🧰 Burger Equipment Guide
Guide Updated June 2026
You don't need a kitchen full of gadgets to make great burgers — you need a few good tools that do the heavy lifting. This is the honest, no-fluff list of what actually makes a difference, organized by how you cook.
The essentials (every burger cook)
Start here: a heavy cooking surface (cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle), an instant-read thermometer to hit a safe 160°F, and a thin, stiff spatula to flip and scrape. With just these three you can make almost any burger in this site.
For smash burgers
Add a smash burger press — a flat, heavy, broad-faced press beats a spatula for even, full-contact smashing. Pair it with parchment so the beef doesn't stick. See the full method in our Smash Burger Guide and try the Smash Burger recipe.
For grilling
A grill accessory kit (long tongs, wide spatula, basting brush) keeps you from fighting your tools over a hot fire. A grill-safe cast iron pan lets you smash on the grill too. Put it to work with our BBQ Burger.
For thick & uniform patties
A burger press mold gives you even, restaurant-uniform thick patties — handy for grilling and for cooking for a crowd. Great for the steakhouse-style burgers in our recipe collection.
Seasoning & finishing
A good steakhouse seasoning blend is a shortcut to flavor on busy nights. Beyond that, kosher salt and coarse black pepper genuinely are all most burgers need.
Burger HQ Picks Recommended Gear
Heavy-Duty Stainless Smash Burger Press
A flat, weighty press is the difference between a real lacy-edged smash burger and a sad steamed puck. Round, broad face for full patty contact.
Check price →Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Pulls a reading in 2–3 seconds so you can hit 160°F on ground beef every time without cutting into the patty and losing juices.
Check price →Pre-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Holds screaming-hot heat for the deep, even crust that makes a steakhouse-style burger. Lasts a lifetime.
Check price →Outdoor Gas Flat-Top Griddle
A big flat top cooks a dozen smash burgers at once with room for onions and buns. The backbone of burger night for a crowd.
Check price →Thin Flexible Stainless Turner (Smash Spatula)
A stiff, thin, bevelled edge slides under the crust and scrapes up every bit of the browned fond instead of tearing the patty.
Check price →Steakhouse Burger Seasoning Blend
For nights you do not want to measure. Salt-forward with garlic, onion, and pepper — exactly what a burger wants.
Check price →Stainless Grill Accessory Kit
Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
Check price →As an affiliate site, I Love Hamburger may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the one tool worth buying for better burgers?
An instant-read meat thermometer. It's inexpensive and it's the only reliable way to cook ground beef to a safe 160°F without overcooking and drying it out.
Do I need a smash burger press?
For smash burgers, yes — a flat, heavy press gives far more even contact than a spatula. For other burger styles you can skip it.