I looked closer at the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet tabletop gas grill to see if it could compete with the best gas grills on the market. Since the unit is compact and portable, I figured it would be an excellent option for places or events with limited space, such as family picnics, camping trips, apartment patios, or tailgate parties. However, although the grill's small size is a benefit, I had some serious concerns about its safety and capabilities, which I will discuss in detail below.
This grill is designed for people who want to enjoy delicious grilled food while on the go. It is lightweight, compact, and portable, making it an excellent option for camping trips, tailgate parties, or family picnics. In this review, I will examine the grill's features, performance, and overall value for money.
We'll explore its pros and cons, including its ease of use, cleaning, and portability, as well as its cooking performance and heat consistency. We'll also discuss the grill's design, size, construction, and safety features. Whether you're an experienced grilling enthusiast or a beginner, this review will help you determine whether the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is the right choice for outdoor cooking.
J D. Chadwick worked at Top Ten Reviews between 2008 and 2018. He was an expert in software and covered everything from antivirus programs, software and apps, power tools, and outdoor grills at that time. He reviewed the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet gas grill, tested its performance heat consistency, and looked out for any major flaws to see whether it matched up to some of the best units on the market.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Key specs
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
| Type | Gas (propane) |
| Cooking surface | Grate |
| Cooking surface area | 150 square inches |
| Burners | 1 |
| BTU | 5,500 |
| Side burner? | No |
| Rotisserie compatible? | No |
| Dimensions | H32.5 x W28 x D17.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Price & availability
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is an affordable tabletop gas grill widely available online. It costs around $120, significantly less than many other gas grills on the market. It's available on major retail websites like Amazon, Lowe's, and BBQGuys.
The grill's affordability makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget or who don't want to spend a lot on a portable grill. However, the low price point does come with some drawbacks, which we'll explore in more detail in the following sections of this review.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Setup
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is a tabletop gas grill that is relatively easy to set up and use. Assembly of the grill is straightforward and should not take more than 10-15 minutes. The grill has a detailed instruction manual that walks you through the assembly process. Once assembled, the grill is easy to use and can be started with a button.
The grill is fueled by a 1-pound propane tank, which is easy to install and replace. The tank sits inside the grill's base and is held by a screw-on cap. The grill's compact size makes it easy to transport and store when not in use. The only potential issue with the grill's setup is that the lack of extendable legs means that it must be used on a surface that is the right height for comfortable grilling.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Design
The Petit Gourmet's small size is its most significant selling point because it makes using and moving the grill extremely convenient. It's easy to set up, store, move, and clean. However, the small size can be a limitation, as you'll need to use it on a tabletop or possibly a pickup truck tailgate.
That being said, variations of the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet have extendable legs to solve this exact problem, so if you're looking for a freestanding portable grill, try that model or look into our top pick, the Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION.
Another significant design flaw I noted was the drip tray. While it works well, you can't rely on it to catch everything unless you empty it every few minutes. Even with the drip tray in place, I noticed grease dripping on my picnic table. If the tray gets too full, it's a potential fire hazard, and significant flare-ups are near. Make sure you're paying close attention when you're cooking with this grill.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Performance
Almost all the other grills we tested have enamel-coated cast-iron grill plates. The Petit Gourmet, by contrast, uses stainless steel. Given its size and price point, this isn't a big deal. However, you should expect meat to stick more frequently than on a grill with cast-iron grates.
It's also worth noting that the grill's small size means it features a small cooking area. I could only comfortably fit three hamburger patties on the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet's grill plate. And, thanks to a fluctuating temperature (more on that below), we'd wager you're best served to keep a meat thermometer on hand to check everything is properly cooked before serving.
The heat consistency was hard to determine with this grill, primarily because the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet lacks a built-in thermometer that displays the exact temperature you're cooking at.
To establish heat consistency, I used an infrared heat gun to determine how hot the grill should be after seven, 14, and 21 minutes of cooking. I found that the temperature fluctuates wildly, and you can't rely on this grill to produce an even temperature.
This means you'll have to check your meat every few minutes to ensure it's not burning. It'd be well served to have a meat thermometer handy, especially when cooking chicken, to ensure your food is properly cooked.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Maintenance
Cleaning, caring, and maintaining the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T tabletop gas grill is relatively simple. The grill's porcelain-enameled steel cooking grate is easy to clean and maintain and can be wiped down with a soft cloth or brush after each use. The grill's cooking surface also features a removable drip tray that can be easily cleaned and replaced. The grill's stainless steel burner should be cleaned periodically to ensure it is entirely debris-free.
The grill's exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent. When not in use, the grill should be stored in a dry, excellent location, and the propane tank should be removed and stored separately. It's also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using and maintaining the grill to ensure it remains in good working order and prevent potential safety hazards.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: User reviews
Customers on Amazon generally love the portability, ease of installation, and size of the Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand. They find it portable, easy to set up, and perfect for travel. Most customers appreciate the appearance of the grill. However, some customers have mixed opinions on temperature control, quality, performance, and ease of cleaning. Some users find the legs shaky and unstable on uneven surfaces, while others find the heat output low and unevenly spread out. Despite some drawbacks, most customers find this grill to be an excellent value for the price and perfect for light use, camping, and tailgating events.
Should you buy the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet?
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet CGG-180T is a decent tabletop gas grill that provides good value for its price. It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy grilled food on the go. However, the grill's small size and lower price point have disadvantages. The cooking area is limited, and the temperature is variable, making it challenging to determine precise cooking times.
There is also no built-in thermometer, which is a significant drawback. Nevertheless, the grill's construction is sturdy and durable and relatively easy to clean and maintain. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a long-lasting, affordable, easy-to-use portable gas grill that offers convenience and portability over cooking capacity and precision.
How does the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet compare?
The Weber Traveler boasts a compact design ideal for tailgating and camping. The Weber Q1200 offers accurate temperature regulation and a grease tray for easy cleanup, but it has a smaller cooking area than the Cuisinart. The Coleman RoadTrip X-CURSION LXE outshines the Cuisinart with its larger cooking surface, higher heat output, and interchangeable grill plates for versatile cooking. However, it is a bit heavier and bulkier than the Petit Gourmet, which may affect its portability.
How I tested the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet
At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing consumers with the best possible purchasing advice. To achieve this, we conduct extensive product testing, beginning with the unboxing and assembly, followed by an examination of performance, storage, and maintenance.
When reviewing gas grills, we time and assess the ease of assembly. Our reviewer then conducted precise cooking tests, including cooking chicken breasts, steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and vegetables. During these tests, they evaluated the range of temperatures the grill can achieve, cooking times, the evenness and consistency of temperature, and any accessories that come with the grill.
Once the cooking tests are completed, we consult with experts to seek advice on the best methods for cleaning, storing, and maintaining the grill. For more, head to our dedicated page on how we test.
- First reviewed: 11th May 2018
