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Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Review

This grill is easy to carry, simple to set up, and easy to use, just be sure to assemble on a flat surface for more stability
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Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Review
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $170 List
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Manufacturer:   Cuisinart
By Aaron Rice and Trish Matheny  ⋅  Jul 29, 2024
53
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 20
  • Output Power - 25% 4.0
  • Control - 25% 6.0
  • Portability - 20% 7.0
  • Cooking Area - 20% 4.0
  • Wind Resistance - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is portable, lightweight, and easy to carry with one hand. Its legs tuck in when closed, which makes it among the easiest products we have tested to transport. The Petite Gourmet got to go on a lot more fun single-day adventures than other contenders because it is so convenient to carry. This grill puts out 5,500 BTUs, so it isn't incredibly powerful, but it does grill evenly and efficiently. The Petite Gourmet does well as an occasional-use product for tailgating, camping, picnicking, or RVing - all when you are cooking for just a couple of people. Given durability concerns, it may not be well-suited for more regular use, such as an apartment patio. After several uses, the inside of the lid was charred black, and the lid latch became fussy. If you're interested in a lightweight and versatile grill that cooks evenly with low output power, this is a good consideration.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Easy to carry and clean
Legs can stay folded or extend into two different heights
Fuel efficient
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't grill super hot
Lid latch can be finicky
Can be slightly unstable if not on a solid level surface

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
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Best Value in a Smaller Grill
 
Price $170 List
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Bottom Line This grill is the most portable of all the freestanding models tested, offering versatility as a table top or stand alone modelA high-performing propane grill that features an aesthetic and durable stainless steel design along with high output power and excellent controlA neatly packaged, on-the-go charcoal grill with the capacity for finely tuned pit-cookingAlmost too powerful for its size, this hearty grill specializes in searing steaksThough limited in terms of overall output power and temperature control, this lightweight, electric option offers non-stick performance and exceptional portability
Rating Categories Cuisinart Petite Go... Cuisinart CGG-306 C... Weber Go-Anywhere C... Cuisinart Grillster Elite Gourmet 12" E...
Output Power (25%)
4.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
Control (25%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
Portability (20%)
7.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Cooking Area (20%)
4.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Wind Resistance (10%)
6.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Cuisinart Petite Go... Cuisinart CGG-306 C... Weber Go-Anywhere C... Cuisinart Grillster Elite Gourmet 12" E...
Heat/Power Source Liquid propane Liquid propane Charcoal Liquid propane Electric
Total BTU 5,500 20,000 N/A 8,000 N/A
Weight (Per Manufacturer) 17.0 lbs 22 lbs 14 lbs 14 oz 10.0 lbs 6.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area 145 sq in 275.0 sq in 140.0 sq in 148 sq in 144 sq in
Number of Burners 1 2 N/A 1 N/A
Grill material Porcelain-enameled cast iron Stainless steel Plated steel Enameled steel Stainless steel
Measured Packed Size - Dimensions 28.0"L x 17.5"D x 9.0"H 22.0"L x 14.0"D x 18.5"H 21.0"L x 12.2"D x 14.5"H 20.5"L x 12.0"D x 10.2"H 17.0"L x 17.0"D x 4.0"H
Measured Packed Size - Volume 1.3 cu ft 3.3 cu ft 2.2 cu ft 1.5 cu ft 0.7 cu ft
Piezo Ignitor Yes Yes No Yes No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is a solid, compact grill for optimal portability. This is a grill you choose to carry in your small vehicle when grilling on location for 2 people at a time. Though the design allows for versatility between a table top and stand alone option, we found the plastic legs to lack stability and durability if considering for uneven terrain or daily use. If you're grilling for a couple people while car camping or on a picnic, this is one option to consider.

Performance Comparison


Though a versatile construction, we found this grill to offer limited output power and cooking surface when preparing food for more than two people.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Output Power


At 5,500 BTUs, the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet has one of the lowest amounts of claimed BTU outputs out of all the grills that we tested. The low setting on this portable grill is very low, and the highest setting isn't extremely high, but it does get the job done, even offering sear marks on veggies, meats, and tofu. With a full propane canister and a thorough warm-up, this grill is ready for searing a steak. The 5,500 BTUs are spread over a relatively small surface area, making for hot-enough grilling. When set on the lower setting, grilled vegetables or roasted garlic cooked without concern.

While this grill doesn't offer the most output power that we tested, it can still sear meats and meat alternatives with enough time.

Control


We didn't experience any flare-up, though quite a lot of food stuck to the claimed “non-stick” porcelain enameled cast iron grate. While the limited cooking surface didn't cook the most amount of food, it was among the lighter and most portable models. It cooks evenly with a slightly warmer area directly over the burner head. The grill heats up rather quickly with the lid closed and uses a minimal amount of fuel compared to other full-sized grills. The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet's Piezo Ignitor works well enough, and the regulator is not in an area that gets in the way of cooking or transporting.

One nice feature of the temperature control is that when turning from high to low, there is no way to shut down the fuel accidentally — you have to push in the dial and twist it to turn it completely off. The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet has a tiny little grease drip tray that attaches to the bottom of the grill and is easy to take on and off. It does not leak grease when in the standing position and when cleaned regularly, though it could overflow if you do not clean it often enough. If transporting or storing the Petite Gourmet on its back with the handle up, make sure to remove and clean the tray first.

cuisinart petite gourmet - if you're primarily grilling at a lower setting, this grill provides...
If you're primarily grilling at a lower setting, this grill provides enough output power and control when the lid remains closed.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Portability


The Petite Gourmet is one of the lightest products that we tested, weighing in at a mere 17 pounds. It folds up small, making it convenient, super portable, and a good option for those with limited storage space.

Make sure to take the grease tray out when transporting this product on its back with the handle up - especially if it's a hot day, as the grease could melt and create a huge mess. You can either carry the Petite Gourmet by its handle or with two hands on each side of the folded legs. If carrying single-handedly, make sure that the lid latch is securely fastened. It is worth mentioning that this lock feature became finicky with only a few uses, rendering it useless and making it difficult to carry with one hand on its side. We found some luck with pressing down firmly on the lid to secure the lock, however, the limited durability with this feature was a cause for concern.

Though the legs do fold completely to create a compact design, we found the lock on the lid to be finicky and the base unsturdy unless on entirely flat ground.

Cooking Area


The PG's porcelain-enameled 145 square inch cast-iron grate is easy to clean, especially with a sponge and hot soapy water, or in the dishwasher. Rest assured that it is easy to cook on and won't rust, though we do recommend oiling the surface or your food to prevent any items from sticking to the surface. Refrain from scrubbing it with a metal grill brush, which could damage the surface. This product has a smaller-than-average cooking area, providing just enough surface area for two people at a time. If you're cooking for a small group, prepare to eat in shifts.

The cooking surface is limited when it comes to preparing food for more than two people, although we recommend adding some oil to prevent sticking.

Wind Resistance


This product performed just fine in high winds. All grills lose some heat to wind-borne convective cooling, and the smaller grills are certainly more vulnerable. Allowing for this, we had no problems with the Petite Gourmet. The single stainless steel burner is large and set down low so that even when opening the lid in high winds, the flame was not affected. That being said, be mindful of the plastic legs in the fully telescoped position on an uneven surface as they offer limited stability and can be affected by strong winds.

cuisinart petite gourmet - constructions that include a fully enclosed lid allow the grill to...
Constructions that include a fully enclosed lid allow the grill to block wind from blowing out the burner.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet?


The price tag on the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is no joke, especially for such a tiny little grill. However, if you're after a free-standing grill that you can grab out of the closet or garage and practically toss into the trunk, or grab out of a tiny compartment in your RV easily without struggle or fuss, this is it. It's versatile, small, and lightweight design make it a more portable option though we do have concerns regarding the stability of the plastic legs along with the limited cooking surface if you plan to prepare food for more than two people at a time.

cuisinart petite gourmet - this lightweight and more affordable grill offers the versatility of...
This lightweight and more affordable grill offers the versatility of a table top and stand alone grill, just be sure to assemble over a flat surface.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Portable Grills Should You Consider?


The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is a grab n go portable grill option that takes about two minutes to set up, once you get the hang of the versatile leg design. It can be a tabletop or stand-alone grill, or even be something in the middle if your unique grilling situation calls for it. If you're interested in a top-of-the-line portable grill that provides substantial cooking surface in addition to ease of use and high output power, check out the Weber Traveler. And if you're interested in one of our favorite portable options, check out the Eureka SPRK Camp Grill that isn't fully enclosed but is perhaps the easiest to use on the go.

cuisinart petite gourmet - the cuisinart petite gourmet is a great option when cooking for two...
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is a great option when cooking for two people. The design is versatile, lightweight, and highly portable.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Aaron Rice and Trish Matheny