Quick Answer
A smash burger is pressed flat on a scorching hot griddle, creating thin, crispy, caramelised edges. A classic burger uses a thicker patty cooked on a grill for a juicier, more uniform bite. Both are delicious — the best choice depends on whether you prefer crunch or succulence.
In this article
How Are Smash Burgers and Classic Burgers Cooked?
The fundamental difference between a smash burger and a classic burger comes down to one thing: how the patty meets the heat.
The smash burger method
A ball of beef mince (typically 80-100g) is placed on a flat-top griddle heated to around 230°C. Within seconds, it is pressed flat with a heavy spatula or press, creating maximum surface contact with the cooking surface. This triggers a rapid Maillard reaction — the chemical process that creates that deep, savoury crust.
The patty cooks in roughly 2-3 minutes total. The result is a thin, wide patty with lacy, crispy edges and a tender centre.
The classic burger method
A pre-formed patty (usually 150-200g) is placed on a grill or flat-top and cooked without pressing. The thicker patty retains more moisture in the centre, producing a juicier bite with a more uniform texture throughout.
Classic burgers take 8-12 minutes depending on desired doneness, and the patty is typically flipped once during cooking.
How Does Flavour and Texture Compare?
Smash burgers deliver an intense, concentrated beefy flavour. The high-heat searing creates a deeper caramelisation that many burger enthusiasts describe as more flavourful per bite. The texture contrast between the crispy edges and the soft bun is a big part of the appeal. According to Serious Eats, the increased surface area in contact with the griddle can produce up to 40% more browning compounds compared to a traditional patty.
Classic burgers offer a more traditional experience. The thicker patty allows for different levels of doneness, and the juiciness factor is generally higher. If you enjoy a burger where the meat itself is the star, the classic style delivers that satisfying, full bite.
At Hendrick's, our burger menu features both approaches. The Joy Ride delivers the double-patty experience with two beef patties, American cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard — perfectly suited for smash burger lovers. For those who prefer a loaded, classic-style burger, the Night Rider packs beef with bacon, American cheese, caramelised onion and our house-made burger sauce.
Smash Burger vs Classic Burger: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Smash Burger | Classic Burger |
|---|---|---|
| Patty thickness | Thin (5-8mm) | Thick (15-25mm) |
| Cooking time | 2-3 minutes | 8-12 minutes |
| Cooking surface | Flat-top griddle | Grill or flat-top |
| Texture | Crispy edges, lacy crust | Juicy, uniform |
| Flavour profile | Intense, caramelised | Beefy, moist |
| Typical serving | Double or triple patty | Single patty |
| Best for | Crunch lovers, cheese fans | Meat-forward eaters |
Which Style Should You Choose?
Choose a smash burger if you:
- Love crispy, caramelised edges
- Enjoy melted cheese layered between thin patties
- Prefer a higher crust-to-meat ratio
- Want your burger fast (2-3 minute cook time)
Choose a classic burger if you:
- Prefer a juicy, thick patty as the star
- Like your burger cooked to a specific doneness
- Enjoy a more traditional burger experience
- Want a substantial, filling meal from one patty
The good news? You do not have to pick just one. Our full burger menu covers both styles, from the double-patty Joy Ride ($18.90) to loaded options like the Glamorous Indie with beetroot relish, avocado and Swiss cheese ($15.90).
The Smash Burger Trend in Melbourne
Melbourne has seen a significant shift towards smash-style burgers over the past few years. What started as a niche technique has become the preferred style at many of the city’s most popular burger spots, from the inner-city through to south-east suburbs like Caulfield, Glen Eira and Bayside.
The appeal is straightforward: smash burgers are fast to cook, deliver bold flavour, and the thin patties stack well for double and triple options. For takeaway and delivery orders, smash burgers also tend to hold up better in transit because the crispy edges maintain their texture. Pair one with the right side and thick shake and you have a complete meal.
At Hendrick’s on Booran Road in Caulfield South, we have been serving the local community with handcrafted burgers that draw on both traditions. Whether you are a Caulfield local or visiting from across Melbourne, our menu has something for every burger preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a smash burger and a regular burger?
A smash burger uses a ball of mince pressed flat on a very hot griddle, creating crispy caramelised edges through the Maillard reaction. A regular (classic) burger uses a thicker, pre-formed patty cooked on a grill or flat top, producing a juicier centre with a more uniform texture.
Why do smash burgers taste better than regular burgers?
Smash burgers develop more surface area contact with the hot cooking surface, which accelerates the Maillard reaction. This creates a deeper, more complex beefy flavour with crispy, caramelised edges that many people prefer over a traditionally grilled patty.
Is a smash burger healthier than a regular burger?
Smash burgers typically use thinner patties (around 80-100g each) compared to classic burgers (150-200g), so a single smash patty contains less meat. However, smash burgers are often served as doubles, which brings the total weight closer to a classic burger. The cooking method itself does not significantly change the nutritional profile.
Do smash burgers get crispy?
Yes, the defining feature of a smash burger is its crispy, lacy edges. Pressing the beef ball flat against a very hot surface maximises contact area, which creates a thin, caramelised crust around the edges of the patty while the centre stays tender.
What is the 5-6-7 rule for burgers?
The 5-6-7 rule is a simple guideline for cooking burgers on a grill: 5 minutes on the first side for medium-rare, 6 minutes for medium, and 7 minutes for well-done. This applies to standard thickness patties (around 2cm thick) cooked over medium-high heat.
Hendrick’s Burgers & Salads
Serving Caulfield South and surrounds since day one. We handcraft every burger, schnitzel and salad bowl fresh to order at 181A Booran Rd, Caulfield South. Learn more about us.
