To cook hamburgers on a propane grill, start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. This is typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
While the grill is preheating, prepare your hamburgers. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Gently form them into patties, making sure not to overwork the meat. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Once the grill is hot, using a long-handled grill brush, clean the grates to remove any leftover residue from previous cooking sessions. Afterward, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the patties directly on the grill grates, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Close the lid, which helps to retain heat and cook the burgers evenly. Avoid constantly flipping the burgers as this may cause them to lose juice and become dry.
Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness. For precise results, use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
At the last minute of cooking, you can place cheese slices on top of the burgers to melt. Close the lid for another minute to allow the cheese to melt. Once done, carefully transfer the burgers to a clean plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes, which helps to retain their juices.
Now, your delicious hamburgers are ready to be served on buns with your favorite condiments and toppings. Enjoy your grilled burgers!
Best Propane Grills of May 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cabinet Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463354021
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GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
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COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 435-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
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TRAY TOPPER: The stainless-steel Chef’s Delite tray shields more delicate foods from the heat and prevents small items from falling through the grates. Small holes on the bottom of the tray allow the chargrilled flavor to reach your food.
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SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee. When not in use, flip the lid down and use the surface as an additional workspace.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill, Gas Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Push-Button Ignition; Great for Camping, Tailgating, BBQ, Parties, Backyard, Patio & More
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Grilling Power: Offers up to 20,000 total BTUs
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3 Adjustable Burners: Improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
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Large Grilling Area: A spacious 285 sq. in. cooks a variety of foods at once
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Easy Setup: Sturdy quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for hassle-free setup and takedown
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Integrated Thermometer: Built-in design for accurate temperature monitoring
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Grill Boss GBC1932M Outdoor BBQ 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill for Barbecue Cooking with Top Cover Lid, Wheels, and Side Storage Shelves, Black
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Outdoor grill made for BBQ cookout weekends with friends and family all summer long; 3 burners for cooking chicken, steak, vegetables, and even sauces
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Made with a push-and-turn ignition that activates a flame to conveniently fire up the grill and start cooking, while the portable design makes it easy to take on the go
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Stainless steel control panel features a large temperature gauge and comes with a 25-burger capacity that allows you to cook up meats for the whole neighborhood quickly
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Dual side shelves expertly designed not just to keep your essentials within easy reach but also provide ample storage for all your spices, condiments, plates, and tongs
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Nexgrill Premium 3 Burner Propane Barbecue Gas Grill, Side Table Open Cart with Wheels, Outdoor Cooking, Patio, Garden Barbecue Grill, 27000 BTUs, Black and Silver
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3 stainless steel burners produce 27,000 BTUs of cooking power
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Side shelves offers a convenient prep area
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429 sq in. cooking area over easy-to-clean porcelian wire grates
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27,000 BTUs main burners for ultimate grilling control
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2 large wheels for easy mobility
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill - 463773817-P2
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GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
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COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 360-square-inches of total cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the main grates and delicate foods on the warming rack.
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BTU RATING: This grill has a 30,000 BTU rating. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
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SIDE BURNER: A 8,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
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IGNITION: Electronic ignition ensures reliable starts every time. Simply turn the control knob, press the ignition button and the burners are lit.
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GRATES: Grates are porcelain-coated to resist rust and make them easier to clean. They retain heat to cook food evenly and leave impressive grill marks.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
MASTER COOK 3 Burner BBQ Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel 30,000 BTU Patio Garden Barbecue Grill with Two Foldable Shelves
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❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of a control knob
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❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more study and delicate, a stainless steel handle and a built-in stainless steel thermometer on the cover lid, two foldable tables and two heavy duty wheel casters for storage and moving
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❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming
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❤ MULTIFUNCTION AND PRACTICAL: This propane gas grill is perfect compliments any outdoor space like backyard, garden, courtyard, terrace and balcony of most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 2-Burner with Side Burner - 463672817-P2
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GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
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COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 280-square-inches of total cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the main grates and delicate foods on the warming rack.
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BTU RATING: This grill has a 20,000 BTU rating. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
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SIDE BURNER: A 8,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
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IGNITION: Electronic ignition ensures reliable starts every time. Simply turn the control knob, press the ignition button and the burners are lit.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Liquid Propane in Stainless Steel Grill
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4 Stainless steel burners
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48,800 BTU-per-hour input. Dimensions - lid open (inches): 58H x 34W x 31D
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10,600 BTU-per-hour input sear burner
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6,800 BTU-per-hour input smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box
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4 Stainless steel burners
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48,800 BTU-per-hour input
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10,600 BTU-per-hour input sear burner
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6,800 BTU-per-hour input smoker burner and stainless steel smoker box
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10,600 BTU-per-hour input infrared rear-mounted rotisserie burner
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Propane Grill 4 Burner Barbecue Grill Stainless Steel Gas Grill with Side Burner and Thermometer for Outdoor BBQ, Camping
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Four-Burner Design: This propane grill is equipped with four stainless steel burners, providing ample cooking space and the ability to control different temperature zones. This allows you to cook various types of food simultaneously, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings and large barbecues.
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Stainless Steel Construction: The grill is built with a durable stainless steel body, which is not only corrosion-resistant but also easy to clean. This material ensures the longevity of the grill and adds a sleek and modern aesthetic to your outdoor cooking area.
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Side Burner: In addition to the main cooking area, this grill features a convenient side burner. This extra burner is ideal for heating sauces, sautéing vegetables, or any other side dishes, providing versatility in your outdoor cooking options.
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Built-In Thermometer: Monitoring cooking temperatures is made easy with the built-in thermometer. You can ensure that your food is cooked to perfection without the need for additional temperature gauges. This feature enhances your cooking precision and overall grilling experience.
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Ideal for Outdoor BBQ and Camping: Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a camping trip, this grill is versatile and portable. Its propane fuel source makes it easy to set up in various outdoor settings, allowing you to enjoy delicious grilled meals wherever you go.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet GA6402H 6-Burner Gas Grill with Sear Burner and Side Burner, 74,000 BTU Cabinet Style Propane Grill for Outdoor BBQ Grilling and Backyard Cooking, Black
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Sufficient Cooking Capacity: Total of 835 square inches cooking area which can hold up to 39 hamburgers at one time. It can satisfy the need of an 8-10 gathering to conveniently cook as much gourmet food as possible.
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Mess-free Cleanup: Equipped with removable grease tray and grease cup to reduce the risk of flare-ups. It’s very easy to slide out and dump residues, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure.
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Lockable Caster Wheels: Four directional caster wheels make it more convenient to move grill within your backyard or patio; the brake system is to lock the wheels while cooking for strong stability.
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High Cooking Output: Embodies five tube burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (14,000 BTU) and a side burner (10,000 BTU). With all burners in use, you will have a total of 74,000 BTU output that can heat up the grill in no time.
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Burners for Different Purposes: With the capacity of offering 14,000 BTU power, the sear burner produces intense high heat for professional style searing. The single side burner is an appropriate choice to prepare side dishes.
How can I add a smoky flavor to the hamburgers when using a propane grill?
There are a few ways you can add a smoky flavor to your hamburgers when using a propane grill:
- Wood chips: Soak wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, in water for about 30 minutes. Wrap them in aluminum foil and poke a few holes on top. Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates, near the burner, or directly on the flavorizer bars. As the grill heats up, the wood chips will start to smoke, imparting a smoky flavor to the hamburgers.
- Smoker box: You can purchase a smoker box, which is a small box made of metal, designed to hold wood chips. Simply fill the smoker box with your preferred wood chips, place it on the grill grates, and directly above the lit burner. The wood chips will start to smoke as the box heats up, adding a smoky flavor to your hamburgers.
- Smoke bombs: Smoke bombs are small devices that can be placed directly on the grill grates, producing smoke. They come in various flavors like mesquite, hickory, or applewood. Simply light the smoke bomb according to the instructions and let it start producing smoke. Place your hamburgers on the grill and close the lid to let the smoke infuse into the meat.
- Liquid smoke marinade: Another option is to marinate the hamburgers in a liquid smoke marinade overnight before grilling. Liquid smoke is readily available in most grocery stores and can be mixed with your favorite marinade ingredients. This will give your hamburgers a smoky flavor from the inside out.
Remember to follow safety precautions and the manufacturer's instructions when using any smoking method on a propane grill.
What are some alternative burger patty options for non-meat eaters?
Some alternative burger patty options for non-meat eaters include:
- Veggie burger patties: These can be made from various vegetables and grains such as black beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or beets.
- Tofu or tempeh patties: Tofu and tempeh are soy-based products that can be seasoned and grilled or baked to create a burger-like texture.
- Portobello mushroom caps: Grilled or roasted portobello mushroom caps can be used as a meaty alternative to burger patties.
- Seitan patties: Seitan is a wheat gluten product that can be flavored, seasoned, and shaped into burger patties.
- Lentil patties: Patties made from cooked lentils, combined with breadcrumbs, seasonings, and herbs, can be pan-fried or baked to create a delicious veggie burger.
- Quinoa patties: Cooked quinoa can be mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices to form patties that can be pan-fried or baked.
- Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger: These are commercially available plant-based burger options that aim to mimic the taste and texture of beef patties.
- Portabella mushroom and black bean patties: Combine minced portobello mushrooms, black beans, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a flavorful patty.
- Chickpea patties: Mashed chickpeas, combined with spices, breadcrumbs, and binders like flax eggs, can be formed into patties and cooked.
- Vegetable and grain patties: Combining a variety of cooked vegetables, grains (such as rice or quinoa), breadcrumbs, and seasonings can result in a hearty and nutritious non-meat patty.
How should I season the hamburgers before cooking them on a propane grill?
There are various ways to season hamburgers before grilling them on a propane grill. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (for added flavor)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to gently mix the seasonings into the meat, being careful not to overmix.
- If desired, add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture and incorporate it thoroughly.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal-sized portions and shape them into patties, ensuring they are evenly sized and have a slight indentation in the center.
- Preheat your propane grill on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Place the patties on the grill, keeping a safe distance between each one.
- Grill the patties for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (or an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for a medium to medium-well burger).
- Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the burgers on your preferred bun with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can experiment with other herbs, spices, or marinades to create your own unique flavor profile.
Is it better to cook hamburgers on high or low heat?
It is generally better to cook hamburgers on high heat. High heat helps to create a nice sear on the outside of the burger, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust. However, it is also important to cook hamburgers to the desired internal temperature to ensure they are safe to consume. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
How can I prevent the hamburgers from sticking to the grill grates?
There are several ways to prevent hamburgers from sticking to the grill grates:
- Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat your grill to a high temperature before placing the burgers on. This helps to create a non-stick surface on the grates.
- Clean and oil the grates: Before cooking, scrub the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any existing debris. Once clean, lightly coat the grates with vegetable oil using a paper towel or a brush. This helps to create a barrier between the burger and the grates.
- Use a well-seasoned grill: Over time, the grates develop a natural non-stick surface through seasoning. Cooking regularly on the grill helps build up this seasoning, making it less likely for the burgers to stick.
- Let the burgers develop a crust: Place the hamburgers on the grill and avoid moving them for the first few minutes. Allow the heat to sear the meat, creating a crust that will naturally release from the grates.
- Don't force the flip: If the burgers are sticking when you try to flip them, it means they are not ready to be turned yet. Give them a little more time to cook, and they will release more easily.
- Use a grill basket or aluminum foil: If you're concerned about sticking, you can also use a grill basket or cook the burgers on a sheet of aluminum foil. This provides an extra layer of protection between the meat and the grates.
Remember, even with these preventive measures, some sticking might still occur. However, following these tips will significantly reduce the chances and make it easier to handle.
