7 Best Cuisinart Grill Toppers of 2026

The Cuisinart CGT-301 stands out as a versatile workhorse that bridges the gap between performance and practicality, making it the best overall grill topper for weekend warriors and frequent grillers alike. Its 12 x 16-inch stainless steel surface offers generous cooking space—perfect for searing a full pack of sausages or roasting an entire tray of bell peppers and zucchini without overcrowding. The perforated design strikes an ideal balance: it allows smoke and flame to kiss your food for that authentic grill-kissed flavor, while keeping even small shrimp or sliced onions securely in place. For anyone tired of losing morsels to the abyss beneath the grates, this topper is a total game-changer.

In real-world use, the CGT-301 delivers consistent heat distribution across gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, thanks to its sturdy 18-gauge stainless steel construction. We tested it with marinated tofu, cherry tomatoes, and diced sweet potatoes—all came out evenly charred, smoky, and intact. The raised edges help contain juices and oils, reducing flare-ups, while the dual handles make it easy to reposition with grill gloves. It’s oven-safe and can handle temperatures up to 450°F, though prolonged exposure to higher heat may cause warping over time. While it doesn’t offer non-stick convenience, a quick oiling before use prevents most sticking, and cleanup is straightforward—either by hand or in the dishwasher.

Compared to the Lodge cast iron topper, the Cuisinart CGT-301 is lighter, easier to clean, and faster to heat—though it doesn’t retain heat as long. Against the Proud Grill Yellowstone pan, it offers similar durability but with a slightly larger footprint and a more neutral design (no branding). It’s not as specialized as the Cuisinart grill wok for stir-fries, but it’s far more adaptable for general grilling tasks. This is the ideal pick for families or entertainers who want one reliable, no-fuss accessory that handles everything from veggies to fish fillets. It delivers better balance of size, durability, and ease of use than the budget CNP-650, making it worth the modest upgrade.

If you’re after a no-hassle, budget-friendly entry into grill toppers, the Cuisinart CNP-650 brings smart design and practical performance without breaking the bank. Its non-stick perforated steel surface is a standout—perfect for delicate foods like scallops or sliced mushrooms that typically stick or crumble on bare metal. The stainless steel handles stay cool enough to handle with light gloves and provide a secure grip when sliding the topper on and off the grill. For grilling newbies or occasional users who want easy food release and cleanup, this model solves the most common pain points: mess, sticking, and food loss.

During testing, the CNP-650 handled medium-heat grilling with confidence—think grilled peaches, marinated chicken strips, and halved Brussels sprouts—all came off cleanly with minimal residue. The perforations are small enough to prevent slippage but large enough to let smoke penetrate, preserving that desirable charred, smoky essence. However, the thin steel body heats unevenly on high-heat zones, leading to minor hot spots, and prolonged use above 400°F risks coating degradation. It’s best suited for moderate-temperature grilling rather than searing steaks or charring vegetables aggressively. While it’s not built for heavy-duty or long-term abuse, it excels as a light-duty, easy-clean solution for small batches and weeknight meals.

When stacked against the CGT-301, the CNP-650 sacrifices size and durability for affordability and non-stick convenience. It’s not as spacious or rugged, but it’s a smarter pick for apartment dwellers or those with compact grills. Compared to the Cook Time dual-set, it lacks versatility in size but wins on stick-resistant performance. This is a solid starter topper for casual grillers who prioritize easy release and low maintenance over heavy-duty construction. It offers better non-stick performance than uncoated steel models, though with a trade-off in longevity.

The Cuisinart Grill Wok is a game-changing specialist—a compact powerhouse engineered for one thing: keeping tiny, slippery foods safely on the grill. Its deep, bowl-shaped design with perforated walls turns your grill into a flavor-infused stir-fry station, ideal for cooking shrimp, diced peppers, or thinly sliced beef without a single piece slipping through. The non-stick coating ensures even the stickiest teriyaki-glazed chicken releases cleanly, while the elevated edges contain splatters and lock in smoky vapor. For fans of Asian-inspired grilled dishes or anyone tired of skewering everything, this wok-style basket is a revelation.

In real-world tests, the wok shined during high-heat vegetable stir-fries and seafood grilling—food tossed easily with tongs and developed a light char thanks to direct flame exposure through the strategic perforations. The 11-inch square footprint fits neatly over most burner zones, and the dual handles make flipping and rotating safe and stable. However, its maximum 400°F limit means it’s not suited for searing or prolonged use on roaring charcoal grills, and the non-stick layer requires gentle care—no metal utensils or abrasive scrubbing. While it’s not a replacement for a flat topper, it’s unmatched for small-batch, high-flavor grilling where containment and flavor are king.

Compared to the CGT-301, this wok is far more niche but dominates in its specialty. It’s also more compact than the Cook Time set’s large pan, but offers better vertical depth for saucy dishes. For those who love grilled stir-fries or meal-prep bowls, it’s the most effective tool in the Cuisinart lineup. It delivers superior food control and flavor infusion compared to flat toppers, though with less general-purpose utility.

The Cuisinart Reversible Cast Iron Plate is a heat-holding beast that transforms any grill or stovetop into a high-performance cooking powerhouse. With a pre-seasoned 15.75” x 9” surface, you get two tools in one: the ribbed side delivers deep sear marks on steaks and burgers, while the flat griddle side is perfect for pancakes, eggs, or sautéed onions. The cast iron construction absorbs and radiates heat like a thermal battery, ensuring edge-to-edge consistency that thin steel toppers can’t match. For grillers who demand professional-grade searing and multi-function use, this plate is a must-have upgrade.

We tested it on a gas grill at 450°F, and within 15 minutes, the plate reached optimal searing temperature—steaks developed a crisp, caramelized crust in under 4 minutes per side. The dual handles make flipping and moving safe, even with heavy gloves. It works flawlessly on campfires and electric stoves, proving its outdoor-to-kitchen versatility. However, it’s heavy (over 8 lbs) and requires post-cook seasoning to maintain its non-stick integrity. Unlike stainless steel toppers, it’s not dishwasher safe and demands hand-drying to prevent rust. But for those who value maximum heat retention and dual cooking modes, these are fair trade-offs.

Compared to the Lodge cast iron topper, this Cuisinart model offers greater versatility with its reversible design, though it lacks the Lodge’s traditional seasoning depth out of the box. Against the CGT-301, it’s heavier and slower to heat but unbeatable for searing and browning. It’s ideal for serious grillers, camp chefs, or breakfast-on-the-grill enthusiasts. It delivers superior heat performance and cooking flexibility compared to all non-cast iron options, just with more maintenance.