Two-Burner Gas Griddle

Flat Top Freedom: My Hands-On Review of the Cuisinart CGG-501 Two-Burner Gas Griddle

I've been wanting a portable flat top griddle for ages. The idea of whipping up smash burgers in the backyard, cooking a full breakfast spread while camping, or handling fajitas for a crowd without messing up the kitchen stove just sounded fantastic. After looking around, I settled on the Cuisinart CGG-501 Two-Burner Gas Griddle. It seemed to hit a sweet spot between portability and cooking power, so I ordered one to put it through its paces. Here’s my experience with it, from setup to sizzling bacon.

Unboxing & Appearance: Compact and Sturdy

The griddle arrived in a reasonably sized box, packed securely. Pulling it out, my first impression was that it felt substantial. It's definitely portable, but it has a reassuring heft thanks to the thick, cold-rolled steel griddle top and metal body – this isn't some flimsy piece of kit. The stainless steel accents on the front panel with the two control knobs give it a clean, functional look.

The design is pretty straightforward: a rectangular griddle surface sits atop the burner base. The grease drain is positioned towards the front, leading to a removable collection cup underneath, which looked easy enough to access. It’s compact enough to sit comfortably on a sturdy picnic table or tailgate. Overall, it looks like a capable, no-nonsense cooking machine.

Specs & Key Features That Matter

Instead of listing everything, here’s what actually makes a difference in use:

Two Independent Burners (20,000 BTU Total): This is key. Having two separate controls means you can create different heat zones – super hot on one side for searing burgers, lower heat on the other for toasting buns or keeping finished food warm. 20,000 BTU provides plenty of power for quick heating.
Cold-Rolled Steel Griddle Top: This type of surface is awesome for even heating and developing that perfect crust on burgers or hash browns. It does require seasoning (like cast iron) but that also builds up a great non-stick surface over time.
Integrated Propane Hose: It comes ready to connect to a standard 20lb propane tank, which is super convenient for longer cookouts compared to fiddling with small canisters.
Twist-to-Start Ignition: No matches needed. Just turn the knob and push to ignite – makes startup quick and easy.
Efficient Grease Management: The built-in channel directs grease away from the cooking surface and into a removable cup, crucial for cleaner cooking and preventing flare-ups.

My Experience: Firing Up the Flat Top

Setup/First Use: Connecting the propane tank using the included hose was simple. The crucial first step was seasoning the griddle top. I washed it, dried it, then applied a thin coat of oil and heated the griddle until the oil smoked off, repeating the process a few times. This took about 20-30 minutes but is essential for performance and longevity. The twist-start ignition fired up both burners reliably on the first try.
Cooking Performance: This is where the CGG-501 really impressed me.
- Breakfast Test: I cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes. The bacon crisped up beautifully across the surface. The heat control allowed me to lower the temp for perfectly cooked eggs without burning them. Pancakes cooked evenly thanks to the steel top distributing heat well. Having the two zones was great – bacon stayed warm on one side while pancakes finished on the other.
- Burgers & Cheesesteaks: This griddle gets hot. It put an amazing sear on smash burgers in no time. For cheesesteaks, there was ample room to sauté onions and peppers on one side while cooking the steak on the other, then melt the cheese over everything. The surface area felt surprisingly generous.
- Heat Control: The knobs offer good granular control over the flame, making it easy to adjust from a ripping hot sear down to a low warming temperature.
Ease of Use: Once seasoned, it's incredibly straightforward. Turn the knobs, let it heat up (which is quick!), and start cooking. The grease management worked well; most drippings found their way into the cup.
Cleaning: Cleanup is typical for a flat top. While it's still hot, scrape debris into the grease trap using a flat scraper, then wipe down with paper towels. A thin coat of oil protects the seasoned surface. The grease cup slides out easily for emptying and washing. It’s much easier than cleaning grill grates, in my opinion.
Portability: It’s definitely portable enough for car camping or tailgating. It's not feather-light (around 30 lbs maybe?), so carrying it long distances isn't ideal, but moving it from the garage to the patio or into the car trunk is perfectly manageable.

Pros (What I Liked):

Excellent Heat Output & Control: The two burners get hot quickly and provide versatile cooking zone options.
Versatile Cooking Surface: Perfect for everything from breakfast to dinner – burgers, stir-fry, pancakes, you name it. The flat top is just fun to cook on.
Solid Build & Good Size: Feels sturdy and offers a decent amount of cooking space while remaining relatively portable.
Effective Grease Management: Makes cooking less messy and cleanup simpler.

Cons (What Could Be Better):

Requires Seasoning: You need to invest time upfront (and perform ongoing light maintenance) to season the steel top properly. It's not difficult, but it's an essential step some might overlook.
Weight: While portable, it does have some heft. Might be slightly heavy for some individuals to carry easily over longer distances.
Potential for Grease Splatter: Like any open griddle, cooking fatty foods can lead to some splatter around the unit – just something to be aware of.

(Optional) Comparison:

Compared to a traditional propane grill, the Cuisinart griddle offers a totally different cooking experience – better for searing, breakfasts, and loose items like fried rice or veggies. It’s probably most comparable to portable Blackstone griddles, offering similar functionality in a slightly different form factor, often at a competitive price point.

Conclusion & Recommendation:

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle. It delivers powerful, even heat, offers fantastic cooking versatility, and strikes a great balance between cooking area and portability. It's made backyard cookouts and camping meals much more interesting.

Who is it for? This is ideal for anyone who loves the flat top cooking style and wants a portable solution. Perfect for campers, tailgaters, RV owners, or those with smaller patios who don't have space for a huge stationary griddle. If you enjoy cooking diverse meals outdoors, this is a fantastic tool.

My final take: For the price, the CGG-501 offers excellent performance and value. If you're willing to season it properly and appreciate the versatility of griddle cooking, I highly recommend it. It's a solid, capable, and fun piece of outdoor cooking gear.