Smashburgers are as fun to make as they are to eat. But while there’s an art to making the perfect smashburger, the reason they taste so delicious is because of science.
We’ll break down the science of the smashburger, so you can make the tastiest one ever on your outdoor electric griddle.
The Reason We Love Smashburgers
Culinary experts say the reason we love smashburgers is the rich and complex flavors that come from the Maillard reaction.
What is the Maillard Reaction?
Named after the French physician and chemist, Louis Camille Maillard, the Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between the amino acids and the reducing sugars in meat that is heated above 280°F–330°F.
There are three phases of the Maillard reaction:
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Initial: The colorless condensation of amino acids and sugars. |
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Intermediate: The dehydration and rearrangement of chemical compounds in the food. |
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Final: The formation of brown, nitrogenous polymers called melanoidins. |
The three-step process of the Maillard reaction creates hundreds of tasty new compounds, resulting in the browned crust and complex, savory flavors in favorites like seared ribeye, crispy bacon, and of course, smashburgers.
Griddles vs. Grates for Smashburgers
The Maillard reaction behaves differently on cold-rolled steel on electric griddles versus the open grates on grills.
The difference mostly comes down to coverage:
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Griddles: Flat, solid surface provides complete contact with the meat, ideal for searing as the entire surface browns at once. |
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Grills: Grates offer more localized browning, as the Maillard reaction only occurs on the meat touching the metal, creating “grill marks.” |
So, if you crave char-broiled flavor and classic looks of grills marks, go with grilling. But if you savor the unique flavor of searing, griddles are the way to go.
There's a lot to consider when cooking outside, so check out our ultimate how-to on griddling, grilling, and even pizza making: Outdoor Cooking Guide.
The Model G Excels At Searing Smashburgers
The Model G Electric Griddle combines the rapid heating and precise temperature control for searing the perfect smashburger. Unlike gas grills, which may commonly be used for smashburgers, our electric griddle heats faster and stays hot longer, maintaining high temps up to 600°F. Plus, its wide surface area lets you make multiple smashburgers at once, or cook meat, veggies, and buns at the same time.
Get The Most From Your Griddle
Proper maintenance is key to making smashburgers for years to come, so see how to clean and care for an electric griddle.
Up Your Griddle Game
While the Model G Griddle is your most important tool, you can turn your electric griddle into a smashburger-making machine with the five electric griddle accessories that you actually need.
Add More Fun and Flavor To Your Smashburgers
When it comes to smashburger toppings, there’s nothing wrong with traditional cheese, mustard, pickle, and onion.
However, for even more fun and flavor, you must try Mushroom Swiss Smashburgers and Pimento Cheese Smashburgers.
Of course, there’s a whole lot more you can make besides smashburgers, so check out these easy weeknight dinners on an electric griddle.
Make Your Greatest Burger Yet
The science of smashburgers is complex, but their popularity is simple; they’re fun to make and enjoy.
With the Model G Griddle, included in our all-in-one Griddle Essentials Bundle, you’ll not only make mouthwatering smashburgers – you’ll have a blast cooking them too.
