Having worked at both places in my youth, I can perhaps provide some insight.
McDonalds uses a teflon coated clamshell grill to press and cook the patties. The teflon doesn't let grease stick, and pretty much every patty cooked is like it's being cooked on a new grill surface. I don't recall what the temperature was, but it could cook a grill full of patties in something like 38 seconds.
Whataburger uses an old fashioned steel grill with a burger press. They are cooked the old fashioned way: Put on the grill, cook a bit, flip over, put the meat press on it, finish cooking. It took considerably longer than 38 seconds
At night, this is scraped down with a scraper, but using the day's burger grease to help lift away solids. This allows the grill to get seasoned, much like a cast iron skillet.I imagine much of the difference in flavor comes from this difference. I'm also sure that the meat formulation (percentage fat, etc) is different, since Whataburger patties always looked a little fattier than McDonalds to my eye. Lastly, Whataburger quarter pound patties had these kind of 'cube steak' kind of regular indentions pressed into the meat, which affects how the things cook.
To be fair, it's not a chain they have on this coast. Also, this is only the 2nd time I've ever been in CA, and my 1st time in southern CA.
I worked at McDs all through H.S. and they implemented the clam-shell-teflon cookers in my last couple of months. Heck, when I first started we still made burgers in anticipation of business and slide them down the hot-tray for pick-up. We also toasted the buns and didn't "microwave" the food. It changed a bunch since I worked there.Having worked at both places in my youth, I can perhaps provide some insight.
McDonalds uses a teflon coated clamshell grill to press and cook the patties. The teflon doesn't let grease stick, and pretty much every patty cooked is like it's being cooked on a new grill surface. I don't recall what the temperature was, but it could cook a grill full of patties in something like 38 seconds.
Whataburger uses an old fashioned steel grill with a burger press. They are cooked the old fashioned way: Put on the grill, cook a bit, flip over, put the meat press on it, finish cooking. It took considerably longer than 38 seconds
I imagine much of the difference in flavor comes from this difference. I'm also sure that the meat formulation (percentage fat, etc) is different, since Whataburger patties always looked a little fattier than McDonalds to my eye. Lastly, Whataburger quarter pound patties had these kind of 'cube steak' kind of regular indentions pressed into the meat, which affects how the things cook.
Your explanation of of Whataburger's technique makes sense why it tastes better. That is if they still run it that way.
Do keep in mind that they do have In 'N Out in my neck of the woods. (Mesa has two of them, and they're adding a third sometime this year
)
But what does that have to do with New Jersey?Do keep in mind that they do have In 'N Out in my neck of the woods. (Mesa has two of them, and they're adding a third sometime this year
The last Whataburger I went to (in Nov last year) still had the same grill set-up I remember. Most restaurants are set up in such a way that you can see the grill from the dining room, if you choose to look for it. I imagine they have an "ain't broke don't fix it" mentality, considering how loyal most Whataburger fans are.
Half a microDave, at most!
Yeah, but according to this map (which is from 2014, so it might be missing a couple), the odds of me stumbling across one most of my life are not so great.
It's shocking I've had one at all, since the number of times I've been further west than Middle America could be counted on one hand with fingers left over.
It's shocking I've had one at all, since the number of times I've been further west than Middle America could be counted on one hand with fingers left over.
I spent 15 minutes thinking up a joke for this, but none of them were funny. So rather than delete, I leave my shame and allow you to insert your own pun.
What, no "Which five?
"?
Unfortunately I must not show favouritism, it is all or nobody and I am not sure that I am quite ready for that.Really?
For some weird reason my folks cook with minimal salt and then at the dinner table they liberally shake it on everything. My wife convinced me to keep tasting the food whilst cooking and have it properly salted, and then there's no need to add it later.
Now, I am surprised at the number of restaurants that don't season their food.
Unfortunately I must not show favouritism, it is all or nobody and I am not sure that I am quite ready for that.
Pool!
Ah, no. But that's pretty funny.
A
Anonymous
Anonymous
Wife, Granddaughter, Great grandson.
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Why did this come up as anonymous??
??? GT.
The “anonymous” button can end up uncomfortably close to the “post reply” button sometimes.
Or you can accidentally tab to it and then hit space.
—Patrick
If they're honest they'll say they're only okay.
B
BErt
Here I am attempting to watch the Michigan/Wisconsin basketball game at my brother’s house.
Dave we have two great great grandchildren!
Just because your kids haven't procreated doesn't mean you aren't old.
