Grilled Hamburgers
Tips for smoky, juicy burgers: charcoal is best but gas works, don’t press patties, use cooler grill zones to slow cooking, and close the lid to melt cheese.
We cook a lot of burgers indoors on a fat-slicked iron skillet, and you can do that on a grill as well. (Here's our burger guide for more information and inspiration.) But sometimes you want a smoky grilled burger. For that, a charcoal grill is best, but a gas grill can do the trick, too. Resist the temptation to press down on the burgers with a spatula, which only spews juice and fat on the fire, causing the flames to flare up and the burger to lose flavor. If you feel your burger is cooking too quickly, use the cooler sides of the grill to rest them. And remember: lowering the top on the grill helps cheese melt.