The official fast-food burger power rankings

Let's just launch right into the exhaustive and extremely correct Fast-Food Burger Power Rankings. I've evaluated burgers from large, national chains in this ranking, making a couple of notable exceptions for California-based chains. I've tried to put these burgers into context: I'm not picking the best burger in general. I'm picking the best fast-food burger, which is an important distinction. (To get a better idea of what I mean, please refer to this piece I wrote last year about chicken nuggets versus chicken tenders.)

A great fast-food burger should taste good, of course, but it should also be convenient. It can have toppings — lots of toppings — but it shouldn't be overly busy. It should be compatible with eating inside a moving car, ideally with one hand only.

Is it fast-food or fast-casual? You could argue that in order to qualify as fast food, a place should have a drive-through window. But there are more and more upscale fast-food burgers these days eschewing convenience in favor of higher prices and a premium product. I've tried to factor that in and have included an extremely subjective value/affordability metric on the y-axis of the matrix to go along with taste rating.

The 23 chains below are ranked from worst to best, but all the chains in the top 10 are pretty good. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on a diet of weak tea and steamed vegetables for the next six months.

23) Burger King

Honest question: What do people like about Burger King? Is it the paper crowns? The French toast sticks? The unsettling mascot? Some people obviously love it: The Florida-based chain has many thousands of locations. But what's the appeal? There are better fries and there are certainly better burgers.

Maybe last place is