How To Grill Burgers On A Smoker

Grilling burgers on a smoker is a fantastic way to infuse your favorite patties with a delicious smoky flavor. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a novice, using a smoker to grill burgers can take your culinary skills to the next level. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly grilled burgers on a smoker that will have your friends and family coming back for more.

Choosing the Right Meat

When it comes to grilling burgers on a smoker, choosing the right meat is crucial. Look for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 blend. The fat will help keep the burgers moist and juicy as they cook on the smoker.

Forming the Patties

After selecting the meat, it's time to form the patties. Be sure not to overwork the meat as this can result in tough burgers. Gently form the ground beef into uniform patties, making an indentation in the center of each one to prevent them from puffing up during the cooking process.

Preparing the Smoker

Before you start grilling, it's essential to prepare the smoker. Ensure that the smoker is clean and that you have enough fuel, whether you're using charcoal, wood chips, or pellets. Preheat the smoker to the desired temperature, typically around 225-250°F for burgers.

Seasoning the Burgers

Seasoning the burgers is where you can get creative. While a simple blend of salt and pepper can suffice, consider adding other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Season the burgers generously on both sides, ensuring that the seasoning adheres to the meat.

Grilling the Burgers

Once the smoker is preheated and the burgers are seasoned, it's time to grill the burgers. Place the patties directly on the grill grates and close the smoker. Let the burgers cook undisturbed for about an hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Adding Smoke

For that signature smoky flavor, consider adding smoke to the cooking process. If you're using a charcoal or wood chip smoker, add soaked wood chips to the coals to create smoke. For pellet smokers, select wood pellets that complement the flavor of the burgers, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that the burgers are thoroughly cooked, it's essential to check for doneness. Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of the burgers. Once they reach 160°F, they are safe to eat and should be juicy and flavorful.

Resting the Burgers

After removing the burgers from the smoker, allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent burger.

Serving the Burgers

Now that the burgers are perfectly grilled and rested, it's time to serve them. Whether you prefer a classic burger with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, or something more adventurous, such as caramelized onions and barbecue sauce, the options are endless. Pair the burgers with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Grilling burgers on a smoker is a rewarding experience that yields mouthwatering results. By following these steps, you can elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with delicious, smoky burgers that are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.