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Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

TLDR Review: Cuisinart Cast Iron Grill Press

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: June 20th, 2026

Pros

•Cast iron material offers excellent durability and heat retention for consistent pressing and cooking.
•Wooden handle stays cool during use, adding safety and comfort, especially on stove tops.
•Provides even pressure without squashing sandwiches flat, perfect for maintaining sandwich structure.
•Versatile for pressing sandwiches, bacon, steaks, and even helping to prevent curling of food.
•Easy to clean and maintain with light oil to prevent rusting.
•Simple, straightforward design with no unnecessary features, making it reliable for everyday use.
•Fits well in mediuized pans or grill pans, offering flexibility in various cooking setups.
•Suitable for both pressing sandwiches and searing proteins evenly, including chicken breasts and burgers.
•Encourages even cooking and helps achieve better grill marks on suitable surfaces.
•Compact size and sturdy build make it a convenient, lonasting kitchen tool.

Cons

•Not sufficiently hot when used on ceramic cooktops, which may hinder achieving grill marks.
•Size limitations require positioning sandwiches sideways in the skillet, which can be inconvenient.
•Wooden handle may not be ideal for direct contact with very hot grills or open flames, limiting outdoor grilling use.
•Requires proper maintenance to prevent rust and may be somewhat challenging to clean thoroughly.
•Not recommended for use directly on higeat BBQs or gas grills due to handle concerns.
•Size may be less suitable for very large sandwiches or foods requiring more pressing area.
•May be heavier compared to lightweight press tools, which could be a consideration for some users.

Bottom Line

The Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press is a durable, reliable tool focused on even pressing and cooking, especially suited for stovetop use with sandwiches, bacon, and proteins. Its cast iron construction and cool wooden handle make it a safe, straightforward choice for everyday kitchen tasks. However, if your main goal is achieving perfect grill marks on a very hot grill or outdoor setting, you might want to consider a press designed specifically for high-temperature outdoor use.

Lowest at Amazon

$24.99 at Amazon

How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 39 retailers to give you the short version.