Mastering the Flat-Top: Professional Burger Methods

I make smashburgers on steel typically. They are bad ass and as soon as you attempt it this method, you'll never ever go back. I developed the Baking Steel back in 2012 for pizza however truthfully, smashburgers may be the important things I prepare on steel more than anything else nowadays. The work is getting your burger bar together: chopped pickles, onions, cheese, unique sauce.

Get your frying pan or steel ripping hot. We're cooking these for 30-60 seconds per side, and you desire it yelling hot for that Maillard reaction, the sear that makes smashburgers legendary.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

I've made smash burgers on this thing that individuals still talk about. Smashburgers in your home are off the charts. Here's how I do it. More area equals more taste. Smashing the beef thin makes the most of contact with the hot steel, activating the Maillard reaction, the chemical procedure that develops that deep, mouthwatering, browned taste all of us crave.

Your very first hamburger and your 4th get the exact same incredible edge-to-edge crust without the temperature dropping. I 'd understand my family has been in the steel business for over 50 years at our store in Hanover, MA. I understand this product, and I built these griddles particularly to fix the heat retention problem that cast iron can't.

Understanding Flat-Top vs Traditional Grilling Techniques

Let it preheat for 10-15 minutes up until it's ripping hot (around 500-550F). This is the same concept behind our pizza steels fill the steel with heat, and it does the work for you. Gently divide the hamburger into 4 x 4 oz (115g) balls. Do not exhaust the meat; just form it into a loose ball.

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

Utilize a bench scraper or stiff spatula to get under the patty, guaranteeing you scrape up all the crispy, browned bits. Turn it over. Right away put a piece of cheese on the flipped patty. Prepare for another 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese. Briefly toast your buns on a cooler part of the frying pan for 15-20 seconds.

Advanced Flat-Top Methods for Upcoming Summer Grilling

Cheese melting perfectly on the Mini Frying pan Cast iron is the standard choice for smashburgers, and it works. I used cast iron for many years. But after evaluating both side-by-side for over a decade, I switched to steel. And look, I'm not simply a guy with a viewpoint. My family has actually run since the 1960s.

I comprehend how it shops and transfers heat in a method the majority of people never ever think about. Here's the difference: That suggests it recuperates temperature level quicker between hamburgers.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

You get the exact same screaming-hot crust on your first hamburger and your fourth. Simply cook, scrape, wipe clean. I've evaluated cast iron, stainless steel, and every griddle on the market.

Want to take your smashburger game outside? Place your Baking Steel Original directly on your outdoor grill grates. Preheat the grill and steel for 15-20 minutes on high heat, then smash your burgers right on the steel. You get the very same extraordinary crust with the included advantage of outside cooking and that subtle smoky taste from the grill.

Savory Dinner Ideas for Grilling in 2026

Friends lose their minds when they see it. They stroll up anticipating regular grilled burgers and rather they see me smashing patties on a piece of American-made steel on the grill. It's an entire thing. Perfect smash burgers made on the Baking Steel Original on an outdoor grill I developed each of these for a specific usage case.

It fits on a single burner and is ideal for families or burger night with buddies. is compact and best for 1-2 burgers. It's terrific for small kitchens, houses, or solo cooking. Very same heat retention, smaller footprint. is the one that started it all. Utilize it in the oven for pizza, or take it outdoors and location it on your grill for smashburgers, steaks, and more.