Quit Sticking!!

[Half Dog]

I have a PitBoss pellet grill that gives me hours of enjoyment. Occasionally I’ll grill hotdogs and hamburgers and they always turn out delicious. The problem is the hamburgers stick to the griddle. I’ll put the patties directly on the grill grates and smoke them for 30 minutes at 200 degrees. Next I’ll turn the temperature to 250 and put the patties on a griddle to finish cooking. I’m using a Lodge flat griddle for that step, which captures and retains the moisture and flavor. The hamburgers will stick to the part of the griddle that is directly above the firebox. I’ve seasoned the griddle many times and I’ve tried adding extra oil to prevent the sticking.

Any ideas on how I can keep the burgers from sticking to the griddle?

Thanks in advance for your time and effort.

[Soundguy]

Try laying aluminum foil over that hot sticking part..hit it with your spray oil.

[country gent]

You might try sitting the griddle of to the side and let indirect heat finish cooking the fire box is causing a "hot spot" maybe much hotter than the 250* where the direct heat is contacting.

[deltaenterprizes]

Try a silicone grilling mat available at Walmart for $10.
I use a piece in my toaster oven when doing powder coating on boolits!

[redneck1]

Get it up to temp before putting oil on it .

[Half Dog]

Thanks for the many good options. I’ll be cooking burgers again to try your suggestions.

[buckwheatpaul]

Take a large onion and cut it in half and rub the cut surface on the grate....works for me!

[Wag]

Assuming it's cast iron? If so, it needs to be seasoned properly.

--Wag--

[Hogtamer]

Pam cooking spray or similar

[dale2242]

I have been grilling with my Pit Boss for a year or more.
When I do burgers or steak directly on the grates i season it first them spray it lightly with grilling oilon both sides.
That helps to keep it from sticking.

[MaryB]

The spot right about the fire pot on a Pit Boss is hot enough to burn seasoning off cast iron!. Move your griddle off to the side! Or use a larger one and don't cook on the hot spot! First time I seared a steak on mine it was flaming in 2 minutes! Need to keep a close eye on the grill marks then move it to the side to finish cooking.

I am guessing yours has the sliding door over the fire pot for searing steaks/burgers? Correct me if I am wrong!

[Half Dog]

Thanks for the many suggestions.

Yes, my grill has the sliding door that is above the firebox.

[GregLaROCHE]

You need an old fashioned sharp thin steel spatula, so you remove everything that’s sticking. Usually it adds good flavor.

[David2011]

The thin silicone cooking mats are amazing. They even leave the expected grilling marks on the meat and veggies. No sticking ever!