Cuisinart CGT-301 Outdoor Cooker Review
Our verdict
The Cuisinart CGT-301 is a stainless steel grill topper measuring 12 by 16 inches, priced at $21.78 with 4.2 stars from 605 reviews. It is a practical accessory for cooking vegetables, shrimp, or other small foods that would otherwise fall through standard grill grates.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Grillers who regularly cook vegetables, fish, or small foods and want a stainless topper that works across different grill types.
Skip if
You only cook large cuts that sit fine on standard grates, or you need a non-stick surface for very delicate items.
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Stainless Steel Grill Topper, 12 X 16"
- Priced 73% below the category median ($79.99 across 79 tracked models)
Pros
- 12 by 16-inch surface handles a solid amount of food per cook
- Stainless steel resists rust and holds up to outdoor conditions
- 4.2 stars from 605 reviews is a reliable positive track record
- Budget-friendly at under $22
Cons
- Bare stainless steel can stick more than non-stick coated alternatives
- 4.2-star average suggests some buyers ran into minor fit or durability issues
- No handles or folding design listed, which can make hot removal awkward
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 605 owner ratings
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Popularity4.1/5
605 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Cuisinart CGT-301 provides a 12 by 16-inch stainless steel cooking surface on top of your existing grill grates. That size handles a solid batch of vegetables or a full fillet of fish without crowding. Stainless steel tolerates high grill temperatures without warping under normal use and cleans up without special coatings to protect.', '605 reviews averaging 4.2 stars is a strong result for a grill accessory in this price range. It shows the product gets used across many grill setups and enough buyers were satisfied that the average held well above a neutral score. The 4.2 level is good without being exceptional, suggesting a small percentage of buyers had fit or durability issues.', 'At $21.78 the Cuisinart CGT-301 is a low-stakes purchase for most grillers. Stainless steel is a durable choice for outdoor use since it resists rust better than plain steel. The tradeoff versus a non-stick coated topper is that food can stick more easily on bare stainless, so keeping the surface oiled and preheated before adding food is good practice.']
Specifications
| Material | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Color | Stainless Steel Grill Topper, 12 X 16" |
Performance notes
The Cuisinart CGT-301 is a stainless steel grill topper with a 12 by 16-inch cooking area. It sits directly on grill grates and allows direct heat from below. Stainless steel heats up quickly and distributes heat across its surface without the hot-spot extremes of thinner materials. No BTU or fuel type applies to this accessory. The flat perforated or solid surface design accepts smoke and heat while keeping small foods from dropping into the fire below.
What buyers say
At 4.2 stars from 605 reviews, the Cuisinart CGT-301 has a well-established buyer record. A 4.2 average at this volume indicates broad satisfaction with periodic complaints, typical for an accessory where grill compatibility and cooking technique both affect results. Cuisinart's brand recognition in outdoor cooking contributes to buyer confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Cuisinart CGT-301 work on both gas and charcoal grills?
Yes, a flat grill topper of this type is not fuel-specific. It sits on top of your existing grates and works on any grill that can accommodate its 12 by 16-inch footprint. Confirm your grill's cooking area is large enough to fit the topper before buying.
How do I prevent food from sticking to the stainless surface?
Preheat the topper on the grill before adding food, then brush or spray it with a thin coat of cooking oil right before placing your food. A well-oiled, preheated stainless surface is significantly less sticky than a cold one. Cleaning while still warm with a brush also prevents buildup that worsens sticking over time.
Can the Cuisinart CGT-301 go in the dishwasher?
Stainless steel grill accessories are generally dishwasher-compatible, but grease and carbon buildup from grill use often clean better with a dedicated grill brush or scrubbing pad and hot soapy water. Check the product documentation to confirm dishwasher compatibility for this specific model.