How Long to Grill Burgers at 350 Degrees: A Comprehensive Guide

Grilling burgers is an art that combines heat, timing, and technique to achieve that perfect juicy and flavorful patty. One of the most common questions that arise during burger grilling sessions is: "How long should I grill burgers at 350 degrees?" In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the factors that influence grilling time, share tips for achieving desired doneness, and provide step-by-step instructions for a burger masterpiece.

The Foundation: Quality Meat

Before we jump into the timing details, it's crucial to start with high-quality meat. Choose ground beef with a fat content around 15-20%. The fat not only adds flavor but also keeps the burger moist during cooking. Additionally, consider adding seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and even a touch of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile.

Factors Influencing Grill Time

The time it takes to grill burgers at 350 degrees depends on several factors:

• Burger Thickness: The thickness of your burger patties plays a significant role in determining the grilling time. Thicker patties will naturally require more time to cook through, while thinner patties will cook faster.
• Desired Doneness: The level of doneness you prefer greatly impacts the cooking time. Here's a general guideline for internal temperatures:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (65-69°C)
• Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Keep in mind that the temperatures mentioned above are for the internal temperature of the burger patty.

Grill Type and Heat Distribution: The type of grill you're using—gas, charcoal, or electric—can affect heat distribution and, consequently, the grilling time. Gas grills offer more precise temperature control, while charcoal grills provide an intense, smoky flavor. Electric grills can also achieve consistent temperatures, but may lack the smokiness of charcoal grills.

Patty Density: How densely you pack the meat when forming the patty can influence cooking time. Loosely formed patties tend to cook faster, while tightly packed ones may take longer.

Ambient Conditions: Outdoor conditions such as wind, temperature, and humidity can impact grill performance and cooking time. Wind can affect temperature stability, and cold weather might slightly extend cooking times.

Step-by-Step Guide: Grilling Burgers at 350 Degrees

Now that we've covered the variables affecting grill time, let's dive into a step-by-step guide for grilling burgers at 350 degrees:

1. Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures even cooking and helps prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Patties: While the grill is heating, prepare your burger patties. Divide the meat into evenly sized portions and shape them into patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb to prevent bulging during cooking.
3. Season and Oil: Season both sides of the patties with your chosen seasonings. Before placing the patties on the grill, lightly oil the grates using tongs and a folded paper towel soaked in vegetable oil.
4. Grill Placement: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Close the lid to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent flare-ups.
5. Cooking Time: The approximate grilling times at 350 degrees for burgers of varying thickness and desired doneness are as follows:

• 1/2-inch thick patties:
• Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
• Medium-Rare: 3-4 minutes per side
• Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
• 3/4-inch thick patties:
• Rare: 3-4 minutes per side
• Medium-Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
• Medium: 5-6 minutes per side
• 1-inch thick patties:
• Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
• Medium-Rare: 5-6 minutes per side
• Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
• 1 1/2-inch thick patties:
• Rare: 6-7 minutes per side
• Medium-Rare: 7-8 minutes per side
• Medium: 8-9 minutes per side

6. Flip and Monitor: After the initial cooking time, use a spatula to carefully flip the patties. Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It's advisable to insert the thermometer into the side of the patty to get an accurate reading.
7. Add Cheese (Optional): If you're adding cheese to your burgers, do so during the last minute of grilling. Close the lid to melt the cheese effectively.
8. Resting: Once your burgers have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier burger.
9. Assemble and Enjoy: While the burgers are resting, prepare your buns and gather your favorite toppings. Assemble your burgers and serve them with your preferred condiments and sides.

Final Thoughts

Grilling burgers at 350 degrees is a balance between timing, technique, and personal preference. Remember that these suggested cooking times are approximate guidelines. The most accurate way to determine the doneness of your burgers is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. By considering the factors mentioned above and following our step-by-step guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of grilling burgers to perfection. Whether you prefer them rare or well-done, your taste buds are in for a treat!

For more information, you can also check out these links:

• Fox Heights Pub and Grill
• Ralph Sebastian's Blog