Mastering Your 5-in-1 Griddler: From Smash Burgers to Full Breakfasts

The 5-in-1 countertop griddler, famously popularized by the Cuisinart GR-4NP1, is one of the most versatile tools in the modern kitchen. Yet, many owners never explore its full potential, relegating it to a life of making panini sandwiches.

This appliance is a true shapeshifter, thanks to its two reversible plates. By flipping them from the ridged “grill” side to the flat “griddle” side, you unlock a suite of cooking techniques. Here is a guide to mastering all five modes, based on techniques from seasoned users.

Mode 1: The Contact Grill (The High-Heat Sear)

This is the default “clamshell” mode, using both ridged grill plates (top and bottom) to cook food from two sides at once. This 1500W system is a high-heat powerhouse, perfect for locking in juices and cutting down cooking times.

• Best For: Boneless chicken breasts, pork chops, salmon fillets, and hamburgers.
• Technique: One user (ocean dreamer) found that huge chicken breasts cooked in about 15 minutes, while thin salmon fillets were done in 10. The key is to trust the heat and avoid opening the lid, which lets the temperature drop. The dual contact creates a “sear” on both sides, locking in moisture.

Pro-Tip: Managing Sauces
A common challenge with contact grilling is that sticky sauces (like BBQ or teriyaki) can burn. One user (ocean dreamer) developed a perfect solution:
1. Place the marinated meat on the bottom grill plate.
2. Brush your sauce onto the top, uncooked side.
3. Close the lid. This “bakes” the sauce into the top while the bottom sears.
4. The user noted that by not flipping the meat, they achieved “really juicy, flavorful burgers” because the juices weren’t lost.

Mode 2: The Panini Press

This mode uses the same hardware as the contact grill but relies on the floating hinge. This hinge is designed to adjust to the thickness of your bread, allowing the top plate to rest parallel to the bottom. This ensures your sandwich is evenly pressed, not squished at the back. It’s ideal for everything from grilled cheese to complex tuna melts.

Mode 3, 4 & 5: The Open-Flat “Diner” Modes

This is where the Griddler’s true versatility shines. By releasing the hinge, the appliance opens 180° into a large, flat cooking surface.

• Full Grill (Both Plates Ridged): Doubles your grilling space for steaks or multiple burgers.
• Half Grill / Half Griddle: The ultimate combo. Cook your steak on the grill side while sautéing vegetables on the flat griddle side.
• Full Griddle (Both Plates Flat): This is the most under-used and highest-potential mode. It transforms your counter into a full-service breakfast station. One user (AlleyCat) praised this mode for making “bacon, eggs, and toast all at the same time,” eliminating the need for multiple pans.

The “Smash Burger” Secret
The flat-top griddle is the only way to make a true, diner-style “smash burger.” A key user tip (rda) revealed this is a standout use case. By using the smooth, flat griddle surface on “Sear,” you can press the burgers flat, maximizing the surface area for the Maillard reaction (the chemical browning process) and creating that signature crispy, savory crust that a grill grate simply cannot.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Sandwich Maker

Don’t let the “Panini Press” name fool you. The true power of the 5-in-1 griddler lies in its reversible plates. By understanding the difference between the ridged grill (for searing and marks) and the flat griddle (for maximum contact and crusts), you can unlock a huge range of culinary options, from a full breakfast to the perfect smash burger.