In the great war between fast-food chains, Burger King has always claimed to have an edge in terms of burger cooking technology.
As the company says on its website, “At Burger King, we have been flame-grilling since the day we started in 1954. That’s right since day one. We only use real fire to give you the beef patty you deserve.”
Even though Burger King may proudly claim that its burgers are “flame-grilled,” some customers may not know what that actually means—or doubt that the restaurant does it altogether.
Now, a user on TikTok has gone viral for claiming that, yes, the burgers really are flame-grilled and showing TikTokers what the process looks like.
In a video with over 7.4 million views, TikTok user Nick (@nickjett) shows the flame broiling process.
In summary, patties are moved across a conveyor belt where they are cooked by flames. When the patty is done cooking, it drops into a tray so that it can be assembled into a burger.
Commenters were surprised that Burger King actually lived up to its claim.
“Didn’t know they were actually flame grilled,” a user wrote.
“Oh my gosh it really flame broiled,” another echoed.
“I don’t know why, but I’m so surprised by this,” a third shared. “I work at McDonald’s and we cook on the grill.”
That said, many users were dismayed by the apparent lack of cleanliness shown in the video.
“Taste so good but this looks like slop falling down a slide,” a commenter noted.
“No more whoppers for me,” a second added.
“This actually looks clean compared to the BK in my town,” a further TikToker claimed.
Additional users questioned how they could have had the Burger King experiences they’ve had if this is really the cooking process.
“Meanwhile my burger be room temperature every time I get Burger King,” a user alleged.
“My Burger King around here just takes them straight out the freezer and puts them on a burger,” a TikToker joked.
The Daily Dot reached out to Burger King via email and Nick via TikTok comment.
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*First Published: Feb 1, 2023, 9:26 am CST
Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work can be found in Mixmag, Electronic Beats, Schon! magazine, and more.
FAQs
We also make our flagship product, the WHOPPER® Sandwich, with 1/4 lb* of savory flame-grilled beef. Now that's a beefy sandwich. *Based on pre-cooked patty weight.
How does Burger King cook their whoppers? ›
Flame-broiled patties.
What is the fake meat at Burger King? ›
The Impossible Whopper patty is 0% beef. It is made without any ingredients from animal sources but is still cooked on the same broiler that makes the beef Whopper patties. If you would like a non-broiler version of the Impossible Whopper, then our team members will microwave the patty and remove mayo from the build.
Is Burger King really flame broiled? ›
Flame Grilling Since 1954
At Burger King, we have been flame-grilling since the day we started in 1954. That's right since day one. We only use real fire to give you the beef patty you deserve.
Does Burger King use real meat? ›
Burger King has prioritized authenticity and transparency with their burgers from the beginning. According to their website, their patties are 100% beef and have been flame-grilled since they first opened in 1954. Their no-nonsense mentality also includes avoiding additives like fillers and preservatives.
Does Burger King use 100% beef patties? ›
Each of our signature hamburger patties is made using only 100% beef. All patties are grilled on a proprietary broiler developed for BURGER KING restaurants, then cooked over real flames. The grilling process last between 2 and 3 minutes, depending on size and thickness of the burger patty.
Is the Whopper at Burger King beef or chicken? ›
America's favorite burger
A real meaty flame-grilled Whopper® beef patty, topped with tangy pickles, ketchup, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce and fresh onions, finished with creamy mayo , and served on a toasted 5" sesame seed bun.
Is Burger King meat frozen? ›
Perhaps surprisingly, its burgers, like Burger King's, are frozen and not fresh, although they are also made with, according to its website, "100% seasoned real beef patties."
Which is better, Big Mac or Whopper? ›
The Big Mac was at a major disadvantage in this taste test because of the overpowering amount of special sauce. But even if there was less sauce on my Big Mac, it still wouldn't have won. McDonald's dry, small patties are simply no match for the flavorful and juicy grilled patties that Burger King uses.
Does the Whopper have real meat? ›
Burger King has prioritized authenticity and transparency with their burgers from the beginning. According to their website, their patties are 100% beef and have been flame-grilled since they first opened in 1954. Their no-nonsense mentality also includes avoiding additives like fillers and preservatives.
NOW AVAILABLE AT BURGER KING®
The Impossible Whopper® is just like the classic, but with an Impossible patty made from plants.
Does Burger King microwave their food? ›
Burger King cooks its foods in one of five ways: broiling, deep frying, baking, microwaving or frying. As noted in its mottos and advertisem*nts, BK cooks its burgers and grilled chicken on an automated grill, while its other chicken products, fish, sides, and breakfast sausage are deep-fried in vegetable oil.
Who owns Burger King? ›
RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES® and FIREHOUSE SUBS®.
Are whoppers actually flame grilled? ›
According to the official Burger King website, the company notes that they have been using this method of flame grilling Whoppers and other menu items for the past 69 years, writing, “At Burger King, we have been flame-grilling since the day we started in 1954. That's right since day one.
Are Burger King burgers cooked fresh? ›
As part of the cachet built into the products, Burger King advertises that products are cooked fresh in the restaurant each morning.
Does Burger King cook their burgers? ›
All patties are grilled on a proprietary broiler developed for BURGER KING® restaurants, then cooked over real flames. The grilling process last between 2 and 3 minutes, depending on size and thickness of the burger patty.
Are Burger King burgers microwaved? ›
Does Burger King actually flame grill their Whoppers? Yes, they are actually flame grilled with a gas-powered grill. The patties are then held in an electric unit to keep them at a safe temperature and then when ordered are microwaved to bring them back up to a serving temp.
How do you tell if a burger patty is cooked? ›
Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness, so the only way to be sure that hamburgers are cooked safely is to use a food thermometer. Ground beef is safe when cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
