Cuisinart CGG-288 Grill Review
Our verdict
The Cuisinart CGG-288 is a stainless steel two-burner propane grill with an efficient 18,000 BTU output on a compact 285-square-inch cooking surface. At $400 it is priced at the upper end for a two-burner grill, and the stainless construction justifies some of that premium over painted steel alternatives.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers who want a stainless steel two-burner grill from a well-known brand and are willing to pay more for the material upgrade and brand support.
Skip if
You regularly cook for more than four people, or you need a larger cooking surface and do not want to cook in batches.
- Fuel Propane
- BTUs 18000 BTU
- Burners 2
- Cooking area 285 Sq In
- Material Stainless Steel
- Install Freestanding
- BTUs of 18000 BTU - higher than 81% of the 261 models we track
- Burners of 2 - fewer than 66% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- Stainless steel construction adds durability and a cleaner look
- 18,000 BTU delivers strong heat for a two-burner grill
- 4.4-star rating from 24 early buyers
- Cuisinart brand means accessible customer support and parts
- Propane fuel is convenient and easy to manage
Cons
- 285 sq in primary cooking area is tight for groups of more than three or four
- $400 is premium pricing for a two-burner grill
- Only 24 reviews so long-term durability data is limited
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 24 owner ratings
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Popularity2.0/5
24 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The CGG-288 burns propane through two burners delivering 18,000 BTUs across 285 square inches of primary cooking area. That heat density, about 63 BTUs per square inch, is strong for a two-burner unit and helps bring the grates up to temperature quickly. The stainless steel construction is a step up from the painted steel found on entry-level grills and should hold up better over multiple seasons with basic maintenance.', 'At 49.75 pounds, this is not a featherweight grill, but it is still manageable for one person to reposition on a patio. The assembled dimensions of 22.1 by 63.78 by 38.2 inches mean it has a standard full-size footprint despite only having two burners. Cuisinart is a brand with broad retail distribution, which helps with parts availability and customer support if something goes wrong.', 'The 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews is solid for a newer model. The price of $400 is the main conversation starter. You are paying for stainless steel and the Cuisinart name, and for some buyers that trade-off is worth it. For others, a comparable two-burner propane grill from a lesser-known brand with more cooking area might be more appealing at the same price.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Propane |
|---|---|
| BTUs | 18000 BTU |
| Burners | 2 |
| Cooking area | 285 Sq In |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 22.1 X 63.78 X 38.2 In |
| Weight | 49.75 lb |
Performance notes
Two propane burners produce 18,000 BTUs total, which is 9,000 BTUs per burner. That is a competitive output for a compact grill and means you get solid searing temperatures without needing extra burners. The 285-square-inch main grate is sized for small to medium cooks. Material is stainless steel throughout the body, which resists surface corrosion better than painted alternatives. The grill weighs 49.75 pounds and sits at 22.1 by 63.78 by 38.2 inches assembled.
What buyers say
A 4.4-star average across 24 reviews reflects positive early reception. Stainless build quality and brand reliability are commonly noted positives. At $400 for a two-burner unit, some buyers question the value relative to larger grills at similar prices, which shows up in the occasional lower score.
More from Cuisinart
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Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel worth the price premium on the Cuisinart CGG-288?
Stainless steel resists surface rust and holds up better through temperature cycles than painted steel. If you store your grill outdoors year-round or live in a humid climate, the material difference matters over time. If your grill stays covered and is brought in during winter, basic painted steel at a lower price point may serve you just as well.
Can the Cuisinart CGG-288 handle a family cookout?
For a family of three to four it works fine. The 285-square-inch grate fits about eight to ten standard burger patties at once. For larger gatherings you will need to cook in rounds, which adds time. If you regularly cook for six or more people, consider a four-burner model with more surface area.
Does the CGG-288 come assembled or require setup?
Like most gas grills sold through retail channels, it ships partially assembled and requires some setup. Most buyers report assembly taking 30 to 60 minutes. Having a second person helps when attaching the legs and lid, and following the included instructions closely prevents alignment issues.