Both baking and broiling can produce juicy and flavorful hamburgers, but they each have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick overview of the differences between baking vs. broiling hamburgers:
Baking Hamburgers
Baking hamburgers allows you to cook a large batch at once. Preheating the oven to 375°F and baking hamburgers for 18-20 minutes ensures they are cooked through without drying out. Baking gives a nice even cook and is a more hands-off cooking method. On the downside, baking can take longer and cause more shrinkage versus grilling or broiling.
Pros of Baking Hamburgers
- Allows cooking large batches at once
- More hands-off cooking method
- Produces evenly cooked hamburgers
Cons of Baking Hamburgers
- Takes more time than broiling or grilling
- Can cause more shrinkage
- Doesn’t add smoky flavor
Broiling Hamburgers
Broiling hamburgers cooks them quickly under direct high heat in your oven. Setting the oven to broil and placing hamburgers 4-6 inches from heat will cook burgers in about 5-8 minutes per side. Broiling gives great caramelization on the surfaces while keeping the interior juicy. But you can only cook a few burgers at once this way.
Pros of Broiling Hamburgers
- Quick cooking time
- Gives nice caramelization
- Produces juicy burgers
Cons of Broiling Hamburgers
- Only cooks a few burgers at once
- Requires frequent flipping
- Can dry out if overcooked
Key Differences
| Baking | Broiling | |
|---|---|---|
| Cook time | 18-20 minutes | 5-8 minutes per side |
| Quantity | Large batches | Small batches |
| Labor | Hands-off | Requires flipping |
| Shrinkage | More | Less |
Tips for Juicy Burgers
To help ensure moist, juicy hamburgers:
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties
- Make a dent in the center of patties to prevent puffing
- Brush patties with oil or melted butter before cooking
- Avoid pressing down on burgers as they cook
- Allow burgers to rest for 5 minutes after cooking
Conclusion
Both baking and broiling can produce great hamburgers. Baking is best for cooking large batches hands-free, while broiling is ideal when you want fast cooking with nice browning. For optimal juiciness, resist overworking the meat and pressing down as burgers cook. Allowing the patties to rest also seals in moisture. Whether you prefer the ease of baking or quick broiling, use these tips for making your best burgers yet.