How to Master the Griddle: Essential Burger Methods

I make smashburgers on steel typically. They are bad ass and once you attempt it in this manner, you'll never go back. I invented the Baking Steel back in 2012 for pizza but truthfully, smashburgers might be the thing I cook on steel more than anything else these days. The work is getting your hamburger bar together: sliced pickles, onions, cheese, unique sauce.

Get your griddle or steel ripping hot. We're preparing these for 30-60 seconds per side, and you want it shouting hot for that Maillard response, the sear that makes smashburgers legendary.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

I have actually made smash burgers on this thing that individuals still talk about. Smashing the beef thin maximizes contact with the hot steel, triggering the Maillard reaction, the chemical process that produces that deep, savory, browned taste we all long for.

Your first burger and your 4th get the same incredible edge-to-edge crust without the temperature level dropping. I 'd know my family has actually been in the steel company for over 50 years at our store in Hanover, MA. I comprehend this product, and I constructed these griddles particularly to fix the heat retention issue that cast iron can't.

Advanced Flat-Top Methods for 2026 Summer Grilling

Let it pre-heat for 10-15 minutes until it's ripping hot (around 500-550F). This is the same concept behind our pizza steels pack the steel with heat, and it does the work for you.

Immediately smash them extremely thin (about 1/4 inch) with a stiff spatula or press. To avoid sticking, you can put a small piece of parchment paper between the meat and the spatula. Season the smashed patties kindly with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Prepare for 60-90 seconds. You'll see the edges turn a deep, crispy brown.

Use a bench scraper or stiff spatula to get under the patty, ensuring you scrape up all the crispy, browned bits. Turn it over. Right away place a piece of cheese on the turned patty. Cook for another 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese. Quickly toast your buns on a cooler part of the frying pan for 15-20 seconds.

Exploring Flat-Top versus Traditional Grill Techniques

Cheese melting completely on the Mini Frying pan Cast iron is the traditional option for smashburgers, and it works. I utilized cast iron for several years. But after checking both side-by-side for over a decade, I switched to steel. And appearance, I'm not just a guy with an opinion. My household has run because the 1960s.

I comprehend how it shops and transfers heat in a method a lot of individuals never ever believe about. Here's the distinction: That implies it recovers temperature level quicker in between burgers.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

You get the same screaming-hot crust on your very first burger and your fourth. Simply cook, scrape, wipe tidy. I've checked cast iron, stainless steel, and every frying pan on the market.

Pre-heat the grill and steel for 15-20 minutes on high heat, then smash your hamburgers right on the steel. You get the same unbelievable crust with the included advantage of outside cooking and that subtle smoky taste from the grill.

The Definitive Guide to Griddle Grilling Excellence

They stroll up anticipating routine grilled hamburgers and instead they see me smashing patties on a piece of American-made steel on the grill. Perfect smash burgers made on the Baking Steel Original on an outdoor grill I developed each of these for a particular usage case.

It fits on a single burner and is ideal for households or burger night with friends. is compact and perfect for 1-2 burgers. It's excellent for little kitchens, homes, or solo cooking. Same heat retention, smaller sized footprint. is the one that began everything. Utilize it in the oven for pizza, or take it outdoors and location it on your grill for smashburgers, steaks, and more.