We grill outside at my house all the time, especially during the warmer months. But once winter hits, dragging ourselves outside to use a full-size gas grill feels like a cruel chore, especially since ours is set up across the yard instead of by the back door. The inconvenience of cold-weather cooking was what initially drew me to test the Cuisinart 2-in-1 indoor/outdoor grill.
When I first unboxed the grill (which was sent to me by a PR rep for the brand), my immediate thought was that it looked like one of those plastic toy grills my kids used to play with in the backyard, not exactly something I expected to make real dinners on. After using it a few times, I quickly realized it was a lot more capable than it looked.
Unlike a traditional gas or charcoal grill, this compact electric version is designed to work both indoors and out. It plugs into a standard outlet, doesn't require propane or charcoal, and promises a much simpler setup overall. It didn't take long for me to realize this wasn't just a great winter backup, but a genuine upgrade for any season.
Here's everything that makes it stand out.
The Cuisinart 2-in-1 electric grill is a compact electric grill that works both indoors and outdoors, making it ideal for apartments, small spaces, and all-year grilling. It has impressive heating, can cook enough food for 6 people, and features an easy-to-clean nonstick cooking surface.
What I like most
One of the biggest advantages of this grill is its design's versatility. The compact appliance can sit on its pedestal stand like a traditional grill, or the cooking surface can be removed and used as a tabletop griddle.
Dan Warren, a senior product manager at Cuisinart, notes that the brand created the 2-in-1 format to give home cooks maximum flexibility regardless of where they live or cook. "We created it for people grilling on or near their patios, balconies, RVs, really any small space where a full-size gas barbecue may not be ideal," he says.
That adaptability was one of the grill's biggest strengths during my testing. On colder days, I use the tabletop setup indoors, while milder days make it easy to grill outside on our patio. The pedestal stand can also be removed without tools, which makes switching between the two configurations entirely seamless.
Setup is fast, simple, and beginner-friendly
This grill is much less intimidating compared to a traditional gas or charcoal setup, making it a great option for beginner grillers or anyone who isn't the designated grill master in the family.
The assembly process is straightforward and breaks down into five distinct steps:
- Place the pedestal pole into the base.
- Secure the basin/grill body onto the pole.
- Pop in the removable grease tray.
- Place the griddle plate.
- Insert the temperature control probe.
Always remember to connect the temperature control probe to the unit before plugging the electric cooker into a standard 120V household outlet. Before your first use, it's recommended to wash the plate, tray, and lid with warm, soapy water.
The electric grill packs serious heat
Electric grills often get dismissed because many people assume they can't generate enough heat for proper cooking. However, the Cuisinart 2-in-1 electric grill can reach temperatures up to 550 degrees and features five adjustable heat settings.
Unlike some electric grills with vague temperature controls, each setting roughly corresponds to a specific cooking temperature. Setting one (approx. 350°F) is ideal for warming foods, settings two through four are intended for daily cooking tasks like burgers, chicken, and vegetables, and setting five (approx. 550°F) reaches a high heat that's perfect for browning.
The grill preheats in about ten minutes with the lid closed. While cold weather can slightly increase preheat times, the thermostat-controlled temperature probe automatically cycles on and off during cooking to maintain consistent heat across the surface.
The smooth, nonstick griddle surface turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the appliance, especially for foods that can be difficult to cook on standard grates, such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, and quesadillas. Fish was one of the standout foods during testing because it cooked evenly without breaking apart or sticking to the surface. Although the flat-top griddle surface doesn't create traditional open-grate sear marks, it still produces excellent, uniform browning.
Indoor smoke levels were also much lower than I anticipated. Lean foods cooked at moderate temperatures generally produced minimal smoke during my testing, though higher-fat foods cooked at maximum heat can still produce some indoor smoke. Opening a nearby window kept the kitchen entirely comfortable.
Are there drawbacks?
Cleanup was another area where the Cuisinart electric grill felt much more streamlined than traditional outdoor setups. Once the cooking surface cools, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge.
For tougher residue, you can use mild dish soap, baking soda, and a nylon cleaning brush. Avoid using metal scouring pads or placing parts in the dishwasher, as both could compromise the aluminum nonstick coating. To maintain its long-term performance, I recommend storing it indoors when it's not in use.
Cons to consider
Short power cord: The Cuisinart 2-in-1 electric grill comes with a six-foot power cord. Depending on the location of your outdoor outlet, it can feel limiting. If an extension cord is necessary, ensure you use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, three-wire extension cord marked with a 'W' suffix.
Dial learning curve: The numbered heat dial has a small learning curve. It requires some practice to get comfortable with which settings work best for your specific cooking styles.
Bulky storage: The unit weighs 23 pounds and stands nearly 40 inches tall. While it has a compact footprint, the individual pieces are bulky, and it would be a welcome addition if it included a dedicated storage bag to keep the components together.
The bottom line
While it doesn't completely replicate the experience of cooking over an open flame, this electric option removes many of the hassles that can make traditional grilling feel like work, especially for people with limited outdoor space or apartment dwellers craving an easy grilled meal.
At a little over $200, you're paying about half the price of an entry-level Weber grill, and its three-year warranty offers great long-term value. It is also highly energy-efficient since it converts electricity directly into cooking heat with minimal fuel waste.
While I still plan on using our larger outdoor Weber grill when I want to cook a steak directly over a flame, the Cuisinart 2-in-1 electric grill has become an incredibly useful, fuss-free option for quick weeknight meals and smaller-space cooking throughout the year.
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