Whopper patties are flame-grilled right in the restaurant. To most customers, this claim seems believable, especially with the distinct grilled meat aroma that often wafts from Burger King locations, even reaching the parking lot. However, the actual process behind how BK cooks its burgers is more complex than it may appear.
According to official statements, Burger King has been “flame-grilling [burgers] since 1954,” the year the company was established under its current name. Numerous videos and articles demonstrate how BK’s frozen patties are cooked over an open flame, resulting in those characteristic grill marks. Instead of using a traditional grill, the chain employs a proprietary broiler.
A broiler differs from a grill. While a grill typically uses flames from below to cook food placed on grates, a broiler functions more like an oven. Historically, Burger King used a conveyor belt system where hamburger patties would travel over a flame before being dropped into a tray. In the 2000s, the company switched to a fully enclosed broiler that cooked patties in batches. However, in recent years, Burger King has returned to using the older conveyor belt system more frequently.
Burger King’s flame broiler is versatile and is now being used for more than just Whoppers. In June, the company introduced flame-grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps in test markets in Nebraska and Alabama. If successful, these items could become permanent additions to the menu, following in the footsteps of the plant-based Impossible Whopper introduced in 2019.
Over the years, Burger King has embraced its flame-grill identity, experimenting with a wide range of items. In late 2023, the chain tested the Breakfast Grill’wich Sandwich in select markets, featuring grill marks on the flatbread. BK has previously offered flame-grilled hot dogs and even created Whopper-flavored dog treats. The brand’s flame-grilling culture extends beyond food; Doritos partnered with Burger King to create flame-grilled Whopper-flavored chips.
For its 70th anniversary this year, BK launched flame-grilled scented birthday candles on Shopify. And in 2015, Burger King Japan released a “flame-grilled” unisex fragrance as an April Fool’s Day prank. Clearly, it’s a great time for those who want to surround themselves with the scent of burgers.