These Are the Tools You Need for Perfect Smash Burgers

Think about the smash burger you love at your favorite restaurant or bar. It might seem like its crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and fluffy bun were prepared by some kind of wizard. After all, what mere mortal could corral so many divine textures and savory flavors into one impeccable bite? Well, as someone who previously worked in restaurants and now cooks every day at home, including grilling outside at least once a week, I’m here to tell you that perfecting the smash burger is not only possible to do at home — it’s easy. All you need are the right tools.

Whether you’re a smash burger fiend or are putting together the best gift basket of all time for a loved one, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying a burger that rivals the best ones you’ve had from pros. Scroll on to become a smash burger ace.

Best Tools to Cook Smash Burgers at Home

• Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Griddle, $35
• Made In Cookware Carbon Steel Griddle, $179
• Cuisinart 6.5-Inch Cast Iron Burger Press, $22, originally $25
• Blackstone Collapsible Griddle Press, $22, originally $30
• Lodge 6.25-Inch Cast Iron Burger Press, $15, originally $22
• Winco Hamburger Turner, $7
• Traeger Grills XXL Grill Spatula, $40, originally $45
• Blackstone 12-Inch Round Basting Cover, $19, originally $22
• Cuisinart 9-Inch Stainless Steel Melting Dome, $23, originally $25

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Griddle

The most crucial aspect of the smash burger is the Maillard reaction, which, in short, is what happens when the proteins and sugars in your burger get hot enough to become crispy and brown, creating that delectable crunch and intoxicating scent you crave. You don’t have to be a pro chef or a scientist to make this happen — you just need a very hot, flat surface. The Lodge cast iron griddle is a legendary and shockingly affordable tool for powerful flat-top cooking. I know numerous pros who use this at home, and I’ve recommended it to countless friends and family members. For $35 (it’s 41% off right now), you can essentially have the same workstation as the person who made the smash burger you’re probably thinking about right now.

Made In Cookware Carbon Steel Griddle

Aside from cast iron, I’m a tremendous fan of carbon steel — especially this griddle from Made In, which basically lives on my stove. It’s nonstick, easy to clean, can get seriously hot, and imparts some powerful flavors to whatever you’re cooking. It’s a great alternative to cast iron because it’s much lighter in weight (and there are those who would argue that carbon steel is even more nonstick than cast iron). This masterpiece from Made In one of my most-used pieces of cookware, not only for burgers, but for fajitas, pancakes, and so much more.

Cuisinart 6.5-Inch Cast Iron Burger Press

You need a good burger press — it’s responsible for the “smash” part of the smash burger. I’ve seen people come up with all sorts of creative ways to achieve this, such as using fry pans and plates or just pressing a spatula really hard. But unless you have awesome technique, the meat usually ends up sticking or yields an uneven burger. Using a heavy burger press, however, ensures you’re getting a consistent, flat smash, which is how you get those amazingly crispy edges without a dry, overcooked bite. Do not skip the tool that gives this type of burger its name.

Blackstone Collapsible Griddle Press

This heat-resistant silicone press with folding handles is ideal for Blackstone griddle owners, especially when you’re cooking with a portable grill or looking to save space. Blackstones usually use cold-rolled steel rather than cast iron, so you may want to go with a brand-recommended tool if you have one of its griddles, particularly if you want to ensure maximum protection of its precious surfaces.

Lodge 6.25-Inch Cast Iron Burger Press

Lodge’s burger press is 1.8 pounds of seasoned cast iron, meaning it’ll be easy to press and easy to release. Plus, if you take care of cast iron, it lasts many years, making this a great investment in future smash burgers.

Winco Hamburger Turner

Smash burgers are seared hard, but can also be delicate due to their thin build. That’s why you want a solid, flat spatula with a thin edge to scoop it up and support it when flipping or moving; a thicker or vented spatula may accordion or tear your burger, or compromise its flat surface. Restaurants across the country trust the Winco brand, and I’ve used this $7 spatula on a restaurant flat-top grill, so I give it my seal of approval.

Traeger Grills XXL Grill Spatula

I’m also a major fan of this XXL spatula. It has a 6- x 10-inch surface, making it perfect for smash burgers of all sizes. It has a hefty, quality feel, which is unsurprising since it comes from the grilling experts at Traeger, a brand that makes some of our favorite grills. I understand that $40 for a spatula isn’t inexpensive compared to other options, but its heft, durability, wide area, and generally cool look make it my all-time favorite grilling spatula — and an awesome gift for any griller or smash burger enthusiast you know.

Blackstone 12-Inch Round Basting Cover

The basting cover (also called a melting dome) is an essential piece of gear that will set you apart as a true smash burger artist. This tool lets you effectively steam the cheese atop your burger in seconds, giving it an ideal melt at the end without risking overcooking your burger. Plus, you will look like an absolute pro when you break this out before serving your smash burgers. 

Cuisinart 9-Inch Stainless Steel Melting Dome

The taller, more domed look of this Cuisinart cover makes me feel like I’m finally going to build a triple-decker smash burger one of these days. Shoppers commend its effectiveness and versatility: “It’s perfect for melting cheese on the griddle,” one said. “I use it for grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, and even omelets.”