How to Grill Juicy Hamburgers with a Perfect Sear

2. Choosing the Best Meat for Juicy Burgers

The secret to a juicy hamburger starts with the right ground beef. Look for beef with a fat content of 20% (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio). The fat ensures flavor and moisture during grilling. Avoid pressing the patties too tightly; a loosely packed patty cooks more evenly and stays juicy.

3. Preparing Your Grill for Hamburgers

To get the Arteflame Grill ready:

• Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
• Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
• Allow the fire to heat the center grill grate to 1,000°F and the flat cooktop to various zones. This takes about 20 minutes.

The high heat will create a flavorful crust on the burgers, while the griddle ensures precise temperature control for other ingredients.

4. Forming the Perfect Burger Patties

1. Divide your ground beef into 6–8-ounce portions.
2. Gently form each portion into a patty about ¾-inch thick.
3. Create a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
4. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Tip: Prepare your toppings ahead of time. Slice cheese, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce to have them ready as your burgers cook.

Keeping it Rare:

I happen to like my burgers on the rare side so I make my patties thicker. This way I get a great sear but still have a rare / medium rare center.

5. Searing Burgers for Maximum Flavor

Start by placing the patties on the center grill grate, which is at 1,000°F. This extreme heat will quickly sear the surface, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side without pressing down on the patties, as this releases the juices.

6. Finishing Burgers on the Flat Griddle

After searing, move the patties to the flat griddle surrounding the center grate. This zone is slightly cooler, allowing the burgers to cook evenly to your desired doneness:

• Medium-rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium-well: 150°F
• Well-done: 160°F

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the patties from the grill when they are 15°F below your target temperature, as they will continue to cook while resting.

7. Grilling Toppings and Buns

While the burgers rest, grill your toppings:

• Onions and Mushrooms: Sauté on the flat griddle with butter for a caramelized flavor.
• Bacon: Crisp to perfection without flare-ups on the griddle.
• Buns: Toast them lightly on the griddle’s cooler outer edge for a golden, buttery finish. If you want more smokey flavor, briefly grill the buns on the center grill grate directly over the fire. The pores of the bread really absorb the smoke flavor.

8. Assembling the Ultimate Hamburger

1. Place your toasted bun bottom on a plate.
2. Add lettuce and a slice of tomato for a fresh crunch.
3. Place your juicy burger patty on top.
4. Melt a slice of cheese over the patty if desired.
5. Add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or bacon.
6. Finish with a dollop of your favorite sauce and the top bun.

Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of juicy meat, crispy toppings, and toasted buns.

Bonus Tips for Burger Success

• Butter vs. Oil: Butter adds richness and enhances flavor, making it the ideal choice for grilling on the Arteflame.
• Temperature Zones: Use the hotter inner griddle for searing and the cooler outer zones for gentle cooking or warming toppings.
• Cleaning Up: The solid steel cooktop makes cleanup simple—just scrape off residue while the surface is warm.