Hamburgers, the typical meal of American cuisine, are beloved for their juicy patty, crispy edges, and melted cheese. It’s pure bliss biting into one.
But achieving that perfection isn’t just about your choice of seasonings, toppings, or fillings; it’s also about cooking your burger to the right internal temperature. Not only does this prevent foodborne illnesses, but it also ensures that the burgers achieve the perfect tenderness and juiciness.
No worries! We are here to help you to prepare safe, tasty, impressive burgers for your family and friends.
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Burger Internal Temp
The internal temperature of a hamburger determines its doneness and safety. According to the USDA, ground meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure the meat is safe to eat.
160°F also happens to be the temperature for a well-done burger. If you prefer a juicier patty, you can use the following temperature chart for different levels of doneness: rare, medium rare, medium, and medium well. Grab a reliable meat thermometer and get started!
Burger Temperature Chart - Well done: 160°F (71°C) - Medium well: 150°F-155°F (66°C-68°C) - Medium: 140°F-145°F (60°C-63°C) - Medium rare: 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C) - Rare: 120°F-125°F (49°C-52°C)
Well Done Burger Temp
If you like your burgers fully cooked with no pink inside, aim for 160°F or higher. At this point, the burger is firm and the juices run clear. It’s a safe bet if you’re concerned about bacteria, but it might be a bit drier than other levels. Some folks love a well-done burger for that extra-crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
Medium Well Burger Temp
To prepare medium-well burgers, you’ll want to cook the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F-155°F (66°C-68°C). For those who want just a hint of pink in the center, medium well is the way to go. The burger will still be mostly brown inside but with a tiny blush of pink. It’s a good compromise between juiciness and fully cooked, perfect if you’re sharing with people who aren’t into seeing too much pink.
Medium Burger Temp
Medium burgers are cooked to an internal temperature between 140-145°F (60-63°C). They have a nice pink center and are super juicy, while still retaining plenty of moisture and that delicious, beefy taste. This doneness level is a popular choice for those who love a juicy burger without it being too red inside. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a burger that’s both flavorful and tender.
Medium Rare Burger Temp
Medium rare is a popular choice for burger enthusiasts who enjoy a juicy, flavorful patty. At this temperature, the center of the burger will be warm and red, with a pinkish-red color as you move toward the edges. The exterior will have a nice sear, while the interior remains tender and moist.
Rare Burger Temp
Rare burgers are cooked just enough to warm the center while leaving it mostly red and cool. The outside will have a seared crust, while the inside remains quite soft and very juicy. This level of doneness is for those who prefer a very tender and moist patty with a rich, beefy flavor.
Which Type of Thermometer Should You Use for a Hamburger Patty?
As we mentioned before, to cook your hamburger to the perfect doneness every time, a meat thermometer is essential. But which type of thermometer is best for a hamburger patty? Let’s dive into it.
Instant-read meat thermometers are your best bet for hamburgers. They’re designed to give you a quick and accurate temperature reading in about 5 seconds or less. This speed is crucial, especially when you’re nearing the end of your cooking time. You can quickly check the internal temperature of your patties without having to keep the grill or oven open for too long, which helps maintain the heat and cook your burgers evenly.
One of the standout products is the Typhur InstaProbe. This device boasts the fastest temperature reading speed on the market, providing a core temperature reading in just 0.5 seconds. Its accuracy is also top-notch, with a precision of ±0.5°F, making it an ideal choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
How to Check Burger Temperature?
To measure the internal temperature of a hamburger, you can use an instant-read meat thermometer like Typhur InstaProbe.
Typhur InstaProbe is the fastest instant-read meat thermometer, it offers quick and accurate temperature readings (Response time: 0.5 seconds, Accuracy: +/-0.5°F), which can be especially useful when cooking time-sensitive foods like hamburgers.
That being said, it’s important to use any thermometer correctly to ensure accurate temperature readings and safe cooking practices.
Below are 4 simple steps to measure the internal temperature of your burger.
Step 1. First, insert the InstaProbe thermometer probe into the thickest part of the burger.
Step 2. Wait for the InstaProbe thermometer to respond (0.5 seconds).
Step 3. Read the temperature on the thermometer’s display.
Step 4. If the temperature is below your desired temperature, then continue to cook the burger until it reaches the temperature you want.
Step 5. If the temperature is above your desired level of doneness, remove the burger from the heat and let it rest.
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FAQs about Hamburger Temperature
If you want to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, the USDA recommends hamburgers be cooked thoroughly, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) which is the temperature of a well-done burger.
Any ground meat that is not cooked to the recommended internal temperature carries a risk of causing a foodborne illness.
However, many people eat burgers cooked rare and medium rare without any problems. If you choose to cook your meat medium rare, high quality from a reliable source may be safer than average ground beef from your regular grocery store.
The answer is yes, to an extent. An instant-read thermometer with higher accuracy and speed will be more reliable than a thermometer that is slower and less precise.
The idea of a ‘perfect burger’ solely depends on your personal preference. Some may like medium rare, some may like well done.
To create the perfect burger for yourself or your loved ones, you can check the temperature guide above using an instant-read thermometer, with safety precautions in mind, and choose the right instant-read thermometer that most suits you.
Raw hamburger is very dangerous for the following reason: ground meat typically comes from many cows – any hiccup in quality control on any of them = tainted meat.
That 160 is the quick kill temp. A lower temp(like 145) for 8-10 minutes can accomplish the same kill.
Must cook the ground meat to well done doneness