From a Hexagonal Experiment to a Purpose-Built Australian Burger Smasher

When we started developing the CLD Fabrication Heavy Duty Burger Smasher, we weren't simply trying to make another burger press.

We wanted to build something substantial.

Something with a large pressing surface, serious weight and enough strength to do more than just smash a burger. We wanted a heavy-duty burger smasher that could also double as a steak press, giving BBQ cooks a versatile tool they could use on the hotplate, griddle or BBQ.

Today, our burger smasher has evolved significantly from that original design. And the journey from our first hexagonal prototype to the current version has been a pretty interesting one.

Here's the story of how we got there.

Why We Started Making Our Own Burger Smasher

When we first looked around the market, we couldn't find exactly what we were looking for.

There were plenty of burger presses available, but we wanted something with:

• A large pressing surface
• Substantial weight
• A heavy-duty construction
• A design suitable for smash burgers
• The ability to double as a steak press
• High-quality stainless steel construction
• An Australian-made build

The idea was simple: make a burger smasher that felt like a serious piece of BBQ equipment.

Our current burger smashers are manufactured from 316 stainless steel, a grade known for excellent corrosion resistance and commonly used in food-processing applications. Compared with 304 stainless steel, 316 offers additional resistance to pitting and corrosion, particularly in chloride-containing environments.

We also use stainless steel hardware throughout the handle assembly.

But the first version looked very different from what we make today.

Version One: The Hexagonal Burger Smasher

Our original burger smasher started with a 160 mm base.

But instead of going with the traditional round burger press, we decided to do something different.

We made it hexagonal.

At the time, we thought it looked pretty cool. And, to be fair, the first couple of batches eventually sold through.

But there was a problem.

It wasn't actually the best shape for smashing burgers.

When you're making a smash burger, you're not simply pushing straight down. You're often pressing the patty firmly against the hot cooking surface and rotating the press slightly to help flatten the meat.

That's where the hexagonal shape started to show its weaknesses.

The market was already telling us something important:

There was a reason most burger smashers were round.

The round base simply made more sense for the job.

So while the hexagonal version was different, different didn't necessarily mean better.

And that was an important lesson in the evolution of the product.

We Also Tried Adding Weight

One of the interesting ideas from that first design was the ability to add additional weight to the burger smasher.

We designed weighted stainless steel plates that could slide into the handle assembly and lock into position.

The original concept allowed for up to around 5 kg of additional weight.

Why?

Because we wanted the burger smasher to do double duty.

Sure, you could use it to smash burgers, but you could also use it as a steak weight.

Place a steak onto a hot BBQ plate or griddle, put the weighted press on top and let the weight maintain contact with the cooking surface.

That can be particularly useful when you're chasing a strong, even sear without having to physically hold the press down.

It was an ambitious idea for a burger smasher, but it helped establish one of the principles that still influences the product today:

Build BBQ tools that are useful for more than one job.

The Turning Point: The Great Leon Smash Burgers

The biggest change came after speaking with Leon from The Great Leon Smash Burgers.

Leon wanted something different.

He wanted a round base, but he also wanted the overall design to be lower.

So we made a batch specifically around what he was looking for.

And he loved it.

That was the catalyst for moving away from the hexagonal design.

Once we'd sold through the remaining hexagonal smashers, I decided to continue with the round design.

It was simpler.

It looked cleaner.

And, most importantly, it was better suited to how people actually use a burger smasher.

That design became the basis of the second generation of the CLD Fabrication burger smasher.

The Second Generation: A Round Heavy Duty Burger Press

The round design stayed with us for around a year.

During that time, we started getting the burger smashers into the hands of more BBQ cooks and businesses.

We supplied smashers to people including John from Aussie Q Barbecue, Turn Left at Albuquerque, and BBQ Spit Rotisseries.

The design was working.

But there was still something I wasn't completely happy with.

The uprights.

The second-generation design used relatively wide stainless steel uprights that curved around at the top.

Functionally, they worked.

But visually and ergonomically, I wasn't convinced they were right.

After making them this way for about a year, I decided it was time for another redesign.

Version Three: Refining the Handle

The next change was subtle, but it made a big difference.

Instead of keeping the uprights wide all the way to the top, I redesigned them so they taper in towards the handle.

The stainless steel now follows the radius of the wooden handle much more naturally.

The result is a cleaner transition between the stainless steel and timber.

But getting there wasn't quite as simple as changing the CAD drawing.

There was another problem.

The hole through the wooden handle now had to be positioned almost perfectly.

And if you've ever tried drilling a hole directly through the centre of a wooden dowel, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Wood has a mind of its own.

You can put the drill bit exactly where you think it needs to go, and the timber will happily find a way to pull that drill bit in another direction.

So we had to do some smart jigging work on the drill press.

After refining the process, we've been able to get the handle drilling to a much more repeatable position.

And that means we can now consistently produce the refined burger smasher design we're making today.

Why We Use 316 Stainless Steel

The current CLD Fabrication burger smasher is made from 316 stainless steel.

For a BBQ tool that's going to be exposed to food, moisture, grease and outdoor conditions, material selection matters.

316 stainless steel is widely used in food-processing applications and is valued for its corrosion resistance and cleanability. Its molybdenum content also gives it improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with 304 stainless steel.

For us, it also fits the philosophy behind the product:

Build it properly and make it something you'll want to keep using.

The burger smasher uses stainless steel hardware throughout the handle assembly, including a stainless steel rod and female bolts that clamp the handle securely.

The result is a rigid, solid-feeling tool with very little movement between the handle and pressing plate.

And that's exactly what you want when you're putting serious pressure into a smash burger.

Tasmanian Oak Hardwood Handle

The current handle is made from Tasmanian oak hardwood.

We love the look and feel of timber on a BBQ tool.

The rounded handle sits comfortably in your hands, and the natural timber gives the burger smasher a completely different feel to an all-metal press.

The timber is dipped in linseed oil, helping protect the handle from the elements while giving it a warm colour and finish.

It's one of those details that isn't strictly necessary to make a burger smasher work, but we think it makes the finished product feel much more like a proper piece of equipment.

Designed for Smash Burgers — But Not Just Smash Burgers

A good burger smasher needs to do one thing exceptionally well:

Get that beef firmly onto the hot cooking surface.

The combination of a large base and substantial construction makes the CLD Fabrication burger smasher ideal for creating thin, crispy smash burgers with plenty of contact against a hot BBQ plate or griddle.

But that's not where its usefulness ends.

The heavy-duty construction also makes it useful as a:

• Steak press
• BBQ hotplate press
• Bacon press
• Chicken press
• Griddle press
• General-purpose meat press

A heavy burger press can help maintain contact between food and the cooking surface, which is particularly useful when you're chasing consistent browning and searing.

There are plenty of stainless steel burger presses on the market today, including lighter-duty options designed specifically around smash burgers.

Our goal was to build something that feels more substantial in your hands and is equally at home smashing burgers or pressing a steak.

The Handle Is Still Evolving

Even though we're really happy with the current Tasmanian oak handle, we're not finished experimenting.

We've been talking with our friend Josh from 2J's BBQ, who has given us some ideas around using acetal for a future handle option.

Acetal is an interesting material for BBQ applications because it would give us the opportunity to offer a different style of handle alongside the Tasmanian oak version.

We're still experimenting with the idea, so you may see an acetal handle option become available for future CLD Fabrication burger smashers.

For now, though, the Tasmanian oak handle remains our favourite.

It looks great, feels great and suits the overall character of the product.

Customise Your CLD Fabrication Burger Smasher

One of the things that makes our burger smasher particularly popular as a gift is the ability to customise it.

We can add a laser-marked image or text to your burger smasher, making it a great option for:

• Birthday gifts
• Anniversary gifts
• Father's Day gifts
• Wedding gifts
• BBQ enthusiasts
• Business gifts
• Personalised BBQ tools

We can create a solid black laser-marked logo or text, giving the design a bold appearance on the stainless steel.

We also offer a laser-etched logo option, which is particularly suited to bulk orders where the logo outline can be incorporated during the laser-cutting process.

So if you're looking for a personalised burger smasher or custom BBQ gift, we can create something specifically for you.

From Hexagonal Experiment to Heavy Duty BBQ Tool

Looking back, the evolution of the CLD Fabrication burger smasher is a pretty good example of how we develop our products.

We don't necessarily get everything right on the first attempt.

The original hexagonal design looked different.

The weighted plates were an interesting idea.

The first round design solved the shape problem.

The second-generation handle worked well.

And the current design refined the ergonomics, appearance and manufacturing process.

Every version taught us something.

And that's ultimately what product development should be about.

Make it. Use it. Listen to feedback. Improve it. Repeat.

The result is a burger smasher that we're genuinely proud to put the CLD Fabrication name on.

It's 316 stainless steel, Australian made, built heavy-duty and designed for serious BBQ cooks.

Looking for a Heavy Duty Burger Smasher?

If you're looking for a stainless steel burger smasher, heavy duty smash burger press, steak press or a personalised BBQ gift, check out the CLD Fabrication Burger Smasher.

Whether you're cooking smash burgers on a BBQ hotplate, searing steaks on a griddle or simply want a substantial piece of BBQ equipment that will stand up to regular use, this is a tool designed to do the job.

And as you've now seen, it didn't happen overnight.

It took a hexagon, a few redesigns, some very stubborn pieces of timber and plenty of feedback to get here.

Built tough. Aussie made. Engineered for serious BBQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a burger smasher?

For a durable BBQ burger press, stainless steel is an excellent choice. The CLD Fabrication burger smasher is made from 316 stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and is widely used in food-processing environments.

Can a burger smasher be used as a steak press?

Yes. A heavy-duty burger smasher can also be used as a steak press or griddle weight to help maintain contact between the meat and hot cooking surface.

What makes a good smash burger press?

A good smash burger press should have a sufficiently large, flat pressing surface, a rigid construction and a comfortable handle that allows you to apply firm, even pressure.

Is 316 stainless steel food safe?

316 stainless steel is widely used in food-processing equipment and food applications because of its corrosion resistance and cleanability.

Are CLD Fabrication burger smashers customisable?

Yes. CLD Fabrication offers custom laser marking for text and logos, making the burger smasher a popular personalised BBQ gift.

Is the burger smasher Australian made?

Yes. CLD Fabrication manufactures the burger smashers in Australia.