In the current issue of Consumer Reports, our science-minded siblings asked readers to rate the burgers at 18 different restaurant chains on a scale of 1-10.

The results were not kind to mega-chains Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s, who finished 12th, 16th and 18th respectively. Meanwhile, smaller chains In-N-Out Burger, Five Guys and Fuddrucker’s were standing on the medals podium.

The top 10 is dominated by regional operations like Burgerville, Back Yard Burgers, Whataburger and Culver’s.

CR also did some anecdotal research into the bottom and top finishers, sending a reporter out to a Five Guys and to a McDonald’s. His thoughts:

Five Guys
The regular hamburger, two 3.3-ounce griddled patties, was served well done on a lightly browned sesame-seed bun. You can order any of 15 free toppings (the usual, plus options such as grilled mushrooms and jalapeno peppers). Bacon and cheese cost extra. The patties had a bit of searing along the edges, a chewy texture (the chopped meat was fairly coarse), and a beefy flavor. They reminded our reporter of minute steak. The meat was juicy but left an oily taste in his mouth. The bun was soft and spongy.

McDonald’s
The basic burger was one 3.5-ounce patty with pickle slices, bits of chopped raw onion, and a dab of ketchup and mustard, served on a lightly browned bun. The meat tasted mild and more greasy than beefy. It was easier to bite through than the Five Guys patty and was uniformly round and brownish-gray. The major flavor came from the toppings. The bun was airy and bland.

We here at Consumerist, in the interest of non-science, want to know which of the three mega-chains y’all think has the best burgers:

Our readers reveal: Best burgers [Consumer Reports]

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