Make Sparks Fly This 4th of July

Grilling tips from the experts at Napoleon, Big Green Egg & Traeger. 

Are you ready for the 4th of July celebration this year? We researched the top tips and tricks from the grilling experts at Traeger, Napoleon Grills, Big Green Egg, and more to offer this complete guide for grilling your best burgers this year whether you grill with gas, pellets or charcoal. 

1. Prep Your Grill 

Always start with a clean grill. A brush with stainless steel bristles will banish grime from stainless steel cooking grids while brass brush bristles are softer and will clean cast iron without leaving scratches. Napoleon Grills recommends seasoning your cooking grids at the beginning and end of the grilling season and once every five grilling sessions. To season those grids, simply rub them down with a high-temperature fat (ie: coconut or peanut oil) and then heat to between 350° F- 400° F for 30-60 minutes.

Charcoal Tip: Leftover natural lump charcoal can be saved and mixed with new charcoal to reduce popping and ash deposits on your food during the next cook.

2. Perfect Your Patties

Crafting your patties with 80/20 beef will result in juicier burgers than leaner beef. Tenderly work the meat into patties that are slightly bigger than the buns to account for shrinking as the meat cooks. Wait until right before the burgers hit the grill to apply seasoning so that salt does not dry out your patties. A shallow thumb indentation in the center of the patty helps the burgers hold their flat shape and cook more evenly.

3. Hone Your Technique

Pre-heat your grill to about 400°F - 450°F for the optimum sear. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your patty, but it usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Flipping the burger more than once will toughen the meat, but flipping too early might cause the meat to stick to the cooking grids. Whatever you do, avoid pressing the patties down at all cost. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the perfect cook.. 

Rare - 125°F
Medium Rare - 135°F
Medium - 145°F < the perfect burger temperature*
Medium Well - 155°F
Well Done - 160°F

4. Impress Your Guests

Complete the grand finale with finishing touches like melting cheese and toasting the buns in the final minutes of cooking. Our personal favorite at Mountain View Hearth Products is Pepper Jack cheese. Spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the bun for a golden, perfectly crisp toast. Give the meat about 10 minutes of rest to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the burgers.