Burgers are one of the most beloved American foods. When cooked right on the grill, they can be downright irresistible. However, grilling burgers can be tricky. Undercook them and they will be dry and tasteless. Overcook them and they end up charred and burnt. So how long should you actually grill burgers for perfect doneness each time?
Here is a comprehensive guide on how long to BBQ burgers, including factors like patty thickness, cooking methods, and doneness preferences. With these tips and techniques, you will learn how to grill incredible burgers with ease.
How Thick Should Burger Patties Be?
The thickness of your burger patty is the number one factor that determines how long to grill burgers. Thinner patties will cook faster, while thicker ones require more time on the grill. Here are some common patty thicknesses and what to expect:
Thin Burgers (1/4 inch thick)
- Cook very quickly, in just 2-4 minutes per side
- Don’t retain juices as well
- Best for smash burgers
Medium Burgers (1/2 inch thick)
- The most common patty thickness
- Take 6-8 minutes total to cook to medium
- Juicy and flavorful
Thick Burgers (3/4 inch or more)
- Take 10-12 minutes (or more) to reach medium
- Excellent at retaining moisture and flavor
- Can be tricky to cook evenly throughout
For the ideal thickness, we recommend 1/2 inch patties. This gives you a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Go thinner for smash burgers or thicker for more robust burgers. Just keep thickness in mind when determining grill times.
How Long to Grill Burgers to Different Doneness Levels
Cooking times will also vary based on how well-done you prefer your burgers. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness, or nick the patty to peek inside. Here are approximate grill times for 1/2 inch burgers:
Rare Burgers
- 110°F (45°C) internal temperature
- Bright red center
- Grill for 4-5 minutes total
Medium Rare Burgers
- 125°F (50°C) internal temperature
- Warm pink center
- Grill for 6-7 minutes total
Medium Burgers
- 135°F (60°C) internal temperature
- Slightly pink inside
- Grill for 7-8 minutes total
Medium Well Burgers
- 150°F (65°C) internal temperature
- Just a hint of pink
- Grill for 8-10 minutes total
Well Done Burgers
- 160°F (70°C) internal temperature
- No pink left inside
- Grill for 10-12 minutes total
For the juiciest results, we recommend grilling to medium or medium rare. But if you prefer your burgers well done, start with thicker patties so the insides don’t dry out.
Grilling Methods for Burgers
Aside from patty thickness and doneness preferences, the cooking method will impact how long burgers need to grill. Here are some popular grilling methods and what to expect:
Direct Heat Grilling
- Cook burgers directly over the heat
- Gets a nice sear for caramelized flavors
- Cooks a bit faster since the patties get more heat
- Rotate every minute or so for even cooking
Indirect Heat Grilling
- Cook next to the heat source, not directly over it
- More controlled, gentler cooking method
- Takes a little longer, around 10-12 minutes for medium
- Great for thicker patties
Sear and Slide Method
- Sear patties over direct heat, 2-3 minutes per side
- Then slide them to indirect heat to finish cooking
- Lets you get a nice crust while cooking evenly
- Total time around 8-10 minutes for medium
In most cases, the sear and slide method works very well for grilling flavorful, juicy burgers in a reasonable amount of time. But feel free to play with direct or indirect heat to find what works best for your grill.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Burger
Follow these top tips and techniques to take your grilled burgers to the next level:
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ground Beef: Choose freshly ground chuck, brisket, or short rib for the best texture and flavor. Go for 80% lean or higher.
- Handle the Meat Gently: Loosely form the patties without over-working the meat so they stay tender. Make a dimple in the center to prevent puffing.
- Season Liberally: Coat both sides of the patties with salt, pepper and any other spices/herbs. Let them rest to absorb flavors.
- Grill Both Sides: Don’t flip burgers too often, but do cook both sides. Basting with butter adds even more flavor.
- Add Cheese at the End: Add slices of cheese like cheddar or Swiss in the final minutes just to melt.
- Let Burgers Rest: Give them at least 5 minutes off heat so juices can redistribute before serving.
- Serve on Soft Buns: Brioche, potato, or other soft buns are best for soaking up delicious meat juices. Add condiments like ketchup, mustard and pickles.
With the right techniques and timing, you can master how long to grill burgers for your ideal doneness. Just remember to account for thickness, cooking method, and personal preferences. Have fun grilling up your best burgers yet!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Burgers
How long does it take to grill a burger?
For a 1/2 inch thick burger patty grilled to medium doneness, it takes about 6-8 minutes total. Go for 4-5 minutes for rare or up to 10-12 minutes for well done. Thinner patties take less time while thicker ones require more grill time.
Should you sear both sides of a burger?
Yes, you should sear both sides of the patty to get that nice caramelized crust on the burger. Sear one side over direct heat for 2-3 minutes, flip, sear the other side, then move to indirect heat if needed to finish cooking.
How can you tell when a burger is done grilling?
Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness by temperature. Rare burgers are 110°F and well done hit 160°F. You can also cut into a burger to check the center – reddish pink for medium rare, brown throughout for well done.
What is the best way to grill burgers?
The sear and slide method works very well. Sear both sides over direct heat to get a nice char. Then move the patties to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly without burning the outside. Total time is 8-10 minutes for medium doneness.
Should you grill burgers on low or high heat?
Use high heat around 400°F to quickly sear the patties and develop that flavorful crust. But don’t overdo it. Medium heat around 325-350°F lets you cook a bit more gently while still getting nice grill marks.
How long can raw hamburger patties sit out before grilling?
It’s best to grill burgers soon after forming patties to ensure food safety and quality. Raw burgers can sit out for 30-60 minutes before grilling. For longer marinating, keep patties chilled until ready to cook.
What is the best way to keep burgers warm after grilling?
After resting, transfer cooked burgers to a cooler with towels to absorb moisture. Or hold in a 200°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep them loosely covered with foil to keep warm and moist.
How do you grill burgers for a crowd?
Use a multi-zone fire to cook in batches. Sear over direct heat then move patties to indirect heat to finish. Have buns warming on the grill too. Keep finished burgers in a cooler wrapped in foil/towels until serving time.
Can you grill burgers that were previously frozen?
Yes, you can grill burgers straight from the freezer. They may just take a little longer to cook through. Thaw first for faster grilling. And avoid refreezing burgers after thawing for food safety.
Conclusion
Mastering the perfect grilled burger is all about nailing the right timing. Follow these tips on how long to BBQ burgers based on thickness, preferred doneness, and grilling method. Aim for 6-8 minutes total for 1/2 inch patties cooked to medium. Use an instant-read thermometer and experiment with direct vs. indirect heat on your grill. In no time, you will be biting into incredible burgers made just how you like them. Grilling burgers is a summer treat, so fire up the barbecue and enjoy!