Add canola oil to the electric skillet and turn dial to medium heat (350ºF).
Divide ground beef into 4 small sections (about 4 ounces each). Gently roll them into round balls that are about 2 inches high (not patties).
Put them into the electric skillet far apart and press them down to form burgers that are about ½ inch thick (Tip: press them down more in the center of the patty since they will tend to bulk in that area. This way you’ll get flatter burgers). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until patties form a slightly blackened crust (about 2 minutes). Using the spatula, scrape underneath to loosen the bottoms and carefully flip burgers over (if it’s too difficult to move them and turn them over, it’s probably because they are not ready, they should release from the surface of the skillet easily).
Continue cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes, or until burgers are cooked through. Transfer the burgers to the hamburger buns and top as desired.