Easy smashing. The burgers turned out delicious but they cost me some money. The cast iron griddle works but it's small and more suited for a camp out where the cooking is minimal or something with less grease. The first 2 burgers filled the grease reservoir. Some quick thinking avoided a disastrous grease fire. Burgers were excellent and yes, I'm buying a Blackstone now. No room for it (hence the little cast iron griddle) but I will make room.