Nothing hits like a juicy, homemade burger fresh off the BBQ. Whether you’re cooking on a full outdoor kitchen or a portable BBQ, mastering the perfect burger is easier than you think — and we’re here to show you how.

We’re all about making the outdoors easy, and that includes your backyard burger game. Here’s how to make the best burgers at home — packed with flavour, stacked with texture, and guaranteed to impress.

Step-by-Step: How To Make the Best Homemade Burger

1. Start With the Right Mince
The secret to a flavour-packed burger? The fat content.

• Use 80/20 beef mince (80% lean, 20% fat).
• No need for extras like eggs, breadcrumbs, or seasoning in the mix – keep it pure.
• Fat equals flavour, and it helps hold things together on the hotplate.

2. Portion & Shape Loosely
Skip the tight patties – you want them loose and juicy.

• Aim for 90g per patty.
• Lightly form the meat into a ball, don’t compress it.
• A loose pack gives you better texture and that classic smash-style bite.

3. Preheat Your Hotplate or Plancha
The key to a great burger crust is a scorching surface.

• Fire up your Gasmate Plancha BBQ or cast-iron hotplate until it’s ripping hot.
• A properly heated flat surface gives you that crispy sear and locks in juices.

4. Smash With Confidence
Welcome to smash burger territory.

• Place your meatball on the hotplate.
• Use a burger press or heavy spatula to press hard for about 10 seconds.
• This forms that mouth-watering crust – flip only once!

5. Season During the Cook
Adding salt too early will draw moisture out of the patty.

• Season with salt and pepper after smashing, while it’s still cooking.
• This boosts flavour without drying out the patty.

6. The Cheese Melt Trick
Want perfectly melty cheese every time?

• Add your cheese slice on top of your patty.
• Splash a little water on the hotplate and cover with a lid or BBQ dome.
• Wait 15–20 seconds – steam melts it fast and evenly.

7. Toast the Buns
This one step takes burgers from good to gourmet.

• Use soft brioche or potato buns.
• Toast lightly on the hotplate until golden – just a few seconds is enough.
• This adds texture and keeps the bun from going soggy.

8. Stack Smart
You don’t need to pile it high to win on flavour.

• Stick to 3–4 core ingredients: cheese, pickles, a punchy sauce, and maybe a lettuce leaf.

9. Get Creative With It
Make it your own!

• Use two smaller patties instead of one thick one.
• Smash both, stack with cheese in between – next-level flavour, crunch, and cheese pull.

Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need

To get the best results, make sure you’re kitted out with the right gear:

🔥 Gasmate Plancha Portable BBQ – perfect for searing smash patties

🧲 Cast Iron Hotplate – great heat retention for a consistent crust

🧑‍🍳 Burger Press & Spatula Kit – for that perfect smash and seamless flip control.

🍽️ Lid / BBQ Dome – for the ultimate cheese melt