This thread will be helpful to me too.
I've been considering the Cuisinart griddler too. I currently have a Krups griddler that does a fine job, plus a large, drectangular electric griddle and thought I would try to combine them into one appliance. So far, the only one I've found that has reversible plates with the 2 options (flat or ridged) is the Cuisinart, which opens all the way to become a flat griddle.
I have read some reviews of the Cuisinart, and some folks say that either the top plate or the bottom plate heats hotter than the other.
The only other item that seems to be a negative for the Cuisinart is that when grilling meats, and you lift the the top, grease drips from the back of the lid down the back of the unit.
Otherwise the reviews are very good for the Cuisinart griddler.
Rita