By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer
4cm Steak: Grill at 230-260°C (450-500°F) for 6-7 min/side per side (medium).
4cm Steak Cook Times
A thick, restaurant-quality steak. Consider the reverse sear: cook at 110°C indirect until 10°C below target, then sear over max heat.
| Doneness | Time Per Side |
| Rare | 4-5 min/side |
| Medium-Rare | 5-6 min/side |
| Medium | 6-7 min/side |
| Medium-Well | 7-8 min/side |
| Well Done | 8-10 min/side |
Grill temperature: 230-260°C (450-500°F)
Why Thickness Matters More Than Weight
Thickness is the single most important factor in determining cook time on the BBQ. A flat 300g steak that's 1cm thick cooks in 4 minutes total. A 300g steak that's 4cm thick needs 12+ minutes. Same weight, completely different cook times.
Heat travels from the surface inward. The thicker the cut, the longer it takes for the centre to reach your target temperature. This is why a meat thermometer is essential — time is just a guide.
Tips for 4cm Steak
- Measure accurately — use a ruler if you're not sure. Even 0.5cm difference changes the cook time significantly.
- Use a thermometer — the times above are guides. Your specific cut, starting temperature, and BBQ setup all affect the actual time.
- Don't press down — pressing with a spatula squeezes out juices and doesn't speed up cooking.
- Flip once — one flip is all you need. Let the Maillard reaction do its work undisturbed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook a 4cm steak?
A 4cm thick steak takes approximately 4-5 min/side per side for rare at 230-260°C (450-500°F). Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
What temperature should I grill a 4cm steak?
Grill a 4cm steak at 230-260°C (450-500°F). A thick, restaurant-quality steak.
Does thickness affect cook time more than weight?
Yes. Thickness is the primary factor in determining cook time on the BBQ. Heat travels from the surface inward, so a thicker cut takes proportionally longer to cook through regardless of its total weight.
Should I use direct or indirect heat for 4cm steak?
For 4cm thick cuts, use a combination: sear over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish over indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches your target.
Related BBQ Guides
Sources & References
3
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video
4
Serious Eats
Kenji Lopez-Alt's food science approach to grilling the perfect steak.
Reference