Should you buy the Cuisinart CGG180 Portable Gas Grill? Full review inside!

Description

Grilling Performance

Testing the grilling performance of the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand™ has been quite the adventure. I’ve used it for everything from burgers to kabobs, and the results have been consistently impressive. The 5,500 BTU burner heats up quickly, and the heat distribution on the 150-square-inch porcelain-enameled cooking surface is surprisingly even. Whether grilling steaks or veggies, the food comes out with those perfect sear marks that make outdoor cooking feel special.

One time, my daughter decided to throw an impromptu backyard “burger party” for her friends. I managed to cook eight burgers at once on this compact grill, and despite its size, it handled the task beautifully. The twist-to-start ignition also worked seamlessly, which was a relief when I had a pack of hungry teenagers waiting to eat. It does get hot fast, so keeping an eye on the food is crucial to avoid overcooking, especially for more delicate items like fish.

Ease of Use

The ease of use is, without a doubt, one of the best aspects of this portable grill. Setting it up was a breeze—no tools required. I had it running within ten minutes straight out of the box. The integrated telescoping base, or VersaStand™, is genius. It transitions effortlessly between a tabletop grill and a freestanding unit, making it versatile for different settings. During a camping trip, I used it on a picnic table, and later on, adjusted the legs to grill directly on the ground near the campfire.

It’s also lightweight at just under 19 pounds, so I’ve been able to carry it around without breaking a sweat. The carry handle and locking lid add to the portability, though I’ll admit it can be a bit awkward to maneuver at times due to its shape.

Cleaning

Cleaning the grill is a mixed bag. On one hand, the porcelain-enameled grates are dishwasher-safe, which is a lifesaver when I’m at home. On the other hand, the interior can be a bit of a pain to scrub, especially after grilling greasy burgers or brats. I learned the hard way not to let the grease sit too long. Once, after a tailgating event, I left it uncleaned overnight, and getting the residue off the next day was no fun.

The grease tray is easy to remove and clean, but it’s on the smaller side. If you’re cooking something particularly fatty, you’ll want to keep an eye on it to avoid overflow. Overall, it’s manageable, but not as hassle-free as I’d hoped.

Positives

Winning Points

• Compact and lightweight, perfect for camping or small patios.
• Offers excellent heat distribution for consistent grilling.
• Telescoping VersaStand™ provides flexibility for different setups.
• Easy-to-use twist ignition gets the grill started quickly.

Temperature Control

The temperature control leaves a bit to be desired. While the single burner heats up quickly and evenly, it doesn’t offer much in the way of precision. The knob is basic, and while it does the job, I found it challenging to maintain a low-and-slow cooking temperature. For instance, when I tried grilling chicken thighs, they cooked a bit faster than I’d have liked, and there was some flare-up due to grease dripping onto the burner. A built-in thermometer would have been a welcome addition to help monitor the heat.

Negatives

Areas for Improvement

• The telescoping legs can feel wobbly, especially on uneven surfaces.
• Lacks a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control.
• Cleaning the interior can be tedious after heavy use.

Durability

In terms of durability, the grill holds up well for regular use, but it’s not without its flaws. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the powder-coated finish has withstood outdoor conditions without rusting. However, the plastic components, like the leg locking mechanisms, don’t inspire the same confidence. During one camping trip, the legs got stuck in the extended position, and I had to wrestle with them to get them folded back down. While it hasn’t broken, it does make me question how well it will hold up in the long run.

Features

This grill is packed with features that make it a standout for its size. The 150-square-inch cooking area is spacious enough for small gatherings, accommodating up to eight burgers or a mix of other items. The twist-to-start ignition is reliable, and the 5,500 BTU burner provides more than enough power for most grilling tasks. The VersaStand™ is the highlight, allowing for easy height adjustment. Additionally, the compact design folds down neatly for storage, and the locking lid ensures nothing moves around during transport.

Portability & Storage

Portability is where this grill truly shines. I’ve taken it to the beach, on camping trips, and even to a friend’s rooftop barbecue. Its compact size and built-in carry handle make it easy to transport, though it can feel a bit bulky when folded. The grill folds down to a manageable size and fits easily in the trunk of my car. It’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of a full-size grill but still wants the option to cook on the go.

Warranty

The warranty details are fairly standard, with coverage for any manufacturing defects. While I haven’t had to make use of it yet, some reviewers have noted that customer support is responsive and helpful when dealing with issues. It’s good to know there’s a safety net should anything go wrong.

Competing Products

Compared to other portable grills like the Weber Q1200 or the Coleman RoadTrip, the Cuisinart model holds its own in terms of portability and versatility. The Weber Q1200 offers better heat control and a more durable design, but it’s also heavier and less convenient to transport. On the other hand, the Coleman RoadTrip has a larger cooking area and interchangeable grates but lacks the compact folding design of the Cuisinart. For casual grilling and ease of use, this grill strikes a nice balance between functionality and portability.

Bang for the Buck

Given its features and performance, the price-to-quality ratio is solid. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it offers a lot of value for its size and portability. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact grill for occasional use, this one is worth considering. However, if you’re planning on frequent heavy-duty grilling, investing in a more robust model might be a better choice.

Additional information