If you like your burgers fully cooked with no pink in the center, knowing the correct temp for a well done burger is essential. Cooking burgers to the right temperature isn’t just about taste—it’s also about food safety, texture, and confidence at the grill or stove.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover what temp for a well done burger really means, the exact internal temperature you should aim for, how to measure it properly, and tips to keep well done burgers from turning dry or tough. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a weekend grill master, this article will help you get it right every time.
What Is a Well Done Burger?
A well done burger is cooked all the way through, with no pink left inside. The meat is uniformly brown, firm to the touch, and releases little to no juice when pressed.
Key Traits of a Well Done Burger
- No pink in the center
- Fully browned interior
- Firmer texture
- Minimal juices
To achieve this safely and consistently, you must hit the correct burger temp for well done.
Temp for Well Done Burger (The Exact Number)
Let’s get straight to the most important detail.
Recommended Temperature
The official internal temp for well done burger is:
160°F (71°C)
This is not just a preference—it’s a food safety standard.
According to USDA guidelines, ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temp for a well done burger of 160°F to eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
You may see this temperature described in several ways, including:
- temp for well done burger
- temp for a well done burger
- burger temp for well done
- internal temp for a well done burger
All of these refer to the same safe, fully cooked temperature.
Why 160°F Is the Safe Temp for Well Done Burger
Unlike whole cuts of beef, ground beef mixes bacteria throughout the meat during processing. That’s why cooking to the proper internal temp for well done burger is so important.
Benefits of Cooking to 160°F
- Kills harmful bacteria
- Meets USDA safety standards
- Ensures no undercooked meat
- Ideal for children, older people, and pregnant individuals
If you’re ever unsure what temp for a well done burger is safest, 160°F is the clear answer.
How to Check the Internal Temp for a Well Done Burger
Use a Meat Thermometer (Best Method)
The only accurate way to confirm the temp for a well done burger is by using a thermometer.
Step-by-Step:
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the burger
- Avoid touching the pan or grill
- Wait for the reading to stabilize
- Look for 160°F or higher
This confirms the correct internal temp for a well done burger without cutting it open.
Pro tip: Color alone is unreliable. Always trust temperature, not appearance.
Cooking Methods and Well Done Burger Temps
Grilling Well Done Burgers
Grilling is one of the most popular methods.
- Preheat grill to medium heat
- Cook burgers 5–6 minutes per side
- Flip once
- Check the burger temp for well done before removing
Remove burgers once the internal temp for well done burger reaches 160°F.
Pan-Searing on the Stove
Perfect for indoor cooking.
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan
- Medium heat prevents burning
- Cook slowly until the temp for a well done burger reaches 160°F
Pan-searing gives you more control over heat, reducing dryness.
Oven or Air Fryer Method
Great for thick patties.
- Set oven or air fryer to 375°F
- Cook until the internal temp for a well done burger is reached
- Always verify with a thermometer
How to Keep a Well Done Burger Juicy
Many people worry that cooking to the temp for well done burger will dry out the meat. It doesn’t have to.
Tips for Better Texture
- Use 80/20 ground beef (more fat = more moisture)
- Don’t press burgers while cooking
- Cook on medium heat, not high
- Let burgers rest 3–5 minutes after cooking
These tips help preserve moisture even at the required burger temp for well done.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Well Done Burgers
Avoid these errors if you want perfectly cooked results:
- Guessing instead of checking temperature
- Cooking on heat that’s too high
- Pressing patties and squeezing out juices
- Removing burgers before reaching the internal temp for a well done burger
Precision matters when food safety is involved.
Well Done Burger vs Other Doneness Levels
Understanding the difference helps set expectations.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
| Medium | 140–145°F |
| Medium Well | 150–155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F+ |
Only well done burgers meet the USDA-recommended temp for well done burger.
Who Should Choose Well Done Burgers?
Well done burgers are ideal for:
- Children
- Older people
- Pregnant individuals
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
For these groups, sticking to the correct internal temp for well done burger is especially important.
Conclusion: Mastering the Temp for Well Done Burger
Cooking a burger fully through doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means cooking smart. By aiming for an internal temp for a well done burger of 160°F, using a thermometer, and following proper techniques, you can enjoy burgers that are safe, satisfying, and still delicious.
If you ever wonder what temp for a well done burger is best, remember this simple rule: 160°F is the gold standard. Once you master that, well done burgers become easy, reliable, and stress-free.
FAQs About Temp for Well Done Burger
The safe temp for well done burger is 160°F internally.
The internal temp for a well done burger should reach at least 160°F.
Yes, but cooking much higher may dry out the burger. Remove it shortly after reaching the correct burger temp for well done.
No. Always rely on a thermometer to confirm the internal temp for well done burger.
Yes. Letting them rest allows juices to redistribute, but you should still reach the proper temp for a well done burger before resting.
