What's the difference between a smash burger and a traditional burger?

A smash burger is pressed onto a hot griddle to form a caramelized crust and ends up thin and crispy. A traditional burger is a thicker patty, cooked without pressing, that prioritizes a juicy center and a set doneness.

It depends on what you want. For maximum crust, browned flavor and a crispy texture, the smash burger. For a thick bite and a clear doneness, the traditional one. It's not better or worse: it's a different experience.

Comparison

Smash burger vs traditional burger

Published June 17, 2026 · 4 min read

Three smash burgers seen from above on Blast-branded paper

Same beef, different result. The smash burger and the traditional burger start from the same ingredient, but the way it's cooked changes everything: the texture, the flavor and even how long it takes. Here's the difference, without the jargon.

The difference is in the technique

The traditional burger is a thick patty cooked without pressing, aiming for a juicy center and a set doneness (medium to medium-well). Thickness is the star.

The smash burger does the opposite: a ball of beef is pressed against a very hot griddle to spread it thin and maximize contact with the heat. That forms a caramelized crust with ragged edges. The surface is the star.

Texture and flavor

Thickness changes how it feels in your mouth:

Smash: crispy outside, lots of browned flavor, thin layers stacked up. Every bite has crust.
Traditional: a meatier, softer bite, with the juice concentrated in the center.

Quick comparison

	Smash burger	Traditional
Thickness	Thin, smashed	Thick, a patty
Cooking	Very hot griddle, fast	Grill or griddle, slower
Crust	Maximum, ragged	Less
Texture	Crispy outside	Meaty and soft
The star	The browned surface	The juicy center

Which is better?

There's no absolute winner: they're different experiences. If you want maximum crust, browned flavor and a crispy texture, the smash burger is for you. If you prefer a thick bite with a clear doneness, the traditional one does the job.

At Blast we chose the smash because we believe the crust is where the flavor lives. And because, done right, it gives up nothing: crispy outside, juicy inside, balanced in every bite.

every crust is earned.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is juicier?

The thick traditional burger holds more juice in the center because of its thickness. The smash makes up for it with more browned surface; done right, the crust seals and the inside stays juicy.

Which one has more flavor?

The smash concentrates more flavor on the surface thanks to the caramelized crust. That's the main argument for the technique.

Which one should I order at Blast?

Our whole menu is smash. Start with the Classic Smash; if you want more, the Big Smash has double beef and double cheese.

Decide with one bite

Visit us in Miraflores and Barranco, or order delivery by app.

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