Hot Dog Taste Test

by Kat Kinsman, Posted Jun 30th 2008 @ 3:00PM

Our intrepid pack of testers blind-chomped their way through fifty different franks, hot dogs and wieners in hot pursuit of the top tube steak in all the land. Not a single chicken, turkey or tofu dog made the final cut, while beef and pork reigned supreme. Did your favorite frank lead the pack?

Hot Dog Taste Test

Filed Under: Raves & Reviews, Guilty Pleasures, Ingredients, Methods
Tags: america, beef, frankfurter, frankfurters, franks, grill, guilty pleasures, hot dog, hot dog eating, hot dogs, hot dogs around the ..., HotDog, HotDogEating, HotDogs, HotDogsAroundThe..., meat, pork, wienerdog, wieners

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Reader comments (Page 2 of 24)

6-30-2008 @3:05PM Rod Weigel said... Kowalski Brand Natural Casing Hot Dogs were not included and, in my opinion, having enjoyed dogs from coast to coast, should have been.
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6-30-2008 @3:06PM huckleberry said... We are the luckiest "dogs" here in Western New York, with a grrreat variety of really good hot dogs to choose.
Topping the list is Sahlen's, followed by Wardynski's and Frey's, all made in Buffalo.
And of course Zweigle's from Rochester which Wegman's has moved into their market areas.
Definitely feel your taste testing did not include us here in upstate New York.
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6-30-2008 @3:05PM Donna Bartolillo said... Well I have to tell you all that you did miss out on the best of the best. Boars Head Brand (long and with skin) are the best hot dogs ever!!
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6-30-2008 @3:05PM lawcat said... Casper's Hot Dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area are the best! They have a burst of juice when you bite into them! The casing keeps the hot dog juicy and all of the wonderful flavor in. I have never had anything like them! A favorite.
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6-30-2008 @4:58PM Estella said... I cannot believe that Koegel's Vienna Franks were not included in this taste test. Your taste test is inconclusive at best. May I suggest you contact the Koegel's Vienna company in Flint, Michigan and have them send you some for your next "real" taste-testing event.
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6-30-2008 @3:12PM Ron A said... When it comes to the best hotdog the best hotdog is BEST Hotdogs.The hotdogs were produced by two brothers. One in Cleveland and the other one was in chicago. Now owned by Sara Lee and still producing BEST hotdogs. Too bad you didn't include them in your taste test. They would have been # 1 for sure. They are also a kosher hotdog.
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6-30-2008 @3:15PM Christine said... I live in Western New York State. Sahlen's hotdogs are the best ever!! I have relative from Florida that come up to visit and must have a Sahlen's hotdog.
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6-30-2008 @3:14PM Christine said... I live in Western New York State. Sahlen's hotdogs are the best ever!! I have relative from Florida that come up to visit and must have a Sahlen's hotdog.
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6-30-2008 @3:20PM webb1919 said... Oscar Meyer hot dogs are absolutely disgusting.
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6-30-2008 @3:23PM Bill said... In spite of your lead-in I saw lots of turkey and chicken in your top 20. However you lost all your credibility when you ranked cheese dogs in the top 10. A kiddie hot dog filled with "cheese product" does not a gourmet hot dog make
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6-30-2008 @3:25PM Jim said... Did you ever have a Dearborn Sausage hot dog?
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6-30-2008 @3:26PM Larry said... Excluding some local and regional dogs, your top 5 were right on the money--but any dog tastes great at a ballgame or amusement park.
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6-30-2008 @3:33PM jeff mcpadden said... Hummel Bros. Hot dogs made in CT rule....Of course most like their areas local producer. But, these kick the butt of the national brands. Try them at Mr.Mac's Canteen in Milford CT or in Monroe CT. Mr. Mac's Canteen was on the top ten in America list according to epicurious.com just a few years ago. Yes they deep fry them first then roll and crisp them on a flat top grill. They dont murder them like Rutt's Hut in NJ. By the way Rutt's was on the list with Mr.Mac's Canteen. Also, you can get a Hummel Red Hot or the famous spicey chili dogs Mac's has.
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6-30-2008 @3:30PM JP said... I can't beleive you left out my all time favorite Kahn's wieners.They're the best hands down!
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6-30-2008 @3:29PM dearhuff said... I've tried them all and they were all too garlicky, too salty, something. But the franks I get from Omaha Steak Company are fantastic. I've found my frank!
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6-30-2008 @3:32PM Dean said... WHAT...no BESTS hot dogs...hands down the BEST!
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6-30-2008 @3:30PM Peg said... What about the hot dogs from the South by Jesse Jones!! They are THE BEST !!! AND made in North Carolina!!
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6-30-2008 @3:39PM dave said... Wimmers natural casing hotdogs are the best.
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6-30-2008 @6:51PM Mike said... You people are out of your minds. That line up looks like a commercial for the major brands. Apparently you didn't do any research at all. Try Hoffmann Hot Dogs from Syracuse. We have a new #1.
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