Can You Cook Burgers in a Pellet Grill? (The Complete Pellet Grilling Delicious Burgers Guide)

Table of contents

Here’s the deal: I love burgers.

I also love my pellet grill.

And it seems like a lot of people do, too. So I thought it might be helpful to write a blog post about how to cook burgers on a pellet grill!

Key takeaways

Wood pellets can have a significant impact on the flavor of the finished product, so choose the type of wood pellets that you’re familiar with and that complement the natural taste of beef.
There are several accessories that can be used to cook burgers on a pellet grill, such as a burger press, grill grates, cast-iron skillet, meat thermometer, and burger basket, to achieve the best results and enhance the grilling experience.
Use ground beef with enough fat content (around 20–25%) to keep the meat moist and add flavor.
Maintain a 225-degree Fahrenheit temperature on the pellet grill when cooking burgers for slow-cooking the burgers and infusing them with smoky flavor.
To prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking, use your thumb to press down on the top of your patties to make a slight indentation in the center of the burger patty before grilling.

Can you cook burgers on a pellet grill?

You can cook burgers on a pellet grill. Pellet grills are versatile cooking appliances that can be used for a variety of foods, including burgers.

To cook burgers on a pellet grill, first preheat your grill to a temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

Once the grill is hot enough, place your burgers on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

If you like, you can also add some wood pellets to your grill for added smoky flavor. Hickory and mesquite are popular choices for burgers, but you can experiment with different types of wood to find your favorite.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the burgers as they cook, as cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the temperature of your grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your burgers reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

How is grilling burgers on a pellet grill different from a regular charcoal grill?

Temperature control

Pellet grills typically have digital temperature controls, which allow you to set the temperature precisely and maintain it throughout the cooking process.

This can make it easier to cook your burgers evenly and avoid overcooking or undercooking them.

With a charcoal grill, you need to manually adjust the airflow to control the temperature, which can be a bit more challenging to get right.

Smoke flavor

Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, which can infuse your burgers with a delicious smoky flavor.

Charcoal grills also provide some smoky flavor, but the type and intensity of the smoke can be more challenging to control.

Convenience

Pellet grills are generally more convenient to use than charcoal grills.

With a pellet grill, you can simply set the temperature, and the grill will do the rest.

You don’t need to worry about lighting charcoal, adjusting the airflow, or adding more

What type of ground beef should I be cooking on a pellet grill?

For burgers, it’s best to use ground beef that has a higher fat content, such as ground chuck or ground sirloin.

Ground chuck has a fat content of around 15-20%, which can help keep the burgers moist and juicy while cooking.

If you’re looking for a specific type of ground beef, you can try looking for “80/20 ground chuck.”

This means that the beef is 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This is a good ratio for burgers, as it provides enough fat to keep the burgers moist and juicy without being too greasy.

If you can’t find ground chuck, you can also try using ground sirloin, which has a slightly lower fat content of around 10–15%.

While this can result in slightly drier burgers, you can add some extra fat to the mix by mixing in some bacon, cheese, or other fatty ingredients.

I recommend choosing ground beef that is fresh and of good quality.

Look for ground beef that is bright red in color and doesn’t have a strong odor. Avoid ground beef that looks brownish or has a slimy texture, as this can be a sign that it’s starting to spoil.

How should your burger patties be prepared for pellet grill cooking?

Start with fresh ground beef: Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef that has a good fat content, as discussed in the previous answer.
Form the patties: Gently shape the ground beef into patties, being careful not to overwork the meat. You can use a burger press or your hands to form the patties. Make sure they are even in size and shape and slightly larger than the buns you’ll be using.
Season the patties: Season the patties with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. Be careful not to over-season the patties, as this can overpower the natural flavor of the beef.
Let the patties rest: Allow the patties to rest at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and retain their shape.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your pellet grill to a temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, as discussed earlier.
Cook the patties: Place the patties on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Add cheese (optional): If you like cheeseburgers, you can add cheese to the burgers during the last minute or two of cooking. Close the lid and let the cheese melt over the burgers.
Serve the burgers: Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve on buns with your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.

What is the best way to season burgers for a pellet grill?

Simple salt and pepper

This is a classic and simple seasoning that allows the natural flavor of the beef to shine through. Generously season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides before grilling.

Garlic and herbs

Mix together minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley), salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the patties before grilling.

Smoky barbecue

Mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the patties before grilling. You can also brush the burgers with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Spicy

Mix together cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the patties before grilling. You can also top the burgers with sliced jalapenos or other spicy toppings.

Cheese-stuffed

Mix grated cheese (such as cheddar or blue cheese) into the ground beef before forming the patties. Season the patties with salt and pepper before grilling. As the burgers cook, the cheese will melt and create a deliciously cheesy center.

What are the best ways to cook burgers on a pellet grill?

Direct grilling

Direct grilling is a popular method for cooking burgers on a pellet grill. Simply preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the burgers directly on the grill grates.

Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

Reverse sear

The reverse sear method involves cooking the burgers at a low temperature for a longer period of time and then finishing them with a quick sear on high heat.

Preheat your pellet grill to a low temperature (around 225 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the burgers on the grill grates. Cook for about 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, increase the temperature of the grill to high heat (around 450 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and sear the burgers for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Smoke-roasting

Smoke-roasting is another method for cooking burgers on a pellet grill. Preheat your grill to a low temperature (around 225 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the burgers on the grill grates.

Close the lid and smoke-roast the burgers for about 30-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, increase the temperature of the grill to medium-high heat (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and grill the burgers for another 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

What is the best temperature to grill burgers on a pellet grill?

The best temperature to grill burgers on a pellet grill is generally between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range ensures that the burgers cook through evenly while also developing a nice sear on the outside.

Cooking burgers on a pellet grill at too low a temperature may result in a burger that is undercooked or doesn’t have a good sear. On the other hand, cooking at too high a temperature may cause the outside of the burger to burn while the inside is still raw.

How long should I smoke burgers on a pellet grill?

The length of time it takes to smoke burgers on a pellet grill depends on a few factors, such as the thickness of the patties and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, you can smoke burgers on a pellet grill for about 25–30 minutes at a temperature of around 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the smoking process, the burgers will absorb the smoky flavor from the wood and begin to cook. After the burgers have smoked for the desired amount of time, you can finish cooking them over direct heat to develop a nice sear and ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

How do you cook the perfect burgers on a pellet grill?

Choose the right ground beef: Start with ground beef that has a good fat content, such as 80/20 (80% lean meat and 20% fat). This will help keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
Season the burgers: Season the burgers with your desired seasoning blend, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. You can also add some Worcestershire sauce or other liquid seasoning to add more flavor.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your pellet grill to a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grill the burgers: Place the burgers on the grill grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Rest the burgers: Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the burgers moist and flavorful.
Add toppings: Add your desired toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, or bacon, and serve the burgers on buns.

How do you know when your burger is done?

The best way to know if a burger is done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the burger, being careful not to touch the bone or any fat.

The safe internal temperature for ground beef, including burgers, is 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 °C), according to the USDA. When the burger reaches this temperature, it is considered fully cooked and safe to eat.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the doneness of the burger by cutting into the center of the patty and checking the color of the meat. A fully cooked burger should have no pink or red in the center, and the juices should run clear.

That being said, some people do prefer their burgers cooked to a lower internal temperature, resulting in a little bit of pink in the middle. It’s important to note that this increases the risk of foodborne illness, and consuming undercooked or raw ground beef should be avoided, especially for people who are more vulnerable to foodborne illness, such as young children, pregnant women, and older adults.

However, relying on the color or the juices of the burger is not as reliable as using a meat thermometer. Inaccurately judging the doneness of the burger can result in undercooked meat, which can cause foodborne illness.

The guidelines on safe internal temperatures for burgers

The USDA recommends that all ground beef, including burgers, be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 °C) to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. It is important to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the burger in its thickest part, such as the center of the patty.

According to the USDA guidelines, the following internal temperatures are recommended for cooking burgers:

Rare: 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit (49°C to 52°C)
Medium-rare: 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 135 degrees Fahrenheit (54°C to 57°C)
Medium: 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C to 63°C)
Medium-well: 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 155 degrees Fahrenheit (66°C to 68°C)
Well-done: 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 °C) or higher

What type of wood pellets should I use to smoke burgers?

When it comes to smoking burgers on a pellet grill, the type of wood pellets you use can have a significant impact on the flavor of the finished product. Here are a few types of wood pellets that work well for smoking burgers:

Hickory: Hickory pellets are a popular choice for smoking burgers as they provide a bold, smoky flavor that pairs well with beef.
Mesquite: Mesquite pellets are another popular choice for smoking burgers, and they provide a strong, earthy flavor that is well-suited for beef.
Apple: Apple pellets are a milder option that provide a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the natural taste of the beef.
Cherry: Cherry pellets are another mild option that provide a sweet and fruity flavor that pairs well with beef.

Are there any special accessories that can be used to cook burgers on a pellet grill?

There are several accessories that can be used to cook burgers on a pellet grill to enhance the grilling experience and achieve the best results. Here are a few examples:

Burger press: A burger press can be used to make uniformly sized and shaped patties, which helps ensure even cooking and prevents overcooking.
Grill grates: Grill grates can be used to create professional-looking grill marks on your burgers and also help prevent sticking.
Cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is a versatile accessory that can be used to cook burgers to perfection. It can be preheated on the pellet grill and used to cook burgers that are seared on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring that burgers are cooked to the correct internal temperature. This helps prevent undercooked or overcooked burgers, ensuring that they are safe to eat and taste great.
Burger basket: A burger basket is a convenient accessory that can be used to cook multiple burgers at the same time. It’s also great for keeping burgers together while flipping and preventing them from falling apart.

The best tips and tricks for burgers on a pellet grill

You don’t have to pre-season your own homemade patties, unless you want to: This means that if you buy pre-made burger patties from the store, they may already be seasoned. However, if you make your own patties at home, you can choose whether or not to season them yourself.
Use ground beef with enough fat: Ground beef with a higher fat content (around 20–25%) is recommended for making burgers as it helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
Maintain a 225-degree Fahrenheit temperature: This refers to the temperature at which you should set your pellet grill when cooking burgers. A temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for slow-cooking the burgers and infusing them with smoky flavor.
Use your thumb to press down on the top of your patties: This is a technique for making a slight indentation in the center of the burger patty before grilling. This helps prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking, which can cause it to cook unevenly.
Use pallets that you’re familiar with: This means that you should use wood pellets that you have used before and are familiar with their flavor. Different types of wood pellets can impart different flavors to the meat, so it’s important to choose the right ones based on your personal preference.
You can smoke your burger patties: This means that you can cook your burgers using the smoking technique, which involves slow-cooking the burgers over low heat and infusing them with smoky flavor.
The inside of your burger patties can still be a little pink: This means that it’s possible for the center of the burger patty to still be slightly pink, even when the burger is fully cooked. This is because the internal temperature of the burger continues to rise even after it’s taken off the grill.
Add cheese last: This means that you should add cheese to the burgers towards the end of cooking. This ensures that the cheese is melted and gooey, but doesn’t burn.
Sear your patties at the end: This means that after slow-cooking the burgers, you should sear them over high heat for a short period of time to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the burger.
You can use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet can be used on a pellet grill to cook burgers to perfection. The skillet can be preheated on the pellet grill and used to cook burgers that are seared on the outside and juicy on the inside.

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