Advanced Flat-Top Methods for 2026 Summer Grilling

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

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

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

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

Your first burger and your fourth get the very same amazing edge-to-edge crust without the temperature level dropping. I 'd understand my family has actually remained in the steel business for over 50 years at our shop in Hanover, MA. I understand this material, and I built these griddles particularly to solve the heat retention issue that cast iron can't.

The Ultimate Guide to Griddle Grilling Excellence

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

Instantly smash them really thin (about 1/4 inch) with a stiff spatula or press. To prevent sticking, you can position a little 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.

Use a bench scraper or stiff spatula to get under the patty, ensuring you scrape up all the crispy, browned bits. Flip it over. Instantly 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 griddle for 15-20 seconds.

The Ultimate Guide to Griddle Grilling Success

Cheese melting perfectly on the Mini Griddle Cast iron is the traditional option for smashburgers, and it works. I utilized cast iron for several years. 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 household has run considering that the 1960s.

I comprehend how it stores and transfers heat in a way many people never ever believe about. Here's the distinction: That means it recovers temperature faster between burgers.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

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

Wish to take your smashburger video game outside? Put 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 same unbelievable crust with the included benefit of outside cooking and that subtle smoky taste from the grill.

Delicious Dinner Inspiration for Summer 2026

Pals lose their minds when they see it. They stroll up anticipating routine grilled hamburgers and instead they see me smashing patties on a slab of American-made steel on the grill. It's a whole thing. Perfect smash hamburgers made on the Baking Steel Original on an outdoor grill I designed each of these for a particular usage case.

It fits on a single burner and is ideal for families or burger night with good friends. Very same heat retention, smaller footprint. Use it in the oven for pizza, or take it outdoors and location it on your grill for smashburgers, steaks, and more.