Best tasting hot dogs

[Hum]

After a blind taste test of 13 hot dog brands, we discovered one good enough to eat without a bun?plus two other notable franks.

The ideal frank should be juicy, not mushy. It needs to be firm and have some snap when bitten into. It should have a robust flavor with a good balance of smoke and spice. Most importantly, it should be able to stand on its own, with or without condiments and buns.

To pin down this perfect dog we tasted 13 varieties available nationwide. All brands were all-beef (no pork blends) and fully cooked. Several were marketed as all-natural and/or organic.

Epi Top Pick: Nathan's Beef Franks ($5.69 for 8-count pack)

Pros: "This dog has a smoky-sweet spiciness and is perfectly juicy," commented one taster. "I love how it's not mushy like Play-Doh; it has an unyielding consistency and a good wide girth," stated another.

One taster said it best: "I knew it was the winner when I tasted it cold and it was still appetizing."

Cons: A bit greasy.

First Runner-Up:

Thumann's Beef Frankfurters ($6.99 for 8-count pack; available in more than 38 states, check company Web site for details)

Pros: " There's a pickled sweet aroma, which I could taste in each bite," said one editor. "The neutral color and good, snappy skin made me feel like I was eating a classic New York City street 'furter."

Cons: A little on the skinny side.

Second Runner-Up:

Oscar Meyer Premium Beef Franks ($2.99 for 8-count pack)

Pros: "This pick has a very distinct taste," said one taster. "It's nicely seasoned with garlic and an intense smokiness that reminds me of beef jerky." Other judges found it not overly greasy and with just the right firm bite.

Cons: This dog was oddly red and the texture spongy.

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[The Evil Overlord]

mmmmmmmm food

*drools*

[Detection]

"Best tasting hot dogs"

Chiwawa

[redvamp128]

Now if you really want a tasty hotdog -- do like I do-- Grind your own - that way I know what goes in them then cook them over a bed of sweaty onions.

[mrmomoman]

One of the comment is the girth...He said Girth...

I wish I could buy the Franks/Hot Dogs that Sam's warehouse serves which is a Nathan's Brand but I have never seen it sold in stores and was told it was a SAM's exclusive.

They are tasty thats for sure.

[Astra.Xtreme]

Now if you really want a tasty hotdog -- do like I do-- Grind your own - that way I know what goes in them then cook them over a bed of sweaty onions.

Absolutely. Homemade or fresh from a local butcher is magnitudes better than the mass-produced stuff you find in the stores.

[Dick Montage]

I'm trying to find which meat supplier supplies the Ed's Easy Diner chain. I know they're from Milton Kenyes...

[francescob]

One of the comment is the girth...He said Girth...

Are we sure that all of them were really tasting hot dogs?

[Hum]

Absolutely. Homemade or fresh from a local butcher is magnitudes better than the mass-produced stuff you find in the stores.

And there would be no lost fingers in the dogs. :shifty:

I can make better versions of just about any food at home -- except Tastykake. :p

[techbeck]

I like Hebrew National hot dogs.

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

I used to by Hebrew National Hot Dogs until i was presented with a Nathans All Beef, and I switched to the Nathans dogs. They are much better, and FAR cheaper.

[techbeck]

I used to by Hebrew National Hot Dogs until i was presented with a Nathans All Beef, and I switched to the Nathans dogs. They are much better, and FAR cheaper.

Never tried Nathans myself. Tho, I dont eat hotdogs often and like the all beef ones. Microwaving/boiling hotdogs I dont like so much. Put them on the grill and I am all over it. :)

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

Never tried Nathans myself. Tho, I dont eat hotdogs often and like the all beef ones. Microwaving/boiling hotdogs I dont like so much. Put them on the grill and I am all over it. :)

We generally will Grill them however, if that is not an option or we want to eat them quickly, i have an indoor griddle that i use (its an electric Grill)

[a.mcdear]

Currently I feel Hebrew National are the best, but after reading this I'll try Nathan's and see if I like them better.

[jerzdawg]

Hebrew National and Thumans for me, thats it. Hot dogs are questionable as it is, might as well stick with a reputable brand.

[techbeck]

Now I want a hotdog...thanks Hum :p

[Growled Member]

I thought any hotdog was a good hotdog. At least they are for me.

[AJerman]

As picked, Nathans are all that I ever buy. Definitely the best in my opinion!

[Tuishimi]

My first glance at the topic I thought I read "beta testing hot dogs"...

[redvamp128]

[Marshall Veteran]

I don't believe we have "Nathan's" in my area.

My favorite hot dog is...

I can't eat a hot dog any other way but grilled though. :)

[sc302 Veteran]

Ballpark Beef or Thumanns Hot Dogs for me. I hate the taste of Hebrew Nat and Nathans (taste similar to me). Oscar Meyer is the 3rd for me too.

[Hum]

I thought any hotdog was a good hotdog. At least they are for me.

Well, you're part caveman ... :p