Smash burgers are currently the biggest burger trend out there. In order to get the crispy sear that’s synonymous with smash burgers, having the right type of equipment is essential.
There are a lot of burger smasher options available for consumers, whether that be for professional chefs or burger-enthusiasts at home. On top of this, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a burger smash as well, from size to materials and how easy it is to clean.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best burger smashers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Global market value of grilling tools and accessories
Top types of burger smashers
Press-style burger smasher
Handlebar smasher
Flat plate smasher
Conclusion
Global market value of grilling tools and accessories
Grilling is an integral part of outdoor social gatherings as well as leisure activities with friends and family. The grilling tools and accessories market has undergone significant growth over the past decade. This is due to a change in customer preferences as well as new technologies emerging that enhance the grilling experience. Everything from burger smashers to smart thermometers and multi-functional spatulas are in demand, especially for camping grills.
At the start of 2024, the global market value of grilling tools and accessories reached over USD 7.1 billion. That number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 4.3% between 2024 and 2034. At the end of this period, the market will reach an estimated value of USD 11.2 billion. Both North America and Europe are the driving forces behind the heightened demand for grilling tools.
Top types of burger smashers
The art of creating the perfect smash burger isn’t as simple as it may seem. Each burger smasher caters to different preferences and is suitable for a certain cooking style. Some smashers will include an easy-to-use handle whereas others rely on the weight of the press to smash the burger patty.
According to Google Ads, “burger smasher” has an average monthly search volume of 27,100. Of that number, 45% of the total annual searches come between June and October. This shows just how popular these smashers are in the summer season when more people are using their outdoor grill at home.
For the rest of the year, searches remain above 22,200 per month as they’re still in high demand for restaurant use. Keep reading to find out more about the different types of burger smashers available.
Press-style burger smasher
One of the most popular types of burger smashers is the press-style smasher. It’s designed with a sturdy pressing plate, typically made of stainless steel, with a handle attached. This helps to provide control for producing evenly flattened burger patties. To make the process more comfortable, many designs will have an ergonomic handle for extended cooking sessions.
Some types of press-style burger smashers will feature a flat base whereas others will have a textured one to create unique sear patterns or ridges. This textured base also helps to improve the grip of the crust on the grill. It’s important that these smashers are made from durable materials, with stainless steel and cast iron being the most popular. Both of these materials are able to withstand frequent use and high temperatures on the grill.
The press-style smasher is a reliable kitchen tool for both restaurant use and people grilling at home. It’s an easy to use grill press that creates perfectly smashed burgers every time.
Handlebar smasher
Another popular choice of burger smashers is the handlebar smasher. It’s similar to the press-style burger smasher but it features a built-in wide, horizontal handle that runs along the entire width of the plate. This creates greater stability and comfort while pressing the patty down as well as better pressure distribution.
The handlebar smasher features a large, flat surface base that provides better sear coverage as well as a consistent press. It’s a user-friendly grill accessory that can easily be used by home cooks and professional chefs who want to create smash burgers with confidence.
Both stainless steel and cast iron are great options for the handlebar smashers, but for easier maintenance many people opt for the stainless steel option. To ensure longevity, having the handle built using the same material as the plate is important. Some designs will feature a wood handle but this can often lead to cracking or breakage overtime due to the constant heat and pressure.
Flat plate smasher
The flat plate smasher is an effective grill tool for those wanting to perfect the craft of smash burgers. This type of smasher is typically made of cast iron, which makes it heavier but easier to create the crispy crust that smash burgers are associated with. There’s nothing too fancy about this type of burger smasher either.
The minimalist design of the flat plate smasher means it’s very easy to handle and its sturdy construction makes it heat resistant as well as durable. This type of smasher is often used on larger grills, such as in restaurants, or on heavy duty outdoor grills that can withstand the weight and pressure generated from it.
On top of it being simple to use, many buyers appreciate how versatile it is and overall how easy to clean it is too. This cast iron press should be hand washed rather than put in a dishwasher. It’s a reliable smash burger press that’s a good alternative to more lightweight versions on the market.
Conclusion
With smash burgers growing in popularity, the grill tools and accessories market has seen a large increase in demand for burger smashers. These tools come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but their end goal is the same: to create a perfectly smashed burger with crispy, caramelized edges. The market is expecting other types of burger smashes to hit the shelves over the next decade which will further enhance the smash burger experience.
