Best Grill Temp for Burgers (What Temperature to Grill Hamburgers)
on Mar 23, 2023
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Ever wonder what’s the best grill temp for burgers? Summer’s around the corner and it’s time to dust off that grill. There are a few things you can do to make sure your burgers turn out as tasty and juicy as possible this summer.
Read on to find out how to cook your burgers to perfection, so they’re safe to eat and perfectly tender, too.
What Is The Best Grill Temp For Burgers
For best results, grill burgers over medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
How Long To Grill Fresh Burgers
Below is a chart you can use to determine how long to cook a burger to achieve the desired doneness. It’s important to also check doneness by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Most instant-read thermometers include guidelines similar to these.
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Burger Grill Time* |
| Rare | 125°F | 2 minutes per side |
| Medium-rare (warm, red center) | 135°F | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Medium (warm, pink center) | 145°F | 3-4 minutes per side |
| Medium-well (slightly pink center) | 155°F | 4-5 minutes per side |
| Well done (little or no pink center) | 165°F | 5+ minutes per side |
* Times are for a ¾-inch thick burger. For a 1-inch thick burger add 1-2 minutes more per side.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Grilled Burgers
- Use meat with 15% to 20% fat for a more flavorful result.
- Ensure your patties are even in shape, size, and thickness. You can use your hands or a burger press. The ideal thickness is about 3/4 to 1 inch.
- Patties should be about 1/2” wider than the buns. They will shrink as they cook.
- Make a small indent in each burger patty with your finger. This will keep them flat while they grill.
- Avoid pressing down on the burgers as they cook. When you hear that sizzling sound, it means you’re losing valuable juices.
- Flip burgers once throughout the entire cooking process. They should cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
Internal Temperature for Burgers
To stay safe and healthy, the US Department of Agriculture recommends an internal temperature of at least 160°F for ground beef patties.
How to Know When Burger is Done Cooking
The best way to check the doneness of ground beef is to use an instant-read thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F, you will not be exposed to harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
Do You Grill Burgers With The Lid Open Or Closed?
Leaving the lid open or closed won’t make much difference. Closing the lid is useful when melting cheese. Other than that, it’s up to you.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can season and shape your patties up to 6 hours before you need to grill them. Keep them in the refrigerator, covered in plastic. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling them to ensure they cook quicker and more evenly.
FAQ
Do I Need A Binder When Making a Burger Patty?
You can add egg or bread crumbs to bind meat patties, but this isn’t at all necessary. Ground beef can stick together on its own and can come out juicier without a binder.
Should You Grill Burgers on Direct Heat?
Grilling burgers over direct heat is best. Just be sure to preheat the grill long enough before placing the patties to cook. They will cook better and won’t stick if the grill is hot enough.
How Long Do You Grill Burgers at 400 F?
At 400°F, burgers should grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness and 6 to 7 minutes per side for a well-done result.
How Long Do You Grill Burgers at 350°F?
You can sear the burgers well in 3 to 4 minutes per side but should flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes for rare doneness and 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
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How to Grill Burgers (with the Right Temperature)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
Toppings – optional
- sliced cheese
- slice tomato
- lettuce
- sliced onion
- pickles
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a non-wire brush or a piece of crumpled foil.
- Add ground beef to a medium bowl. Add the garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix briefly with a fork just enough to combine.
- On a work surface, divide the mixture into six equally-sized balls. Using your hands, shape the balls into patties and create a slight indentation in the center of each.
- Grease the grill grates by wiping with oiled paper towels or spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the burgers on the grill over direct heat and close the lid. Grill for 2 to 5 minutes depending on your desired doneness. Open the lid and flip the burgers.
- Grill for 2 to 5 minutes more. Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of each patty: 125°F is rare, 135°F is medium rare, 145°F is medium, 155°F is medium-well and 165°F is well done.
- Optional: Add the cheese to the burgers during the final minute of cooking to let it melt. Toast the buns by placing them on the grill away from the flame for one minute or less.
- Place the buns on a serving platter facing up. Place the burgers onto the buns, add optional toppings and serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
