As an individual who cooks at residence each day, one among my favourite features of eating out is attending to expertise meals that appears past what I’m able to doing in my very own kitchen. This isn’t to say that I couldn’t bake world-class sourdough for my morning toast, put together some award-winning barbecue in my yard, or create stunning vermouth spheres for an experimental cocktail if I needed to — I’m positive I might, with some observe. However, on the entire, letting eating places wow me with mind-blowing methods is one thing I really do journey out for. 

That mentioned, there are some dishes which are simpler to do at residence than you may assume. And creating completely caramelized smash burgers that may rival your favourite diner, bistro, or burger joint is totally one thing you may obtain in your individual kitchen, offered you might have the precise instruments. Whether or not you’re keen on utilizing a griddle, a propane-powered flat high, or just a traditional pan or skillet on the range, you’re in luck proper now, as a result of Lodge’s forged iron burger press is at present on sale for $15.

Lodge Solid Iron Burger Press

Cooks consult with the majesty produced on the sides of an ideal smash burger because the “Maillard response” — aka what occurs when sugars and amino acids come into contact with the correct quantity of warmth — however you may comprehend it as these crispy edges that you simply assume can solely be produced in eating places. Spoiler alert: You are able to do it at residence, and simply. 

Utilizing a burger press couldn’t be extra easy. Have a look at this recipe for hatch chile smash burgers, for instance (which I’m in all probability going to make this weekend, holy moly). The smashing method is described thus: “Warmth a big forged iron skillet or griddle over excessive till smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 4 meatballs, and instantly flatten to a quarter-inch-thickness with a sturdy, vast spatula.” 

Spatulas are OK for smashing burgers if you wish to undergo the labor of discovering one thing else heavy to push down on it, after which transferring the spatula round to make sure that you’ve lined the entire meatball. As an alternative, think about utilizing a 1.8-pound piece of forged iron to rework your meat right into a dazzlingly flat, charred masterpiece in a single fell swoop. Anybody can do it! Actually, there’s a purpose this factor has almost 12,000 five-star rankings on Amazon. 

Now, simply envision having your mates or neighbors over this summer season for dinner. See their faces mild up when, as a substitute of an enormous, beefy hunk of meat whose massive bites are just too unwieldy for public viewing, you give them probably the most picturesque smash burger they’ve ever seen. Lastly, you might be their burger lord — and it solely prices you $15.

Store Extra Bread Instruments at Amazon:

OXO Good Grips Massive Silicone Turner

Lodge Solid Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

Weston Burger Press/Mildew

Blackstone Premium Signature Sequence Spatula