What is the difference between a burger and a smash burger?

December 11, 2024

Smash burgers are smashed onto the grill hard and fast for maximum surface area contact with the searing hot grill. Burgers come in all shapes and sizes, but one style that has been gaining popularity is the smash burger. Honest has been famous for the thick British patty, with accreditation to cook this safely medium pink. We also serve smashed burgers, which have taken off since we launched and become one of the most popular burgers on our menu. That’s why we’re opening a smash burger restaurant in Liverpool St, focusing on showcasing our smashed burgers for a quicker and lighter meal. Visit Smash + Grab today.

The Cooking Technique: Smash Burgers vs Traditional Burgers

The main difference lies in the cooking method. A traditional burger patty is shaped and then grilled or pan-fried, often keeping it thick and juicy. On the other hand, a smash burger starts as a ball of beef that’s pressed (or “smashed”) flat onto a hot grill. This technique creates a caramelised crust, enhancing the flavour and adding a crispy texture.

By pressing the patty flat, more beef comes into direct contact with the hot surface, resulting in a seared, crispy edge. This technique locks in juices while maximising flavour. This differs from the classic approach, where patties are thicker and retain more moisture in the centre. The beef and salt hitting the grill allows for a maillard reaction, which gives the patty its brown colour and distinctive flavour.

Flavour and Texture differences

Due to how they’re cooked, smash burgers have a distinctive crusty exterior and a juicy interior. This is achieved by pressing the patty to a thin, even layer, allowing it to develop a rich, brown crust. Traditional burgers, however, focus more on a balanced interior, offering a softer and often thicker bite. Thicker patties at Honest are also cooked medium-pink as standard, allowing for a more tender bite.

The Smash + Grab menu includes Cheese, Bacon, BBQ, Hot and ‘Tribute’ smash burgers each homemade with beef from our butchery. You can also enjoy a cereal-fried chicken burger with BBQ mayo or a Plant burger. We’ve also got loaded rosemary salted chips topped with cheese sauce, bacon bits, crispy onions and sweet onions as well as crispy Chicken tenders and Milkshakes. 

Smash Burger vs Regular Burger: Which one is right for you?

If you’re after a juicy, thick patty with a classic texture, the traditional burger might be your go-to. But if you crave that crispy, flavour-packed exterior, a smash burger is where it’s at. Even then, if it is the beef you crave in your burger, try our double smash burger, and you can get the delicacy of the crisp maillard crust twice over. Both the smashed burger and the classic beef patty offer a unique eating experience.

Try Smash + Grab Today

Ready to taste the difference? Visit your nearest Honest or Smash + Grab in Liverpool st today, order online through click & collect or Uber Eats to experience the perfect burger. Whatever the burger, at Honest we’re all about quality, flavour, and that unforgettable juicy bite.