1. Upsize Your Patties

To be blunt, one of the primary reasons burgers end up dry and unappealing is that people overcook them “just to be safe.” While investing in a high-quality grilling thermometer will fix that issue, you can give yourself an edge without spending a single dollar on technology. 

Instead, step up from the standard 4-ounce patty to a 5-ounce version. That 25% increase in size buys you extra time, ensuring a few minutes of distraction won’t leave you serving charred, dry meat. You don’t have to share your secret — just let your guests enjoy the bigger, juicier burgers and think you’re an especially generous host.

2. Dial Up the Fat Content

Chefs typically advise using beef that’s no more than 80% lean, though many people — reasonably concerned about saturated fat — prefer leaner options. However, much of that excess fat renders out on the grill, resulting in a much smaller nutritional trade-off than you might expect. The fat that remains moistens the patty and enhances the overall flavor.

Additionally, fattier cuts such as chuck, brisket, or short rib pack the intense, beefy flavor needed to elevate a basic hamburger to a gourmet experience. You’ll pay a slight premium to have a butcher grind a custom mix for you — rather than choosing from what’s available in the display case — but the superior quality makes it a worthwhile investment.

3. Stay Cool

Starting with chilled patties is one of the simplest grilling hacks, yet it’s arguably the most important. First, it promotes food safety. Second, it results in a much juicier finish.

Similar to keeping the fat in your pie crust chilled, this prevents the fat in the meat from melting and draining too quickly — a goal the viral ice cube hack attempts, however clumsily, to achieve. Keeping the meat cold preserves the loose structure of the patty, which is what traps the juices. Additionally, the heat the grill uses to melt the cold fat is heat that’s not evaporating the moisture from your burger.

The Case for Soaking Brown Rice

Here’s how to do it: At least six hours before you plan to cook your brown rice (you can also do this the night before), soak the rice in a two-to-one water-to-rice ratio in a covered pot inside the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook it, bring the water to a boil, cover it, then turn the heat down to low or medium-low, and simmer for about 20 minutes — the cook time usually reserved for white rice. Continue until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy and tender. This trick works because it softens the rice’s tough outer bran layer.

Bonus Hack: Store Dry Brown Rice in the Refrigerator or Freezer

It may seem natural to put any dry good in the pantry, but brown rice contains natural oils that white rice lacks. These oils, found in the bran and germ, can cause the rice to spoil more quickly than you might expect. To extend its shelf life, place it in an airtight container — such as a jar, food storage container, or gallon freezer bag — and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The consistently cold environment keeps the grains fresh significantly longer than a room-temperature pantry. When stored properly in the freezer, brown rice can last up to 16 months.

Combat Counter Clutter

Many things can clutter a kitchen counter, but appliance cords are one of the biggest culprits. While they’re unavoidable for most small appliances, they don’t have to stay in disarray when not in use. All you need to get them under control is a set of self-adhesive hooks. 

Self-adhesive hooks are typically used for decor or hanging storage, but they also offer a clever way to manage appliance cords. First, grab two hooks and find a clear spot on the back of your appliance. Attach one hook facing upward, then place the second hook a few inches below it, facing downward. By lining the hooks up vertically and pointing them in opposite directions, you’re giving the cord something to grab onto so it stays snug and doesn’t unravel.

Be sure to follow application instructions carefully to ensure the adhesive lasts. Once the hooks are secure, wrap the cord around them — think of the mechanism that secures the cord on a vacuum.

This cord organizer setup allows you to keep cables wrapped and concealed, leaving your counters looking clutter-free. When you’re ready to use the appliance, simply unravel the cord and plug it in.

This hack is an efficient way to manage small appliance cords. Plus, since adhesive hooks typically come in bulk packs, you’ll have plenty of pairs to tackle every appliance on your counter.