How to Grill Frozen Burgers (Yes, You Can—and Here’s the Best Way to Do It Right)
How to grill frozen burgers is one of the most common last-minute grilling questions—and the good news is this: yes, you can grill burgers from frozen. In fact, when done correctly, frozen burgers can turn out juicy, evenly cooked, and surprisingly good.
If you’ve ever asked can you grill a frozen burger, can you BBQ frozen burgers, or how to grill frozen hamburger patties, this guide walks you through the exact process step by step. We’ll cover grill temperatures, timing, gas vs charcoal vs pellet grills, and the most common mistakes people make when cooking frozen patties.
This is the complete, no-guesswork guide to grilling frozen burgers the right way.
- The Short Answer
- Is It Safe to Grill Frozen Burgers?
- Why Frozen Burgers Cook Differently
- What Temperature to Grill Frozen Burgers
- Frozen Burger Grill Time
- How to Grill Frozen Burgers Step-by-Step
- How to Grill Frozen Burgers on a Gas Grill
- Frozen Burgers on a Charcoal Grill
- Frozen Burgers on a Pellet Grill
- Frozen Burger Cook Times by Size
- Common Frozen Burger Mistakes
- FAQ
- Conclusion
The Short Answer
You can grill frozen burgers directly from the freezer at a grill temperature of 350°F–375°F. Most frozen burger patties take 14–20 minutes total, depending on thickness and grill type.
Is It Safe to Grill Frozen Burgers?
Yes—it is completely safe to grill frozen beef patties. The USDA allows cooking beef directly from frozen as long as the burger reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Grilling frozen burgers is often safer than partially thawing them, which can allow bacteria to grow unevenly.
Why Frozen Burgers Cook Differently
Frozen burgers cook differently because:
- The exterior thaws and cooks first
- The center stays frozen longer
- Heat penetration takes more time
This means frozen burgers need slightly lower heat and longer cook times to prevent burning before the center is done.
What Temperature to Grill Frozen Burgers
If you’re asking what temperature to grill frozen burgers, this is the ideal range:
- Best grill temp: 350°F–375°F
- Below 325°F: Burgers dry out
- Above 400°F: Outside burns before inside cooks
This applies whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or pellet grill.
Frozen Burger Grill Time
How long does it take to grill a frozen burger? Longer than fresh—but still very manageable.
| Frozen Burger Size | Total Grill Time | Per Side |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 lb frozen burger | 14–16 minutes | 7–8 minutes |
| 1/3 lb frozen burger | 16–18 minutes | 8–9 minutes |
| 1/2 lb frozen burger | 18–22 minutes | 9–11 minutes |
This answers common searches like frozen burger grill time, frozen burgers grill time, and 1/3 lb frozen burger grill time.
How to Grill Frozen Burgers Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 350°F–375°F with the lid closed.
Step 2: Place Frozen Burgers on the Grill
Put patties directly on clean, oiled grates—do not thaw.
Step 3: Close the Lid and Cook
Cook with the lid closed to allow even heat circulation.
Step 4: Flip Every 6–8 Minutes
Flip once or twice total. Frozen burgers need fewer flips.
Step 5: Season After the First Flip
Seasoning sticks better once the surface has thawed.
Step 6: Cook to Internal Temperature
Remove burgers at 160°F internal temperature.
How to Grill Frozen Burgers on a Gas Grill
For gas grill frozen burgers:
- Preheat 10–15 minutes
- Use medium heat (350°F–375°F)
- Cook 14–18 minutes total
Gas grills offer the most consistent results for frozen patties.
Frozen Burgers on a Charcoal Grill
For frozen burgers on charcoal grill:
- Wait until coals are fully ashed
- Use a two-zone setup
- Finish burgers over indirect heat if needed
Charcoal adds great flavor but requires careful heat control.
Frozen Burgers on a Pellet Grill
For frozen burgers pellet grill cooks:
- Set grill to 375°F
- Cook 16–20 minutes
- Flip once halfway through
Pellet grills cook frozen burgers evenly but may produce lighter crust.
Frozen Burger Cook Times by Size
- Thin frozen patties: 12–14 minutes
- Standard frozen patties: 14–18 minutes
- Thick frozen burgers: 18–22 minutes
Common Frozen Burger Mistakes
Cooking Too Hot
High heat burns the outside while the center stays frozen.
Pressing the Burger
This forces out juices once the meat thaws.
Over-Flipping
Too much flipping prevents browning.
Skipping a Thermometer
Frozen burgers require internal temperature checks.
FAQ
Can you grill burgers from frozen?
Yes—directly from the freezer.
Can you BBQ frozen burgers?
Absolutely, with controlled heat.
Do frozen burgers taste worse?
No, if cooked correctly.
What are the best frozen burgers to grill?
Thicker patties with higher fat content grill best.
Conclusion
How to grill frozen burgers comes down to patience and temperature control. Set your grill to 350°F–375°F, cook frozen patties for 14–20 minutes, flip sparingly, and always cook to internal temperature. When done right, frozen burgers can be just as satisfying as fresh—and they’re perfect for quick, no-prep grilling.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online.
Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
Better Gear. Better BBQ.TM
