What Temperature to Cook Hamburgers: Grill Temp Guide

Shop bold and smoky BBQ sauces for hamburgers at DDR BBQ Supply, perfect for grilling and topping your next burger masterpiece.

Mastering Burger Temperatures: Grill Like a Pro Every Time

There are few things as satisfying as biting into a juicy, perfectly cooked burger. Whether you're hosting a weekend cookout, grilling dinner for your family, or entering a backyard BBQ competition, getting the internal temperature right is the secret to great results. Undercooked and your guests might get more than they bargained for; overcooked and you're serving up hockey pucks instead of burgers. So what temperature should you cook hamburgers to? Let’s dive deep into the science, safety, and strategy behind the perfect burger cook.

Internal Hamburger Temperatures by Doneness
Best Grill Temperatures for Burgers
Food Safety: USDA vs. Chef Preferences
Thermometers and Tools You Need
Techniques for Cooking the Perfect Burger
Different Burger Types and Their Ideal Temps
Hamburger Doneness Temperature Chart
Troubleshooting Common Burger Problems
FAQs

Internal Hamburger Temperatures by Doneness

Unlike steak, ground beef mixes surface bacteria throughout the patty, so the internal temperature becomes much more critical. Here are the commonly accepted doneness levels for burgers and their associated internal temperatures:

Rare: 120–125°F – Cool, red center. Very soft texture.
Medium Rare: 130–135°F – Warm, red center. Juicy and slightly springy.
Medium: 140–145°F – Pink center, firmer texture. Juicy but more balanced.
Medium Well: 150–155°F – Mostly brown with a touch of pink. Drier texture.
Well Done: 160°F+ – Fully cooked through. No pink. Firm and dry.

The USDA recommends that all ground beef be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. This ensures all bacteria, particularly E. coli, are killed. While chefs often serve steak at 130–135°F, burgers at that temperature pose more risk unless you grind your own meat fresh.

Best Grill Temperatures for Burgers

Grill surface temperature matters just as much as internal temp. You want the grill hot enough to sear but not so hot that it burns the exterior before the interior reaches your target temperature.

Ideal grill temp: 450–500°F
For smash burgers: Griddle at 425–450°F
Two-zone method: High heat on one side, medium on the other for thick patties

Use a grill surface thermometer if your grill doesn’t have a reliable built-in gauge. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking, especially during high-volume grilling.

Food Safety: USDA vs. Chef Preferences

The USDA maintains that ground beef should always reach 160°F internally to kill harmful pathogens. However, many chefs and burger enthusiasts prefer medium or even medium-rare burgers for optimal flavor and moisture. Here are ways to reduce risk:

Grind your own beef at home using sanitized equipment and fresh cuts.
Use single-muscle cuts (like chuck or brisket) and grind them right before cooking.
Avoid pre-ground beef from unknown sources if cooking below 160°F.

Restaurants often take these precautions to serve medium burgers safely. Home cooks can do the same if they’re confident in their meat source and hygiene practices.

Thermometers and Tools You Need

Guessing burger temps leads to either food safety risks or overcooked meat. Here are the tools you should always keep nearby:

Instant-read thermometer: Gives quick internal temp readings in seconds.
Leave-in digital probe: Great for thick patties or large batches.
Grill surface thermometer: Measures true grate-level temperature.
Smash spatula: For griddle burgers with crispy crusts.

Brands like ThermoWorks and ThermoPro offer high-quality, accurate thermometers that make precision cooking simple.

Techniques for Cooking the Perfect Burger

Aside from temperature, a few pro techniques go a long way toward better burgers:

Use 80/20 ground beef: This fat ratio delivers ideal juiciness and flavor.
Form loose patties: Avoid over-compressing. A lighter touch = better texture.
Thumbprint method: Press a small indent into the center to prevent doming.
Salt just before cooking: Salting too early pulls moisture out of the meat.
Flip once: Let it sear undisturbed, then flip and finish. Avoid pressing down!
Rest your burgers: Let them sit 3–5 minutes to redistribute juices.

Different Burger Types and Their Ideal Temps

Classic Backyard Burgers

These are typically 1/3 to 1/2 pound patties cooked over charcoal or gas. Cook to 160°F unless grinding your own meat. Two-zone grilling is ideal.

Smash Burgers

Thin, crispy-edged burgers cooked on a griddle. Cook quickly at 425–450°F. They usually reach 160°F within 2 minutes per side due to thinness.

Stuffed Burgers (e.g., Juicy Lucy)

Require more time to reach 160°F due to fillings. Use a probe thermometer to ensure center temp. Grill at 375–400°F to avoid burning the exterior.

Turkey or Chicken Burgers

Always cook to 165°F minimum. No exceptions. Use leaner meat blends and mix in moisture-retaining ingredients like olive oil or chopped mushrooms.

Plant-Based Burgers

Follow package instructions. Many plant-based products recommend 160°F internal temp. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out.

Hamburger Doneness Temperature Chart

Doneness	Internal Temp	Color	Texture
Rare	120–125°F	Cool red center	Very soft
Medium Rare	130–135°F	Warm red center	Juicy and springy
Medium	140–145°F	Warm pink center	Firm, juicy
Medium Well	150–155°F	Mostly brown, hint of pink	Firm
Well Done	160°F+	Brown throughout	Very firm, drier

Troubleshooting Common Burger Problems

My burgers are dry

You're probably overcooking. Try cooking to 140–145°F and resting, or use higher fat ground beef like 70/30 or add a moisture-retaining binder.

Burgers puff up in the center

You need to use the thumbprint technique. Press a shallow well in the center of the patty before cooking to ensure even thickness.

Burnt outside, raw inside

Lower your grill temp or move to indirect heat after the initial sear. Use two-zone cooking for thick patties.

Burgers falling apart

Don't overhandle the meat, and chill patties before cooking. For lean blends, consider mixing in a binder like egg or breadcrumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat a burger cooked to 135°F?

Only if you're grinding your own beef and using strict sanitation. Otherwise, the USDA recommends 160°F for safety.

What temp should I cook frozen burgers to?

Cook frozen burgers straight from the freezer to 160°F internal temp. Add 50% more cook time and use indirect heat to avoid burning. We strongly recommend thawing meat first. Oftentimes when cooking frozen meat the texture can be less than ideal.

How long should I rest burgers?

Rest burgers for 3–5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute and enhances flavor.

Should I grill with the lid open or closed?

You can do either but typically for thick burgers, keep the lid closed to maintain consistent heat. For thin smash burgers, cook lid open for better crust control.

How do I measure burger internal temperature?

Insert a digital instant-read thermometer through the side of the burger to reach the center. Remove when it reads your target temp.

Conclusion: Nail Your Burger Temps and Upgrade Your Grill Game

Perfecting burger temperature is more than just a safety concern—it’s the key to flavor, texture, and confidence at the grill. Whether you prefer a pink-centered medium or follow USDA guidelines to 160°F, using the right thermometer, meat blend, and technique ensures your burgers hit the mark every time. And when you’re ready to upgrade your burger setup, we’ve got you covered.

Explore the best tools and accessories to take your burger game even further:

When it comes to burgers, the details matter—from patty prep to grill temp to the final flip. Now you’ve got the knowledge. Time to fire it up.

Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:

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. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.

Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.

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.™