There is no need to rush down to the gift card aisle this Father's Day as I've found a gift that is far more satisfying, bold, and bang-on-trend: a smash burger kit.
If you own one of the best grills, you might have heard of this trending recipe. 'Smash burgers are all the rage, and rightfully so,' explains Megan Keno of FOX’s Next Level Chef. 'The lacy, crispy beef is unmatched.' When you have the right tools, making smash burgers at home is easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for relaxed summer evenings at the grill.
Whether the dad in your life is a seasoned grilling master or an enthusiastic beginner, these chef-approved smash burger tools and barbecue essentials will elevate his burger game and make one of the biggest trends a key part of your summer barbecue menu for the whole family.
What is a smash burger and what do you need to make them?
A smash burger is named after its method. Essentially, you take a ball of burger mince and smash it onto a scorching hot, flat top grill or pan. By pressing the burger down onto the high heat surface, you intensify the Maillard reaction, creating a thin patty with crispy, caramelised edges.
So, what tools do you need to create the smash effect? 'You’ll always want a flat cooking surface', says chef and smash burger recipe developer, Dennis Littley. 'Either a cast iron skillet or a flat-top griddle, because you need consistent, even heat to get that perfect sear. And the key utensil from my experience, would be a heavy-duty metal spatula with a sharp edge. I personally recommend using a grill press in tandem with the spatula to get a solid, even smash and maintain pressure on the patty as it cooks. That’s what gives you those beautifully caramelized edges.'
The best smash burger tools
These are the tools that top chefs, butchers, and grilling masters recommend for creating that crowd-pleasing smash burger effect.
A flat surface is the first step to mastering a smash burger, and Chef Alvin Cailan knows a thing or two about this. The host of First We Feast's The Burger Show, says: 'I prefer using a 1-inch-thick stainless steel griddle. Either smash or simply slap a patty on the griddle. The high heat and even searing will change your burger experience.'
A heavy metal spatula is key to making proper smash burgers on the griddle. Founder of Meat N’ Bone, Harriette Halepis, explains: ‘You need to press down hard for that caramelized crust (a.k.a. the Maillard reaction).' This Lamson Turner is a favorite among chefs; it presses down evenly and lifts the patty off the griddle without sticking.
If don't have a grill at home, never fear. It is easy to make smash burgers indoors. Expert butcher, Harriette Halepis, explains: 'A cast iron pan gets the job done beautifully.’ At Homes & Gardens, we voted the Field Company Skillet as the best cast iron pan money can buy, thanks to the smooth, spacious, low-stick interior.
Chef Alvin Cailan has some simple advice when it comes to seasoning: you can’t go wrong with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. These stainless steel seasoning shakers by Blackstone are premium, comfortable to hold, and make any cook feel like a professional. They are a nice way to store homemade blends, too.
Ashley Lonsdale, ButcherBox's chef-in-residence, has another tip if you are smashing burgers in a cast iron pan. 'A grill press pairs wonderfully with a cast-iron skillet when cooking indoors. The weight and flat design allow for maximum contact with the hot pan, so you reach that deep browning that brings equally deep flavor.'
Sarah Hill, food blogger and recipe developer, is known for her creations like turkey smash burgers and her signature smash sauce. Her top tip for clean, fuss-free smashing: “If you’re using a spatula, place parchment between the meat and the spatula to prevent sticking.” These unbleached patty papers, made from 100% pure wood pulp, are perfect for the job – simple, effective, and ideal for mess-free prep.
If you're looking to score a home run with your Father's Day gift, take a look at Cuisinart's ready-made kit of smash burger tools at Williams Sonoma, which includes the grill press, salt shaker, and flat spatula.
Then, round out the gift with something thoughtful and homemade; our recipe for home-smoked barbecue seasoning is a nice addition. In fact, I always recommend a variety pack of Maldon Salt as a nicely packaged but practical gift to get started on homemade blends.
Of course, if you're planning to surprise Dad with a more substantial gift, take a look at our expert's guide to the best grills - there is something for every type of backyard setup and budget.
