Nobody Talks About What The Grill Marks On Your Burger Are Really Doing

Those pretty diamond stripes are pulling a trick on you at every BBQ.

Perfect crosshatch marks look like the mark of a grill master. We all trust them. We all assume they mean maximum flavor.

Here's the uncomfortable part: those crisp lines only touch a fraction of the surface. The gaps between them never got the browning that makes meat taste amazing.

The twist: a fully browned, edge-to-edge crust actually beats pretty stripes on flavor every time, even if it photographs less nicely.

Next cookout, press the whole patty flat onto the grate for even color instead of chasing the diamonds. Share this with the friend who's obsessed with the marks.