Photo: Cuisinart
What We Like
- Compact and lightweight (22 lbs.)
- Independently controlled burners with a high heat output (20,000 BTUs/hour)
- Twist-start automatic ignition
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Does not require assembly
What We Don’t Like
- No stand
- No flavorizer bars
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a portable two-burner gas grill for steak searing and cooking burgers on the go, Cuisinart’s CGG-306 is the ideal choice.
Introduction
Portability is a key factor when deciding which tool to carry when heading outdoors for tailgating, camping, or fishing expeditions. In such a case, Cuisinart’s CGG-306 is the ideal choice because it is a compact and lightweight propane gas grill.
Despite this, the unit is built to deliver the performance of a full-sized grill because it has a sizeable cooking surface and a hot flame while a shiny exterior makes it look good both at home and on the road. The grill has much more to offer and this is explained in detail below.
Cuisinart CGG-306 Review
Photo: Cuisinart
Performance: Two Burners with Heat Zoning
Apart from its shiny appearance, the first thing you notice about this gas grill is its two-burner knobs, which are independently adjustable. These control the supply of gas to different burner tubes inside and as a result, you get two different heat zones on the cooking surface.
With this, you can roast meat on one side and cook some veggies on the other side while using different heat intensities, or sear a small piece of meat on one side while the other is off.
That said, each burner produces a maximum heat output of 10,000 BTUs/hour, which means you get a total of 20,000 BTUs. This is quite a lot and is directed to a 276.75 square inch cooking surface.
Even though you don’t get a warming rack, a cooking grate of this size is enough to hold multiple burgers or a whole chicken. Overall, the unit delivers the performance of a full-sized grill while still having a high portability advantage.
Design: Stainless Tabletop Grill
From the outside, Cuisinart’s CGG-306 has a very clean finish that features a shiny stainless-steel exterior with curved surfaces and clean-cut lines on the edges. A large handle is fitted across the front section of the lid and this makes it easy to lift to check the food.
This lid is made using stainless steel for strength and durability, and it has a locking mechanism that firmly presses it to the firebox to prevent heat and flavor from escaping. This is ideal for searing steaks.
Additionally, the lid has a built-in thermometer that helps you to monitor the temperature from outside in ºC and ºF after locking it.
Inside, the grate is made using stainless steel, which is ideal for holding large cuts of meat. Overall, this stainless-steel construction gives it a sturdy but lightweight design.
Setup Process: Shipped When Fully Assembled
One of the greatest advantages that you get by buying this gas grill is that it is shipped as ready to use. All the parts are fully assembled and therefore, you can set up and get started in as little as 10 minutes.
However, before setting up, you need a stand or tabletop to hold the grill at a comfortable working height to prevent bending. Though it has legs, these are quite short and their main purpose is to stabilize the grill if you place it on an uneven surface.
You need a propane tank and the grill is designed to work with 20-lb. tanks. It does come with a hose and regulator though, which only leaves the gas cylinder to complete it.
Cleaning: Grease Pan
To keep the interior clean, this gas grill is equipped with a grease collection pan, which is placed below the cook box to collect all the drippings.
Though small, this pan has enough capacity to hold drippings for one cooking session but to be on the safe side, always check it regularly to prevent spilling.
Other than that, because the grill is entirely made using stainless steel, the surface is very easy to clean. The manufacturer claims that you can use soap and warm water to remove fat and stubborn stains.
Portability: Compact and Lightweight
With its lid closed, this gas grill measures 21.5 x 13 x 17 inches, which is very compact. On top of that, the grill’s short legs fold in to create a more compact body that is easier to transport while the long lid handle gives you a sturdy and grippy holding surface for easy carrying.
Other than that, the unit weighs only 22 lbs., which is very light in grill standards. This is due to its stainless-steel construction because the material is strong but lightweight. These properties make it ideal for picnics, camping, tailgating, etc.
Read More: The Best Tailgate Grills
Accessories: None
Most grills don’t come with accessories and this model is no different. However, Cuisinart does have several extras that you can buy to enhance your grilling experience.
For instance, you can get the CNW-328 non-stick grill wok, which is like a perforated basket. This is ideal for grilling delicate foods such as veggies, cubed meat, shrimp, and the like.
There is also the CNP-177 non-stick nacho grilling platter that is used for making nachos while the CGS-5014 deluxe grill set is a very handy 14-piece toolset that contains tongs, corn holders, etc.
Read More: Essential BBQ Accessories
Price: Mid-Range
The CGG-306 is neither cheap nor expensive. Its price sits in the middle of the price range and for this, you get a durable, high-quality grill that offers the performance of a full-size grill in a compact package.
Cuisinart’s CGG-522 is the only one that comes close to the CGG-306 because it costs almost the same and has two burners plus a compact design with foldable legs. However, its burners are not as hot because each one produces only 7,000 BTUs/hour.
If you want a more compact gas grill, you can check out the CGG-608. It is cheaper than the CGG-306 but is powered by a single 10,000 BTU/hour burner.
Verdict
A portable two-burner grill that is ideal for tailgating, camping, and other outdoor activities.
With its compact and lightweight design, Cuisinart’s CGG-306 is an easily portable two-burner grill.
Additionally, it has a durable all stainless-steel construction, which, when combined with its portable design, make it the perfect choice for cooking up steaks on the go.
Specs
- Product Name: Cuisinart CGG-306
- Product Brand: Cuisinart
- Fuel Type: Propane
- Burners: 2
- Heat Output: 20,000 BTUs/hour
- Cooking Surface Area: 276.75 square inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 13 x 17 inches
- Weight: 22 lbs.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight (22 lbs.).
- Two independently controlled burners with a heat output of 10,000 BTUs/hour each (total 20,000 BTUs/hour).
- Locking lid and folding legs.
- Built-in temperature gauge with ºC and ºF scales.
- Twist-start automatic ignition.
- 276.75 square inch stainless steel cooking grate.
- Comfortable carrying handle.
- Removable grease pan.
- Shiny stainless-steel finish.
- Requires a 20-lb. propane tank.