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There are few things that say summer better than some delicious hot dogs sizzling on the grill.

But who makes the best dog?

That question was put to 18 area people, ranging in age from 6 to 70.

We skipped the charcoal and instead fired up a few George Foreman lean mean grilling machines.

Nine hot dog brands were grilled and served sans bun and condiments during our highly unscientific, blind test.

The results demonstrate that the quality of a dog is in the mouth of the person eating it.

There were a few surprises, including that the dog that plumped when we cooked it — Ballpark Franks — came in seventh. The Kroger brand hot dog — the cheapest dog in the test at about $1.50 — was favored second.

No one, I mean, no one, thought the only soy ringer included in the test was a real meat hot dog.

The YVES Meatless Hot Dogs simply didn't pass muster or taste great off the grill as the package claimed.

Hebrew National was the most identified brand by taste, but Kahn's hot dogs proved to be top dog of the dog park.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@coxohio.com.

FIRST PLACE

Kahn's

Type: Pork and turkey wieners

Regular price: About $3.29 at area supermarkets

Average score: 7.36

"Nice. Smokey. Good texture. Best yet."

"Just the right amount of salt."

"Casing is a little tough... Bit of a strange, lingering aftertaste."

SECOND PLACE

Kroger Brand

Type: Pork, chicken and beef wieners

Regular price: About $1.50 at Kroger supermarkets

Average score: 6.33

"It's good. What did they do, put mustard in it or something? Whatever they did, it is good."

"Really salty,"

third PLACE

Nathan's Famous

Type: Beef franks

Regular price: About $4.70 at area supermarkets

Average score: 6.05

"I want another bite."

"Frankly, it was my favorite. Was it Nathan's?"

"Greasy ... spice a little overpowering."

"Chewy and gritty."

fourth PLACE

Hebrew National

Type: Kosher beef frank

Regular price: About $4.50 at area supermarkets

Average score: 6.02

"Good smooth taste even without the condiments."

"Take us out to the ballgame! Yummy."

"Bad."

fifth PLACE

Oscar Mayer

Type: Turkey, pork and chicken wieners

Regular price: About $3 at area supermarkets

Average score: 5.94

"Very juicy."

"Reminds me of a Christmas flavor."

"Good spicy flavor with a great aftertaste. Doesn't appear to have a lot of filler."

"Better than some, but not great."

sixth PLACE

Queen City

Type: Sausage wieners

Regular price: About $3.50 at area grocery stores

Average score: 5.83

"Good seasoning, but not overpowering."

"Too greasy."

seventh PLACE

Ball Park Brand

Type: Beef franks

Regular price: About $4.20 at area supermarket

Average score: 4.55

"Too oily, too greasy."

"Way too greasy! Check the pool of grease on the plate."

"Just average."

eighth PLACE

John Morrell

Type: Chicken and pork franks

Regular price: About $2 at area supermarkets

Average score: 3.33

"Very rubbery."

"Tasteless."

last PLACE

YVES Meatless Hot Dogs

Type: Soy protein and wheat gluten

Regular price: About $3 at area supermarkets

Average score: 0.5

"I once ate a soy dog that made me and my wife gag. This wasn't quite that bad, but close ... it is probably better for you than a hot dog should be."

"I want to find out what this is so I never buy it."