use a gift cert from the boys to get the Cuisinart Griddler.
The Griddler does get nice and hot, the "sear" setting works very well on veggies and meats. Love that it comes with the reversible plates, both griddle and grill. The top is hinged so 2" thick filets fit without a problem and the surface is big enough for 6 filets or pork chops. My suggestion for steaks-use the grill plate on the bottom and griddle on top. That way you get an amazing sear on the top and the grill plate allows juices to run away so the bottom doesn't steam and gets grill marks too, you can decide which side makes a better presentation:@).

Love that the plates can be removed for easy cleaning and they are dish washer safe. For those of us without a dishwasher don't forget my tip about cleaning electric grills-before you sit down to eat, unplug and lay 2 or 3 wet paper towels across the bottom plate and close the lid. It makes clean up so much easier!


So far I've made filet mignon, boneless pork chops (a couple times), potatoes, yes hot dogs:@) and asparagus. Is it the same as grilling outside? No, but it does caramelize and char foods and is a wonderful alternative for folks living alone, in an apartment/dorm or just not wanting to deal with an outdoor grill. If I had the room on my counter, I would leave this out year round but it's light enough to bring out of the closet when I want to use it.

 I'm head over heels for grilled asparagus!
Grilled Asparagus
1. Bend to break and discard bottoms.
2. Rinse and dry well.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Liberally sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, mix with hands.
5. Using grill plates, grill on "sear" for about 4 minutes. Might take longer for larger spears.

PS-As for outdoor grills, if I ever ran across this little cutie I might just have to pick one up:@)
Have a happy day!

21 comments:

  1. Oh gosh, I love grilled asparagus, it looks delicious. Great little grill, I'm glad you enjoy it!

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  2. Your asparagus looks like it was grilled perfectly!

    Thanks for the grill review.

    xo,
    RJ

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  3. YUMMY! Oh and you can find this little pig grill at World Mkt or on their website! Just $24.99! Have a blessed day.

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  4. I was just pondering lighting up the gas grill to grill some chicken. Now I'm scared, lol!

    Sounds like a nice grill.

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  5. The taste is the same, gas grills do not give any different flavor than indoor grills. Only the old fashioned grill using charcoal adds the real barbecue flavor. I still use one of those once in a great while. Mostly do my grilling indoors. xo

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  6. Grilling vegetables gives great results. Especially asparagus.
    I heard Bobby Flay say once when asked if there are any vegetables that you should try to grill and he responded "shelled peas". Lol.

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  7. you mean those kind of flames arent normal??? ;)

    LOVE ASPARAGUS!!! Its my favorite veggie when you can pick it and bring it to the kitchen in less then 15 minutes !

    And now I think I might add another new kitchen appliance to ours - you are a great salesperson!...wonder what mr. foresterman can do with it?

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  8. I need to get some asparagus and let hubby grill it the next time he decides to have a steak. Looks yummo!!

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  9. We must try this. The last grill we bought(KMart) at an enormous discount was in a box and had to be assembled. It was $200 but we paid $50 and the instructions were in Spanish. I laughed at Joe as he said he could "read" pictures and sure enough he put it together. Works fine too.

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  10. We love asparagus and love it grilled. Thanks for a nice review, I think I've seen one like this on QVC and wondered if it really works that well...looks like it does! xo

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  11. This looks delicious. Our outside grill is such a pain to keep clean. Loving this Lynn.
    xo Jeanne

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  12. Lynn,
    Yes, grilled asparagus is wonderful! I make it the same way, but grate a little bit of fresh Parmesan on top. Yum!
    I had the same experience with a grill 20 some years ago. My not so handy first husband had 'fixed' the grill, I noticed flames licking along the bottom of the grill, it was a VERY dry summer and we lived in an old wooden house, with a 6 week old Chickie.
    I screamed for my husband who kicked the grill away from the house, and kicked the propane tank down the hill. We had a big strip of dead brown grass on the hill all summer long that year.

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  13. Hi Lynn,
    grilling brings the best of the asparagus out. I love it this way but I do it in my baking ofen. Works also nice. This piggy grill is too cute. I am sure Earl is shocked about this hot pig.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  14. I'm in for the asparagus. Looks delicious.
    I went online just now and looked at the griddlers.
    I have a G Forman but think this is much bigger than mine. The grill on the deck is playing out and I'm thinking we won't replace it. We did so little outdoor grilling last year but we like an occasional steak.
    So, we'll see. Thanks for sharing this.
    Always love the recipes you share.
    Barb

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  15. I like my griddler. I like to use it for pannini. I do my asparagus like that, but I just roast it in the oven. I never tried it on the griddler though!
    Can you believe this weather? I went flower shopping today. But I will not plant them yet, it could still get cold and frosty!

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  16. Oh how I love asparagus. I've never tried it grilled, but you got me craving it and also wanting a griddler!!

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  17. I just got a Griddler! Our panini press died a horrible death and I love the versatility of the plates and the dishwasher option! I'm glad to know about the sear setting~ I haven't experimented yet :)

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  18. Okay, yes, if you found that cute little piggie grill you would definitely have to get it. That is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Love grilled asparagus too. Mmm.

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  19. Mmmmmm, I love grilled asparagus, too, Lynn. What a great gift you bought with your sweet boys' gift caertificate. That piggy grill, however, is really cute!!

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  20. MY that asparagus sounds good. We love grilled asparagus. I will have to use the tabletop grill next time. Hugs, Ginger

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  21. I am still not able to find a reliable and easy to use griddle, I read about Cuisinart GR-4n 5-in-1 Griddler review and many buyers rated it as five stars but also many buyers recently complained about it so I am really confused

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